Pediatric Gynecology Program

We provide treatment for gynecological care needs including:

• Menstrual concerns
• Pelvic pain
• Endometriosis
• Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS)
• Early or delayed puberty
• Contraception

We provide surgical management for conditions such as:

• Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS)
• Ovarian masses
• Ovarian torsion
• Vulvar trauma
• Hymenal abnormalities
• Congenital anomalies of the reproductive tract

We provide fertility preservation counseling and hormone replacement therapy for patients at risk for – or experiencing – ovarian failure.

In addition, our pediatric gynecology specialists collaborate with providers throughout Children’s National to provide care in a variety of programs and services. This includes the care of children with:

• Endocrinopathies
• Anemia caused by menstrual bleeding
• Vulvar lesions
• Anorectal malformations

Children's National is the only hospital in the Washington, D.C., area participating in the Oncofertility Consortium, an interdisciplinary research network of doctors, scientists and scholars with a shared goal to preserve fertility options for cancer survivors. We are one of the few hospitals nationwide with an Institutional Review Board (IRB) approved process for ovarian tissue freezing (cryopreservation), a fertility preservation option for young women which has now been deemed not experimental. We work closely with Shady Grove Fertility for girls who qualify for egg freezing.

Led by Jacqueline Maher, M.D., our team works closely with the Oncology team and Blood and Marrow Transplant team. We see patients with cancer, sickle cell disease, thalassemia and other disorders requiring gonadotoxic treatment. The Pediatric Gynecology team offers full counseling for patients, educating and empowering families to make informed decisions about treatment. Children's National doctors explain the age-appropriate options for fertility preservation so we can help protect patient choices about starting a family in the future. We also follow patients long term for premature ovarian insufficiency, hormone replacement, puberty induction and vulvar-vaginal graft vs. host disease. 

The Consortium also created SaveMyFertility, an online resource for patients and parents about the initiative and how to participate in related research. In addition, the site provides links to a wide range of national and local resources, including forums for patients and families affected by cancer to chat, share their personal stories and help one another.

Hours and Appointments

Appointments are coordinated after referral from the primary oncologist or physician. Hematology and Oncology teams can contact our team.

Children's National offers one of the few programs in the nation dedicated exclusively to the care of teens with menorrhagia. Children's Menorrhagia Service brings together all of the necessary specialists, all in one place, for diagnosis and treatment of young women with this condition.

Our experience as a children's hospital also provides us with insight into how menorrhagia can impact a young woman's life, whether it's hanging out with friends, playing sports or going to school. We listen to a patient's concerns, and our team works individually with each young woman to develop a personal treatment plan that helps her return to her usual activities — and enjoy being a teenager. 

Nicole Verdun, M.D., with Hematology at Children's National, coordinates the menorrhagia service with Tazim Dowlut-McElroy, M.D., a pediatric and adolescent gynecologist from Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development.

Patients also have access to pediatric specialists in more than 40 disciplines at Children's National, so you know your daughter will always receive the most appropriate care to help her manage her condition and avoid complications.

Hours and Appointments

Menorrhagia appointments can be scheduled for the first and third Tuesday afternoon of each month by calling 202-476-7060.