L. Dennerstein et al., THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN THE MENSTRUAL-CYCLE AND FEMALE SEXUAL INTEREST IN WOMEN WITH PMS COMPLAINTS AND VOLUNTEERS, Psychoneuroendocrinology, 19(3), 1994, pp. 293-304
This study assesses the influence of menstrual cycle phases and hormon
es on female sexual interest in both a nonclinical sample of volunteer
s (n = 18) and women who complained of premenstrual tension (n = 150).
Women were assessed prospectively for two menstrual cycles with daily
symptom charts. In addition mental status was assessed clinically and
the Moos Menstrual Distress Questionnaire completed in the follicular
and premenstrual phases. On the basis of these assessments women were
assigned to subject groups. During the second cycle, daily 24-h urina
ry estrogens and urinary pregnanediol were determined. Sexual interest
and feelings of well-being were recorded on a daily symptom rating ch
art. Sexual interest was found to be significantly higher in the folli
cular and ovulatory phases, than in the luteal, premenstrual, or menst
rual phases. Sexual interest and feelings of well-being were correlate
d (R = 0.29). Sexual interest and feelings of well-being were not corr
elated with urinary estrogen or pregnanediol levels.