Information

Related Research Units

Adolescent and Young Adult Medicine Research
Gynecology Research

Research Overview

Current research:

  • Boston Center for Endometriosis: Working together with researchers from Brigham and Women’s Hospital, our team is compiling the largest database and biorepository of adolescents and young adults with endometriosis in the United States. We will utilize these data to learn more about the etiology of endometriosis, appropriate therapies, and prognostic information for the future. Dr. DiVasta is also conducting clinical trials investigating new therapies for endometriosis.
  • Bone health in girls: Dr. DiVasta is studying skeletal health in girls with anorexia nervosa and completed a clinical trial using mechanical stimulation delivered via a vibrating platform to try to prevent the bone loss so commonly seen in patients with malnutrition.

Research Background

Dr. DiVasta received an MD from Tufts University School of Medicine and an MMSc from the Harvard Medical School/Harvard School of Public Health. Awards include the Huffman Capraro Award for Excellence in Research (Young Investigator Award) from the North American Society for Pediatric and Adolescent Gynecology (2006) and the Von L. Meyer Award (2003).

Selected Publications

  1. 2013. DiVasta AD, Feldman HA, Sadler J, and Missmer SA. Quality of Life in Adolescents Beginning Depot Leuprolide for Treatment of Endometriosis. Platform Oral Research Presentation, Pediatric Academic Society National Meeting.
  2. Youngster M, Laufer MR, and DiVasta AD. Endometriosis for the primary care physician. Current Opin Ped 2013; 25(4): 454-462. PMID 23817302
  3. DiVasta AD, Laufer MR, and Gordon CM. Preservation of bone mineral density in adolescents treated with GnRH agonists and add-back therapy for endometriosis. J Pediatr Adolesc Gynecol 2007; 20:293-7. 
  4. DiVasta AD and Laufer MR. The use of gonadotropin releasing hormone analogues in adolescent and young patients with endometriosis. Current Opin Ob Gyn 2013; 25(4): 287-292. PMID 23770813

Education

Undergraduate School

Wellesley College
1995 Wellesley MA

Medical School

Tufts University School of Medicine
1999 Boston MA

Internship

Lucile S. Packard Children's Hospital at Stanford
2000 Palo Alto CA

Residency

Lucile S. Packard Children's Hospital at Stanford
2002 Palo Alto CA

Fellowship

Boston Children's Hospital
Boston MA

Graduate School

MS, Clinical Investigation Harvard School of Public Health
2006 Boston MA

Publications

  1. Continuation of the Levonorgestrel-Releasing Intrauterine Device Among Adolescents With Endometriosis. J Pediatr Adolesc Gynecol. 2025 Feb; 38(1):85-88. View Abstract
  2. Low-Magnitude Mechanical Signals to Preserve Skeletal Health in Female Adolescents With Anorexia Nervosa: A Randomized Clinical Trial. JAMA Netw Open. 2024 Oct 01; 7(10):e2441779. View Abstract
  3. Contraception in Medically Complex Adolescents and Young Adults. Open Access J Contracept. 2024; 15:69-83. View Abstract
  4. Telemedicine for Adolescent and Young Adult Long-Acting Reversible Contraception Post-insertion Visits: Outcomes over 1 Year. J Pediatr Adolesc Gynecol. 2024 Aug; 37(4):438-443. View Abstract
  5. Subgroups of pelvic pain are differentially associated with endometriosis and inflammatory comorbidities: a latent class analysis. Pain. 2024 Sep 01; 165(9):2119-2129. View Abstract
  6. Laparoscopically confirmed endometriosis and anti-Müllerian hormone levels: Findings from the Nurses' Health Study II. Maturitas. 2024 May; 183:107969. View Abstract
  7. Relationship between long-acting reversible contraception and acne in a cohort of adolescents and young adults. Pediatr Dermatol. 2024 Jul-Aug; 41(4):628-634. View Abstract
  8. Differences in characteristics and use of complementary and alternative methods for coping with endometriosis-associated acyclic pelvic pain across adolescence and adulthood. Front Reprod Health. 2023; 5:1306380. View Abstract
  9. Adolescent and young adult long-acting reversible contraception post-insertion visit attendance before and after COVID-19. Int J Adolesc Med Health. 2024 Feb 01; 36(1):55-60. View Abstract
  10. Associations between nutritional intake, stress and hunger biomarkers, and anxiety and depression during the treatment of anorexia nervosa in adolescents and young adults. Eat Behav. 2023 Dec; 51. View Abstract
  11. Continuation rates of hormonal intrauterine devices in adolescents and young adults when placed for contraceptive and non-contraceptive indications. Contraception. 2024 01; 129:110304. View Abstract
  12. Long-acting reversible contraception in gender-diverse adolescents and young adults: Outcomes from a multisite collaborative. Contraception. 2023 Nov; 127:110131. View Abstract
  13. Quantitative somatosensory testing of the abdomen: establishing initial reference values across developmental age and biological sex. Pain. 2024 Jan 01; 165(1):115-125. View Abstract
  14. Treatment of Adolescent Endometriosis Before, During, and After Use of Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone Agonists: A Retrospective Cohort Study. J Pediatr Adolesc Gynecol. 2023 Oct; 36(5):472-475. View Abstract
  15. Mental Health Conditions and Health-related Quality of Life Changes after Reduction Mammaplasty in Younger Patients. Plast Reconstr Surg Glob Open. 2023 Apr; 11(4):e4902. View Abstract
  16. The genetic basis of endometriosis and comorbidity with other pain and inflammatory conditions. Nat Genet. 2023 03; 55(3):423-436. View Abstract
  17. Contraceptive Implant-Associated Bleeding in Adolescent/Young Adult Clinical Practice: Associated Factors, Management, and Rates of Discontinuation. J Adolesc Health. 2023 04; 72(4):583-590. View Abstract
  18. Risk Factors Associated with Severe Macromastia among Adolescents and Young Women. Plast Reconstr Surg. 2022 12 01; 150(6):1212-1218. View Abstract
  19. Trends in pelvic pain symptoms over 2 years of follow-up among adolescents and young adults with and without endometriosis. Pain. 2023 03 01; 164(3):613-624. View Abstract
  20. Telemedicine for Adolescent and Young Adult Long-Acting Reversible Contraception Follow-Up Care amidst a Global Pandemic. J Pediatr Adolesc Gynecol. 2023 Feb; 36(1):51-57. View Abstract
  21. The Impact of Combined Oral Contraceptives on Adolescents with Macromastia. Plast Reconstr Surg. 2022 10 01; 150(4):731-738. View Abstract
  22. Cohort profile: The Endometriosis pain QUality aftEr Surgical Treatment (EndoQUEST) Study. PLoS One. 2022; 17(6):e0269858. View Abstract
  23. Normative Values for Adolescent Quality of Life in Plastic Surgery: A Longitudinal, Cohort Study. Plast Reconstr Surg Glob Open. 2022 May; 10(5):e4311. View Abstract
  24. Complications and Quality of Life following Gynecomastia Correction in Adolescents and Young Men. Plast Reconstr Surg. 2022 06 01; 149(6):1062e-1070e. View Abstract
  25. Amenorrhea Evaluation and Management-Reply. JAMA. 2022 03 01; 327(9):878. View Abstract
  26. Association between endometriosis and lower urinary tract symptoms. Fertil Steril. 2022 04; 117(4):822-830. View Abstract
  27. Adolescent/Young Adult Long-Acting Reversible Contraception: Experience from a Multisite Adolescent Medicine Collaborative. J Pediatr. 2022 04; 243:158-166. View Abstract
  28. Evaluation and Management of Amenorrhea. JAMA. 2021 Nov 16; 326(19):1962-1963. View Abstract
  29. A Clinical and Pathologic Exploration of Suspected Peritoneal Endometriotic Lesions. Int J Gynecol Pathol. 2021 Nov 01; 40(6):602-610. View Abstract
  30. Sexual Orientation and Age at Menarche in Three U.S. Longitudinal Cohorts. J Adolesc Health. 2022 01; 70(1):163-166. View Abstract
  31. Nonhormonal therapy for endometriosis: a randomized, placebo-controlled, pilot study of cabergoline versus norethindrone acetate. F S Rep. 2021 Dec; 2(4):454-461. View Abstract
  32. Co-occurrence of immune-mediated conditions and endometriosis among adolescents and adult women. Am J Reprod Immunol. 2021 07; 86(1):e13404. View Abstract
  33. The Impact of Progestin-only Contraception on Adolescents with Macromastia. Plast Reconstr Surg Glob Open. 2021 Feb; 9(2):e3421. View Abstract
  34. Is Ovarian Reserve Impacted in Anorexia Nervosa? J Pediatr Adolesc Gynecol. 2021 Apr; 34(2):196-202. View Abstract
  35. Optimal Timing for Reduction Mammaplasty in Adolescents. Plast Reconstr Surg. 2020 12; 146(6):1213-1220. View Abstract
  36. Sexual orientation-related differences in contraceptive use: A brief report based on a cohort of adolescent and young women. Contraception. 2021 03; 103(3):195-198. View Abstract
  37. The Effect of Surgical Treatment on the Quality of Life of Young Women with Breast Asymmetry: A Longitudinal, Cohort Study. Plast Reconstr Surg. 2020 10; 146(4):400e-408e. View Abstract
  38. Characteristics of Adolescents with Differing Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Phenotypes. J Pediatr Adolesc Gynecol. 2020 Dec; 33(6):697-702. View Abstract
  39. Long-acting reversible contraception side effect management. Curr Opin Pediatr. 2020 08; 32(4):461-470. View Abstract
  40. In utero and early life exposures in relation to endometriosis in adolescents and young adults. Eur J Obstet Gynecol Reprod Biol. 2020 Sep; 252:393-398. View Abstract
  41. Supplementation with vitamin D or ?-3 fatty acids in adolescent girls and young women with endometriosis (SAGE): a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial. Am J Clin Nutr. 2020 07 01; 112(1):229-236. View Abstract
  42. Quality of Life in Adolescent and Young Adult Women With Dyspareunia and Endometriosis. J Adolesc Health. 2020 10; 67(4):557-561. View Abstract
  43. Overlap Between Irritable Bowel Syndrome Diagnosis and Endometriosis in Adolescents. Clin Gastroenterol Hepatol. 2021 03; 19(3):528-537.e1. View Abstract
  44. Complications and Quality of Life following Reduction Mammaplasty in Adolescents and Young Women. Plast Reconstr Surg. 2019 09; 144(3):572-581. View Abstract
  45. Will it Hurt? The Intrauterine Device Insertion Experience and Long-Term Acceptability Among Adolescents and Young Women. J Pediatr Adolesc Gynecol. 2019 Dec; 32(6):615-621. View Abstract
  46. Impact of Adrenal Hormone Supplementation on Bone Geometry in Growing Teens With Anorexia Nervosa. J Adolesc Health. 2019 10; 65(4):462-468. View Abstract
  47. Contraceptive use by women across different sexual orientation groups. Contraception. 2019 09; 100(3):202-208. View Abstract
  48. Long-term Skeletal Consequences of Anorexia Nervosa: A "Wake up Call". J Adolesc Health. 2019 03; 64(3):283-285. View Abstract
  49. The Impact of Endometriosis on Quality of Life in Adolescents. J Adolesc Health. 2018 12; 63(6):766-772. View Abstract
  50. The Effect of Surgical Treatment for Gynecomastia on Quality of Life in Adolescents. J Adolesc Health. 2018 12; 63(6):759-765. View Abstract
  51. An update on PCOS in adolescents. Curr Opin Pediatr. 2018 08; 30(4):459-465. View Abstract
  52. Prevalence of migraines in adolescents with endometriosis. Fertil Steril. 2018 04; 109(4):685-690. View Abstract
  53. Long-Term Effects of Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone Agonists and Add-Back in Adolescent Endometriosis. J Pediatr Adolesc Gynecol. 2018 Aug; 31(4):376-381. View Abstract
  54. Magnetic resonance imaging and spectroscopy evidence of efficacy for adrenal and gonadal hormone replacement therapy in anorexia nervosa. Bone. 2018 05; 110:335-342. View Abstract
  55. Spectrum of symptoms in women diagnosed with endometriosis during adolescence vs adulthood. Am J Obstet Gynecol. 2018 03; 218(3):324.e1-324.e11. View Abstract
  56. The Effect of Reduction Mammaplasty on Quality of Life in Adolescents With Macromastia. Pediatrics. 2017 Nov; 140(5). View Abstract
  57. Adolescent Gynecomastia. Pediatr Endocrinol Rev. 2017 Jun; 14(4):371-377. View Abstract
  58. Bone marrow fat content in 70 adolescent girls with anorexia nervosa: Magnetic resonance imaging and magnetic resonance spectroscopy assessment. Pediatr Radiol. 2017 Jul; 47(8):952-962. View Abstract
  59. Effect of Exercise and Antidepressants on Skeletal Outcomes in Adolescent Girls With Anorexia Nervosa. J Adolesc Health. 2017 Feb; 60(2):229-232. View Abstract
  60. The ability of low-magnitude mechanical signals to normalize bone turnover in adolescents hospitalized for anorexia nervosa. Osteoporos Int. 2017 04; 28(4):1255-1263. View Abstract
  61. Skeletal outcomes by peripheral quantitative computed tomography and dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry in adolescent girls with anorexia nervosa. Osteoporos Int. 2016 12; 27(12):3549-3558. View Abstract
  62. Practice-Based Quality Improvement Collaborative to Increase Chlamydia Screening in Young Women. Pediatrics. 2016 05; 137(5). View Abstract
  63. The Effects of Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone Agonist Combined with Add-Back Therapy on Quality of Life for Adolescents with Endometriosis: A Randomized Controlled Trial. J Pediatr Adolesc Gynecol. 2017 Apr; 30(2):215-222. View Abstract
  64. Hormonal Add-Back Therapy for Females Treated With Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone Agonist for Endometriosis: A Randomized Controlled Trial. Obstet Gynecol. 2015 Sep; 126(3):617-627. View Abstract
  65. Weight Changes After Reduction Mammaplasty in Adolescents. J Adolesc Health. 2015 Sep; 57(3):277-81. View Abstract
  66. Reply: Psychological Impact of Breast Asymmetry on Adolescents: A Prospective Cohort. Plast Reconstr Surg. 2015 Jul; 136(1):109e-110e. View Abstract
  67. Psychological impact of breast asymmetry on adolescents: a prospective cohort study. Plast Reconstr Surg. 2014 Dec; 134(6):1116-1123. View Abstract
  68. Clinical Variability in Cardiovascular Disease Risk Factor Screening and Management in Adolescent and Young Adult Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome. J Pediatr Adolesc Gynecol. 2015 Oct; 28(5):317-23. View Abstract
  69. Utility of ultrasound in the diagnosis of polycystic ovary syndrome in adolescents. Fertil Steril. 2014 Nov; 102(5):1432-8. View Abstract
  70. MR Imaging in a case of severe anorexia nervosa: the 'flip-flop' effect. Pediatr Radiol. 2015 Apr; 45(4):617-20. View Abstract
  71. Abstract 63: expression of follicle-stimulating hormone receptor in vascular anomalies. Plast Reconstr Surg. 2014 Apr; 133(4 Suppl):1024. View Abstract
  72. Percentage body fat by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry is associated with menstrual recovery in adolescents with anorexia nervosa. J Adolesc Health. 2014 Jun; 54(6):739-41. View Abstract
  73. Expression of follicle-stimulating hormone receptor in vascular anomalies. Plast Reconstr Surg. 2014 Mar; 133(3):344e-351e. View Abstract
  74. Abstract 75: expression of follicle-stimulating hormone receptor in vascular anomalies. Plast Reconstr Surg. 2014 Mar; 133(3 Suppl):86. View Abstract
  75. Diagnosing dysglycemia in adolescents with polycystic ovary syndrome. J Adolesc Health. 2014 Jul; 55(1):79-84. View Abstract
  76. Does hormone replacement normalize bone geometry in adolescents with anorexia nervosa? J Bone Miner Res. 2014 Jan; 29(1):151-7. View Abstract
  77. Exercise and bone: where do we stand? Metabolism. 2013 Dec; 62(12):1714-7. View Abstract
  78. The authors reply. J Adolesc Health. 2013 Oct; 53(4):548-9. View Abstract
  79. The use of gonadotropin releasing hormone analogues in adolescent and young patients with endometriosis. Curr Opin Obstet Gynecol. 2013 Aug; 25(4):287-92. View Abstract
  80. Endometriosis for the primary care physician. Curr Opin Pediatr. 2013 Aug; 25(4):454-62. View Abstract
  81. Vertebral fracture assessment in adolescents and young women with anorexia nervosa: a case series. J Clin Densitom. 2014 Jan-Mar; 17(1):207-11. View Abstract
  82. Psychosocial impact of adolescent gynecomastia: a prospective case-control study. Plast Reconstr Surg. 2013 Apr; 131(4):890-896. View Abstract
  83. Clinical variability in approaches to polycystic ovary syndrome. J Pediatr Adolesc Gynecol. 2012 Aug; 25(4):259-61. View Abstract
  84. Severe hyperandrogenemia and insulin resistance in a 12-year-old girl. J Pediatr Adolesc Gynecol. 2012 Aug; 25(4):e99-101. View Abstract
  85. An unusual complication of rapid weight loss. Adolesc Med State Art Rev. 2012 Aug; 23(2):215-21. View Abstract
  86. The impact of macromastia on adolescents: a cross-sectional study. Pediatrics. 2012 Aug; 130(2):e339-46. View Abstract
  87. Expression of androgen, estrogen, progesterone, and growth hormone receptors in vascular malformations. Plast Reconstr Surg. 2012 Jun; 129(6):919e-924e. View Abstract
  88. The effect of obesity on early outcomes in adolescents undergoing reduction mammaplasty. Ann Plast Surg. 2012 Mar; 68(3):257-60. View Abstract
  89. The effect of gonadal and adrenal steroid therapy on skeletal health in adolescents and young women with anorexia nervosa. Metabolism. 2012 Jul; 61(7):1010-20. View Abstract
  90. Bioavailability of vitamin D in malnourished adolescents with anorexia nervosa. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2011 Aug; 96(8):2575-80. View Abstract
  91. Hormone replacement therapy and the adolescent. Curr Opin Obstet Gynecol. 2010 Oct; 22(5):363-8. View Abstract
  92. Malnutrition and hemodynamic status in adolescents hospitalized for anorexia nervosa. Arch Pediatr Adolesc Med. 2010 Aug; 164(8):706-13. View Abstract
  93. Adolescent gynecomastia: not only an obesity issue. Ann Plast Surg. 2010 May; 64(5):688-90. View Abstract
  94. The effect of bed rest on bone turnover in young women hospitalized for anorexia nervosa: a pilot study. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2009 May; 94(5):1650-5. View Abstract
  95. Gynecomastia in adolescents. Curr Opin Pediatr. 2008 Aug; 20(4):375-82. View Abstract
  96. Prevalence and predictors of abnormal liver enzymes in young women with anorexia nervosa. J Pediatr. 2008 Aug; 153(2):247-53. View Abstract
  97. Hormone replacement therapy for the adolescent patient. Ann N Y Acad Sci. 2008; 1135:204-11. View Abstract
  98. Bone density in adolescents treated with a GnRH agonist and add-back therapy for endometriosis. J Pediatr Adolesc Gynecol. 2007 Oct; 20(5):293-7. View Abstract
  99. Skeletal measurements by quantitative ultrasound in adolescents and young women with anorexia nervosa. J Pediatr. 2007 Mar; 150(3):286-90, 290.e1. View Abstract
  100. Bone cross-sectional geometry in adolescents and young women with anorexia nervosa: a hip structural analysis study. Osteoporos Int. 2007 Jun; 18(6):797-804. View Abstract
  101. Bone health in adolescents. Adolesc Med Clin. 2006 Oct; 17(3):639-52; abstract xi. View Abstract
  102. Fainting freshmen and sinking sophomores: cardiovascular issues of the adolescent. Curr Opin Pediatr. 2004 Aug; 16(4):350-6. View Abstract

Contact Amy Desrochers DiVasta

Phone: 617-355-7181
Fax: 617-730-0184
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