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Libido through your cycle

Why you might feel frisky mid-month and meh before your period.

Body literacy4 min read

Written by the Splash teamSources checked

On this page 4 sections
  1. Quick answer
  2. What the research suggests
  3. Other things that affect libido
  4. Sources

Quick answer

  • On average desire peaks around ovulation, but individual patterns vary a lot.
  • Stress, contraception, medicines and relationships matter as much as hormones.
  • Talk to a GP if changes worry you.

Sex drive naturally rises and falls, and your cycle can be part of that. There is no "right" amount of desire. Whatever you feel is valid.

What the research suggests

The research is mixed. A 2013 study tracked daily hormones and desire in young women with natural cycles. Desire tended to be higher when oestrogen was higher and lower when progesterone was higher. A 2023 study that followed 213 students for two cycles found a small average rise in desire around mid-cycle. It also found big differences between people: some had a mid-cycle rise, some a rise around their period, and some no change at all. A 2025 survey of 585 women found the same wide variety. The 2023 study also found that how you feel mentally (stress, mood) predicted desire more than physical symptoms did.

In short: a mid-cycle rise is common on average, but it is not a rule, and your own pattern may be different.

  1. Period

    Some people feel low desire; others feel more. Both are normal.

  2. Follicular

    Rising oestrogen may bring a lift in desire for some.

  3. Ovulation

    Desire peaks for many, but not all, people around now.

  4. Luteal

    Progesterone may dampen desire for some, especially before your period.

Other things that affect libido

The NHS lists lots of everyday causes of a lower sex drive:

  • Relationship problems.
  • Stress, anxiety or depression.
  • Vaginal dryness or pain during sex.
  • Pregnancy and looking after a baby (tiredness and changing hormones).
  • Lower hormone levels around menopause.
  • Some medicines, including some for blood pressure and antidepressants.
  • Hormonal contraception, such as the pill, patch or implant.
  • Drinking too much alcohol, and some long-term conditions such as an underactive thyroid or diabetes.
MythEveryone feels most in the mood at ovulation.
Fact

Studies show a small average lift mid-cycle, but individual patterns vary a lot. Stress, relationships and tiredness often matter more than hormones.

Sources

  1. Menstrual cycle-driven vs noncyclical daily changes in sexual desire (J Sex Med, 2023)
  2. Roney & Simmons (2013) Hormonal predictors of sexual motivation in natural menstrual cycles, Hormones and Behavior
  3. Female sexual desire, response, and activity across the menstrual cycle (J Sex Marital Ther, 2025)
  4. NHS: Low sex drive (loss of libido)

Written by the Splash teamSources checked

This is general information, not medical advice. Splash can’t diagnose. If you’re worried, talk to a GP, pharmacist or sexual health clinic. In an emergency call 999 (UK) or 911 (US). How we write and check articles.

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