New - Penn Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Center

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a common hormonal disorder among women of reproductive age that can interfere with ovulation and affect a woman’s ability to become pregnant. Women with PCOS are at a higher risk for diabetes, hypertension, metabolic syndrome, depression and cardiovascular disease. In all, an estimated seven to eight percent of women ages 15 to 45 years (five to seven million women) suffer from the effects of this condition in the United States alone.

The Penn Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) Center is now available to assist women in managing their PCOS symptoms and related health conditions. The center takes a team approach to provide individualized care. We understand that no two cases of PCOS are exactly alike and work closely with each patient to determine the best treatment plan. Led by Anuja Dokras, MD, PhD, the Center also conducts clinical trials and research to establish new and effective ways to treat the condition.

A physician at Penn Fertility Care, Dr. Dokras was the former director of the Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Clinic at the University of Iowa’s division of reproductive endocrinology and infertility.  Dr. Dokras received tremendous positive feedback about the program from her patients in Iowa. Upon relocating and becoming a staff member at Penn Fertility Care, she decided to establish a similar facility for patients in the Philadelphia region.

The Penn PCOS Center offers patients a multidisciplinary approach to treatment. Patients have access to a variety of services including hormonal treatment for PCOS, fertility treatment, weight management, nutrition services, and coming soon, laser hair removal to manage the excessive hair growth associated with PCOS. In addition, because PCOS can impact other health conditions, the center works in conjunction with a variety of Penn programs including cardiology, endocrinology, psychology and dermatology to name a few.  The patients also have the opportunity to participate in research trials.

In addition to providing comprehensive clinical care for this complex syndrome, the Penn PCOS Center plays a major role in advancing research. Dr. Dokras stated, “When patients enjoy the benefits of a multidisciplinary center, they are also eager to participate in clinical trials in hopes that the information gained from the trials will someday lead to better PCOS therapies or a cure.”

Unfortunately, PCOS often goes undiagnosed because of its many inexplicable and seemingly unrelated symptoms.

PCOS symptoms may include:

• Irregular, scanty or absent menstrual periods
• Increased levels of male hormones
• Excess hair growth (hirsutism)
• Acne
• Obesity or weight gain
• Asymptomatic ovarian cysts (usually seen on ultrasound)
• Insulin resistance
• Infertility
• High blood pressure (readings over 140/90)
• Male pattern baldness
• Dark patches of skin on back of neck, under arms, groin
• Depression

PCOS may have a genetic component, but currently the exact cause is unknown. Treatment for the condition may vary according to whether the patient desires pregnancy or not. A number of symptoms and complications associated with PCOS improve with weight loss. For those women who would like to conceive, options include weight loss and the use of drugs to induce ovulation. Women who do not wish to become pregnant may be treated with medications, such as oral contraceptives, spironolactone and metformin.

If you have PCOS, you can take control and improve your health. For more information, to make an appointment, or to participate in a clinical trial call 800-789-PENN (7366).

Related Links:

• What is PCOS? Learn more about the condition's symptoms, diagnosis and treatment options.
• Penn Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Center
• Current PCOS related clinical trials
• PCOS Health Encyclopedia article

	Need an appointment? Request one online 24 hours/day, 7 days/week or call 800-789-PENN (7366) to speak to a referral counselor.