So, what is the sexual phase and when does it occur? Let’s review some key points of the menstrual cycle: Menstruation is an obvious phase that can last anywhere from three to seven days in a normal cycle. When you come out of your period, you enter the mid-follicular phase. This is when you may notice an increase in cervical fluid, energy and mood. As you approach the end of the follicular phase, your estrogen and testosterone levels reach their highest levels of the cycle. Both of these hormones contribute to an increase in sexual desire, a tendency to fantasize more, and the ability to self-lubricate more easily.

About three days before ovulation, estrogen levels increase and rise sharply as the egg matures and is ready for ovulation. In response to the surge estrogen 1, the brain secretes luteinizing hormone, which triggers ovulation. It takes about one to two days for the egg to release and form the corpus luteum, a temporary endocrine structure in the ovary that secretes progesterone. This series of events occurs over the course of 5-6 days, when thoughts of sex are more likely to occupy your mind and orgasm is easier to achieve.

But once progesterone production kicks in during the luteal phase, your sexual desire, fantasy, and ability to get wet can leave you wondering where the magic of this sexual phase has gone. Although estrogen is present in the luteal phase (the time between ovulation and menstruation), it has little chance of overcoming the effects of progesterone. The result, as I share in my book, This is normal? “You feel that wearing sweatpants is much more attractive than wearing their pants.”

As a board-certified naturopathic endocrinologist and sex counselor, I share with my patients tips to help enhance their sexual phase each month: