Couple, sexuality and the menstrual cycle

What are the impacts of our menstrual cycle on our sexuality?

Our body and mood are shaped by the hormonal changes linked to the menstrual cycle throughout the month, throughout our lives. This impacts our sexuality, and not just a little!

Do you feel burning hot at certain times of the month, every month? That's normal! And if at other times your libido has completely disappeared, that's also normal! We break it all down here today. What are the impacts of the hormonal changes of the menstrual cycle on our sexuality? How can we live with all these changes as best we can, in our daily lives and in our relationship?

Follow the guide!

To begin with, know that a cycle lasts on average between 21 and 31 days, even though some may be shorter gold longer. It consists of three phases: the follicular phase, ovulation and the luteal phase. Each phase has its own hormone and its very specific effects. I will try to give you the keys to understanding your cycle and navigating your sexuality well in each of its phases.

Part one: renewal and serenity for the follicular phase

From the first day of menstruation and for more or less 14 days, our cycle is in its follicular phase.

After the difficult period of PMS (premenstrual syndrome — we'll come back to this later), and aside from menstrual cramps, the follicular phase can be experienced as a period of relief. The reason: the increase in LH and FSH hormones that stimulate oestrogen production (a primary sex hormone).

This increase in oestrogen would boost our intuition and imagination. This is what would make us feel more serene and inclined towards introspection.

Sexually, this is the perfect time to treat yourself and take care of yourself in solitude. Make the most of this period to do yourself some good. Especially if you are prone to menstrual cramps, masturbation is an excellent way to ease the pain.

Combined with warm water (in a bath, for example) masturbation will relax this area. This will help you ease menstrual pain.

At the end of this cycle, the rise in testosterone and oestrogen gives you a boost and a physical and mental energy that is second to none.

Second phase: a hot and steamy mood for ovulation

You are now in your ovulation phase. On a hormonal level, what is happening? LH and oestrogen levels are at their peak, and that's great news! Oestrogen improves the quality of serotonin receptors, the happiness hormone, and boosts sexual desire. This hormone would also make us more sociable and therefore more inclined to flirt.

If the slightest visual gold tactile stimulation sends you through the roof, there's no doubt about it — you're most likely in your ovulation period. Generally, you can feel this period coming from a distance. You feel sexy and your previously absent libido comes galloping back. Why this sudden surge of desire? Quite simply because the body is in a fertile period. It plays all its cards to be able to reproduce (the clever thing). So we make the most of this period to treat ourselves. Go ahead and fulfil your fantasies with your partner!

However, be careful, this surge in libido is not true for everyone. Firstly because there are no generalities when it comes to sexuality. Then because there is a psychological factor to take into account. For some people, knowing they are in a fertile period will alter sexual desire. The reason: fear of getting pregnant. These people will, conversely, see their desire increase during their period, when their fertility is at its lowest. Just goes to show that hormones don't do everything!

Third phase: a slowdown and PMS for the luteal phase

From the day after ovulation until the first day of the next period, it is the luteal phase. This phase of more or less 14 days can be divided into two parts: the few days following ovulation and those preceding menstruation.

After ovulation, progesterone shoots up. This hormone, which soothes and calms, will lower libido. It is therefore a period conducive to relaxation and refocusing on oneself. Why not take advantage of this phase to try tantric sex, that blend of meditation and sex? Simultaneously, oestrogen and testosterone will decrease. This is what gives the impression of running in slow motion.

Then comes the premenstrual phase and with it, its share of discomforts. During this period, many people suffer from strong pains in the breasts, back gold abdomen, sometimes extending to the legs. The mood is no better. It can even go as far as experiencing real depression during this period. The culprit: oestrogen, testosterone and progesterone are at their lowest, affecting serotonin receptors (the happiness hormone). If you are in a relationship, this is the perfect time to be pampered by your partner: bubble baths, relaxing massages and comforting recipes — you deserve it!

Even if many people are not in the mood for sex at this point in their cycle, others use sex as a painkiller. Ideal for relieving cramps and receiving a little shot of oxytocin. Moreover, in some people, the thickening of the endometrium would stimulate the nerve endings and make this area more sensitive to pleasure.

Once this phase is over, it starts all over again: back to the follicular phase and so on!

Even though all these hormones influence our libido, it remains just one of the very many factors impacting our sexuality! It goes without saying that one can be at the peak of arousal during the premenstrual phase and feel no sexual desire even during ovulation. One can also never feel aroused at all, gold feel aroused all the time!

I hope this article has helped you understand the link between your cycle and your sexuality and that I have been able to answer some of your questions!

See you soon 💜