Dr. Sherif made me feel very comfortable and optimistic about PCOS. Thanks.
Patient, October 2010
Welcome to the Drexel Center for Polycystic Ovary Syndrome!
Our Center, established in 2000, was the first academic center to address the needs of women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, or PCOS. Our physicians have treated hundreds of women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome.
Katherine Sherif, M.D., Director
Karen Berkowitz, M.D., Co-Director
What Is Polycystic Ovary Syndrome?
PCOS is a hormonal disorder characterized by:
- Irregular periods
- Signs of high blood levels of male hormones, such as heavy hair growth
- Hair thinning
- Cystic acne
- Excess sweating
- Weight gain
- Infertility
- Multiple small cysts on the ovaries
However, not all women have all symptoms. Most women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome have insulin resistance, which requires the body to produce more insulin to metabolize food. The high insulin in turn causes the ovaries to produce excess testosterone and weight gain. Weight gain and excess testosterone can negatively affect your blood pressure and cholesterol levels, and may lead to diabetes.
How Is Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Diagnosed?
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome is diagnosed by your medical history, physical examination, blood tests and transvaginal ultrasound.
How Is Polycystic Ovary Syndrome treated?
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome can be treated with a combination of good nutrition, physical activity, medications and supplements. Our doctors are also interested in complementary medicine and happy to work with you using acupuncture and herbs.
We will work with you to achieve your goals, whether your goals are treating hirsutism and other problems due to high levels of male hormones, losing weight, becoming pregnant or preventing diabetes and heart disease.
Conception with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
Our infertility specialist, Dr. Karen Berkowitz, is an expert in helping women with PCOS conceive.
Health and Wellbeing with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
Our internal medicine doctors can help you with issues not related to pregnancy:
Dr. Katherine Sherif
Dr. Shailaja Nair
Dr. Christine Soutendijk
What will your visit be like?
Your first visit for Polycystic Ovary Syndrome evaluation will be a long one – expect to be at our office 1-2 hours. We will take an extensive history and do a physical exam. You will have blood tests and possibly a vaginal ultrasound. We will discuss the causes of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, what your blood tests show and your treatment options.
Resources
Nutritionist specializing in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome:
Angela Grassi, MS, RD, LDN
www.PCOSnutrition.com
Tel: 484-252-9028
Support Groups
In Philadelphia:
www.meetup.com/philapcos/
World-wide:
www.pcos.meetup.com/
www.soulcysters.org
www.pcosupport.org
www.projectpcos.org
Our Physicians
Katherine Sherif, M.D.
Director, Drexel Center for Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
Primary Care, Internal Medicine, Polycystic Ovary Syndrome and Menopause
Karen Berkowitz, M.D.
Co-Director, Drexel Center for Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
Infertility and Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
Christina Lee Chung, M.D.
Skin Care and Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
Call 215-762-5181 for an appointment.
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