There are visible changes in the sexual desire and arousal levels that a woman experiences across the month. Have you ever felt that? On some days, sex is far from your thoughts, and on others, you can’t stay without doing it. This is completely normal and natural, and something women should be transparent about when it comes to discussing the same. A woman’s body undergoes several changes during the menstrual cycle which has a major impact on the sexual arousal.
The Menstrual Cycle
The menstrual cycle is a series of hormonal changes a woman’s body undergoes in a month to prepare for potential pregnancy. The cycle is repeated with a frequency of approximately 28 days, however it can vary from woman to woman.
The cycle is divided into four main phases:
- Phase 1 : The Menstrual phase (Uterus lining is shed)
- Phase 2: The Follicular phase (Ovaries produce the follicles),
- Phase 3: The Ovulatory phase (Egg is released by one of the ovaries)
- Phase 4: The luteal phase (Begins after ovulation and precedes the menses).
The Menstrual Phase
- This phase marks the starting of each menstrual cycle.
- It lasts for approximately 3-5 days and involves loss of blood (menses).
- If pregnancy does not occur, the levels of estrogen and progesterone hormones fall.
- The low hormone levels trigger breakdown of the uterus endometrium.
- Due to this breakdown, blood, tissue fluid, endometrial lining, unfertilized oocyte, and mucus are discharged through the vagina.
- The menstrual discharge continues for 3 to 5 days, and in some women up to 7 days.
The Follicular Phase
- After menstruation, the follicular phase starts. It is also known as the proliferative phase or post-menstrual phase.
- Generally, it lasts from 5th to 13th day of the menstrual cycle, and ends with ovulation.
- During this phase, the Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH) is released by the brain.
- The FSH stimulates the ovaries to produce follicles. Only one of them develops into a mature graafian follicle, while the others degenerate.
- Also, the endometrium begins to regenerate under the gradual increase in the estrogen levels.
- During this phase, women are highly energetic and happier than other phases of the menstrual cycle.
The Ovulatory Phase
- This is the shortest phase of the menstrual cycle, and involves release of a mature egg by the ovary.
- Ovulation generally occurs on the 14th day of a 28-day cycle. However, it depends on the overall duration of a woman’s cycle.
- A surge in the level of luteinizing hormone (LH) triggers rupturing of the mature follicle to release the egg.
- Ovulation may cause mild to severe pain in the lower abdomen.
- The estrogen levels that were rising during the mid-follicular phase, begin to drop quickly after ovulation.
The Luteal Phase
- This is the longest phase of the menstrual cycle. It lasts for 14 days, from the 15th to 28th day of the cycle.
- After the release of the secondary oocyte, the graafian follicle transforms into a mass of cells that form a structure known as corpus luteum in the ovary.
- The corpus luteum begins to secrete estrogen and progesterone.
- Progesterone helps to thicken the endometrium, preparing it for the possibility of implantation of the fertilized egg.
- If fertilization does not take place, the progesterone and estrogen levels decline, leading to shedding of the uterine lining, and the next menstrual cycle begins.
Increased libido and horniness during the follicular and ovulatory phase
- An increase in sexual desire and high libido, also known as feeling horny is more during the follicular phase and ovulatory phase.
- During the follicular phase, the high estrogen hormone levels trigger this feeling in a woman.
- Estrogen contributes to increased sensitivity in the erogenous zones of the body. This causes a woman’s body to produce more vaginal discharge and an overall increase in libido.
- Ovulation is a vital event taking place in a woman’s body during the menstrual cycle.
- The hormone levels are at their peak during ovulation, which is why women experience an increase in sexual desire.
- The sudden increase in horniness is associated with the body’s natural urge to procreate.
- Both orgasms and sex during ovulation have the ability to be better.
Hormones, Horniness, and Ovulation
- Hormones play a vital role in the ovulation process. They trigger the graafian follicle to mature and cause the release of an egg.
- There are various hormones involved in ovulation, including the gonadotropin-releasing hormone, which facilitates the release of LH and FSH.
- FSH plays a vital role in the maturation of the follicles, which develops an egg.
- The release of FSH is triggered by LH.
- Estrogen is another key hormone in ovulation. It is one of the main reproductive hormones. A woman’s body requires estrogen for reproductive, bone, and heart health. It also affects mood and libidos, i.e. sex drive. Estrogen is produced in the ovaries. The levels of estrogen in a woman’s body are the highest level prior to ovulation.
- High estrogen levels are known to increase sexual desire and vaginal lubrication as well.
- The levels of testosterone also rise before ovulation and then gradually decline, which explains ovulation horniness in women.
Factors that can influence sex drive (libido) in women
Ovulation is not the only factor that causes horniness in women. There are other factors that can influence sex drive in women. These are:
Physical health
- The physical health of a woman plays a vital role in libido.
- Those suffering from chronic conditions such as diabetes, cancer, heart disease, renal or liver disease, or high blood pressure can have a weaker sex drive.
- Also, changes in the body like menopause also affects the libido.
Mental health
- Along with physical health, mental health also plays a key role in the libido experienced by women.
- Those having high levels of stress, suffering from trauma, depression, and anxiety can have lower libido.
- On the other hand, if mental health is good and positive, women feel energized and enjoy increased levels of horniness.
Medications
- Certain medications, such as antidepressants, can negatively affect a woman’s libido.
- The medicines can make arousal and reaching an orgasm difficult.
- This decreases the sex drive and makes sex less enjoyable.
Relationship problems
Relationship issues such as experiencing disconnection, frequent conflicts with a partner, lack of privacy and trust, and lack of transparent communication regarding sexual desires, can result in a low sex drive.
A high libido can be a sign of ovulation in women. This is due to the surge in hormone levels (estrogen), which is known to increase the sex drive. Women continue to feel increased arousal during ovulation as the body prepares for fertilization. There is nothing wrong in experiencing an increase in libido during ovulation. Once ovulation is over, there is a visible decrease in horniness.