Hormone Replacement Therapy Maryland
Hormone replacement therapy is a form of medication that can treat hormonal imbalances and restore the natural level of hormones to a healthy state in the body. Our hormone therapy doctors work with you to identify the cause of your hormonal imbalance and design the right hormone replacement treatment for you.
Hormone Replacement Therapy
Hormonal imbalances can be caused by a variety of medical circumstances, including menopause, thyroid disorders, chronic fatigue syndrome, insulin resistance, autoimmune diseases, birth control, pregnancy, abuse of anabolic steroids, certain medications, and much more.
Hormone replacement therapy has historically been used to treat the side effects of shifting hormone levels caused by menopause. Bioidentical hormones have since been developed as a type of hormonal replacement therapy that can treat various causes of hormonal imbalances in both men and women. Using a hormone replacement treatment can help improve moderate to severe symptoms of hormonal imbalances and allow a person to take control of their health and get back to living a healthy, happy life.
Hormones In Men and Woman
Hormones are created by the endocrine system and distributed to the different organs and tissues to help regulate bodily processes. When hormone levels dip then the processes that hormones support, like sleep and sexual function, can be disrupted. In these cases, hormone replacement therapy may be recommended to try to replace the hormones that have been lost so the body can regulate itself again properly.
If you believe you are suffering from hormone imbalances then you are in the right place. At Shakthi, we will run comprehensive tests to diagnose your condition then develop a personalized treatment plan to address your symptoms at their root cause.
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What does Shakthi Mean?
Shakthi (Shuk-thee) means Strength, Empowerment, and Agent of Change.
Frequently Asked Questions
We value the importance of the relationship between the doctor and the patient. That is why Dr. Jyothi Rao has taken the time to answer some of the most commonly asked questions at Shakthi Health & Wellness. View our FAQ page here.
What To Expect
Hormone Replacement Specialists
Meet Our Doctors
Our team is composed of board certified medical doctors who are highly knowledgeable in the practice of holistic integrative therapies. Our Direct Primary Care model provides patients with in depth consults with each appointment without the restrictions of time limits and jumping through insurance hoops.
Jyothi Rao
MD, ABAAHP, FAARFM
Dr. Jyothi Rao has been practicing medicine for over 20 years. She received her Doctorate of Medicine (MD) from the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey and completed her internship and residency at the prestigious New England Medical Center (Tufts) in Boston. Before opening Shakthi Health & Wellness Center, Dr. Rao practiced medicine in New York and Maryland.
Sudhir Rao
MD, ABAAHP
Dr. Sudhir Rao obtained his Medical Doctorate from St. George's University School of Medicine, and is the founder of Pain and Spine Specialists. Despite Dr. Rao's years of training focusing on traditional medicine, he developed a strong interest in Functional and Integrative Medicine to treat chronic illness with alternative methods after a personal experience with limitations in traditional medicine.
What Is Hormone Replacement Therapy
Hormones are the natural chemicals that the body produces that are involved in multiple functions, such as the regulation of the metabolism and reproduction. Some notable hormones are cortisol, estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, melatonin, insulin, and T3 and T4 (hormones created by the thyroid). Certain hormones typically decrease with age, such as in cases of menopause, and other hormones can easily be affected by numerous issues. Hormone replacement therapy is a manmade medication that replicates the hormones that naturally occur in the body. Bioidentical hormones are a more natural option, compared to traditional synthetic hormones that are usually composed of Premarin. These natural hormones are molecularly identical to the hormones in the body and are typically derived from plant materials. Estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone are some of the most common hormones that are replicated for hormone replacement therapy.
How Is Hormone Replacement Therapy Administered
Bioidentical hormones come in several different forms, including pills, creams, injections, gels, patches, and sprays. However, many consider the best way to administer hormone replacement therapy is through implanted pellets. Hormone pellet therapy involves implants that are placed under the skin so that bioidentical hormones are released consistently and absorbed directly into the blood. This means that the hormones are ingested more quickly than through other methods.
Hormone replacement therapy is fairly common in women, with an estimated 1.4 million women using bioidentical hormone replacement therapy and 40% of all HRT prescriptions for women experiencing menopause being for BHRT. The length of treatment will also vary per person. Some people will need hormone replacement therapy for life and others will only need HRT until their hormone levels go back to normal and symptoms subside. This is something that will be determined by your doctor and how you are feeling.
How Is Hormone Replacement Therapy Made
Bioidentical hormones are either produced by a drug company or can be custom made in a pharmacy at the direction of the patient's doctor. The hormones created at a pharmacy are known as compounded bioidentical hormones, as compounding is the process of collaboration between the pharmacy and the doctor. The benefit of compounded bioidentical hormones versus ones made by drug companies is that they can be tailored for individual patients. Bioidentical hormones are also generally considered to be safer than traditional synthetic hormones because they so closely mimic the body’s natural hormones.
Your hormone replacement specialist will be able to conduct diagnostic testing to identify which of your hormones are out of balance. They will then be able to create the correct bioidentical hormones and dosage for your individual needs. Once you begin treatment your specialist will continue to monitor you to ensure your hormone levels even out and watch out for any side effects, along with making adjustments as needed.
Ways Hormone Replacement Therapy May Help You
Men and women can present different symptoms associated with a hormonal imbalance, usually due to a drop in estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone. Women most commonly experience hormonal imbalances because of menopause, perimenopause, early menopause (also known as primary ovarian insufficiency), cancer treatments, stress, and eating disorders. Men most commonly experience hormonal imbalances because of adrenal fatigue, hypothyroidism, and hyperthyroidism.
Hormone replacement therapy can help with the multiple effects of low hormones in women, such as by reducing hot flashes, increasing libido, reducing mood swings, getting rid of constant fatigue, lessening the chances of night sweats, improving problems with sleep, increasing energy levels, increasing muscle mass, reducing pain during intercourse, fighting against hair loss, and promoting better thinking and memory. HRT can help men who are dealing with the signs of low hormones, such as combating weight loss, low libido, moodiness, low energy levels, sensitivity to temperature, blood pressure changes, osteoporosis, and erectile dysfunction.
Potential Side Effects and Risks
It is important to be aware of any side effects and discuss them with your hormone replacement therapy doctor so they can make changes to your treatment as necessary to keep you healthy and living a fully functioning life. These side effects can happen after the first dose of HRT, as the body is not used to the sudden influx of hormones and needs to adjust. Certain hormone mixtures can also trigger side effects.
Some of the common side effects of hormone replacement therapy are:
- Weight Gain
- Bloating
- Acne
- Blurred Vision
- Fatigue
- Mood Swings
- Headaches
- Increased Facial Hair in Women
- Breast Tenderness
- Indigestion
There are also some known risks of HRT and research suggests certain conditions and diseases can potentially occur from using HRT, which are:
- Blood Clots
- Stroke
- Gallbladder Disease
- Heart Disease
- Breast Cancer
Get Started:
If you find yourself dealing with any signs of a hormonal imbalance and think you might need hormone replacement therapy, call Shakthi Health and Wellness Center today! Speak with our dedicated staff to schedule your consultation with Dr. Jyothi Rao and begin optimizing your body’s vitality. If you would like more information about hormone replacement therapy in Maryland, please call us at (301) 703-5067.
About Us
We believe in practicing medicine that focuses on whole body health. As integrative medicine doctors we focus our on root cause of your condition with comprehensive treatments that actually heal the body rather than just masking the symptoms of your illness.
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Patient Testimonials
Patient Testimonials
I started by seeing Dr. Sudhir Rao for my Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy (RSD) Syndrome. I had an accident in July 2010 that caused nerve damage in my ankle. After treatments and surgery, it spread up the entire left side of my body. The only way to describe how you feel is by saying you’re a human pinball machine ? you just never know where the pain is going to be that minute. I had asked about acupuncture because someone had told me that it worked for them. I was at the point of trying anything to lessen the pain because it was getting worse every day.
- Susan Doyle
I am actually a relatively healthy 50-year-old woman. I try to eat well and exercise, but I (like many) felt the creep of age in the form a subtle pounds and decreasing energy. Dr. Rao helped point me in the direction of the correct detox program for me (Core Restore!) as well as the supplements I needed to boost my metabolism and increase my energy! I still need to eat what works for me and avoid the things that don't, and I still have to exercise every day, but my clothes fit better and I have more energy!!
I came to see Dr. Rao with symptoms of chronic fatigue, abdominal pains, depression, and weight gain. I had seen a couple other doctors and they had found that I had very high inflammation levels and over 15 food allergies/sensitivities. They wanted me to just take prescription drugs, but I wanted more than a quick fix. I wanted my health and my life back! When I scheduled the appointment, I was surprised how by helpful Kelly was on the phone. I didn’t know the details of my insurance coverage and Kelly offered to call my insurance for me. I’ve never had anyone at a doctor’s office do that before.
- Anna Smoot
After visiting the Shakthi website and reading other patient testimonials, I was curious about the wide variety of treatments that were available. I have a very slow metabolism, was fatigued, had insomnia, back pain, and just didn’t feel as well as I wanted to in general. I had more allergic reactions and respiratory issues in the preceding months before coming to see Dr. Jyothi Rao. I had completed three courses of prednisone while under the treatment of my traditional doctor and was fed up with that cycle and was looking for another path.
- Debbie Helman
I was given the gift of Dr. Rao's primary care for Christmas in 2016. I didn?t take advantage of it until March of 2017. My mindset at the time was negative. I had heard about changing eating habits and I felt that I liked the foods I was eating and I was nearly 70, so why change now? After meeting with Dr. Rao and hearing her suggestions, I said I would take it one small step at a time and see what happens.
-Linda J
I was in the worst shape of my life with depression and anxiety. I had given up.
Shakthi provided me with a manageable plan that included supplements, diet, and an exercise program that has transformed my body and given me a new outlook on life. Perhaps the most surprising outcome was learning how to be healthy and have a good relationship with my body. I am now more productive, energetic, and focused. The fog that had been clouding my thoughts has lifted.
What To Expect
How Treatment Works
Our doctors and staff take time to get invested in your health and well-being. We've taken a step back from mainstream medicine and are challenging the norm. Everyone's healthcare needs are different. You are different. We believe patients shouldn't settle. Our practice is not a revolving door. We listen, and most importantly, we hear you.
Appointments
Appointments are conducted on an as-needed basis. Patients can expect appointments to be more thorough and focused on their needs. As direct primary care doctors, we see a limited number of patients which means each of our patients receives dedicated care without the concern of being “rushed” our of an appointment.
Diagnostic Testing
We offer patients scientifically backed health assessments to better understand the root causes of their health conditions. We evaluate any disruptions to your health and body to develop effective wellness plans to optimize your vitality. To learn more about the specific tests we offer visit this page here.
Costs Involved
Patients receive personalized and tailored care in exchange for a flat fee. Overall cost will be discussed during your initial consultation. Each subsequent appointment will not need to be individually paid for. All patients receive unlimited access to their physicians which leads to better overall health and wellness.
