Why does libido vary with the seasons? Explained in 5 points

OK, we clearly need to have a talk about barley sugars.

Spring comes to tickle your most primal sensations... Are you dreaming of nothing but spritz on the blue coast, dancing the lambada pressed against the sweet, salty body of the stranger you've just developed a crush on?

(The spritz is very much secondary, by the way)

COME ON NOW, SAILOR... HOLD ON! I kindly ask you and your wild hormones to get a grip.

Every year it's the same — one daisy pokes through the ground and suddenly you can't think about anything other than rolling around without a care in the world.

EVERYTHING IS FINE, it's totaaaally normal. We explain in 5 key points why you look like a grumpy little bear in winter and why you'd give anything for a cuddle from the end of March.

1. The role of light and hormones

Melatonin - Serotonin - Galopine

Our bodies are deeply sensitive to variations in light:

• In summer: Prolonged exposure to natural light stimulates the production of serotonin (the feel-good hormone) while inhibiting melatonin (the sleep hormone). This hormonal cocktail promotes both good mood and... sexual appetite.

• In winter: The reduction in sunlight reverses this hormonal balance, with melatonin more present (fatigue) and serotonin in a slump (low mood).

Sex hormones

• Testosterone: Its levels generally peak in spring and autumn. A 2022 meta-analysis (Human Reproduction Update) reveals that testosterone follows a relatively clear seasonal rhythm, with peaks from autumn to spring (+ 20%) and a tangible dip in winter.

• Oestrogens: Their production also appears to follow seasonal cycles, with effects on the so-called female libido.

2. The effect of temperature on the body

The stimulating effect of heat

The summer season acts as a genuine natural booster:

• Vasodilation: Heat improves blood circulation, including in erogenous zones.

• Bare bodies: Wearing fewer clothes increases visual and tactile stimuli.

• Vitamin D: Its synthesis under the effect of sunlight contributes to hormonal regulation.

6

The winter brake

Winter puts our bodies into "energy-saving" mode:

• Priority given to maintaining body temperature at the expense of other functions

• Natural reduction in physical activity and peripheral circulation

• Less skin exposure and physical contact

3. Psychological and social factors

The season's mood

• Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD): This form of winter depression is thought to affect 3 to 5% of the population, with direct repercussions on libido.

• Spring effect: The increasing daylight, the May bank holidays, the upcoming holidays, and the easing of obligations create a psychologically favourable context.

Social rhythms

• Summer period: SEA, SEX AND FUN all round.

• Winter: Festive season stress, return to work, mental load at its absolute peak.

4. Diet, sport, and all that.

Key nutrients 🍋🍒 🍆

• Summer: Generally lighter diet, rich in fresh fruit and vegetables

• Winter: Heavier, richer meals that can affect energy levels and circulation

Some foods are particularly beneficial for libido:

• Dark chocolate

• Seafood

• Nuts and seeds

Physical activity

• In summer: Natural increase in outdoor activities (hiking, swimming...)

• In winter: More pronounced sedentary behaviour

Regular exercise stimulates the production of endorphins and improves body image, two key factors for libido.

5. MAYDAY MAYDAYYY

Winter strategies 

• Light therapy to compensate for the lack of natural light

• Diet rich in omega-3 and B vitamins

• Indoor physical activity (yoga, dancing, boxing...)

• Creating a warm and intimate atmosphere 

Summer strategies

• Enjoying outdoor activities

• Stay hydrated (dehydration kills)

• Vary your intimate settings (always with mutual consent — AL-WAYS)

Ok, let's recap. YES, your hormones are weathervanes and there's (almost) nothing you can do about it.

• Accept your cycles: You're not strange, you're human (and so are your hormones).

• Take advantage of summer to explore (if you want), and of winter to snuggle up (if you want to as well).

• Listen to your body: If it says "cuddle now", listen. If it says "chocolate + Netflix", listen to that too.

• Laugh at your own contradictions: Because deep down, that's real life. A mix of uncontrollable desires and a velvet pyjama set with Trump's face on it.

Whether you're the type who's on fire in summer and/or low in winter, know one thing: your seasonal libido is 100% natural, 100% explainable, and 0% something to feel guilty about.