The menopausal transition may be regarded as a developmental stage in the life cycle during which women gradually adapt to biologic, social, psychologic, and spiritual changes that accompany ovarian decline and menstrual cessation. Although the biomedical view stresses atrophic and degenerative changes, a developmental and holistic perspective stresses the individuality, totality, and complexity of responses to this experience. Sensitive care during the menopausal transition may enable women to accept the inevitable changes and losses and recognize qualities and capabilities that can unfold. The author is a nurse specialist in women's health care who draws from her research and clinical practice to provide illustrations for her perspective.