The Libido Dip: How To Handle Low Sex Drive During PMS

If you've ever experienced your sex drive plummet just before your period, don't worry – you're not alone. Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) can wreak havoc on your body, mood, and, yes—your libido. Knowing why your sex drive decreases and how to care for yourself during that time can help you navigate the hormonal tide with more understanding and intimacy.

What Does Cause the Libido Drop During PMS?

The menstrual cycle is fueled by changing hormones. During the luteal phase (the period from ovulation to your period), estrogen and testosterone levels drop, and progesterone increases. This combination of hormones can lead to:

1. Fatigue and bloating
2. Mood swings or irritable mood
3. Breast soreness and cramps
4. Heightened sensitivity to stress

How to Deal with Low Libido During PMS

1. Practice Self-Compassion
Low libido is not a failure. It's a biological and emotional response. Let yourself rest and slow down without guilt.

2. Communicate With Your Partner
Let them know how you're feeling. Open conversations can prevent misunderstandings and foster intimacy, even when you're not feeling sexual.

3. Focus on Non-Sexual Intimacy
Hug, hold hands, and massage each other. Touch can maintain the emotional connection when sex is not an option.

4. Feed Your Body
PMS cravings are not just a myth. Lean into foods that promote mood and hormone balance, such as dark chocolate, magnesium-rich nuts, leafy greens, and omega-3s.

5. Make Relaxation a Priority
Hot baths, aromatherapy, or restorative yoga can ease bodily discomfort and help you connect with your body in a calming manner.

Is There Ever a Libido Boost Before Your Period?

For a few, there's a temporary high in libido shortly after ovulation because of a short boost of estrogen and testosterone. But for most, that gives way to a significant drop-off in desire before menstruation—again, completely normal.

When to Seek Help

If PMS symptoms—such as low libido—have a significant impact on your quality of life, speak with a medical provider. PMDD (Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder) can be the underlying cause and will need to be treated in a specific way.

Conclusion

Your libido isn't broken—it's cyclical. Learning to recognize your body's natural hormonal changes lets you go with the flow, not against it. Prioritize your needs with PMS and have faith that desire will come back—on your body's schedule.