Hormone Imbalance Services Maryland
We work with you to identify the imbalances you are experiencing. Using an integrative approach to healing, we use diagnostic testing to identify the underlying causes.
An Integrative Approach
Integrative Specialty Care with An Integrative Approach
Our practice believes enhancing your vitality is possible through holistic lifestyle changes. Integrative medicine focuses on the relationship between your mind, body, and soul. We are mindful of this significant union when supporting your path to whole body wellness.
Our healing-oriented therapies combine complementary and conventional medicine to promote whole body health and wellness.
Our thorough testing approach allows us to work with you to develop an integrative treatment plan to reduce your stress and bring your body back into balance.
If you believe you are suffering from hormone imbalances and would like to discuss the therapies we offer, contact our offices. Dr. Jyothi Rao will evaluate your symptoms and create a treatment plan custom tailored for your individual needs.
Our practice believes enhancing your vitality is possible through holistic lifestyle changes. Integrative medicine focuses on the relationship between your mind, body, and soul. We are mindful of this significant union when supporting your path to whole body wellness.
Our healing-oriented therapies combine complementary and conventional medicine to promote whole body health and wellness.
Diagnostic Testing
More Helpful Resources:
What Makes Shakthi Different?
Shakthi Health and Wellness uses direct primary care model that removes the restrictions of appointment time limits and insurance hassles. This personalized approach to healthcare gives Dr. Rao and her experienced team the time to listen, learn, and run diagnostics tests that complete a comprehensive picture or your health history and condition.
Once we have diagnosed your illness we will create a treatment plan that the addresses the root cause and not just your symptoms. Our treatment plans often include a variety of alternative therapies, diet adjustments, exercise advices, and conventional medicine treatments when required.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are some common symptoms of a hormone imbalance?
Symptoms of a hormone imbalance can vary depending on the specific hormones involved, but may include fatigue, weight gain, mood changes, irregular periods, hot flashes, and decreased sex drive.
What types of conditions can a hormone imbalance specialist treat?
A hormone imbalance specialist can treat a wide range of conditions related to hormonal imbalances, including menopause, hypothyroidism, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), and adrenal disorders.
What are the treatment options for hormonal imbalances?
Treatment options for hormonal imbalances can vary depending on the specific condition and the underlying cause of the imbalance. Treatment may include hormone replacement therapy, lifestyle changes such as diet and exercise, and medications to control symptoms or regulate hormone levels.
What can I expect during a visit with a hormone imbalance specialist?
During a visit with a hormone imbalance specialist, you can expect to have a consultation and physical exam, as well as blood or other laboratory tests to assess hormone levels. The specialist may also ask about your medical history and any symptoms you are experiencing.
Integrative medicine combines conventional medicine and alternative therapies to enhance a patient’s vitality, focusing on whole body wellness. An Integrative Medicine physician will address the root cause of your illness and not just treat the symptoms. By determining what the root is, you and your practitioner can devise a health plan to successfully treat the disease. At Shakthi, we take into account other factors in your life that may be preventing the root cause of your illness or disease from fully healing. We work closely with our patients to address their immediate health needs while developing a personalized wellness plan that encourages whole body wellness. You can learn more here.
Integrative medicine’s biggest benefit is the fact it looks at the patient as a whole individual and addresses the root causes of illnesses by doing so. I went along with this though integrative medicine promotes a symbiotic and collaborative relationship between the doctor and the patient. This means that there is better communication. Another great benefit is that it utilizes every therapy possible to ensure that the patient gets the treatment that is perfect for them.
Over the past decade or so, integrative medicine has been becoming more and more popular. Because of this popularity, there has been an increase in doctors that practice it. But even with all this popularity unfortunately insurance does not cover integrative health care. The lack of coverage from insurance companies is solely because integrative medicine often encompasses treatments that these health insurance companies degenerative treatments. Because these treatments like acupuncture, massage therapy, infrared sauna, and many others are all deemed alternative they are not covered.
We offer two options:
• Yearly Membership
• A La Carte
There are many different types of alternative medicines but many of them can fall under one of the five main alternative categories. These categories are homeopathy, eastern medicine, naturopathy, and Ayurveda. Within these five types so there are many variations and so choosing one that works for you all relies on what exactly you're looking to gain from choosing alternative medicines.
What does Shakthi Mean?
Shakthi (Shuk-thee) means Strength, Empowerment, and Agent of Change.
Shakthi Digital Guide
At Shakthi Health and Wellness we offer a la carte and yearly plans that are more comprehensive and often cheaper than traditional insurance plans.
Hormone Imbalance
Hormone imbalance is very common and comes with a wide array of different symptoms. Depending on the hormone that is out of balance not only will the symptoms vary but the causes behind them may vary as well. Our hormones are key parts of regulating a wide range of different processes and functions within our bodies.
When the hormones that control these systems and functions find themselves out of whack it can lead to a lot of mesh. Depending on the hormone that is out of balance different systems will be affected and you may find yourself dealing with things like chronic fatigue or extreme mood swings.
What Causes Hormone Imbalance?
There are a wide range of symptoms that come from your hormones being out of balance but in the end, our doctors look to find the root cause behind that imbalance. In order to do that the doctors at Shakthi Health and Wellness look at the hormones themselves.
These hormones are messengers in your body and at any given time there are more than 50 of them being ushered throughout your body by your endocrine system. This is where they originate and then are dispersed throughout your body in your bloodstream.
Each of these hormones communicates with the cells what your brain and body need from them. This is how our body’s homeostasis stays in balance. These hormones send messages to the different parts of our body to ensure that the functions are being executed properly.
When they are in balance you have better metabolism, your blood sugar levels are maintained properly, and you have proper production and uptake of certain very key hormones like estrogen and progesterone.
But on the other hand, if that homeostasis is out of balance then the communications breakdown between the brain and the body. This can leave us with a ton of different symptoms that present themselves.
Symptoms of Hormone Imbalance
The symptoms that present themselves can vary depending on the hormone that's out of balance as well as other factors like sex. But no matter what hormone imbalance you're dealing with there are some very common symptoms to keep an eye out for.
Here are some of the most common symptoms that you may spot that could be caused by a hormone imbalance:
- Fatigue is one of the primary symptoms that come with hormonal imbalances. There are many different hormones that can do this for instance a reduction in the production of estrogen or progesterone can cause symptoms that make sleep challenging. But there are so many other ways that hormone imbalance can affect your sleep patterns which eventually will reduce your energy levels and may potentially cause chronic fatigue.
- Are beginning to experience unexplained weight gain or loss this is another sign that your hormones may be out of balance. There are many different hormone-related conditions that can cause you to gain weight everything from menopause to an underactive thyroid.
- Reduction in your sex drive may also be a clear sign that your estrogen or testosterone levels are out of whack.
- For women, a sure sign of a hormone imbalance could be a heavier-than-normal or very painful menstrual cycle. This could be a sign of something like fibroids which are most often caused by a hormone imbalance.
- Everybody has mood swings every now and then but when it becomes a consistent issue then you may find that there are severe hormone imbalances. Anytime there is an imbalance in your hormones it's going to affect neurotransmitters. For instance, for a female who has estrogen imbalance problems, the neurotransmitter serotonin will be affected. Serotonin is a direct neurotransmitter that has to do with moods. So when those hormones are out of balance so too will be their moods.
Test to Diagnose Hormone Imbalance
The truth is there is no one test that our doctors can utilize to come up with the diagnosis of a hormone imbalance. Rather it takes a multitude of different tests to ensure that we are able to identify the hormone that is out of balance and address the issues.
Our doctors start with an in-depth consultation where they may ask you things about how often you're experiencing the symptoms and other questions in regard to specific symptoms that come along with hormone imbalance.
Once it's determined that you are in fact potentially dealing with a hormone imbalance our doctors will then order the tests. Some of the tests used to diagnose hormone imbalance are:
- Blood tests - the blood test order will take the sample that you have given and detect the level of hormones in your blood. Most of the time this is used to check your thyroid functionality as well as hormone levels and things like cortisol, estrogen, and testosterone.
- Pelvic exam - For women, one of the tests that could be utilized to see if there is a hormone imbalance is a pelvic exam. This is the classic pap smear that will check you for any cysts, tumors, and unusual growths. Men can have a pelvic exam as well, but this is less invasive as it is a simple check for abnormalities or lumps in the scrotum area.
- Ultrasound - the ultrasound tests that are often ordered are meant to be able to show the doctor images of certain areas of your body that could potentially show signs of hormone imbalance. Things like the uterus, testicles, thyroid, and ovaries are all areas that may be checked with an ultrasound.
- Advanced tests - are more advanced tests that we may order things like biopsies, MRIs, thyroid scans, or sperm count tests. All of these can be utilized together to create a more clear vision of what is the root cause of your symptoms.
Treatments We Use
Biofeedback
Biofeedback is a treatment technique in which people are trained to improve their health by using signals from their bodies. It's an effective tool used to help patients cope with pain.
Control over many involuntary bodily functions is the cornerstone of biofeedback therapy. It is a widely acclaimed method for training individuals in techniques for reducing stress and for living a healthier life.
Biofeedback therapy has been used as an effective form of research-based intervention since the 1960s, it is non-invasive, painless, and medication free.
Neurofeedback
Also known as EEG Biofeedback, is a form of biofeedback therapy that uses brain training to improve Dysregulated EEG patterns. Dysregulated EEG patterns have been linked to a variety of symptoms including difficulty concentrating, migraine/headache pain, memory loss, fatigue, trouble sleeping, anxiety, and depression.
Using this computerized feedback, the brain learns to increase or decrease certain brainwaves that are helpful for improved functioning. (Neurofeedback – uses EEG leads, and measures imbalances in the brain. Areas of the brain that are overstimulated vs. under-stimulated. Anxiety, depression, chronic pain. This test in conjunction with other tests gives the whole picture.
Neurotherapy can be used to improve and maintain healthy brain function. If you suffer from memory loss, lack of concentration, or disruptions in mental problem-solving ability an Evoke exam may be right for you. The eVox system is a safe and effective technology that allows doctors to objectively measure specific brain functions and then provide a personalized care strategy for you.
The Evoke uses a series of informative brain and heart measures that can reveal the areas of the brain that aren't functioning optimally. Then, your doctor will tailor an eVox Neurotherapy treatment regimen to target those areas. The treatment is simple and painless, many patients even find it relaxing. Best of all, there are no drugs and the changes made with eVox are lasting.
Hormone Therapy
Hormones replacement therapy is not one size fits all. It should be measured, tailored to each individual, and monitored closely. At Shakthi, we use serum, urine, and salivary testing to personalize the dosage for each person.
We work with our compounding pharmacies to create bioidentical hormones unique to each individual's needs. If you are interested specifically in testosterone replacement then navigate here.
Nutraceutical Supplementation
Supplemental vitamins and minerals are crucial to balancing nutrient deficiencies. In place of prescription medications, we often prescribe Nutraceuticals to help patients achieve optimal health and prevent chronic pain and illness.
IV Therapy
Intravenous vitamin and mineral therapy involve injections of vitamin and mineral solutions into a vein in the arm. This treatment is a powerful way to enhance the absorption of vital nutrients into the body.
The Benefits of Intravenous vitamins and minerals are:
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.
Helpful Resources
Digital Guide
A comprehensive guide to our services, providers, and locations.
Contact us
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!!
- Shakthi Patients
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.
- Shakthi Patient
What To Expect
Hormone Imbalance Specialists
Meet Our Doctors
Our team is composed of skilled medical professionals who are highly knowledgeable in diagnosing and treating hormone imbalances.
Our Specialized Health Care model provides patients with in depth consults with each appointment without the restrictions of time limits and jumping through insurance hoops. Our hormone imbalance specialists, Dr. Jyothi Rao and Dr. Sudhir Rao are double board certified with over 40 years of combined experience in medicine.
Jyothi Rao
MD, ABAAHP, FAARFM
Dr. Jyothi Rao is the founder of Shakthi Health and Wellness Center. She has over 20 years of experience with integrative, holistic, alternative, and complementary approaches to medicine. Dr. Rao believes knowledge is empowerment and focusses her practice on whole body wellness, and disease prevention
Sudhir Rao
MD, ABAAHP
Dr. Sudhir Rao is a board certified doctor over 20 years of experience with traditional medicine and alternative medicines for chronic pain. he developed a strong interest in Functional and Integrative Medicine to treat chronic illness after a personal experience with limitations in traditional medicine.