Is a broken heart real? Science says it is.
Most of us will experience an average of three breakups by the time we're 30 years old, with at least one substantially decreasing our quality of life – and researchers say it's the women who hurt the most.
Scientist Michelle Dickinson joined Paul Henry this morning to talk breakups.
Ms Dickinson says a mentally broken heart is a real thing.
"It's shown chemically that you release different hormones, such as [the] stress hormone cortisol."
She says the study has shown the same part of the brain that deals with rejection, also deals with physical pain.
"So it highlights the same thing and you physically feel different."
Watch the video for the full report.
