According to Dr. Karen Rosewater, "Since this is the time when the egg travels from the ovaries through the fallopian tubes and are released into the uterus, feeling more aroused during this period is probably Mother Nature's way of trying to increase the likelihood of fertilization."

However, it's hard to isolate the role hormones play in making us aroused because there are so many other factors that have an impact on desire. Such things as stress levels, atmosphere (or ambiance), and the presence or lack of stimulants (for example, sexy music or someone hot in our lives) also come into play.

Take a poll of your friends and you're likely to hear a variety of different accounts on how their menstrual cycles affect their libidos.

Take care.