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.
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
Topics
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