logo
episode-header-image
Nov 2021
50m 40s

Episode 62: The Myth of the “Hormonal Wo...

DR. JUSTIN LEHMILLER
About this episode
Evolutionary psychologists have long argued that women’s sexual behavior is driven by hormonal changes that occur throughout the menstrual cycle, including everything from their desire for sex to their partner choice. This has fed the popular idea that hormones are really the driving force behind women’s sexuality. As it turns out, however, that’s not entirely true. In this episode, we’re going to be deconstructing the myth of the “hormonal woman” with Dr. Tierney Lorenz, a former Kinsey Institute trainee who is currently an assistant professor in the Department of Psychology at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Tierney studies the interaction between women’s mental, physical, and sexual health. Some of the topics we explore in this episode include:
  • What role do hormones and the menstrual cycle really play when it comes to women’s sexual behavior?
  • Scientists have long argued that ovulation triggers changes in sexual behavior, but it turns out that having sex can actually trigger ovulation. So what does this mean for couples who are trying to get pregnant?
  • How does having sex impact how the immune system operates?
  • What is the key to boosting sexual desire? Can testosterone supplements help? What about medications?
  • How do sexual health, physical health, and mental health all intersect?
  • How can people with a history of sexual trauma go on to develop happier, healthier sex lives?
This interview blew my mind in several ways, so be sure to check it out! To learn more about Tierney, follow her on Twitter @tk_lorenz and follow her lab at @lab_wish This podcast was made on Zencastr. Join Zencastr today and receive 40% off of their professional plan for 3 months with my exclusive discount code: sexandpsych *** Want to learn more about Sex and Psychology? Click here for previous articles or follow the blog on FacebookTwitter, or Reddit to receive updates. You can also follow Dr. Lehmiller on YouTube and Instagram. Listen and stream all episodes on AppleSpotifyGoogle, or Amazon. Subscribe to automatically receive new episodes and please rate and review the podcast!

Credits: LEGIT Audio (Podcast editing) and Shutterstock/Florian (Music). Image created with Canva; photos used with permission of guest.

Up next
Yesterday
Episode 412: When Did People Start Practicing Kink And BDSM?
Ever since Fifty Shades of Grey hit the scene, it seems as though kink and BDSM have become ubiquitous in popular media. But here’s the thing: just because kink went mainstream in the last decade or so doesn’t mean that it’s new. In fact, the roots of BDSM trace back centuries. A ... Show More
34m 53s
Jul 4
Episode 411: Debunking Myths About Men’s Sexuality (Essential Listen)
Men’s sexuality is often described as being pretty simple. Sex is seen as being easy for guys because they’re always in the mood and sex is just a physical thing for them. The reality of male sexuality, however, is far more complicated, and we’re not doing anyone any favors by ov ... Show More
39m 15s
Jul 1
Episode 410: Is Porn Use A Problem In Your Relationship?
One in five couples report that porn has become a problem in their relationship. So why is porn such a common source of conflict, and what can we do about it? In today’s show, we’re going to explore how many people in relationships use porn, what fights about porn are really abou ... Show More
39m 56s
Recommended Episodes
Jan 2019
183: Hormones And Your Relationship
Being a human is complicated. Mind and body often blend to create all kinds of difficulties. Combine this with being in a relationship with another human and things can get really complicated! One element that makes this task difficult is our hormones. Listen to today's episode t ... Show More
52m 52s
May 2024
How to Balance Your Hormones: What Your Doctor Isn’t Telling You About Menopause
Today, a top menopause doctor is here to give you the science and facts on menopause and hormone replacement therapy that your doctor isn’t telling you.This episode is a must listen because you’ll learn EXACTLY what to do to feel like yourself again.Dr. Jen Gunter, MD, is known a ... Show More
1h 5m
May 2023
Ep. 100: 10 Things I Have Learned About Sex In 100 Episodes
The 100th episode of the Dr. Sex Fairy Podcast is finally here, and what a journey it has been. As much as I have taught my listeners, I have also learned a lot about attitudes towards sexuality myself. Let’s discuss the top 10 things I have learned in 100 episodes. Dr. Kanwal Ba ... Show More
19m 3s
Nov 2022
Ep. 56 - Keep Calm & Have Hot Sex
Do  you know which sex organ I consider the most important? It happens to be your brain. On this episode we are discussing the connection between mental and sexual health, and how it is time we took the shame out of sex therapy. Who needs a sex therapist? How can you find a great ... Show More
27m 50s
Mar 2023
Ep. 90: Why Alpha Women Want Alpha Men
What do strong women really want in life, and in a man? Do alpha women want alpha or beta men? Do they always wear the pants in a relationship? Do they want to? How should you navigate dating when you are in your 40s, 50s, and beyond? What does a great kiss tell you? What does th ... Show More
31m 18s
Mar 2022
Mind-Blowing Sex | Dr. Lori Brotto
New episodes come out every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday for free, with 1-week early access for Wondery+ subscribers. -- What role does mindfulness and meditation play when it comes to sex? It may be the key to alleviating sexual distress in your relationships, and in this episo ... Show More
1h 5m
Aug 2022
365: Sex Talk
Biological sex differences have numerous and important implications for how we show up in relationships. Listen to today's show to learn more about these differences and use this information to improve your relationship today! In this episode with Dr. Stephen Furlich, we discuss ... Show More
44m 34s
Nov 2019
224: Exploring Your Sexuality
There are many ways to approach improving your relationship and sex life. One approach would be trying new things and seeing what works. Lucky for us, Pam Costa has done a lot of exploration herself and has beautifully shared her journey through her writing and interviews. We're ... Show More
43m 20s
Mar 2019
#39 Better Sex Through Mindfulness with Dr. Lori Brotto
On today’s show we welcome Dr. Lori Brotto, a Professor in the department for Obstetrics and Gynecology at the University of British Columbia and the Canada Research Chair in Women’s Sexual Health. Lori has also the author of the book, Better Sex Through Mindfulness: How Women Ca ... Show More
32m 22s
Mar 2023
Fasting, Hormones & Menopause: Why Women Need A Different Approach To Men with Dr Mindy Pelz #342
CAUTION: This podcast discusses fasting, and its advice may not be suitable for anyone with an eating disorder. If you have an existing health condition or are taking medication, always consult your healthcare practitioner before going for prolonged periods without eating. Today’ ... Show More
2h 4m