The background image is Young woman leans against sofa and looks at laptop
Innovative research and compassionate care come together for women’s health.
Thank you for your interest in research studies in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Penn State College of Medicine. Our expert team provides women across the commonwealth with the latest technologies and treatments through clinical trials.
Please use the links below to explore our available clinical trials and contact the study team.
Explore OB/GYN research
Available clinical trials
Search below for available studies and learn more on Studyfinder or reach out to the study team directly at 717-531-0003, x320358 or OBGYNResearch@pennstatehealth.psu.edu.
General women's health
General women’s health
We do not have any studies in this category at this time. Please visit Studyfinder.psu.edu for more research opportunities or contact our team at 717-531-0003, x320358 and OBGYNResearch@pennstatehealth.psu.edu.
Currently Pregnant
Currently Pregnant
We do not have any studies in this category at this time. Please visit Studyfinder.psu.edu for more research opportunities or contact our team at 717-531-0003, x320358 and OBGYNResearch@pennstatehealth.psu.edu.
Endometriosis
Endometriosis
Endometriosis diagnosis using microRNA: Prospective study in women to allow early disease recognition (EMPOWER)
This is a multi-center, observational study, the results of which will be used to support marketing for the intended use of the DotEndo investigational diagnostic. DotEndo is a non-invasive in vitro diagnostic test that measures levels of circulating miRNA biomarkers in whole blood. The DotEndo blood test will use a distinct classifier algorithm, based on levels of disease-specific miRNAs, to aid in the diagnosis of active endometriosis disease.A randomized controlled pilot study of the use of cannabidiol in the management of endometriosis pain
This study is looking at the effects of cannabidiol (CBD) in patients with endometriosis. CBD may improve both pain and quality of life. The study will last a total of 12 weeks and involve several onsite visits in addition to daily pain assessments.A Phase 3b study to evaluate the safety and efficacy of elagolix in combination with combined oral contraceptives in premenopausal women with documented endometriosis and associated moderate to severe pain
18 month trial of elagolix and combined oral contraceptives for women with moderate to severe endometriosis related pain.Fibroids
Fibroids
We do not have any studies in this category at this time. Please visit Studyfinder.psu.edu for more research opportunities or contact our team at 717-531-0003, x320358 and OBGYNResearch@pennstatehealth.psu.edu.
Painful, irregular or heavy periods
Painful, irregular or heavy periods
We do not have any studies in this category at this time. Please visit Studyfinder.psu.edu for more research opportunities or contact our team at 717-531-0003, x320358 and OBGYNResearch@pennstatehealth.psu.edu.
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
Inositol supplementation to treat polycystic ovary syndrome (INSUPP-PCOS)
This study will help researchers discover how a nutritional supplement called Inositol can help manage polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) symptoms.
Learn more on StudyfinderCOMET-PCOS
Comparing the effects of oral contraceptive pills versus metformin in the medical management of overweight and obese women with polycystic ovary syndrome.
Learn more on StudyfinderPregnancy loss
Pregnancy loss
Large-Scale Genome Sequencing and Integrative Analyses to Define Genomic Predictors of Recurrent Pregnancy Loss (GPRPL)
This is a multi-site clinical trial that will perform genome sequencing and other bioinformatic analyses to determine if there are changes in genetic code that are associated with an increased risk of Recurrent Pregnancy Loss.Unexplained Infertility
Unexplained Infertility
We do not have any studies in this category at this time. Please visit Studyfinder.psu.edu for more research opportunities or contact our team at 717-531-0003, x320358 and OBGYNResearch@pennstatehealth.psu.edu.
- General women's health
- Currently Pregnant
- Endometriosis
- Fibroids
- Painful, irregular or heavy periods
- Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
- Pregnancy loss
- Unexplained Infertility
General women’s health
We do not have any studies in this category at this time. Please visit Studyfinder.psu.edu for more research opportunities or contact our team at 717-531-0003, x320358 and OBGYNResearch@pennstatehealth.psu.edu.
Currently Pregnant
We do not have any studies in this category at this time. Please visit Studyfinder.psu.edu for more research opportunities or contact our team at 717-531-0003, x320358 and OBGYNResearch@pennstatehealth.psu.edu.
Endometriosis
Endometriosis diagnosis using microRNA: Prospective study in women to allow early disease recognition (EMPOWER)
This is a multi-center, observational study, the results of which will be used to support marketing for the intended use of the DotEndo investigational diagnostic. DotEndo is a non-invasive in vitro diagnostic test that measures levels of circulating miRNA biomarkers in whole blood. The DotEndo blood test will use a distinct classifier algorithm, based on levels of disease-specific miRNAs, to aid in the diagnosis of active endometriosis disease.
A randomized controlled pilot study of the use of cannabidiol in the management of endometriosis pain
This study is looking at the effects of cannabidiol (CBD) in patients with endometriosis. CBD may improve both pain and quality of life. The study will last a total of 12 weeks and involve several onsite visits in addition to daily pain assessments.
A Phase 3b study to evaluate the safety and efficacy of elagolix in combination with combined oral contraceptives in premenopausal women with documented endometriosis and associated moderate to severe pain
18 month trial of elagolix and combined oral contraceptives for women with moderate to severe endometriosis related pain.
Fibroids
We do not have any studies in this category at this time. Please visit Studyfinder.psu.edu for more research opportunities or contact our team at 717-531-0003, x320358 and OBGYNResearch@pennstatehealth.psu.edu.
Painful, irregular or heavy periods
We do not have any studies in this category at this time. Please visit Studyfinder.psu.edu for more research opportunities or contact our team at 717-531-0003, x320358 and OBGYNResearch@pennstatehealth.psu.edu.
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
Inositol supplementation to treat polycystic ovary syndrome (INSUPP-PCOS)
This study will help researchers discover how a nutritional supplement called Inositol can help manage polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) symptoms.
Learn more on Studyfinder
COMET-PCOS
Comparing the effects of oral contraceptive pills versus metformin in the medical management of overweight and obese women with polycystic ovary syndrome.
Learn more on Studyfinder
Pregnancy loss
Large-Scale Genome Sequencing and Integrative Analyses to Define Genomic Predictors of Recurrent Pregnancy Loss (GPRPL)
This is a multi-site clinical trial that will perform genome sequencing and other bioinformatic analyses to determine if there are changes in genetic code that are associated with an increased risk of Recurrent Pregnancy Loss.
Unexplained Infertility
We do not have any studies in this category at this time. Please visit Studyfinder.psu.edu for more research opportunities or contact our team at 717-531-0003, x320358 and OBGYNResearch@pennstatehealth.psu.edu.
Beckie’s Story: Finding Answers for Herself, Other Women
Beckie Bomberger has polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), a hormonal disorder that affects one in ten women of childbearing age and causes infrequent or prolonged menstrual cycles and/or excess male hormone levels.
Few treatments exist for PCOS, so Bomberger sought the care of an expert: Dr. Richard Legro, chair of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Penn State College of Medicine and Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, home of more than 700 clinical trials in central Pennsylvania. She chose Legro for his nationally recognized expertise in PCOS care and research. He leads and participates in several clinical trials seeking new treatments for the disease.
“Although I was hesitant about participating in a clinical trial, the research staff’s knowledge, attention to detail and care encouraged me to join,” said Bomberger, who is participating in her third clinical trial since she became a patient of Legro’s almost two years ago.
Study leaders
Richard S. Legro, MD
Chair, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology
Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology and Public Health SciencesDr. Richard Legro is has a long-standing interest in all aspects of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), the most common endocrinopathy in women. His studies have focused on the diagnosis, treatment and genetic/environmental causes of PCOS, as well as on improving infertility diagnosis and treatment.
Learn more about Dr. Legro
Samantha Butts, MD, MSCE
Vice Chair of Education and Professor, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology
Chief, Division of Reproductive Endocrinology & InfertilityDr. Samantha Butts is a reproductive epidemiologist whose clinical research efforts have primarily focused on determinants of fertility treatment outcome, early pregnancy loss and reproductive aging.
Learn more about Dr. Butts
William Dodson, MD
Professor, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology
Division of Reproductive Endocrinology & Infertility
Learn more about Dr. Dodson
Stephanie Estes, MD
Professor, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology
Division of Reproductive Endocrinology & InfertilityDr. Estes is a fertility specialist and reproductive surgeon. She has a research focus in the areas of endometriosis and uterine fibroids. Dr. Estes also has an interest in innovation and the continued growth of minimally invasive surgery options and robotic surgery.
Learn more about Dr. Estes
Kristin Riley, MD
Assistant Professor, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology
Interim Chief, Division of Minimally Invasive Gynecologic SurgeryDr. Kristin Riley is a minimally invasive gynecologic surgeon who is interested in endometriosis, chronic pelvic pain and uterine fibroids. She is also interested in peri-operative care, ERAS pathways and optimization of surgical outcomes.
Learn more about Dr. Riley
- Eligible participants may be randomly assigned to a treatment group or placebo group, like the flip of a coin, and investigational treatment is not guaranteed.
Participation may include compensation. - Study participants are responsible for attending assigned clinic visits in Hershey, Pa.
- Read our clinical research FAQs.
- Become a healthy volunteer.
- See latest Penn State Health and Penn State College of Medicine clinical research news.
The research team has taken several steps to keep research participants safe.
This includes:
- Conducting research visits remotely (from home) when possible.
- Practicing social distancing and using appropriate personal protective equipment (masks, face shields, gloves) during in-person research visits.
- Screening prior to all in-person research visits, including temperature checks for all employees and participants.
- Sanitation of all research spaces and equipment.
The background image is McMonagle speaks to a clinical trial patient
For more information
If you have any questions or are interested in participating, please contact the study team:
- Phone: 717-531-0003, x320358
- Email: OBGYNResearch@pennstatehealth.psu.edu