Levels of sexual desire may change throughout the month. Hormones relating to the menstrual cycle fluctuate over time and affect a person’s libido. For example, people may feel higher levels of arousal just before ovulation.
You’ll notice the language used to share stats and other data points is pretty binary, fluctuating between the use of “male” and “female” or “men” and “women.” While we typically avoid language like this, specificity is key when reporting on research participants and clinical findings.
It is also possible to experience fluctuations in sexual desire throughout pregnancy.
Sexual arousal is closely linked to hormone levels, especially hormones relating to the menstrual cycle.
The menstrual cycle begins on day
Follicular phase and ovulation
The first half of the cycle is called the follicular phase. During this phase, estradiol levels
People tend to feel more sexual arousal toward the end of the follicular phase when there is a surge of the luteinizing hormone (LH). This point in the cycle marks the start of ovulation.
The authors of the 2015 review observed that people tended to initiate sex more and showed greater interest in sex just before ovulation. They estimated that a midcycle peak in estrogen occurs about 24 hours before ovulation.
Luteal phase
The second phase of the cycle is the luteal phase, which begins the day after ovulation occurs and ends just before the period begins again. In the luteal phase, progesterone levels
After ovulation, a person may feel lower levels of arousal. A 2021 article notes that levels of arousal seem to be lower during the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle. In addition to feeling lower levels of arousal during this part of the cycle, people may also process emotions differently.
During the luteal phase, the researchers stated that people also displayed high levels of anxiety, tension, and depression, which may affect a person’s libido.
As hormone levels change vastly during pregnancy, different people may experience different levels of sexual desire.
According to a
In the second trimester, the authors note that sexual desire may increase as the person gets used to their pregnancy and feels more comfortable and at ease. Typically, though, as the pregnancy develops and reaches the third trimester, sex drive declines rapidly.
Arousal may peak at slightly different times during the month, especially if ovulation occurs later.
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Research shows that both testosterone and estradiol may affect a person’s sexual arousal levels.
Testosterone can now be used to treat hypoactive sexual desire disorder in postmenopausal people. There is limited evidence to support the use of testosterone in those who are close to menopause.
Some forms of hormonal contraception may affect a person’s libido. For example, although the combined birth control pill, which contains estrogen and progesterone, does not appear to affect a person’s sex drive, the progesterone-only pill might.
A person can discuss the potential side effects of each type of birth control before deciding which is best for them.
A person does not need to speak with a healthcare professional unless their libido levels are bothering them.
People who are concerned about their arousal levels may wish to speak to a doctor or contact a sexual health advice service.
Many people experience high levels of arousal just before they ovulate due to changes in the levels of hormones related to the menstrual cycle. Certain parts of pregnancy can also cause a person to experience higher levels of sexual arousal.
If anyone is concerned about their libido, whether they feel that it is too high or too low, they can speak with a healthcare professional.