If it were purely the hormones then it would be more reliable... there are equally many women who lose desire altogether during period and many who do not have problems having sex during a period and so don't have any positive or negative effects on libedo. Its a complex tapestry.

Not adapting style is foolish, though... persistance as described is not a good way to achieve an end, it is more likely to have the opposite effect. That is an issue with the Dom, however, not the technique. As is persisting on long term celibacy as the default setting. What I am talking about is setting a goal (whether it be greater or lesser arousal or better control) and working towards that in a co-operative manner using whatever means work. The means depends on the sub and what you wish to achieve. Better control, for example, may be achieved in some by slowly extending the period of CR and accompanying it with lots of encouragement to do better. Plan, perform, review, revise, redo... if it does not work then try something else until you find something that does.