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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

    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.

    Learn more on Studyfinder

    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.

    Learn more on Studyfinder

    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.

    Learn more on Studyfinder

  • 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.

    Learn more on Studyfinder

  • 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

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.

Learn more on Studyfinder

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.

Learn more on Studyfinder

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.

Learn more on Studyfinder

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.

Learn more on Studyfinder

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.

Hear from other participants

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.

Learn more about Beckie’s story

Meet the team

Study leaders

Richard S. Legro, MD
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
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
William Dodson, MD
Professor, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology
Division of Reproductive Endocrinology & Infertility
Learn more about Dr. Dodson

Stephanie Estes, MD
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
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

Important study information

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.

Contact

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:

This research has been approved by the Institutional Review Board, under federal regulations at Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center and Penn State College of Medicine as IRB #10252.