Mood, sexuality, hormones, and the menstrual cycle. III. Sexuality and the role of androgens.

Sexual interest and activity at different stages of the menstrual cycle was recorded by 55 women with normal ovulatory cycles. In women with marked cyclical mood change, there was an associated cyclical pattern of sexual feelings. Subjective sexuality independent of mood change, was maximal in the mid-follicular (i.e., postmenstrual) and late luteal (i.e., premenstrual) phases. Sexual activity was maximal in the mid-follicular phase. There was no evidence of a periovulatory increase in sexual interest or activity. Mean testosterone levels were correlated with masturbation frequency but not with sexuality involving the partner. A weak association between testosterone and life style (i.e., in full-time work or a housewife) was also evident.