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Dr. Aviva Bracha Sopher, MD, MS is a physician provider in New York, NY specializing in physician, general pediatrics, endocrinology diabetes & metabolism and pediatric endocrinology. She graduated from New York University (NYU) School of Medicine. Dr. Aviva Bracha Sopher, MD, MS is affiliated with NewYork-Presbyterian, ColumbiaDoctors and CUIMC/NewYork-Presbyterian Morgan Stanley Children's Hospital.
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
Polycystic ovarian syndrome is a common endocrine disorder that causes symptoms such as acne, facial hair, and weight gain. It is often diagnosed when patients experience problems getting pregnant, because PCOS can interfere with ovulation. There is no cure for PCOS, but there are effective treatments that can lessen the severity of the symptoms.
Despite the name, not everyone with polycystic ovarian syndrome develops cysts on their ovaries. It is also possible to have ovarian cysts without having PCOS. The symptoms of polycystic ovarian syndrome are actually related to insulin resistance, a condition where the insulin made by the body is not effectively recognized by the cells. This causes the pancreas to release higher levels of insulin in order to keep blood sugar levels stable, and the excess insulin interferes with hormone production in the pituitary and ovaries, causing the PCOS symptoms.
The symptoms of PCOS include:
PCOS is a syndrome, which means that if patients have PCOS, they might not have each and every symptom. Even a few of them might be enough to have physicians check for polycystic ovarian syndrome. A doctor might perform an exam and order blood tests to measure hormone levels.
Treatment for PCOS may include:
Polycystic ovarian syndrome is one of the most common endocrine disorders affecting women. Left untreated, it can increase the risk of diabetes, heart disease, and certain cancers. Fortunately there are many good treatment options available.
Thyroid Problems
Thyroid problems are a group of conditions that alter hormone regulation and metabolism. The thyroid is a small, butterfly-shaped gland located in the lower neck, just below the Adam's apple (laryngeal prominence) and larynx (voice box). Despite its small size, the thyroid has an outsized effect on the body by regulating hormones that control metabolism. Metabolism is the body's process of converting consumed food into fuel to power the entire body. Heart rate, weight, cholesterol, body temperature, and even physical growth and development are all affected by the metabolism.
When the thyroid malfunctions, the body is unable to properly process and allocate energy. Thyroid problems, such as hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid) and hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid), cause irregular metabolism. In some cases, the body produces antibodies that attack the thyroid cells for unknown reasons. The damaged thyroid responds by releasing either too little or too much T3 and T4 thyroid hormones. Thyroid malfunctions may also arise from genetic causes or iodine deficiency. Thyroid problems may include:
Hashimoto's is the leading cause of hypothyroidism, which is when the thyroid does not produce enough hormones to stimulate adequate metabolism. The condition is diagnosed by blood tests that measure TSH (thyroid stimulating hormone) and detect Hashimoto's antibodies. Symptoms of hypothyroidism include sluggish metabolism, inflammation, fatigue, weight gain, brittle hair, dry skin, and sensitivity to cold. To supplement impaired thyroid function, patients with Hashimoto's are typically prescribed synthetic thyroid hormone pills. Such patients may need to consume synthetic thyroids for the rest of their lives. Other treatments may include dietary changes, such as the avoidance of certain foods and medication to reduce inflammation. Frequent blood tests can inform patients if their TSH levels are within a normal range.
Grave's disease is most frequently the cause of hyperthyroidism, which is when the thyroid produces too many hormones, overstimulating one's metabolism. The condition is also diagnosed by blood tests that measure TSH and detect Grave's antibodies. Elevated heart rate, high blood pressure, sweating, bulging eyes, and weight loss are common symptoms of hyperthyroidism. Treatments for hyperthyroidism include oral radioactive iodine, which slowly shrinks the thyroid, slowing the production of excess thyroid hormone. Other anti-thyroid medications such as methimazole (Tapazole) also reduce the production of thyroid hormones. Blood pressure medications known as beta blockers can ease the increased heart rate caused by hyperthyroidism. If treatments are unsuccessful, patients may be prescribed a thyroidectomy, or surgery to remove part or all of the thyroid. Some patients with hyperthyroidism may require ophthalmological (eye medicine) treatments such as eye drops, prednisone, and surgery to reduce eye swelling and bulging.
Untreated thyroid disorders frequently lead to goiters or thyroid nodules. A thyroid goiter is a large lump that can be felt near the base of the neck and is made of swollen thyroid tissue or nodules (excess cell growth). Nodules and goiters are diagnosed by CT scan or ultrasound. Obstructive goiters can cause pain, coughing, and abnormal breathing. The most common cause of goiters is hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid). However, Hashimoto's is also known to cause goiters or nodules. Goiters develop from continued damage from antibodies to the thyroid over time. At times, a goiter can result from a cancerous thyroid tumor. Most goiters and nodules are themselves benign.
The exact causes of thyroid cancer are unknown. People who develop thyroid cancer may or may not have another thyroid problem such as Hashimoto's or Grave's disease. Symptoms of thyroid cancer include a nodule that can be felt on the neck, hoarseness, difficulty swallowing, swelling in the neck, and neck and throat pain. CT and MRI scans are used to diagnose thyroid cancer. There are four types of thyroid cancer which vary in intensity. Thyroidectomy (thyroid removal surgery) is usually prescribed to treat thyroid cancer.
Thyroid problems are often long-term conditions that require some form of treatment. With regular monitoring and medication, many people with thyroid problems are able to lead active and fulfilling lives.
Dr. Aviva Bracha Sopher, MD, MS graduated from New York University (NYU) School of Medicine. She completed residency at Jacobi Medical Center. She is certified by the Board Certification: pediatrics and has a state license in New York.
Medical School: New York University (NYU) School of Medicine
Residency: Jacobi Medical Center
Board Certification: Board Certification: pediatrics
Licensed In: New York
Dr. Aviva Bracha Sopher, MD, MS appears to accept the following insurance providers: VNSNY CHOICE, CIGNA, Healthspring (Cigna Medicare), Local 1199, Empire Blue Cross/Blue Shield, Emblem/GHI, ElderServe, Medicare, Affinity Health Plan, Amida Care, UnitedHealthcare, Empire Blue Cross Blue Shield Healthplus, Emblem/Hip, Fidelis Care, MVP Health Care, WellCare, World Trade Center Health Plan, Magnacare (National), AETNA, Multiplan, Healthfirst, MultiPlan, United Healthcare PPO, United Healthcare POS, United Healthcare HMO, Aetna POS, MVP Health Care, MagnaCare, Vytra, Great-West Healthcare, Healthfirst, Aetna EPO, Aetna PPO, Aetna HMO, GHI PPO, Group Health Incorporated (GHI), Aetna Signature Administrators, CIGNA PPO, CIGNA POS, CIGNA HMO, CIGNA EPO, EmblemHealth, WellCare, Medicaid Managed Care, Blue Shield PPO, Blue Shield HMO, Blue Shield EPO, HealthSpring, UnitedHealthcare, Affinity Health Plan, United Healthcare, Medicare, Medicaid, Railroad Medicare, Cigna, 1199SEIU, Oxford HMO, Fidelis Care, HIP PPO, HIP POS, HIP EPO, HIP HMO, Empire BlueCross BlueShield HMO, Empire BlueCross BlueShield PPO, Empire BlueCross BlueShield, Aetna, Healthfirst - Leaf (Exchange), ElderServe - Special Needs, AETNA - Student Health, MVP Health Care - Child/Family Health Plus, Healthfirst - Child/Family Health Plus, Empire Blue Cross - EPO, AETNA - NY Signature, Amida Care - Special Needs, AETNA - Medicare Managed Care, Healthfirst - Medicare Managed Care, VNSNY CHOICE - SelectHealth, VNSNY CHOICE - Medicare Managed Care, MVP Health Care - Essential Plan, World Trade Center Health Plan - World Trade Center Health Plan, Medicare - Traditional Medicare, VNSNY CHOICE - Special Needs and MVP Health Care - HMO.
According to our sources, Dr. Aviva Bracha Sopher, MD, MS accepts the following insurance providers:
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I am a pediatric endocrinologist with interests that include polycysytic ovary syndrome (PCOS), bone health, disorders of puberty, thyroid disorders, pituitary disorders and growth disorders. In addition to my training in pediatrics and pediatric endocrinology, I have Master of Science degrees in Nutrition (1999) and in Patient Oriented Research (2014) and have completed a research fellowship at the Body Composition Unit of Columbia University Medical Center (2003). I comleted the TRANSFORM KL2 program sponsored by the Irving Institute of Clinical and Translational Research, a mentored career development program. My responsibilites include my clinical practice, overseeing clinical and research fellows, mentoring students, and running a clinical study. I have been certified as a clinical densitometrist by the International Society of Clinical Densitometry and interpret pediatric bone mineral density studies performed at Columbia University Irving Medical Center. My research project, “A double-blind placebo-controlled randomized clinical trial assessing the efficacy of metformin for hepatic fat in adolescents and young adults with polycystic ovary syndrome” has the primary goal of exploring the use of novel and noninvasive testing and a pilot double-blind placebo-controlled trial of metformin with the intention of identifying and potentially treating non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in adolescents and young adults with PCOS. My research is unique in that it uses minimally invasive body composition methodology, which makes it particularly attractive for use in adolescents and young adults. My overall clinical research goal is early identification and treatment of metabolic and body composition abnormalities associated with PCOS and to prevent lifelong morbidity associated with this disorder in a young population
