The influence of the menstrual cycle on libido

Sexual desire is multi-factorial, that is to say it is influenced by a multitude of reasons, some of these reasons are hormonal, others depend on the environment and lifestyle (fatigue, stress, the state of mind in which we find ourselves...all these factors have a direct impact on libido).
Hormones affect libido in a natural way. Indeed, their objective is to prepare the body to procreate. Understanding variations in sexual desire helps you communicate better with your partner and allows you to break the injunction that your libido must always be at its best.

The impact of hormones on sexuality

There are three main hormones during our menstrual cycle: estrogen, testosterone and progesterone. Each has a particular role.
Estrogens intervene on cervical mucus (commonly called “white discharge”), on the texture and temperature of the cervix but also on the restoration of the uterine lining or endometrium if you prefer.
Progesterone is used to prepare the uterus for pregnancy, it is produced during the second half of our menstrual cycle after the ovulation period. Progesterone also works to close the cervix to prevent ovulation again if one is pregnant.
These three hormones also play a major role in lubrication, which facilitates pleasure during sex and when it comes to pleasure, we love it!
The use of a lubricant in your intercourse is also recommended because it provides more softness and ease during penetration .
The “ Wet Lips ” lubricant formulated with water and neutral pH is the perfect ally for gentle penetration.

A libido very present during the ovulation phase

The menstrual cycle is divided into two phases: the follicular phase and the luteal phase.
The follicular phase is the period when we feel more attractive and more confident, you know the period when we have the impression that we are invisible and that nothing can bring us down. This phase ends when the pre-ovulatory period and ovulation begins. During the ovulation phase we observe a rise in estrogen and testosterone levels which gives our body the burning desire to make love ❤️‍🔥. This usually lasts between 4 and 5 days.
The luteal phase or in other words, post-ovulatory phase, is the period which follows until the arrival of the period. It is during this phase that progesterone prepares the uterus and endometrium for possible fertilization. During this period, sexual desire may decrease, especially when you suffer from “premenstrual syndrome” (PMS) or dysphoric disorder.

The influence of premenstrual syndrome on sexual desire

PMS is a collection of physical and emotional symptoms that usually occurs 2 to 7 days before the start of your period (sometimes up to 14 days before). They generally end with the arrival of menstruation or in the first few days after it. These symptoms could have an impact on sexual desire, such as appetite disorders, bloating, water retention, depressive disorders, hyper irritability or hyper sensitivity...
Dysphoric disorder is a severe form of PMS characterized by depressed mood, emotional anxiety and reduced interest in activities of daily living.
If you were wondering why a few days before your period, you prefer to see no one and stay in bed doing nothing, that nothing annoys you or that even watching your current series doesn't make you feel any pleasure, you have surely just found the answer to your questions.
The exact causes of this phenomenon are still poorly understood. We know that premenstrual syndrome is linked to ovulation and the menstrual cycle. One of the explanations is the hormonal fluctuation typical of the second part of the cycle: to put it simply, the secretion of estrogen decreases, that of progesterone increases then falls in turn in the absence of pregnancy.
Estrogen causes breast swelling and water retention that progesterone normally alleviates.
However, if there is excess estrogen or insufficient progesterone, painful tension in the chest occurs. Furthermore, fluctuations in these two hormones are perceived by the brain and can explain psychological symptoms.
To alleviate these symptoms, sleep and rest are essential. Practicing regular physical activity such as walking or relaxing activities such as yoga or meditation is also recommended.

The influence of contraception on libido

Contraception methods such as the pill or hormonal implant can also have an impact on libido because they block the ovulatory cycle. It depends on each person's constitution, there are people for whom the pill or the implant have no effect on their libido, others for whom it is more complicated and their mood would be like a roller coaster. If you recognize yourself in the second case, go see your doctor and talk to him about it, together you will find a method of contraception that suits you better. Several means of contraception without hormones exist, it's up to you to see which one suits you.

The link between menstrual cycle and sexual desire is therefore quite close, trying to understand your cycle means being able to put words to it and better understand your body and how it works.
Remember that there is no normality in sexuality, the main thing is that you are in tune with your desires and your desires without concession. ❤️

Lara