---
title: Does sexual interest change across the menstrual cycle and relate to hormone levels?
description: Yes, sexual interest is significantly higher in the follicular and ovulatory phases than in the luteal and premenstrual phases, but this pattern is not explai
url: https://niyora.com/research/papers/the-relationship-between-the-menstrual-cycle-and-female-sexual-interest-in-women-1994/
---

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- Does sexual interest change across the menstrual cycle and relate to hormone levels?

Survey study, 1994

# Does sexual interest change across the menstrual cycle and relate to hormone levels?

Yes, sexual interest is significantly higher in the follicular and ovulatory phases than in the luteal and premenstrual phases, but this pattern is not explained by estrogen or progesterone levels.

 Moderate study design

150 women with PMS complaints and 18 volunteer controls

## What they did

Prospective study of 150 women with PMS complaints and 18 volunteer controls. Women recorded sexual interest and well-being daily over two menstrual cycles and provided daily urine samples to measure estrogen and progesterone levels.

## What they found

Sexual interest was significantly higher in the follicular and ovulatory phases than in the luteal, premenstrual, or menstrual phases. Well-being and sexual interest were correlated (R = 0.29). Sexual interest and well-being did not correlate with estrogen or progesterone levels.

## What it means for you

Sexual interest drops before and during menstruation, especially in women with PMS, but hormone levels don't explain this pattern. Other factors may be involved. The study combined women with and without PMS, which may have affected results.

150

women with PMS complaints

0.29

correlation between well-being and sexual interest

## About the study

Original title The relationship between the menstrual cycle and female sexual interest in women with PMS complaints and volunteers Authors Dennerstein L, Gotts G, Brown JB et al. Journal Psychoneuroendocrinology Year 1994 Study design Survey study Participants 150 What was tested None Read the paper [doi.org/10.1016/0306-4530(94)90067-1](https://doi.org/10.1016/0306-4530(94)90067-1)

## Topics

[Premenstrual syndrome (PMS)](https://niyora.com/research/topics/condition-pms/)[Pregnancy and postpartum](https://niyora.com/research/topics/comorbidity-postpartum/)[Relationships and partners](https://niyora.com/research/topics/life-area-relationships/)[Quality of life and daily functioning](https://niyora.com/research/topics/life-area-quality-of-life/)

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