The Secret Life of Female Libido: Transitions Across Every Decade

It’s totally natural for your sex drive to ebb and flow over time! 🌊 As life rolls on, your libido can hit new highs or take a dip, thanks to causes like shifting hormones, a job switch, or a new relationship!

Don’t expect a dramatic shift when you hit a new decade—libido changes tend to sneak up as you move from your 20s to your 40s and beyond. 🌻

🌪️What causes your sex drive to change?

It seems like a straightforward question, but what makes a sex drive… drive(?) is still a mystery, even to scientists!! 😕 Hormones, yes, but other factors—psychological, social, and physical—also contribute to transforming your libido.

✨Your 20s✨
Your body is the most fertile from ages 25-30, which explains why your dating app swipe-range is ‘wide’💃🏽
Some scientists also believe that female desire increases as peak fertility wanes – so when you’re 29, going on 30! 👀

✨30s and Early 40s✨
Hitting 30 doesn’t mean your libido takes a plunge, but when your craving for physical intimacy starts to dip, blame it on your testosterone taking a little vacation! 🫠

Stress is a real buzzkill too, messing with your hormones by lowering testosterone and cranking up cortisol! 📈Plus, with life getting busier and responsibilities piling up, your sex drive might not be a priority.

Kids!!!!!! 👶🏻
No matter your age, pregnancy and childbirth can shake up your sex life in all sorts of ways.

During pregnancy, hormonal and body changes could dial up your libido—especially in the second trimester—while at other times, it could take a dip. 🤰🏻

Worries regarding the safety of sex during pregnancy, could bring hesitation. Post-childbirth, juggling childcare and the million other things on your plate impacts your time, energy, and interest in sex.

✨50s and Beyond✨
As you hit the “Golden Jubilee” mark, you might find yourself with an empty nest & fewer responsibilities, which could spark a renewed interest in sex.

However, the closer you get to menopause, lower estrogen levels taper your libido! Throw in other menopause symptoms like hot flashes, anxiety, weight gain, and sleep trouble – sexy-time becomes the least of your worries. If you find yourself in this position, go easy on yourself, and allow your body to go through its natural phases. 💜

But there’s one thing to help, no matter what your age…

❗Keep the lines of communication open with your partner❗

Talk about your needs, desires, and what feels good as your bodies change and life evolves. Trying new things can keep the spark alive, and honest conversations about what works for you both are key. Setting aside some special time for intimacy can also do wonders!

Sources:
https://www.webmd.com/sex-relationships/ss/slideshow-sex-drive-changes-age
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/low-sex-drive-in-women/symptoms-causes/syc
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4720522/
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/325437603_Average_Associations_Between_Sexual_Desire_Testosterone_and_Stress_in_Women_and_Men_Over_Time