The link between female libido and the constantly fluctuating hormones produced by the ovaries is profound.  Over years of research, scientists and doctors have found that this ever changing hormonal environment can also affect female sexual function and sex drive. 

 Your 20’s

At this age, estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone are at their highest levels.  But according to the 2010 National Survey of Sexual Health and Behavior, 20-somethings are less orgasmic than older women.

 Your 30’s

A woman in her thirties may well find herself at an emotional sexual peak, even though estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone begin to fluctuate and drop off during this decade.  After childbirth, testosterone falls to extremely low levels, and in nursing mothers, the hormone prolactin can suppress ovulation, as well as the production of estrogen and progesterone.

 Your 40’s

Female sex drive may actually increase as a woman's sex hormones and fertility decrease.  But by 40 a woman's testosterone levels will be about half the level they were at 25.  For the average woman who enters perimenopause in her late 40’s, fluctuating estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone levels may put a damper on bedroom bliss. To smooth things out low-dose birth control pills can be used to create a small, consistent influx of estrogen every day.  If dryness and discomfort develop, local estrogen creams can improve lubrication and pleasure for many women.

 Your 50’s

Because of dramatically reduced testosterone and virtually nonexistent estrogen, sex drive drops after menopause.  Testosterone therapy using creams, gels, or patches has not been approved by the FDA and can only be prescribed off-label, but a growing number of women vexed by low sex drive swear by it.  Many women try menopausal hormonal therapy which involves taking estrogen and progestin to relieve vaginal dryness and hot flashes and reduce bone loss.

The more body fat you have, the less libido-boosting "free-floating" testosterone you have. If you're obese, losing 10% of your total weight can do wonders for your sex drive.  Multiple studies have also shown that after just 20 minutes of exercise, blood flow to the genitals increases, resulting in more lubrication, better arousal, and better orgasms

Here are some other libido boosters to try at any age:

·       Drink in moderation

·       Stop smoking

·       Relax

·       Lose weight

·       Eat the right things

·       Try aphrodisiacs

·       Gingko biloba