Navigating Midlife Health
Q & A with Dr. Taylor Hahn
Dr. Taylor Hahn is launching Via Women's Health Collective in Westfield, a direct care practice where she applies her expertise as a board-certified OB-GYN and certified menopause practitioner. Focused on comprehensive women's health with specialized midlife care, Dr. Hahn is creating a practice that prioritizes the provider-patient relationship with personalized attention.
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Q: As a board-certified OB-GYN, what led you to focus on women's midlife health?
A: Throughout my career, I've worked in various healthcare settings from the military to large hospital systems. Along the way, I discovered my passion really lies with the gynecologic portion of women's health that often goes dismissed and unnoticed. My passion for midlife care developed when I was the physician lead at a gynecology-only practice focused on menopause and sexual health. I fell in love with that type of work and seeing how much of a difference we could make in patients' lives. Q: What is Via Women's Health Collective and what services do you provide? A: We offer comprehensive women's health care with a focus on midlife care—perimenopause, menopause, and sexual health disorders. We specialize in addressing women's health concerns that often get overlooked in typical 10-minute primary care appointments. We're a direct care practice offering both membership options and single consultation rates, bringing the focus back to the provider-patient relationship where we have time to get to know you as a person, not just your appointment time. At Via, I'm joined by nurse practitioner Amy Kinnett and practice manager Kara Hardersen, both incredible professionals I worked with previously who share my vision for personalized women's healthcare. Q: What does the name "Via" represent in your practice philosophy? A: Via has origins in Latin meaning "by way of" or "path" and French “vie” meaning “life.” Our goal is to really walk with women on their life's path throughout their life's journey. We're focused on providing comprehensive women's health care that doesn't just address one specific stage but supports women throughout their lives. This name reflects our commitment to being guides and companions for women as they navigate the different health challenges and transitions they experience, rather than just treating isolated symptoms or conditions. Q: As a certified menopause practitioner, how is your approach different? A: Most OB-GYNs receive very little training on managing perimenopause and menopause during residency. The certification through the Menopause Society, which is internationally recognized as the expert body on evidence-based care for midlife women, shows my patients I'm not just trying to pump them full of hormone therapy that may or may not work. I'm really trying to help with longevity of life and provide care that we know is safe but also effective |
Q: What advice do you have for women navigating perimenopause and menopause?
A: First, focus on education. Social media can be a free resource, but be cautious as not all accounts are evidence-based. Second, when seeing your provider, come with a specific list of questions or symptoms you want addressed—this helps maximize limited appointment times. Third, if your provider dismisses your concerns or tells you it's just a normal part of life, continue to advocate for yourself. There's a reason you're having those symptoms, and it's not all in your head. Q: What symptoms might indicate it's time to see a menopause specialist? A: I suggest doing it sooner rather than later. At baseline, as women, we tend to function at a low level of misery and just say, "Well, this is how it's going to be." I love to have conversations about perimenopause and menopause before you're ever at that point of misery. Knowledge is power, and being prepared means when you start having random hot flashes or waking up soaking your bed sheets in sweat, you'll know what it is and what to do. Don't wait until it's so severe that it's affecting your daily life. Q: Why is continued gynecological care important throughout a woman's life, even after menopause? A: I often hear patients say "I'm done with menopause" as a reason for not continuing care with a specialist. I usually respond to that by reminding patients that they are "postmenopausal" for the rest of their lives, and there are numerous aspects to their overall health that are still important to address, including preventative care, bone and muscle health, and cardiovascular health. A part of those discussions is often concern for weight management and this is a common conversation I have as it affects so many aspects of life and longevity. I often tell my patients that my goal for them is "strong, not skinny" as I want them to have the strength, mobility, and resilience to last their lifetime! Via Women’s Health Collective is located at 17300 Westfield Boulevard, Suite 330, in Westfield, Indiana. To learn more, set up a free 15-minute consultation with Dr. Hahn, or schedule an appointment, visit viawomenshealth.com. Follow @taylorhahn.md and @viawomenshealth on Instagram for the latest news and information. |