The purpose of the ethnographic report described in this article is to discuss midlife women’s perceptions of their changing bodies within the Western cultural context and to provide a basis for health care with women. The narratives of 11 midlife women (ages 40-53) were obtained. Data were analyzed using Spradley’s (1979) Developmental Research Sequence Method. Results of the study indicate that women’s midlife experience of their changing bodies encompasses a broad spectrum, full of contradiction and change. Issues of loss, cultural influences that perpetuate ageism and sexism, lack of consistent information about menopause, questioning, redefining self, and self-care, all played a central role in the women’s lives during this time of transition.
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