---
title: Does sexual interest change during the menstrual cycle? | Niyora
description: Yes, sexual interest and activity vary across the cycle, peaking in the postmenstrual phase and again just before menstruation, but not around ovulation.
url: https://niyora.com/research/papers/mood-sexuality-hormones-and-the-menstrual-cycle-iii-sexuality-and-the-role-of-1983/
---

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- Does sexual interest change during the menstrual cycle?

Survey study, 1983

# Does sexual interest change during the menstrual cycle?

Yes, sexual interest and activity vary across the cycle, peaking in the postmenstrual phase and again just before menstruation, but not around ovulation.

 Early or limited evidence

55 women with normal ovulatory cycles

## What they did

55 women with normal cycles recorded their sexual interest and activity at different cycle stages.

## What they found

Women with marked cyclical mood changes also had cyclical sexual feelings. Sexual interest peaked in the postmenstrual and premenstrual phases. Sexual activity was highest in the postmenstrual phase. There was no evidence of increased sexual interest around ovulation. Testosterone correlated with masturbation frequency but not with partnered sexual activity.

## What it means for you

Sexual interest isn't solely driven by fertility or ovulation timing. It varies with mood and other factors. However, this is a small, older study, so findings may not apply to all women today.

55

women studied

## About the study

Original title Mood, sexuality, hormones, and the menstrual cycle. III. Sexuality and the role of androgens Authors Bancroft J, Sanders D, Davidson D et al. Journal Psychosomatic medicine Year 1983 Study design Survey study Participants 55 What was tested None - observational study Read the paper [doi.org/10.1097/00006842-198312000-00005](https://doi.org/10.1097/00006842-198312000-00005)

## Topics

[Premenstrual syndrome (PMS)](https://niyora.com/research/topics/condition-pms/)[Menstrual cycle and mood](https://niyora.com/research/topics/condition-cycle-mood/)

Research tells you what helps on average. Niyora helps on the day it hits.

Calm down, see it another way, and decide what to say, with a PMS and PMDD app built by a doctor.

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