Frisky February
By Dr. Giselle Foss, DC, L.Ac.
February is Sexual Health Awareness Month (aka Frisky February!), and it's the perfect time to shed light on an important but often overlooked aspect of women's well-being: The impact of hormone fluctuations on libido. Throughout the month, people who get their period experience dynamic shifts in their hormone levels, which can significantly influence their sexual desire and satisfaction. Understanding these changes and learning how to navigate them can empower individuals and their partners to foster a healthier, more fulfilling intimate relationships. We'll explore the connection between hormone fluctuations and libido and provide valuable tips for enhancing self-awareness and promoting a deeper understanding of bleeding bodies. Questions? Email us!
The Menstrual Cycle and Libido
The menstrual cycle is characterized by distinct hormonal phases, each of which can contribute to fluctuations in libido:
Menstrual Phase: At the beginning of the cycle, estrogen and progesterone levels are low. Some people may experience a decrease in libido during this time due to physical discomfort or fatigue associated with menstruation.
Follicular Phase: As estrogen levels rise, many people notice an increase in energy and mood, often leading to a heightened libido
Ovulatory Phase: Estrogen levels peak, and some people experience a surge in sexual desire, potentially due to heightened fertility during this time
Luteal Phase: Estrogen decreases, while progesterone rises. Some people may notice a decline in libido and increased feelings of stress or irritability in the days leading up to menstruation.
Tips for Understanding and Supporting Women's Sexual Health
1. Track Your Cycle
Encouraging women to track their menstrual cycles can be an invaluable tool for understanding how hormone fluctuations affect their libido. Numerous mobile apps are available to help individuals chart their cycles and log symptoms, providing insight into their unique patterns.
2. Open Communication
Effective communication is essential for navigating fluctuations in libido. Encourage open, non-judgmental discussions between partners about each other's needs and desires. Mutual understanding and empathy can help create a supportive environment for addressing changes in sexual desire throughout the month.
3. Acupuncture
Regular acupuncture treatments help the body to return to their optimal, natural rhythms. Hormone production and secretion included. This is why there is such a rise in research on acupuncture for fertility/IVF support.
4. Ear Seeds
Want a taste of acupuncture or want to enhance your acupuncture treatment? Ear seeds are an incredible, non-invasive way to stimulate acupuncture points throughout the day to help regulate hormones in between treatments.
5. Prioritize Self-Care
Encourage individuals to prioritize self-care practices that promote overall well-being, such as regular exercise, adequate sleep, and stress-reducing activities. These lifestyle factors can positively influence hormone balance and contribute to a healthy libido.
Recognizing the influence of hormone fluctuations on libido is a crucial step in promoting sexual health and fostering understanding between partners. By acknowledging and embracing the natural ebbs and flows of libido throughout the menstrual cycle, individuals and their partners can cultivate a more empathetic and supportive approach to intimacy. Through open communication, self-awareness, and a willingness to adapt to changing needs, bleeding-people can empower themselves to navigate their sexual health with confidence and vitality throughout the month.