It is a known fact that sexual desire or libido keeps fluctuating. Men and women both experience different levels of desire and there are fluctuations in desire across the course of a month showing a peak and dip. It is perfectly normal for your libido to fluctuate throughout the month. Particularly, in women the period (menstrual) cycle greatly influences their libido. Different women experience different levels of sexual drive at different times in the month. While some experience a peak in desire close to ovulation time, others experience the peak during their period.

In this article we attempt to decode the connection between the period (menstrual) cycle and female libido. There are several factors that influence libido, but the most common factors affecting libido that are related to the period cycle are hormones, cervical changes and lubrication.

Hormones

Our menstrual cycles can be divided into two phases called the follicular and luteal phase. Both phases are ruled by hormones that act as chemical messengers. Each phase lasts for about 14 days, counting from day 1 as the start of your menstrual period. 

1. Estrogen and Oxytocin

  • During the first few days of the cycle which is called the follicular phase, hormone levels are low. Estrogen levels start rising from around day 4 or 5. This happens because the ovaries start preparing to release an egg. There is a rapid rise in the estrogen levels around day 10. 
  • Estrogen makes you highly energetic and also increases your sexual drive. There is a surge of estrogen hormone around day 14 which is the peak ovulation time which is also known as the fertile window and you are most likely to successfully conceive. 
  • During the same time, that is around the ovulation time or mid cycle, another hormone called oxytocin also peaks. Estrogen and oxytocin work collectively to trigger desire. Oxytocin is often referred to as ‘love hormone’ or ‘cuddle chemical’ is a potent chemical messenger that has a significant role in human behaviors including sexual arousal and romantic attachment. 
  • Libido is significantly high around the ovulation time. A high libido around this time makes perfect sense from a procreation point of view as well as this is the point where the person is driven to try.

2. Estrogen and Progesterone

  • Just after the ovulation period, the progesterone levels begin to increase and along with estrogen begin to prepare the uterus for pregnancy.
  • Estrogen and progesterone levels start to decline rapidly if there is no fertilization during the luteal phase. Your body starts preparing for the next period.
  • Progesterone negatively affects your libido and is hence sometimes called the passion killer.
  • In addition to low libido many women also experience premenstrual symptoms, menstrual cramps, irritability and fatigue. 

Cervical changes

  • Just like hormones, the position and sensitivity of your cervix also changes throughout the menstrual cycle. 
  • Cervix, which is otherwise located low in the abdomen, is believed to rise and become more open just days before ovulation. This change in position may change your response to different sexual positions and sexual stimulation. 
  • Since the cervix has several nerve endings, the position and the sensitivity of the cervix determines the comfort or discomfort and pleasure or pain during intercourse. This may have a role in whether you desire intercourse more often when the cervix is low, or high and more open.

Lubrication

  • The consistency of cervical mucus and the amount of vaginal lubrication keeps changing throughout your monthly cycle. 
  • During some period of the month your vagina may feel dry, whereas, around ovulation time there is an abundance of mucus and vaginal wetness. This can make penetrative sex more pleasurable and easier. 
  • The increased cervical and vaginal discharges may also mean your genital area feels more sensitive, perhaps leading to increased feelings of arousal.

A word of caution - Fluctuating libido is normal at any point in your menstrual cycle, irrespective of the timing of your next period. If you are on oral contraceptives your libido fluctuations might slightly differ. But it is important to remember that there are many factors that can cause a lack of libido in women. If you are struggling with a consistent low libido independent of your menstrual cycles, it is recommended you consult your healthcare provider.

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