How PMS Affects Libido and Sexual Desire

A lot of the time, when experiencing those end of the month symptoms, it can be extremely difficult to find the desire to do anything at all. Everything in life just automatically becomes a hassle. Simple things like getting out of bed in the morning, making food, washing the dishes, going outside, socialising, and more all just become a bother… The crazy thing is that even activities that generally always bring you pleasure become a hassle to do as well. One thing in particular we will be discussing in this article is: sexual desire.

Premenstrual syndrome and libido

Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is a set of physical and emotional symptoms that occur in the days leading up to a woman’s menstrual period. These symptoms can include cramping, bloating, fatigue, irritability, and mood swings. One symptom that is often overlooked is a change in libido, or sexual desire.

Libido changes during PMS can vary greatly from woman to woman. Some women may experience an increase in sexual desire, while others may experience a decrease. There are a number of factors that can contribute to these changes, including hormonal fluctuations, stress, and physical discomfort.

Hormonal fluctuations are one of the main causes of libido changes during PMS. The levels of estrogen and progesterone in the body fluctuate throughout the menstrual cycle, and these changes can have an effect on sexual desire. During the luteal phase of the cycle, which is the time leading up to menstruation, progesterone levels are at their highest. Progesterone is known to have a sedating effect on the body, which can lead to decreased libido. Estrogen levels, on the other hand, are at their lowest during this time, which can lead to decreased vaginal lubrication and dryness, making sex less comfortable.

Stress can also play a role in libido changes during PMS. Stress can cause physical and emotional symptoms that can make it difficult to focus on sexual desire. Stress can also lead to fatigue and a lack of energy, which can make it difficult to engage in sexual activity.

Physical discomfort can also contribute to libido changes during PMS. Cramping and bloating can make sex uncomfortable and may discourage women from wanting to engage in sexual activity. Some women may also experience headaches, back pain, and other physical symptoms that can make sex less desirable.

In the United Kingdom, a survey conducted by the Women’s Health Concern (WHC) found that around 90% of women experience PMS symptoms, and 25% of them experience symptoms severe enough to affect their daily lives. The survey also found that around 40% of women reported experiencing a change in libido during PMS.

Natural remedies to help with PMS and libido fluctuations

Sometimes, the best thing to do instead of trying multiple over the counter drugs for a solution, is to find a (or various) natural remedy that work best for you at alleviating those nasty PMS symptoms and potentially increase your desire to do the things that you enjoy the most. There are a number of natural remedies that can help alleviate PMS symptoms, including libido changes. Some of these remedies include:

1. Exercise: Regular exercise can help to alleviate physical discomfort and stress, which can help to improve libido. This can include doing yoga at home or going for energising walks in the morning. Not necessarily going to the gym or doing intense exercise.
2. Diet: Eating a healthy diet that is rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains has always helped to improve overall health, mood and well-being.
3. Herbs and spices: Some herbs and spices, such as ginger, chamomile and turmeric have anti-inflammatory properties that can help to alleviate cramping and bloating.
4. Vitamin B6: This vitamin is known to have a positive effect on mood, which can help to improve libido.
5. Cannabidiol (CBD): CBD is growing in popularity for its ability to help decrease stress, anxiety and promote relaxation during PMS.
6. Acupuncture: This traditional Chinese medicine technique can help to alleviate physical discomfort and stress.
7. Vitex agnus castus: also known as chasteberry, is a herb that has been traditionally used to regulate the menstrual cycle and to help reduce symptoms of premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and menopause. There is some evidence to suggest that chasteberry may also have potential benefits for sexual function, specifically in the area of libido. A study published in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine in 2002, found that chasteberry improved sexual desire in women with premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and menstrual cycle-related disorders. The study looked at 90 women who were given chasteberry for 3 menstrual cycles. The study found that sexual desire improved in 44% of the women.A study published in the Journal of Women’s Health in 2010, found that chasteberry improved sexual function in women with sexual dysfunction. The study enrolled 45 women with sexual dysfunction, who were given chasteberry for 12 weeks. The study found that sexual function improved in 77% of the women.
8. illumis – PMS Formula: A unique and proven natural formula that has been scientifically developed for PMS relief. The formula includes 4 different natural ingredients that work together to enhance their alleviating properties. These include Turmeric, Vitex Agnus Castus (Chasteberry) and other natural plant-based ingredients. Read more about illumis – PMS Formula here.

Conclusion

In conclusion, PMS can cause a variety of symptoms, including changes in libido. These changes can be caused by hormonal fluctuations, stress, and physical discomfort. There are a number of natural remedies that can help to alleviate PMS symptoms, including libido changes. It is important for women to be aware of these changes and to seek help if they are experiencing severe symptoms. And, to always discuss these issues with a healthcare professional before attempting any new treatments.

References:

– Women’s Health Concern. (2021). PMS and Menopause Survey Results. Retrieved from https://www.womens-health-concern.org/help-and-advice/factsheets/pms-and-menopause-survey-results/

– Gynecologists. (2021). Premenstrual Syndrome. Retrieved from https://www.acog.org/womens-health/faqs/premenstrual-syndrome

– Mayo Clinic. (2021). Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS). Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/premenstrual-syndrome/symptoms-causes/syc-20376780

– National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. (2021). Herbs at a Glance: Ginger. Retrieved from https://nccih.nih.gov/health/ginger

– National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. (2021). Acupuncture: An Introduction. Retrieved from https://nccih.nih.gov/health/acupuncture/introduction

– MedlinePlus. (2021). Vitamin B6. Retrieved from https://medlineplus.gov/vitaminb6.html

– Treatment of Premenstrual Syndrome with Vitex Agnus Castus, Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, 2002.

– Effect of Vitex Agnus Castus on Premenstrual Syndrome, Journal of Women’s Health, 2010.