Many factors influence both male and female libido. From health status, to current mood and mood, 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 decrease in hormones, and therefore libido, during the month and menstrual cycle.
Hormones and sexual desire
The two main hormones that control 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 the sex organs during puberty, and thickens the uterine lining so it can 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. As we age or due to hormonal changes (such as during menopause), estrogen levels naturally decline, which can lead to lower libido.
Testosterone contributes to sexual desire and arousal in both men and women. Sufficient testosterone levels are essential for a woman's reproductive health, but too much testosterone can also be harmful, as it can be linked to polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), which can have unpleasant symptoms that also affect sexual desire, among other things.
Libido and the menstrual cycle
Women’s libido is influenced by the same hormones that regulate the menstrual cycle. So it’s natural for women’s sexual desire to fluctuate somewhat throughout the month. Estrogen and testosterone levels peak during the late follicular phase and around the time a woman ovulates , which is when libido is often at its highest. Biologically, this is the most fertile time of the year, which may explain the natural increase in sexual desire. ( 2 )
After ovulation, estrogen levels drop and are replaced by the hormone progesterone. This, in turn, has a suppressive effect on libido. However, if testosterone levels remain high, some women may still feel the urge to have sex. Towards the end of this phase, PMS symptoms such as irritability, fatigue, breast tenderness , and bloating may occur, which can also negatively affect libido.
With the onset of menstrual bleeding, hormones are at their lowest level, and your desire to be intimate with your partner may also be low. This may be partly due to the ever-present menstrual symptoms, including painful cramps in the lower abdomen. However, this is not the rule. For many women, the menstrual period is associated with increased sexual desire. If this is your case, know that sexual intercourse does not have to be taboo even during menstruation .
The effect of hormonal contraception
Hormonal birth control can also affect a woman’s libido—for better or worse. ( 3 ) Combined hormonal birth control pills contain estrogen and progestin, which can reduce natural testosterone production. Because testosterone is key to maintaining sexual desire, some women may experience lower libido while taking hormonal birth control.
On the other hand, women may experience increased desire when using hormonal contraception. This may be due to the fact that women did not experience typical menstrual symptoms when using contraception, or that they did not have to worry about unwanted pregnancy.
It's not just hormones
Female libido does not only depend on hormones and the current phase of the menstrual cycle, but is a much more complex process that is influenced by a number of other factors, such as:
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relationship with partner, length of relationship
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relationship to one's body, self-confidence
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amount of sleep, energy level
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overall health relationship
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mood, stress level
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new regime (e.g. postpartum period)
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age, menopause
Is my libido normal ?
Libido is not linear, and in women, it's made even more complicated by fluctuating hormone levels.
Maybe you've ever wondered 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 clear "norm". That's why it's quite difficult to define what is too low or too high. A low 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 webinar Harmony of the Cycle ! The second and third lessons of the webinar are dedicated to reproductive hormones, individual phases of the cycle, the fertile period and ovulation and its signs. In addition, you will learn how to solve problems associated with the cycle, such as painful ovulation, painful menstruation or PMS. In the follow-up webinar Symptothermal Method in Practice, you will then get practical tips on how to use all this knowledge in your everyday life.
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With love
Femvie team
