Meet Our Team

Cheryl Perlis, MD, FACOG

My profession has provided me with a source of happiness, satisfaction and pride. I have been in private practice since 1990.  I practice functional medicine including natural hormone therapy, advanced nutrient therapy (targeted vitamins, minerals and amino acids) as well as perform non-surgical cosmetic procedures.  I am dedicated to helping men and women feel great at every stage of their life.  Using a team approach with patients, I listen and understand their personal concerns, educate them; and together, we devise personal health goals which are realistic and attainable.

I am married with three children -- Adam and Seth who are fraternal twins and the youngest, our daughter Elliana.  My husband, Stan, is our practice manager and continues to keep our household together.   I am a dedicated environmentalist with a passion for animals and the outdoors.  I enjoy paddle boarding, sailing, hiking, scuba diving, reading, and spending time my family.

My background is in traditional medicine and I completed my residency in obstetrics and gynecology.  During my medical education, we learned very little about hormone replacement therapies.  We treated women with Premarin and Provera -- these were considered the "gold standard".  At that time, menopause was based on the following criteria - no periods for one year! That's it!  And, we only treated patients that were experiencing hot flashes and / or vaginal dryness.  The average age that this occurs is usually around age 51.  But what about the patients between the ages of 35 - 55?  This was the "gray area", and we called it peri-menopause, a vague term with no specific treatment. The only remedy was to give women birth control pills (all synthetic), exercise more or to go to therapy to deal with stress, and as a last resort, prescribe anti-depressants.

Around the age of 45, I began feeling fatigued, anxious, and had no energy.  I dealt with it by exercising more and watching my diet.  It didn't seem to help.  My symptoms were subtle in nature, so it didn't dawn on me to think that it could be my hormones.  I started to gain weight, struggled with low energy, foggy thinking, hair loss, and I was experiencing memory loss of the simplest things (like how to spell Chlamydia, which as a gynecologist shouldn't happen).  And then I lost my sex drive and I knew something was up.  But I couldn't put my finger on it because I was still having regular periods.  I thought all of these symptoms were "normal", but they were very alarming to me.

I mentioned how I was feeling and what I was going through to a friend of mine, she instantly exclaimed that I needed bioidentical hormones! I had heard of them and I thought they were okay, but I didn't know how to use them and what exactly I would be using them for.  That moment was when my life as a gynecologist changed forever.  The 'medical box' I had been in simply fell apart.  I started to research and read and study everything I could get my hands on.  I flew to New York to train with Dr. Erika Schwartz, who provided me with the knowledge of hormone therapy and supplements and disease prevention.  What I found out was all of my symptoms were actually part of losing estrogen, progesterone and testosterone, and having low thyroid function.  When I started my hormone therapy I felt better, more like my old self . . . better yet, my new self.

My life and career in medicine began a new life full of energy, memory, weight loss, hair regrowth, and a strong sex drive. My passion has become helping others with the same problems that I suffered.  Now I can truly heal patients and prevent disease.

Education

• M.D., Chicago Medical School-Rosalind Franklin University
• Board Certified in Obstetrics and Gynecology
• Residency at University of Illinois at Chicago
• B.S., University of Illinois College of Medicine at Champaign-Urbana
• Bioidentical Hormone Initiative Physician Training and Mentorship Program led by Erika Schwartz, MD (NYC)
• Advanced Cosmetic Training in Botox and Dermal Fillers led by Mark Baily, MD (Canada)
• Attended Walsh Research Institute Physician Education Workshop in Advanced Nutrient Therapy Protocols

Professional Associations

• Diplomate of American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology
• Lake County Medical Society
• American Medical Women's Association
• College of Cosmetic Medicine
• American Academy of Cosmetic Gynecologist
• Bioidentical Hormone Initiative Organization
• American Society for Lasers in Medicine and Surgery

Continuing Education

I continuously update my knowledge of new techniques and scientific developments in all areas of my practice.  Whether it be in gynecology and treating illness to working to preventing disease through conventional and integrative medicine.  My goal is to never stop learning and I will always strive to learn better and newer techniques. 

Marie - Office Manager

Marie began her career in cosmetic dentistry over ten years ago and came to Perlis Wellness Center to further her passion of aesthetics and hormone therapy.  Her many years of professional experience, personal drive, coupled with her friendly demeanor make the patients feel comfortable.  She has always placed tremendous value on communication both with her staff and clients.