How Sex Can Regulate the Menstrual Cycle

Posted by Catherine Lamontagne

Some research shows that there may indeed be a link between the menstrual cycle and sexuality. Let's start by defining what menstruation is. Menstruation is the result of the preparation of the inner layer of the uterus, which thickens and fills with blood vessels in preparation for a possible pregnancy. If the pregnancy does not occur, the thickened inner layer is shed with bleeding. Bleeding normally lasts 3 to 8 days. For most people with a uterus, menstruation occurs in a relatively regular and predictable cycle. The length of the period, from the first day of one period to the first day of the next period, is usually 21 to 35 days.

While a single period is not a cause for concern, irregular periods that occur over several cycles deserve your attention. When is a period irregular? When they occur in cycles that are too close together (about every 10-20 days or less) or too far apart (every 6 weeks or more). Irregular periods are also bleeding that varies in amount or duration from one cycle to the next. If the bleeding requires a change of protection every 2 hours or lasts more than 8 days in a cycle, it is necessary to consult a gynecologist.

The most common causes of irregular periods are:

eating disorders (bulimia, anorexia nervosa)
Excessive sports activities.
Psychological causes (depression, sleep disorders, stress, trauma...).
Excessive consumption of coffee, tobacco, cannabis and other drugs and alcohol.
Taking certain medications: this is the case with certain neuroleptics and antihistamines, which, by increasing prolactin levels, block the onset of menstruation. Some pills and IUDs containing progestins (Mirena, Jaydess), also reduce the menstrual flow until sometimes causing amenorrhea.
Hormonal contraceptives & pregnancy
Hormonal imbalance

So how can regular sex help regulate the menstrual cycle? During orgasm, your brain releases large amounts of oxytocin. It also releases a good amount of oxytocin during sex without orgasm, cuddles & situations where you feel excited. Oxytocin, also known as the ‘hormone of love’, is produced in the hypothalamus, a part of the brain and released into the bloodstream by the pituitary gland. With more sex comes more oxytocin and a surge in certain hormones. As you probably know, hormones are what regulate menstrual cycles so the more oxytocin your brain releases, the more it can have an impact on your menstrual cycle.

Everyone and every body is different, so what works for one person may not work for another.

*This is in no way a substitute for the help of a health care professional.

Sources:

https://www.yourperiod.ca/fr/normal-periods/menstrual-cycle-basics/

https://www.doctissimo.fr/html/sexualite/hygiene-feminine/articles/sa_5683_cycles_irreguliers.htm