The experience of intensified attraction or desire during menstruation is a common phenomenon rooted in the predictable fluctuations of sex hormones throughout the monthly cycle. This shift in desire is a direct consequence of the changing chemical environment within the body. Understanding this change requires looking closely at how the primary reproductive hormones interact during menses.
The Hormonal Landscape During Menstruation
The first day of the menstrual cycle marks the beginning of menses, accompanied by a significant drop in hormone levels. Both estrogen and progesterone, the dominant reproductive hormones, fall to their lowest concentrations of the entire cycle. This sharp decline creates a temporary “hormonal trough” that changes the body’s internal chemistry.
Progesterone, which dominates the second half of the cycle, acts as a general dampener of sexual desire. Since its level is low at the start of the period, this inhibitory effect is removed. This low-hormone state allows other hormonal influences, which are typically overshadowed, to become more noticeable, leading to the reported increase in attraction and libido.
The Relative Influence of Testosterone on Desire
While estrogen and progesterone levels are bottoming out, the androgen hormone testosterone maintains a relatively stable concentration. Since the dampening effect of high progesterone is gone, the influence of testosterone becomes disproportionately strong. Testosterone is understood to be the primary biological driver of libido and sexual appetite in women, much like in men.
The unmasking of testosterone’s effects leads to a heightened sense of desire and increased attraction. Some research suggests a slight, temporary increase in testosterone may occur just before or at the start of menstruation, further contributing to this boost in sexual interest. This hormone-driven spike in libido is a physiological response that translates into a more active interest in potential partners.
Psychological and Physical Factors
Beyond the primary hormonal drivers, several non-hormonal elements contribute to the heightened sexual experience during the menstrual phase. One significant psychological factor is the relief from premenstrual syndrome (PMS) symptoms that often accompany the end of the previous cycle. The drop in progesterone, which can sometimes cause anxiety and moodiness, often leads to an improved mood and greater emotional openness to intimacy.
Physically, sexual activity during the period can release endorphins, which are natural mood elevators and pain relievers. This effect can soothe common menstrual discomforts like cramping. Furthermore, increased blood flow in the pelvic region may heighten physical sensation and arousal, making sexual activity more pleasurable. The perceived lower risk of pregnancy during menses can also reduce performance anxiety for some individuals, allowing for a more uninhibited expression of desire.
Attraction Shifts Across the Menstrual Cycle
The attraction experienced during the menstrual phase is one of two common peaks of sexual interest within the cycle, with the other occurring around ovulation. The type of attraction and desire is thought to differ between these two points. The ovulatory phase, which is marked by a surge of estrogen, is often linked to evolutionary cues, where women may show a temporary preference for men displaying traits associated with genetic fitness.
The desire felt during menses is more closely tied to the direct, uninhibited influence of testosterone on libido. It represents a physiological peak in sexual appetite driven by a unique hormonal balance, distinct from the fertility-focused peak of mid-cycle. While scientific evidence points to these general patterns, the intensity and timing of desire and attraction vary significantly from person to person.