You got her attention and she’s your lover, now. But if it feels like her attitude shifts gears at different times of the month, a study published in the Psychological Bulletin says it might be because women look for different qualities in men, based on their ovulation cycles.
Chalk It Up to Evolution
Researchers from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) pored through data from 50 published and unpublished studies to find out why women’s sexual preferences tend to fluctuate dramatically at different times of the month. It turns out that her shifting needs are probably biological -- a direct result of her evolutionary hardware.
For example, the guy who’s shy, sensitive and really understands her feelings might be her cup of tea when she’s in between periods. But if you’re a strapping chap with a deep, knee-weakening voice, she might find you more appealing during ovulation. According to UCLA researchers, that’s because leftover instincts may still be telling her that very masculine traits add up to stronger genes, as well as a better chance of survival for her offspring.
“Women sometimes get a bad rap for being fickle, but the changes they experience are not arbitrary,” said Martie Haselton, PhD, senior author of the study and professor of psychology and communication studies at UCLA, in a university news release. “Women experience intricately patterned preference shifts even though they might not serve any function in the present.”
So, What's Your Next Move?
Fortunately, the shifts that come with a woman's cycle are usually just that -- temporary shifts. So your best bet may be to wait them out. Doing your best to understand your partner is also a good call. Here are a few tips to help you do that -- all month long.
- Empathize with her during that time of the month. Periods aren’t fun and no woman looks forward to it. Find out how she really feels and help her get through it.
- Understand her desires. She may need more than you think to get aroused. Learn how to meet her expectations.
- Give your mental and physical health a boost. The inner-workings of your relationship also depend on how you feel inside and out. Get ready to boost happiness, ease stress and to look good while doing it.
Medically reviewed in January 2020.
