Drexel Center for Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
Drexel Center for Women’s Health
219 North Broad Street, 6th floor
Philadelphia, PA 19107
T: 215-762-5181
F: 215-762-5176
Welcome to the Drexel Center for PCOS! Our Center is the first academic Center focusing on PCOS. Our physicians have diagnosed and treated hundreds of women with PCOS. Dr. Sherif is an internal medicine doctor who specializes in preventing and treating the complications of PCOS such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and diabetes. Our physicians have been featured in Woman’s Day, Ladies Home Journal, ABC, NBC and CBS Philadelphia stations, the Washington Post, and two segments on Mystery Diagnosis on the Discovery Health Channel.
Physicians:
Katherine Sherif, M.D., FACP, Director
Christine Soutendijk, M.D.
Shailaja Nair, M.D.
Office Manager:
Debra Fioravanti, MBA
T: 215-762-5185
E: Debra.Fioravanti@drexelmed.edu
PCOS Outreach Coordinator:
Ashley Tabeling
What is PCOS?
PCOS is a hormonal disorder characterized by
- Irregular periods
- Signs of high blood levels of male hormones like testosterone and DHEA-S
- Multiple small cysts on the ovaries
However, not all women have all three symptoms, and not all women have cysts on their ovaries. Most women with PCOS have insulin resistance, a condition in which insulin levels are high. The high insulin causes weight gain and causes the ovaries to produce high levels of male hormones. So it is a hormonal disorder of two kinds of hormones: sex hormones, like testosterone, and the hormone insulin.
How is PCOS diagnosed?
A history is taken, physical examination, blood tests, and possibly, transvaginal ultrasound
How is PCOS treated?
PCOS treatment depends on your goals:
- If you are trying to conceive, you may first want to see Dr. Minassian, an infertility specialist.
- If you are not trying to conceive, you may want to see Dr. Sherif.
- Since insulin resistance appears to be the underlying problem, treatment of the high insulin levels usually lowers testosterone and causes regular periods.
- We use insulin sensitizing medications to lower insulin, in conjunction with a low-calorie, low-carb diet and lots of exercise.
- Traditional treatment has consisted of the oral contraceptive pill, and many types of infertility treatments.
- Dr. Sherif and Dr. Minassian are also interested in complementary medicine and happy to work with you using acupuncture, herbs and supplements.
What will your visit be like?
Your first visit will be a long one – expect to be at our office for about two hours. We will take an extensive history and do a physical exam. You will have blood tests and possibly a vaginal ultrasound. We will explain the underlying causes of PCOS and what your treatment options are. We can refer you to nutritionists who specialize in PCOS.
Resources:
- Nutritionists specializing in PCOS:
- Monthly Support Group:
Location: Center for Women’s Health, 219 North Broad Street, 6th floor (across the street from Hahnemann University Hospital)
Dates: TBA
Time: 7pm
List of speakers
Contacts:
Ashley Tabeling
Jamie Salvucci
- Exercise physiology counseling
PCOS Studies: TBA
PCOS monthly newsletter: To subscribe, please send an e-mail message to Debra.Fioravanti@drexelmed.edu and put “Subscribe to Newsletter” in the subject line or body of message.
Appointments at the Drexel Center for Women’s Health: Call 215-762-5181 |