Christine Pennesi, MD

As a pediatric and adolescent gynecologist, I have the opportunity to provide medical and surgical gynecologic care for girls and young women. I am part of multidisciplinary teams caring for girls and young women with vulvar skin disorders, differences of sexual development, and Mullerian agenesis. As a gynecologist for young women, I specialize in contraception for individuals with complex medical histories, and menstrual management for those with heavy or irregular menstrual bleeding (including polycystic ovarian syndrome, or PCOS) as well as for those with developmental delay. I also care for young women with congenital Mullerian and hymenal anomalies.

Children and adolescents are inspiring and having the opportunity to care for them is rewarding. I appreciate the opportunity to provide care for my patients’ gynecologic needs in the context of the physical, psychological and social aspects of their health, and I enjoy collaborating with other disciplines to optimize patient care.

I provide care at Cincinnati Children’s main campus and at the Liberty campus. I specialize in the following treatments and conditions:

• Mullerian agenesis or Mayer-Rokitansky-Küster-Hauser syndrome (MRKH)
• Vulvar skin disorders such as lichen sclerosus
• Heavy or irregular menstrual bleeding
• Contraception
• Menstrual regulation and suppression
• Congenital Mullerian and hymenal anomalies
• Primary and secondary amenorrhea
• Polycystic ovarian syndrome
• Sexually transmitted infection testing and treatment

I also see patients as part of the differences in sexual development (DSD) team and in the combined clinic for pediatric vulvar skin disorders within the Division of Dermatology.

My research projects aim to improve the lives of young women with varied gynecologic conditions. The focus of my research has been to investigate pelvic floor symptoms in women with MRKH, identify effective treatments for heavy menstrual bleeding in young women with platelet disorders, and improve access to and availability of psychosocial support for individuals with MRKH and DSD.

In my free time, I love trying new restaurants, practicing yoga and watching Pittsburgh Penguins hockey!