The aim of the study was analysis of the effect of current or past health problems on the quality of life of women at peri- and postmenopausal age. Three standardized questionnaire forms were applied: WHOQOL-BREF, Women’s Health Questionnaire (WHQ) and SF-36, as well as a questionnaire designed by the author. In 2007, the questionnaires were mailed to 7,875 women aged 45-65, living in the Lublin Region. As many as 2,143 completed forms were returned (return rate 27.2 %). The data obtained were subject to statistical analysis. The results of the analysis indicated that current health problems, in a remarkably strong way, determined the quality of life of the females examined. Those who had no health problems enjoyed a significantly higher life quality than other respondents. Past health problems also had a very significant effect on the quality of life of women in the study and were associated with a significantly lower life quality. The quality of life of women who suffered from chronic diseases and those who due to their state of health had to take drugs constantly was considerably lower than among other respondents. A negative correlation was observed between the number of drugs taken constantly and respondents’ quality of life.