Revolutionizing Midlife Health: Telehealth Support for Women at Every Stage

Offering virtual face-to-face access to experts in women’s midlife health care from the comfort of home

Based out of the Gynecology Clinic at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center,
the WMTC provides expert care tailored to managing menopause-related symptoms,
while also addressing preventive health services and offering educational resources
to optimize overall wellness. (U.S. Air Force photo by Joseph Coslett) 

January 23, 2025 by Vivian Mason

For many women, midlife represents a period of significant transition, often accompanied by both biological and psychological challenges. Symptoms like hot flashes, night sweats, palpitations, "brain fog," difficulty sleeping, migraines, mood fluctuations, and genitourinary concerns can emerge during menopause. This phase is highly individual, with the potential onset of chronic health conditions such as cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure, obesity, and osteoporosis. While menopause typically begins between ages 45 and 55, it can vary widely for each woman.

To address these complexities, the Women’s Midlife Telehealth Clinic (WMTC) offers a virtual haven for women navigating midlife changes. Based out of the Gynecology Clinic at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center (WRNMMC), the WMTC provides expert care tailored to managing menopause-related symptoms, while also addressing preventive health services and offering educational resources to optimize overall wellness. The clinic unites specialists from the Uniformed Services University (USU) and WRNMMC to advance women’s health care.

“The Women’s Midlife Telehealth Clinic is a telehealth service that leverages the My Military Health Scheduled Virtual Visits platform,” explains Dr. Catherine Witkop, associate dean for Medical Education and professor of Preventive Medicine and Gynecologic Surgery & Obstetrics at USU. “Patients can meet with providers via live video from any internet-connected device, offering convenient access to expert care.”

The WMTC employs a shared decision-making model, emphasizing collaboration between patients and providers. This approach ensures that treatment plans align with each patient’s values, preferences, and health goals, while incorporating the latest medical evidence.

“Midlife is a time of significant physical changes that can impact a woman’s health for years to come,” notes Witkop. “This clinic allows us to meet women where they are and address their unique concerns.”

Menopausal/midlife changes can be complex and women may seek this care from many different clinicians, including gynecologists, nurse practitioners, and family medicine or internal medicine physicians. The WMTC was established as a grassroots effort by passionate clinicians to ensure that women in midlife receive comprehensive, tailored care from experts with specialized training and experience.

Top row left to right: Dr. Katerina Shvartsman, Dr. Lindsey Borgia, Dr. Jill Brown.
Bottom row left to right: Dr. Catherine Witkop, Dr. Monica Lutgendorf.
(Photo credit: Tom Balfour, USU)

Operational since June 2024, the WMTC’s team includes four Menopause Society Certified Practitioners from USU: Dr. Lindsey Borgia, Dr. Jill Brown, Dr. Katerina Shvartsman, and Dr. Catherine Witkop. These providers offer initial virtual intake appointments lasting 60 minutes, during which they review symptoms, take thorough medical histories, discuss treatment options, and create customized care plans in partnership with patients. Follow-up appointments are scheduled as needed to address ongoing concerns and adjust care plans.

The WMTC’s telehealth format offers numerous advantages, including accessibility, convenience, privacy, and proactive health management. Virtual appointments are often available sooner than in-person visits, making it easier for patients to receive timely care. Referrals to the clinic can be made through the WRNMMC Gynecology Clinic by specifying menopause or midlife concerns in the consult.

“Ultimately, our goal is to provide comprehensive, patient-centered care that’s accessible to everyone,” says Witkop. The long-term vision for the WMTC is to expand this telehealth model across the Military Health System, offering midlife care to service members and their families nationwide.

A key objective of the WMTC is to counteract widespread misinformation about menopause and midlife health. Providers focus on delivering evidence-based care and educating patients about preventive measures and lifestyle changes that can positively impact long-term health. “We’re committed to close follow-up with our patients,” explains Witkop. “This level of attention is essential to ensuring optimal health outcomes.”

Dr. Monica Lutgendorf, chair of the Department of Gynecologic Surgery & Obstetrics at USU, underscores the clinic’s innovative approach. “This program leverages technology and personalized medicine to increase access to high-quality midlife healthcare,” she says. “It has the potential to improve lives and benefit the military community. We’re eager to study the effects of this care on individual well-being and military readiness.”

Much more research needs to be performed regarding women’s midlife health and menopause.  However, for now, the WMTC provides an opportunity to help midlife and menopausal women not only manage disruptive symptoms that occur, but also help women thrive, thus optimizing health as they move into the postmenopausal season of life.