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Correlation between sexual desire and menstrual cycle characteristics
1School of Psychology, University of New So. Wales, Kensington, Australia.
Archives of Sexual Behavior
|December 1, 1988
Summary
Sexual desire often begins a few days before the basal body temperature (BBT) shift, indicating ovulation. Hormonal factors likely influence both sexual desire and the menstrual cycle.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Endocrinology
- Human Sexuality
Background:
- The relationship between menstrual cycle phases and female sexual desire is complex.
- Understanding these correlations can illuminate reproductive health and hormonal influences.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the covariation between the timing of sexual desire and menstrual cycle characteristics.
- To explore the potential role of hormonal factors in regulating sexual desire.
Main Methods:
- Prospective data collection on sexual desire and menstrual cycle markers.
- Analysis of correlations between the onset of sexual desire, basal body temperature (BBT) shifts, and cycle length.
Main Results:
- Sexual desire typically emerged a few days prior to the BBT shift, near the estimated ovulation date.
- Positive correlations were observed between the day of the BBT shift and the onset of sexual desire.
- A positive correlation was found between menstrual cycle length and the time lag between sexual desire onset and BBT shift.
Conclusions:
- Findings suggest sexual desire is influenced by the same regulatory processes governing the menstrual cycle.
- Hormonal factors are likely involved in the modulation of female sexual desire.
- The timing of sexual desire aligns with hormonal fluctuations around ovulation.