The middle years: women, sexuality, and the self

Nurses caring for women in middlescence need to be aware that this is a period of much change and growth. The years between 35 and 60 years in women are characterized by psychologic growth and alteration in the hormonal environment. Successful negotiation through this developmental stage includes disassembling and evaluating the self, adjusting to the changing self, adapting to alterations in sexuality caused by hormonal shifts, and finally, acknowledging the new self that has evolved. Nurses can play important roles during this tumultuous stage by supporting women as they do the psychologic work necessary for growth, by expanding their view of middlescence beyond menopause, and by including sexuality with other aspects of health promotion and education.