Libido + The Best Time of Day for Sex
Ever wondered when is a woman most horny or why the phrase “Afternoon Delight” exists? It might surprise you, but there’s actually science behind it.
3PM: THE SCIENCE OF AFTERNOON DELIGHT
For men, peak arousal and performance typically occur in the morning, when testosterone levels are at their highest. As the day progresses, testosterone naturally declines. By contrast, women’s estrogen levels rise later in the day, peaking in the afternoon. This hormone shift supports greater emotional attentiveness and intimacy.
At the same time, women experience a spike in cortisol around 3PM, which boosts energy, alertness, and focus. The combination of male and female hormone rhythms creates a unique synergy — the reason couples often feel a heightened connection during the late afternoon.
This hormone-based timing, identified by women’s health expert Alisa Vitti, helps explain the phenomenon of Afternoon Delight and why 3PM may be the best time of day to have sex for couples.
LIBIDO + HORMONAL SHIFTS
Of course, libido isn’t just influenced by the 24-hour clock. Over longer cycles, female sex drive is impacted by:
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Menstrual cycle fluctuations (ovulation is often when women feel most aroused).
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Perimenopause and menopause, which can lower estrogen and cause vaginal dryness or discomfort.
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Stress, anxiety, and depression, which elevate cortisol and decrease sexual desire.
If you’re wondering why your libido is low or how to increase female sex drive naturally, addressing hormone balance is key.
SUPPLEMENTS FOR LIBIDO + HORMONE BALANCE
1. Perimenopause Support
Botanicals, including Dong Quai and Black Cohosh root help ease the symptoms of perimenopause, including hot flashes, mood swings, and vaginal dryness, irritation, and itching.
Stress, which goes hand in hand with anxiety and depression have been linked to a decrease in sexual desire. Cortisol Calming builds the body’s resilience to the affects of spikes in cortisol with powerful adaptogens and a nootropic. It soothes the mind and body, and can also improve sleep which is key to overall wellness and ability to have a healthy libido.
Key Takeaway
Libido is shaped by both daily rhythms and long-term hormonal changes. Understanding when a woman feels most aroused — and supporting hormone balance with natural strategies — can improve sexual wellness and intimacy at any stage of life.