--- title: How does sexual desire change during the menstrual cycle? | Niyora description: Sexual desire typically increases around ovulation when estrogen is highest, but stress, sleep, relationship quality, and PMS or PMDD can weaken this biologic url: https://niyora.com/research/papers/psychosexual-aspects-of-the-menstrual-cycle-the-relationship-between-endocrine-2025/ --- - [Niyora](https://niyora.com/) - [Research](https://niyora.com/research/) - [Library](https://niyora.com/research/library/) - How does sexual desire change during the menstrual cycle? Survey study, 2025 # How does sexual desire change during the menstrual cycle? Sexual desire typically increases around ovulation when estrogen is highest, but stress, sleep, relationship quality, and PMS or PMDD can weaken this biological pattern. Moderate study design Women of reproductive age in 48 studies conducted between 2015 and 2025 (systematic review) ## What they did Researchers reviewed 48 scientific studies published between 2015 and 2025. They searched PubMed, MEDLINE, Scopus, Web of Science, and other databases for studies that measured women's sexual desire at different cycle phases and also measured hormone levels. ## What they found About 65% of studies found that sexual desire increased at the end of the follicular phase or during ovulation, when estradiol peaked at 180 to 250 pg/ml. Estradiol was positively correlated with libido (r = 0.42-0.58). Progesterone was relatively lower at this time. Women with shorter and more regular cycles reported higher sexual motivation. PMS, PMDD, stress, sleep, relationship factors, and contraceptives all moderated this relationship. ## What it means for you Sexual desire naturally changes with hormones across the cycle, rising most at ovulation. However, stress, sleep, relationships, and PMS or PMDD can override this pattern. Doctors should consider the cycle phase and PMS status when evaluating sexual desire concerns. 65% studies showed increase at ovulation 180-250 peak estradiol (pg/ml) 48 studies reviewed ## About the study Original title Psychosexual aspects of the menstrual cycle: the relationship between endocrine changes and libido Authors O. M. Козар Journal Likarska sprava Year 2025 Study design Survey study Participants 48 What was tested None. This was a review of existing research. Open access Yes Read the paper [doi.org/10.31640/ls-2025-4-14](https://doi.org/10.31640/ls-2025-4-14) Original abstract Objective. To investigate the relationship between fluctuations in the endocrine profile (in particular, estradiol, progesterone, testosterone, and luteinizing hormone) in different phases of the menstrual cycle and changes in female libido, to determine which psychosocial moderators (premenstrual syndrome/premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMS/PMDD), stress, sleep, cycle regularity, contraception, etc.) influence this relationship. Methods. A systematic review of the literature for the period 2015-2025 was conducted using the PubMed, MEDLINE, Scopus, Web of Science, PsycINFO, and ClinicalTrials.gov databases. The study sample included 48 scientific publications that met the following inclusion criteria: studies with participants of reproductive age; measurement of sexual desire/libido or sexual behavior in relation to the phase of the cycle; measurement of hormones or clear validation of the phase. Results. The results of a systematic review demonstrated pronounced phase dynamics of female libido, most noticeable during the periovulatory period: about 65% of studies recorded an increase in sexual desire at the end of the follicular phase or during ovulation, coinciding with the peak of estradiol (180–250 pg/ml) and a relative decrease in progesterone. Estradiol was positively correlated with libido (r = 0.42–0.58, p 50,000 users) confirms that women with regular and shorter cycles show higher sexual motivation. Conclusions. Current data support the idea of multidimensional control of female libido: endocrine fluctuations (especially estradiol and progesterone) create the biological basis for phase changes in sexual desire, but their influence is moderated by psychosocial factors (PMS/PMDD, stress, sleep, relationships, contraception). When diagnosing sexual desire disorders, it is important to consider the phase of the menstrual cycle and the presence of PMS/PMDD; treatment approaches should be individualized (taking into account hormonal fluctuations, assessing psychosocial triggers, possible use of hormonal or psychotherapeutic correction depending on the etiology). Reproduced under CC-BY. ## Topics [Premenstrual syndrome (PMS)](https://niyora.com/research/topics/condition-pms/)[Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD)](https://niyora.com/research/topics/condition-pmdd/)[Sleep and insomnia](https://niyora.com/research/topics/symptom-sleep/)[Stress](https://niyora.com/research/topics/symptom-stress/)[Libido and sexual function](https://niyora.com/research/topics/symptom-sexual-function/)[Psychotherapy, counselling and education](https://niyora.com/research/topics/treatment-psychotherapy/)[Relationships and partners](https://niyora.com/research/topics/life-area-relationships/) 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. ## Related studies Survey study, 2026 Does fear of childbirth explain why women with PMS are more likely to develop postpartum depression? 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