"The hypothalamus lies between the brainstem and the cerebral cortex.
It is the MAIN connection between the nerves from your entire body and your endocrine system.
It connects to the pituitary gland and the adrenaline glands.
Read all. Dangers of abusing MDMA.
"The hypothalamus is directly responsible for MANY of the neurochemical reactions to MDMA.
From ADH to oxyotocin and prolactin...
The prolactin is the most important to the 'touch' sensation.
When you peak, your cortisol levels (which are massive) taper off.
Then you feel a surge of prolactin, which is enhances tactile sensation and social interaction.
It is also responsible for the sexual benefits including both delayed ejaculation in men and the sense of experiencing orgasm during the entire encounter!
Normally prolactin only occurs in large amounts after orgasm or childbirth, but MDMA makes it happen along with dopamine release.
High prolactin levels actually dampen the dopamine receptors in the nucleus acumbens, the pleasure center of the brain.
This is why men lose erections after orgasm.
With MDMA, or even SSRIs, prolactin levels are maintained at unusually high levels for extended periods of time.
It is possible that a major down-regulation of dopamine receptors in the NA has occured.
This will take some time to reverse - in rare instances it is permanent.
That means that the mitochondria has been damaged, and gene expression permanently altered in this critical area of the brain.
This is likely not the case for you - think about the stories of long-term sexual dysfunction following MDMA abuse.
For months after my last use, I felt very little sensation during sex and NOTHING during orgasm. It sucked.
Things have improved drastically, but still not to 100%.
Don't abuse MDMA because the prolactin, which is part of the 'magic', can change how you experience pleasure.
Also, when neurotoxic damage is done to the entire serotonin system, the brain is re-wired.
During the re-wiring process, the hypothalamus is HYPER-INNERVATED by serotonin axons.
This is NOT a good thing.
It can be found in many research papers - this tiny little brain region is damaged during the recovery process.
Too much serotonin density may spell an altered neuroendocrine response to LIFE.
It certainly changes the endocrine response to MDMA - former users exhibit a lowered prolactin response even after 2.5 YEARS of abstinence.
Consider this a warning sign to slow down.
Losing the magic, the tough orgasms, is only the beginning of what can go wrong.
Take care of yourself."
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