If you’ve noticed your sex drive increasing right before your period, you’re not alone. Many women experience a premenstrual libido spike due to changing hormone levels. This is normal and nothing to worry about.
Aside from female arousal hormones, good mental health, reduced stress and better sleep all contribute to it. So, if you’re wondering why is my libido so high before my period, this blog will explain all the possible reasons behind it. We will also answer your queries, like when is a high libido normal, how to manage it and when to see a doctor.
Remember, every woman’s hormonal rhythm is unique. So learning about high libido before periods is the first step toward understanding your sexual health better.
Is it normal to have high libido before period?
Yes, it is quite normal to have a high libido before your period or a premenstrual libido spike. Fluctuations in female sex drive are common across the menstrual cycle. Many women feel a peak in desire near ovulation (the fertile window) that supports fertility and reproduction. While for several others, libido also surges in the days before menstruation begins (luteal phase).
These are normal, healthy responses to changes in the levels of estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone hormones throughout the menstrual cycle.
Signs of a high libido in women may include frequent sexual thoughts, stronger attraction to your partner, heightened sensitivity, or feeling more open to intimacy.
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What causes high libido before periods?
The interplay between estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone largely causes a high libido before periods in Assigned Females At Birth. Beyond these hormones, other reasons are increased pelvic blood flow, heightened sensitivity, and psychological comfort. Together, these biological and emotional factors lead to stronger arousal before your period begins.
1. Hormonal fluctuations
According to a study in the journal Hormones and Behavior, women were found to be more sexually active just before ovulation, when estrogen (linked to arousal and sensitivity) and testosterone (which sparks sexual thoughts and energy) are highest.
Additionally, estradiol levels increase and luteinizing hormone rises during the luteal phase, which can intensify female arousal.
2. Increased blood flow and sensitivity
As menstruation nears, blood circulation to the uterus and pelvic region intensifies. This makes the genital area more sensitive and can heighten physical arousal. Moreover, pre-period lubrication might make you more eager to indulge in penetrative sex.
3. Emotional and comfort-seeking triggers
Mood shifts due to Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) can increase your need for connection, closeness, and stress relief. Since physical intimacy provides relaxation and emotional balance, many women report increased PMS sexual desire.
4. Ovulation carryover effects
Hormonal changes in women around ovulation can maintain a high libido for several days afterward. Your body, still influenced by high estrogen and testosterone, may remain more easily aroused right before your period.
5. Underlying conditions
Sometimes, medical conditions or certain medications can alter your hormonal patterns, temporarily amplifying libido. Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), adrenal disorders and Hyperthyroidism (excess of thyroid hormones) can influence key hormones like estrogen and testosterone.
Additionally, mental conditions like Bipolar Disorder, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder or PTSD can cause mood swings and compulsive sexual behaviors. Consult your doctor if you notice sudden or lasting changes in your arousal patterns.
How to manage a premenstrual libido spike
If your pre-period libido feels stronger than usual, it doesn’t mean something’s wrong. It is simply your body’s way of letting you know that your sex/reproductive hormones are active. However, having libido differences between partners can cause relationship strain and emotional distress.
Here are five proven tips to help you manage a premenstrual libido spike, with or without a partner:
- Track your cycle: Knowing your luteal phase and libido patterns helps you understand your body better.
- Communicate openly: Talk to your partner about your changing needs and comfort levels during this time.
- Indulge in intimacy: Masturbation or partnered sex is a safe way to relieve tension while catering to high libido before period.
- Experiment consciously: When you feel emotionally and physically ready, you can try new sex positions or toys for more pleasurable experiences.
- Practice safe sex: If you’re close to your period and want to engage in penetrative sex, make sure to use condoms to prevent sexually transmitted infections.
Benefits of intimacy (partnered-sex or self-pleasure) before period
As hormone levels shift during the luteal phase, your body becomes more sensitive, circulation improves, and feel-good chemicals are easier to trigger. Thus, indulging in masturbation or having sex in the days leading up to your period can be surprisingly beneficial for your sexual, emotional and psychological health.
Benefits of masturbation right before your period
During the premenstrual phase, masturbation can ease discomfort and support emotional balance by providing:
- Relief from cramps and bloating: Orgasm upon masturbation relaxes the uterine muscles and improves blood flow. This helps relieve pelvic tension and reduce bloating. Some women even find their cramps less painful afterward.
- Better mood: Self-pleasure reduces cortisol (stress hormone) and increases dopamine and serotonin (feel-good hormones). This can help you better manage PMS irritability.
- Better body awareness: Masturbation helps you stay connected to your body, understand changes in arousal, and build confidence in what feels good. This will even help you guide your partner better on erogenous zones and foreplay.
Benefits of partnered sex during right before your period
Engaging in intimacy with your partner before your period can offer both physical comfort and emotional connection. The additional benefits include:
- Lower chance of pregnancy: Ovulation has already passed, so your fertility window is somewhat closed. While pregnancy is still possible, the risk is much lower just before your period.
- Better natural lubrication: A slight increase in vaginal discharge before menstruation adds natural moisture, making penetrative sex more comfortable and pleasurable.
- Improved sleep quality: The calming hormones (endorphins and oxytocin) released after orgasm can help you sleep better, fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer. This is especially useful during the premenstrual phase when sleep is often disrupted.
When to see a doctor for a high libido right before period?
A mild or periodic rise in sexual desire is natural and healthy. But if your libido feels unusually high, persistent, or distressing, it could be a sign of an underlying issue like thyroid disorders, PCOS or hormonal imbalance.
Visit a gynecologist or endocrinologist if you notice any of the following:
- Sudden, extreme spikes or drops in libido that feel out of character or disrupt your daily life and well-being.
- Sexual desire accompanied by physical discomfort, such as pain during sex, vaginal dryness, or unexpected vaginal bleeding.
- Persistent mood disturbances such as irritability, Depression, or Anxiety, alongside libido changes.
- Signs of hormonal imbalances, such as irregular periods, weight changes, excessive facial hair, or severe acne.
- Libido changes after starting or stopping medication such as birth control or antidepressants.
- Distress or relationship problems, including compulsive sexual behavior or Persistent Genital Arousal Disorder.
Conclusion
A high libido before period is quite normal. It is usually a sign that your sexual and reproductive hormones are functioning as they should. Shifts in estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone levels, along with increased blood flow and emotional responsiveness, all contribute to this premenstrual libido spike.
Monitoring your cycle and adopting healthy daily habits can help you manage these changes naturally and safely. Moreover, engaging in partnered sex or masturbating just before or on your period offers benefits such as better mood, stress relief and improvement in PMS symptoms.
However, when period libido changes become excessive, painful, or emotionally draining, they may signal a hormonal imbalance or an underlying medical issue. Do consult your healthcare provider if menstrual cycle desire or arousal becomes difficult to control and begins to affect your relationships or overall quality of life.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is increased libido a period symptom?
Yes, increased libido before your period is a common premenstrual symptom caused by hormonal changes. You might feel hornier due to an increase in estrogen and testosterone levels in the days preceding your period.
Is horniness an early sign of pregnancy?
Yes, sometimes hormonal surges can cause horniness in early pregnancy. These can mimic symptoms of Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS), leading to a higher libido in some women. If you suspect you are pregnant, take a test or visit the doctor instead.
How do I know if I have a high libido?
If you have a high libido, you may experience frequent sexual thoughts, stronger desire, or heightened sensitivity. You might become more open to exploring and trying out new things sexually.
Can sex start your period?
Yes, sex can start your period if there are only 1-2 days to go. Orgasms cause uterine contractions that may trigger bleeding if menstruation is already close.
Why is my sex drive higher after my period?
Your sex drive is higher after your period due to rising estrogen levels. These hormones boost mood, confidence, and sexual arousal. Thus, many women feel their ovulation sex drive peak between days 12-16 of their menstrual cycle.
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