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Heather Jeffcoat, DPT
What to expect in your 30s
For women, the 30s might as well be called the Do It All decade.
It’s a time when many women are trying to build a career, sustain a (or many) romantic relationship(s), be a parent, spend time with friends, and more. Because the entire endocrine system is connected, when your cortisol levels surge, it can throw your sex hormones out of whack. That’s why this can be a decade of sky-high stress and ground-low libido, especially for new parents.
Heather Jeffcoat, a doctor of physical therapy who specializes in sexual dysfunction and incontinence, adds that the body goes through a temporary period during pregnancy and breastfeeding that mirrors menopause.
There may be a decrease in estrogen that makes sex feel less good without the addition of lube,” she says. Noted.
What to expect in your 40s
The 40s are a decade of hormonal havoc, as most women enter perimenopause in their mid-to-late 40s.
Perimenopause can cause symptoms like vaginal dryness, mood changes, and weight gain, all of which can make sex physically and psychologically less comfortable and enjoyable.
Sex tips and tricks
For starters: lube!
When women's estrogen levels dip, they lose natural lubrication, so if they aren’t already, they need to begin supplementing with a lubricant,”
says Jeffcoat.
Second, switch it up! Especially if you’re still having the same type of sex you were having in your 20s.
You need to update what your sex life looks like in your 40s,” says Jeffcoat. “This may include different positions, more or different lube, working through psychological barriers, and incorporating more outercourse.”
What to expect in your 50s and beyond
The average age most women hit menopause is 51.
Menopause can bring along changes like even less lubrication and less elasticity, which can make penetration painful,” says Jeffcoat.
Curious to know when your sexual peak might occur? Continue here to read the full article at Healthline.
