Whether in health class or over martinis at the bar, you’ve probably heard some variation of this sentiment: Men reach their sexual prime in their 20s, while women peak later in life. And though this may sound like nothing more than an old wives’ tale, according to sex therapists, doctors, and researchers, it’s actually true. Men typically reach their so-called sexual peak in their early 20s, but women tend to reach the height of their sexuality in their 30s and levels of desire can continue to rise into their 50s, according to research.

A person’s “sexual peak” is often associated with the time their libido is the highest, and hormones, particularly testosterone and estrogen, play an undeniable role in this surge. But so does the quality of the sex people are having. With that in mind, women’s sexual slow burn makes sense, both biologically and psychologically, says Holly Richmond , PhD, LMFT, a somatic psychologist, AASECT-certified sex therapist based in Florida, and associate director of Modern Sex Therapy Institutes .

Years of social conditioning from traditional media that emphasizes penetrative sex typically leads to women in heterosexual relationships experiencing the " orgasm gap " (a.k.a. the well-documented phenomenon that heterosexual men orgasm during sex almost every time, whereas heterosexual women do not) during the earlier stages of their sex lives. Meanwhile, men's testosterone levels are highest in their 20s, which explains why their sex drive tends to be fast and furious during this decade. “They are very much in that natural, physical mode, and they are most concerned about their own sexual pleasure,” says Richmond. Even young men who want to give their female partners equally sheet-gripping O's may not be able to because young women may not know what makes them climax, either.

The good news: With wisdom comes sexual satisfaction. While women in their 20s might accept subpar sex, women in their 30s, 40s, and 50s are not going to let this fly, says Julia Simone Fogelson , LCSW, CST, an AASECT-certified sex therapist based in Oakland California. “They don’t want to have sex that’s not worth having.” In essence, it’s the difference between being Hannah Horvath in the sheets versus channeling your inner Samantha Jones.

How Hormones Impact Your Sexual Peak

If health class seems like a distant memory, allow me to refresh you. Hormones are your body's behind-the-scenes power players—tiny chemical messengers that control everything from your mood to your metabolism. Whether they’re keeping your energy up, balancing your emotions, or syncing your cycle, these little influencers run the show, ensuring your body stays in harmony. When it comes to sex drive, testosterone and estrogen are key, says Alyssa Dweck , MD, a gynecologist with Well by Messer in New York City.

Estrogen is the primary female sex hormone, responsible for regulating the menstrual cycle, supporting reproductive health, keeping the vaginal tissues healthy, maintaining moisture, and supporting sex drive, says Dweck. Testosterone, while typically considered a male hormone, is also crucial for women. “Testosterone plays a role in energy, mood, muscle tone, and overall sense of well-being, in addition to libido,” she adds. While testosterone is most often associated with a high sex drive , having high testosterone levels doesn’t automatically make you super horny, says Dweck. (Worth noting: 1 in 10 women who have Polycystic Ovary Syndrome [PCOS] may have higher levels of testosterone, according to Dweck, but rarely does this translate to high libido.)

Both hormones naturally fluctuate throughout life, with testosterone in women beginning to decline in their 30s. About a decade later, estrogen begins to dip before dramatically dropping during menopause, which women typically experience in their 50s, says Dweck.

What To Expect In Each Decade

In your 20s...

Women in their 20s have high levels of estrogen, testosterone, and progesterone, a balancing hormone, that set the stage for a high sex drive. But just because biology is on their side does not mean it’ll necessarily translate to mind-blowing orgasms, says Dweck. “Libido is influenced by more than just hormones. A lot of women in their 20s are still figuring out their sexual confidence and what they actually enjoy.” For some, this decade can feel like their most sexually charged time. But for others, external factors like birth control, PCOS, excessive exercise, eating disorders, or even stress about pregnancy and relationships can lower libido , she adds.

In your 30s...

While your testosterone levels start to decline in this decade, it's often when women feel the most in tune with their desires, says Dweck. “By this point, many women know their bodies better, feel more sexually confident, and are more comfortable asking for what they want,” says Dweck. By the time women reach their 30s, they’ve likely experimented on their own with their pleasure, adds Richmond, and aren’t afraid to bring a sex toy into the mix to turn things up a notch. Overall, the 30s often feel like a true sexual prime.

In your 40s...

With this decade comes early perimenopausal changes, which cause your hormones (especially estrogen and progesterone) to start fluctuating unpredictably. “Hormonal changes start well before menopause. Estrogen levels climb and drop more dramatically, cycles can become irregular, and many women notice shifts in libido, mood, or even sleep,” Dweck says. For some, this means a dip in sex drive , but for others, this decade can feel even more liberating. Many women are more sexually confident than ever and less stressed about contraception or pleasing a partner over themselves, she adds.

However, hormonal swings can lead to changes in vaginal lubrication and sensitivity. “Vaginal dryness starts creeping in for some women in their 40s, which can make sex less comfortable,” she says. “But it’s easily manageable with moisturizers, lubricants, and vaginal estrogen if needed.”

In your 50s and beyond...

The biggest hormonal shift happens during menopause, on average at age 51, says Dweck. The ovaries stop ovulating, estrogen levels drop significantly, and progesterone production ceases altogether. “By menopause, estrogen is super low, testosterone has been declining for years, and progesterone is basically gone,” says Dweck. “While this can lead to lower libido, it doesn’t mean a woman’s sex life is over.” In fact, many of Dweck’s patients say they feel sexier than ever, often due to simply being more self-confident and comfortable in their own skin than they have in past decades.

At 55, Richmond says she’s having the best, most satisfying sex of her life —even better than in her 20s—thanks to confidence, prioritizing her own pleasure, and embracing novelty with toys, lingerie, and role-playing. While her natural libido isn’t roaring like it was when she was younger, hormone replacement therapy, especially testosterone, has helped her reconnect with her desire and fully enjoy intimacy with her husband.

How Pregnancy Can Impact Your Sexual Peak

As many women are reaching their sexual peak in their 30s, they may also be trying to get pregnant. (In fact, the median age at which women give birth is 30, according to a 2022 U.S. Census Bureau report .)

Thanks to evolution, libido increases around ovulation, says Dweck. And if a woman becomes pregnant, her hormones go into overdrive . “Estrogen plays a huge role in sexual desire, and during pregnancy, it’s at an all-time high,” she explains. “Many women feel more voluptuous and sensual.” The increase in estrogen also makes genital tissue more sensitive, which can create a “heightened feeling” when touched. Of course, some women experiencing other less-sexy pregnancy symptoms, like morning sickness and exhaustion, may not be in the mood, especially in the first trimester, she notes.

After childbirth, estrogen levels drop drastically, especially if a woman is breastfeeding. “If a woman is lactating, especially exclusively, estrogen levels remain very low, which can cause vaginal dryness and make the vaginal tissues feel thinner and more sensitive—similar to what we see in menopausal women,” Dweck says. This hormonal shift can make sex uncomfortable and temporarily lower libido.

Fatigue, stress, and body changes also play a major role. Many new moms struggle with exhaustion, healing from childbirth, or adjusting to a new routine, all of which can make sex feel like an afterthought. Others, though, may find this time a sexual renaissance, depending on their hormonal response and recovery.

How To Talk To Your Doc About Getting Your Sex Drive Back To Peak Performance

If you want your hormonal health—and libido—to reach new heights, the first step is to visit a gynecologist or endocrinologist, says Dweck. There, you can get a full blood panel that will show all of your hormone levels and help outline the best path forward.

Hormone replacement therapy can be a helpful treatment, particularly in women approaching menopause, say Richmond and Dweck. And though many women were discouraged from HRT for years, Richmond adds, it’s a completely safe option for many patients. Another option: If a drop in estrogen is causing dryness down there, women may want to try vaginal moisturizers with estrogen to lubricate internally, as well as a regular lube.

Pelvic floor therapy can also be a game-changer for women experiencing pain or discomfort during sex. For women with a hypertonic (too tight) pelvic floor, conditions like vaginismus, when the vaginal muscles seize up when penetrated, can make sex painful, Richmond says. Pelvic floor therapy can help these women learn relaxation techniques to make sex more comfortable.

On the other end of the spectrum, some women experience a hypotonic or weakened pelvic floor, especially post-menopause or after childbirth. This, combined with a decrease in estrogen, can put women at risk for a condition called prolapse, where the bladder or uterus drops down, sometimes hanging outside of the vagina. While 50 percent of women experience a prolapse of some kind during their life, it doesn't have to be something they are forced to live with. “For women who have prolapse or the beginning stages of it, pelvic floor PT can help tone and lift those muscles, improving both confidence and comfort during sex,” says Richmond.

Ultimately, everyone's journey to their sexual peak differs. While some women may reach the summit of their satisfaction is in their 30s, others may reach new heights in their 50s or 60s because of a new partner, position, or toy. (As Miley Cyrus would say, “It's all about the climb.”)

Meet the Experts: Holly Richmond , PhD, LMFT, a somatic psychologist, AASECT-certified sex therapist based in Florida, and associate director of Modern Sex Therapy Institutes . Julia Simone Fogelson , LCSW, CST, an AASECT-certified se therapist based in Oakland, California. Alyssa Dweck , MD, a gynecologist with Well by Messer in New York City.