Every woman’s sexual drive is individual. Having said that, there is evidence that the peaks and valleys of various hormones throughout a woman’s menstrual cycle (not just when she’s menstruating) can have an effect her libido.

For instance, a 2004 study found that women tend to be more sexually active on days just prior to and during ovulation (from about day 10 to 15 of your monthly cycle), when levels of luteinizing hormone (LH) rise. This makes sense given our genetic programming to reproduce.

Other studies find that women who experience various symptoms before their period (bloating, headaches, mood changes, etc.) are less interested in having sex and have less sex than other times of their cycle. One study even found these women have less frequent orgasms and get less satisfaction from their orgasms just before their periods than in the middle of their cycles. Conversely, another study found that women without any premenstrual symptoms were more interested in sex just before their periods than in the middle of their cycle.

As for sexual desire during her period, well, there are lots of reasons as to why a woman might be less interested in sex. She might be having cramps, heavy bleeding–making for messy sex–or not feel at her best because of bloating.

If you feel less desire during your period and it’s a problem for you or your partner, talk to a health care professional or therapist. However, if your lack of desire during these few days of your cycle isn’t causing any problems or concerns for you or your partner, then I would simply chalk it up to your “sexual desire” personality. Perfectly normal and nothing to worry about.