A number of factors influence both female and male libido. From health status, through current mood and disposition, to the length and quality of the relationship. Female libido, like male libido, is also closely linked to reproductive hormones. However, unlike men, women experience a drop in hormones, and thus libido, throughout the month and menstrual cycle.
Hormones and sexual desire
The two main hormones that regulate libido in women are estrogen and testosterone. (1) Estrogen is one of the main female hormones that controls the menstrual cycle. Along with the hormone progesterone, it helps regulate menstruation, controls the development of sex organs during puberty, and thickens the uterine lining to support pregnancy. It is also important for sexual desire. Estrogen improves blood flow to the genitals, increases vaginal lubrication and sensitivity, which promotes sexual arousal. With age or due to hormonal changes (e.g., during menopause), estrogen levels naturally decline, which can lead to lower libido.
Testosterone contributes to sexual desire and feelings of arousal in both men and women. Sufficient testosterone levels are essential for women's reproductive health, but too high testosterone levels can also be detrimental, as it can be associated with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), which can have unpleasant symptoms that also affect sexual desire.
Libido and the menstrual cycle
Female libido is influenced by the same hormones that regulate the menstrual cycle. Therefore, it is natural for sexual desire in women to change to some extent throughout the month. Estrogen and testosterone levels peak in the late follicular phase and during a woman's ovulation, which is often when libido is at its highest. Biologically, this period is the most fertile, which may explain the natural increase in sexual desire. (2)
After ovulation, estrogen levels drop and are replaced by the hormone progesterone. This, on the other hand, has inhibitory effects on libido. However, if testosterone levels remain high, some women may still feel like having sex. Towards the end of this phase, PMS symptoms such as irritability, fatigue, or breast pain, bloating, which can also negatively affect libido, may appear.
At the beginning of menstrual bleeding, hormone levels are at their lowest, and your desire for intimacy with your partner may also be low. This can be partly related to the still present menstrual symptoms, including painful cramps in the lower abdomen. However, this is not always the case. For many women, the menstruation period is, on the contrary, associated with increased sexual desire. If this is your case, know that even during menstruation, intercourse does not have to be taboo.
Impact of hormonal contraception
Hormonal contraception can also affect female libido - for better or worse. (3) Combined hormonal contraceptive pills contain estrogen and progestin, which can reduce the production of natural testosterone. Because testosterone is key to maintaining sexual desire, some women may experience lower libido when using hormonal contraception.
On the other hand, women may experience increased desire when using hormonal contraception. This can be influenced, for example, by the fact that when starting contraception, women did not experience typical menstrual symptoms, or that they did not have to worry about unwanted pregnancy.
It's not just hormones
Female libido does not depend only on hormones and the current phase of the menstrual cycle, but it is a much more complex process influenced by many other factors, such as:
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relationship with partner, length of relationship
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relationship with one's body, self-confidence
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amount of sleep, energy level
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overall health status
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mood, stress level
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new regimen (e.g., postpartum period)
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age, menopause
Is my libido normal?
Libido is not linear, and in women, fluctuating hormone levels complicate it even more.
Perhaps you have also asked yourself if your libido is "normal" or unusually high or low compared to others. So let's talk about it. First of all, when it comes to libido, there is no clearly defined "norm". Therefore, it is quite difficult to define too low or too high desire. Lower libido usually only becomes a problem when it bothers you.
Do you want to better understand your body and use natural hormonal changes to your advantage? Join our Cycle Harmony webinar! The second and third lessons of the webinar are dedicated to reproductive hormones, individual cycle phases, fertile period, and ovulation and its signs. In addition, you will learn how to address cycle-related issues such as painful ovulation, painful menstruation, or PMS. In the follow-up webinar Symptothermal Method in Practice, you will then gain practical tips on how to apply all this knowledge in your daily life.
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With love
the Femvie team
Femvie products that can help you
We have selected products related to this topic that can support your health:
- 💊 Ashwagandha Plus — adaptogen for hormonal balance and stress reduction
- 💊 Magnesium — a key mineral for women's hormonal health
- 💊 Magnesium-Zinc-B6 — support for hormonal balance and the nervous system
- 💊 Natural Vitamin D — important for immunity and hormonal health
- 📖 Ten Commandments for a Healthy Cycle — a guide to natural support for the female cycle
Frequently asked questions
What causes hormonal imbalance?
Chronic stress, poor diet, lack of sleep, excessive exercise or a sedentary lifestyle, environmental toxins, and age — all of these can disrupt hormonal balance.
How to recognize hormonal imbalance?
Fatigue, irregular cycles, acne, weight gain, mood swings, sleep problems, or decreased libido can be symptoms of hormonal imbalance.
How to naturally support hormonal balance?
Key factors include a nutrient-rich diet, regular exercise, quality sleep, stress reduction, and targeted supplements. Tracking your menstrual cycle can help you identify patterns and changes.
