Desire is not one-dimensional and can fluctuate from moment to moment for each person.
Though there’s not an obvious correlation, many cisgender women and menstruating folks report feeling hornier during their period. It may seem counterintuitive at first, but there are plenty of reasons that some might prefer to rock the crimson wave.
Hormones, hormones, and more hormones
During ovulation, a person who menstruates will experience their highest levels of estrogen, which is notorious for boosting a person’s sex drive. However, during the week of your period, estrogen levels are lower, as are levels of progesterone. The lower levels of both hormones don’t make for an obvious spike in desire or arousal.
Enter testosterone. During your period, there is a small increase in testosterone, which is known to increase desire and libido. Well-known for its impact on the sex drive of cisgender men, testosterone can also boost arousal for people who menstruate. Sidebar—people with higher levels of misogyny love to say women are “emotional” during their period. But it’s testosterone that increases during menstruation, so if that is what is leading to emotional dysregulation, then what might we extrapolate about the emotional disposition of cisgender men who tend to have higher levels of testosterone in general?
Moving on …
In addition to hormonal fluctuation, there are some contextual factors that lead to an increase in arousal during menses.
Psychologically, it can feel safer to have sex during menstruation. Even though there is still a risk of sex leading to unwanted pregnancy during your period, the risk is much lower, which can reduce sexual inhibitions and lead you into a friskier state of being.
When someone is on their period, the period blood can serve as extra vaginal lubrication, which can help to decrease pain and improve pleasure sensations.
Many people who menstruate experience cramps and discomfort. The endorphins that can be released during an orgasm and during good sex can offer a temporary mood boost and pain relief. Having solo or partnered sex on your period can be a form of self-care if it helps to eliminate pain or discomfort.
Forget claiming a headache to avoid sex. For people with a headache, sex can help to reduce the pain and help you feel better faster. A nice perk when you’ve got the period aches.
Having sex can be fun, connective, and expressive. Orgasms can elicit oxytocin, which can help you feel closer and more bonded to a partner. Oxytocin obliterates cortisol, so it can help reduce stress and promote relaxation too.
While being horny on your period isn’t universal, it isn’t uncommon. Some people may experience an increase in desire at that time of the month, and others may maintain a strong aversion or no real change at all. All are healthy and common reactions, so honor what your body needs and wants. Periods can be annoying enough as it is; no one needs any additional judgment added to the mix.
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Dr. Kate Balestrieri is a licensed psychologist, certified sex therapist, certified sex addiction therapist, PACT therapist, and founder of Modern Intimacy, a group practice in Los Angeles, Miami, and Chicago. Listen to her podcast, Modern Intimacy, and follow her on IG @drkatebalestrieri.
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