How to Deal with Female Body Changes: For Christians
This post is about all of the female body changes you and I go through at different stages of aging. Youโve probably noticed your body shape changes with age โ and how youโre able to handle body changes will make a HUGE difference in your emotional health.
Heads up! This post may contain affiliate links, which means I get a small commission if you make a purchase โ at no extra cost to you. I only recommend products I love and trust! Read my full disclosure here.

Hmm, how do I start this?
This is a pretty sensitive subject and can be triggering when you struggle with body image โ so I want to be gentleโฆ
If you feel like reading about female body changes isnโt for you, I totally understandโฆ
Having said that, if you want to improve your body image with Godโs grace AND gracefully, I encourage you to read through this post. Because being informed empowers you to embrace each stage with confidence, self-compassion, and peace.
When you understand whatโs happening to your body, youโre better equipped to take care of it, both physically and emotionally. This knowledge helps you view your female body changes not as threats โ but as natural โ God-given phases of life.
And with each stage, you have the blessing and opportunity to grow stronger in your faith and self-love โ knowing youโre fearfully and wonderfully made (Psalm 139:14) in every season of life.
In this post, youโll learn how the female body changes throughout your young years and all the way through your more mature stages of aging. And how to deal emotionally and spiritually with these not-so-welcomed body changes.
The Female Body Changes
A womanโs body change is 100% normal and EXPECTED. Change is part of your aging process. And the majority of women go through some kind of age-related physical change in their lives.
Be that as it mayโฆ
As someone who struggles with body image issues โ going through these female body changes is toughโฆ
But as challenging as it is, itโs also an opportunity for you to practice grace and self-compassion.
God intricately designed your body, and part of that design is to experience change throughout your aging processโฆ
And each change is a chapter in your story โ a chance to be grateful for your bodyโs incredible capabilities โ even when you donโt love how it looks.
Itโs all about shifting focus โ from appearance to appreciationโฆ
Remember this my beautiful friend: Youโre not just a body โ you have a story, and every stage of your bodyโs journey is a part of that unique narrative.
How Your Body Shape Changes with Age
Our bodies go through several phasesโฆ
Each with its own set of changes. And when you understand your bodyโs journey โ youโre more likely to be emotionally ready to deal with it with self-kindness and grace.
Hereโs an overview of the female body changesโฆ
Puberty
It usually starts between ages 8 to 13.
(Remember when you noticed your first period or when your breasts started to develop?)
You might noticeโฆ
- Breast development.
- Pubic hair and underarm hair growth.
- Your first menstrual period.
- A growth spurt in height and changes in body shape.
- Emotional changes: Youโre more self-conscious about your body.
Adulthood and Reproductive Years
In your 20s and 30s, your body is in its peak reproductive phase.
Changes includeโฆ
- Regular menstrual cycles.
- Possible pregnancy-related changes if you become pregnant.
- Change in weight and body shape.
- Emotional changes: Joy, anxiety, or frustration related to pregnancy, motherhood, and fertility issues.
- Accepting Godโs guidance and strength through unexpected changes.
Pregnancy
I donโt have children, so I canโt speak to the 40-week pregnancy experience firsthandโฆ
But I was pregnant (I had a miscarriage), and in the first trimester โ even before I had a baby bump โ my body changed significantly!
Pregnant women can experience a whirlwind of changes likeโฆ
- Morning sickness.
- Belly and breast growth.
- Skin changes, like stretch marks.
- Emotional Changes: Mood swings and emotional sensitivity because of hormonal changes. Excitement or fear (or both) about becoming a parent. Or, like me, the sadness of losing a pregnancy.
Overcome Your Body Image Strugglesโฆ
Download your FREE 18-page โBody Image Redefined Fast Trackโ so you can begin your life-transforming journey toward self-acceptance and embrace your identity as a cherished daughter of God TODAY!

Perimenopause
Heading into your late 40s or early 50s, youโll likely start perimenopause.
Itโs a time of change โ both physically and emotionally.
You might noticeโฆ
- Irregular periods.
- Hot flashes and night sweats.
- Trouble sleeping.
- Weight gain or changes in your body fat distribution (known as the middle age spread โ more on this later).
- Stress and frustration from all of the above!
Menopause
Hereโs a surprise โ menopause is technically just one day!
Itโs marked by the 365th day after your last and final menstrual period.
What to expect?
- Feeling relieved that menstrual periods and their symptoms are over.
- Mixed feelings about fertility and your youthful years.
- Itโs normal to think about aging now, especially with bone loss (osteoporosis), muscle mass loss (sarcopenia), and heart disease being part of aging.
- A shift towards more self-care โ a spiritual and personal evolution.
Post-Menopause
Once youโre past menopause, you enter a new normal for your body.
Hereโs what to expectโฆ
- Body parts start to go south ๐.
- Continued changes in bone and muscle strength.
- Shifts in heart health and an age-related increase in heart-related issues.
- Vaginal dryness.
- Potential high blood pressure.
- More changes in hormone levels.
Beyond the physical changes, post-menopause is also a time forโฆ
- Accepting this stage of life.
- Feeling good about getting through menopause.
- Being aware of aging-related issues, like changes in memory or chronic health conditions.
- Finding new freedom and trying out different hobbies and interests.
- Sharing your God-given wisdom.
๐ Explore Related Posts ๐
- 11 Tips on Overcoming Body Image Issues with Grace
- Best Full-Body โ Printable Resistance Band Workout
- 17 Tips on How to Deal with Bad Body Image Days
What age do womenโs bodies change the most?
Female body changes are the most recognizable at two main stages in lifeโฆ
Puberty โ typically starts between ages 8 and 13.
This is when the most noticeable physical transformations happen: breast development, the start of menstrual periods, growth spurts, and changes in body shape.
Perimenopause and Menopause โ usually begin in the late 40s to early 50s.
Hormonal changes during this time can cause another major shift. This can affect everything from bone density to body composition (the middle age spread).
The โMiddle Age Spreadโ
As you enter peri-menopause and postmenopause, your estrogen levels dip and your fat mass rises.
This change lets male hormones have a bit more say, leading to a shift in how your body handles fat โ hello, โmiddle age spreadโ!
This means you might see your waist getting wider. Itโs all part of the journey โ and totally a normal thing to happen.
As your body changes, remember thisโฆ
Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised.
Proverbs 31:30
Each phase is a natural part of life โ even with its unique challenges and experiences.
But hereโs the good newsโฆ
All these changes โ from the start of puberty to the menopause transition โare a normal part of being a woman. Your body is doing exactly what itโs supposed to do.
๐ Recommended Resources ๐
Check out all of the FREE Body Image Related Resources here!
Here are some tips to help you get through it with graceโฆ
5 Tips on How to Overcome Female Body Changes with Grace
- Cultivate a Grateful Heart: Start each day by thanking God for your body and its capabilities, no matter the changes. When you practice gratitude, your focus shifts from what you perceive is lacking to the blessings you do have.
- Stay Rooted in Scripture: Lean on scriptures that affirm your beauty and worth in Godโs eyes. These truths can be the perfect source of comfort and strength during times of change.
- Seek Support: Surround yourself with a community of God-seeking women who uplift and encourage one another. Sharing experiences can make your journey less daunting.
- Embrace Self-Compassion: Treat yourself with the same kindness and understanding youโd offer your bestie. Be gentle with your self-talk and remember that every change is part of your unique story.
- Stay Active in Faith and Body: Regular exercise, physical activity, strength training, or movement not only helps strengthen your bones, keep precious muscle mass, and maintain your health โ but also boosts your energy levels and mood. Pair this with regular prayer or meditation to nurture your body AND soul.
Practical Self-Care Tips for Female Body Changes
Self-care is about treating your entire body and mind with kindness and attention.
- Skin Care Routine: Adapt your skincare routine to address issues like dry-aging skin. Look for hydrating products with ingredients like hyaluronic acid or vitamin E to keep your skin nourished and glowing.
- Hair Care for Thinning Hair: Use gentle, volumizing hair products. Consider supplements like biotin, known to support hair health. These are the ones I personally use and recommend. (Iโm a retired hairstylist and educator .)
- Nutrition: Focus on a balanced and healthy diet โ rich in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, whole grains, plus your favorite goodies. Proper nutrition (AND treating yourself) plays an important role in feeling good inside and out.
- Gentle Exercise for Body Composition: Stretch and engage in exercises like yoga, Pilates, or resistance band workouts, which are excellent for older people. These help maintain muscle mass and can be beneficial for the lower back, overall mobility, and body composition.
- Hydration: Drinking enough water is crucial for maintaining skin elasticity and overall health. Aim for half of your weight in ounces per day.
- Pamper Yourself: Regularly set aside time for things that make you feel relaxed and happy, whether itโs a warm bath, reading a good book, or a walk in nature. Self-care is a way to honor the body God has given you.
- Address Menopausal Symptoms: If youโre experiencing symptoms like hot flashes or night sweats, consider lifestyle changes and discussions about hormone therapy with your doctor. Use products like these that make you more comfortable:
- A USB Chargeable Handheld Fan
- Beautiful & Comfortable Moisture Wicking Sheet Set
- Cooling Bras
- Insulated Stainless Steel Water Bottle
Remember, in every season of change, from the start of puberty to the menopause transition, hold onto the truth โ that you are a beloved daughter of God. In His eyes, you are perfect, and in every change, His love for you remains Godโs constant.
Heโs here with you through it all, guiding and comforting you. As your body goes through its natural rhythms and seasons, know that Godโs love and strength are steadfast.
His grace is sufficient for each stage of your journey. He offers peace and reassurance in the midst of these transitions.
The truth isโฆ
In all your ups and downs, whether you feel challenged or joyful, God is right there with you, supporting you with His unwavering love and care.
Now that you know all about the female body changes, you can begin to embrace each stage with grace and self-compassion. Remember, youโre beautifully evolving! With Christ, youโve got this!
My prayer for you is that my decades of experience with โ an all-consuming battle with distorted body image โ and self-worth struggles โ and how God has radically worked on my heart will bless and inspire you!
Youโre Invitedโฆ
You have an open invitation to binge on all of my posts โ written with Holy Spirit-inspired words and filled with love just for you โ my beautiful friend.
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Thank you for joining me on this journey. You are loved, precious, and wonderfully made.
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