Patuxent Integrated Wellness Center

02/10/2026

Cortisol: when chronic stress drives weight, hormones, and gut dysfunction

Cortisol is your body’s primary stress hormone. It’s meant to protect you in short bursts. The issue isn’t cortisol itself—it’s when stress becomes constant and the body never fully powers down.

Modern stress doesn’t look like danger.
It looks like poor sleep, over-exercising, under-eating, hormonal shifts, inflammation, gut dysfunction, emotional load, and living in survival mode for years.

When cortisol stays elevated or becomes dysregulated, the body shifts into protection mode. And in protection mode, healing, digestion, and weight loss are not priorities.

Here’s how chronically elevated cortisol often shows up:

• Weight gain that doesn’t respond to calorie cuts or harder workouts, especially through the midsection
• Exhausted all day but wired at night
• Anxiety, irritability, or feeling constantly on edge
• Brain fog, low motivation, poor focus
• Blood sugar crashes and intense cravings
• Exercise intolerance—doing more makes you feel worse, not better

Now the part that’s often overlooked: the gut.

Chronic cortisol elevation suppresses digestion. Blood flow is diverted away from the GI tract, stomach acid and digestive enzymes decline, and the gut lining becomes more vulnerable. Over time, this contributes to bloating, reflux, constipation, microbiome disruption, inflammation, food sensitivities, and stress-driven blood sugar instability.

This creates a self-perpetuating cycle: stress elevates cortisol, cortisol disrupts the gut, gut inflammation signals danger to the nervous system, and the nervous system produces more cortisol.

This is why calorie restriction, probiotics alone, or “trying harder” so often fall short. When cortisol is driving physiology, willpower isn’t the fix.

At Patuxent Integrated Wellness Center, we assess cortisol patterns, gut integrity, metabolic signaling, hormone balance, inflammation, and nervous system regulation together—because the body does not work in silos.

Your body isn’t broken. It’s adapting.

And once we understand why it’s adapting, we can shift it out of survival mode and back into repair.

Drop a letter below 👇
A. Exhausted but can’t sleep
B. Stubborn weight despite doing everything “right”
C. Bloating, reflux, constipation, or food sensitivities
D. Anxiety or brain fog that feels gut-driven
E. All of the above

Here’s what we’ll do next:
If you comment, we’ll message you with the first step we recommend based on your selection—what to test, what to look at, and how we’d approach it.

We are dedicated to providing patient-centered care focused on your overall well-being. We specialize in medical weight loss and Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT), tailored to help you achieve your health goals and maintain a balanced, vibrant life.

02/02/2026

At Patuxent Integrated Wellness Center, we see women and men every day who are doing everything right:
• Eating well
• Exercising consistently
• Keeping up with annual physicals and routine preventive care

Yet they’re still dealing with fatigue, weight gain, brain fog, hormone symptoms, mood changes, poor sleep, low motivation, or changes in body composition.

Here’s the reality:
“Normal” doesn’t always mean optimal.

Functional medicine looks at how systems interact — hormones, metabolism, insulin response, inflammation, gut health, and stress physiology — instead of isolating one lab value at a time.

We don’t guess.
We test, assess patterns, and build individualized plans based on your physiology, not averages.

Our approach may include:
• Comprehensive hormone evaluation for women and men
• Metabolic and weight management support
• Advanced lab testing
• Root-cause strategies for fatigue, weight resistance, and hormonal imbalance

This isn’t about quick fixes or one-size-fits-all protocols.
It’s about understanding why your body is responding the way it is — and addressing that intentionally.

👉 Book a discovery call or text ANSWERS to 301-450-4044 to start the conversation.

We are dedicated to providing patient-centered care focused on your overall well-being. We specialize in medical weight loss and Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT), tailored to help you achieve your health goals and maintain a balanced, vibrant life.

01/30/2026

Many people ask to have their thyroid tested — and for good reason.

The thyroid plays a central role in energy, metabolism, brain function, mood, weight regulation, heart rate, and hormone balance. When symptoms like fatigue, brain fog, mood changes, cold intolerance, or weight resistance show up, the thyroid is often suspected as the root cause.

But here’s where things get confusing.

Thyroid testing is not one number.

There are multiple thyroid markers, each reflecting a different part of the thyroid signaling pathway:
• TSH – the brain’s signal to the thyroid
• Free T4 – inactive hormone production
• Free T3 – active hormone available to cells
• Reverse T3 – a stress-related blocker of thyroid activity
• Thyroid antibodies – markers of autoimmune thyroid disease

It is entirely possible for one value to be “normal” while others are not — and symptoms may persist despite being told everything looks fine.

So what happens if your thyroid labs are normal?

When comprehensive thyroid testing does not explain symptoms, we look deeper. Persistent fatigue, brain fog, palpitations, mood changes, or weight challenges are often influenced by:
• Hormone imbalance (estrogen, progesterone, testosterone)
• Adrenal and stress physiology
• Iron, B12, vitamin D, or magnesium deficiencies
• Insulin resistance or metabolic dysfunction
• Inflammation or immune activation

This is why a single lab result rarely tells the whole story.

At our practice, we take a comprehensive, systems-based approach. We evaluate the full thyroid cascade and, when needed, investigate the other physiologic systems that influence how thyroid hormone is produced, converted, and utilized at the cellular level.

If you’ve been wondering whether your thyroid is the issue — or you’ve been told your labs are normal but your symptoms say otherwise — answers are possible.

Schedule a consultation or message us to learn how a comprehensive evaluation can help clarify what’s really driving your symptoms.

01/26/2026

Stomach acid is a critical part of the body's defense against parasites.

01/26/2026

WHAT MAKES US DIFFERENT

People don’t come to us because they haven’t tried hard enough.
They come because they’re tired of guessing.

At Patuxent Integrated Wellness Center, we practice functional, root-cause medicine — which means we look deeper, connect the dots, and treat the whole person, not just symptoms.

Here’s how we’re different:

• We test before we treat
“Normal” labs don’t always mean optimal. We use comprehensive testing to understand hormones, metabolism, insulin response, inflammation, and gut health — so care is based on data, not assumptions.

• We individualize every plan
No templates. No one-size-fits-all protocols. Your history, symptoms, labs, and goals drive your treatment — not trends.

• We address the real barriers
Weight loss resistance, fatigue, brain fog, hormone symptoms, and inflammation are signals. We identify why they’re happening and build a plan to correct the underlying imbalance.

• We integrate advanced tools when appropriate
From metabolic testing (PNOĒ) and GI Mapping to hormone optimization, peptides, and medically supervised weight loss programs — including GLP-1 therapy — everything is used strategically, not routinely.

• We practice medicine, not quick fixes
Our goal isn’t short-term results. It’s sustainable health, longevity, and quality of life — with ongoing support and medical oversight.

If you’ve felt dismissed, rushed, or told “everything looks fine” while you still don’t feel like yourself — this is exactly where functional medicine shines.

👉 Ready to understand your body instead of fighting it?
Book a consultation and let’s identify what’s actually holding you back.

01/26/2026

Eating less.
Moving more.
Still not losing weight?

Let’s clear something up 👇
Weight loss is not just calories.

If it were, you wouldn’t be stuck.

What we commonly see:
• Insulin resistance keeps the body in storage mode
• Hormone imbalances slow metabolism and increase fat retention
• Inflammation signals the body to protect, not burn
• Gut dysfunction interferes with hormones, nutrients, and metabolism
• A mismatched metabolism means you’re fueling your body incorrectly

So even when you’re “doing everything right,” biology may be working against you.

That’s why at Patuxent Integrated Wellness Center we don’t guess—we assess.

Depending on the individual, we may use tools like:
• PNOĒ metabolic testing to understand how your body actually burns fuel
• GI Mapping to identify gut-related barriers
• Advanced labs to assess hormones, insulin response, and inflammation
• A medically supervised weight loss program, including GLP-1 therapy when appropriate, to support appetite regulation, metabolic health, and sustainable fat loss

This isn’t about trying harder.
It’s about choosing the right strategy for your physiology.

👉 Complete a no obligation intake to identify your personal barrier and create a plan that works with your body—not against it. Text INTAKE to 301-450-4044 or comment below.

01/21/2026

Mental clarity isn’t a luxury — it’s a performance requirement.

Mental clarity isn’t a luxury — it’s a performance requirement.

If you’re high-functioning, high-producing, and still noticing brain fog, slower recall, or mental fatigue creeping in, it’s not a motivation issue. It’s biochemistry.

NAD (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide) is a cornerstone molecule for cellular energy, mitochondrial efficiency, and neurotransmitter signaling. When NAD levels decline — from chronic stress, long workdays, poor sleep, or simply aging — cognitive performance is often the first thing to suffer. Focus wanes. Processing speed slows. Mental stamina drops.

Optimizing NAD supports:
• Sustained focus and sharper recall
• Improved cognitive endurance and decision-making
• Reduced mental fatigue and burnout
• More efficient brain energy production

We offer NAD in formats designed for busy professionals who value results and convenience:
• IV NAD for deeper cellular and cognitive optimization
• Subcutaneous (SQ) NAD for consistent, ongoing support
• At-home delivery options so treatment fits seamlessly into your schedule

Consistency is key. Your brain consumes NAD continuously — which means replenishment over time can make a meaningful difference in how you think, perform, and recover.

If you’re already doing “all the right things” but still feel mentally taxed, this is often the missing layer.

Message us to discuss the most strategic NAD option for your goals — in-clinic or delivered to your door.
Because peak performance starts at the cellular level.

01/21/2026

Most people think cholesterol and hormones are two separate conversations.
They’re not.

They’re deeply connected—and that connection matters for heart health and longevity in both women and men.

A common story I hear:
“My cholesterol was always fine… until it suddenly wasn’t.”

For many people, nothing dramatic changed.
Diet stayed the same. Exercise stayed the same. Weight didn’t shift much.

What changed was biology.

As hormones shift over time, the way cholesterol behaves changes too.

LDL (the cholesterol carrier) isn’t inherently “bad,” but when LDL particles become smaller and denser, they’re more likely to enter artery walls, trigger inflammation, and contribute to plaque—even when total LDL numbers look normal.

HDL plays a protective role by helping clear cholesterol and reduce inflammation, but function matters just as much as the number itself.

As this cascade unfolds, we often see:
• More atherogenic LDL
• Less protective HDL
• Rising triglycerides
• Increased vascular inflammation
• Stiffer blood vessels

So what does this mean for you?

It means you can feel fine and still have cardiovascular risk building quietly.
It means “normal” labs don’t always tell the whole story.
And it means prevention starts long before a diagnosis.

Genetics matter too. Lipoprotein(a) is a largely inherited risk marker that can raise lifetime heart risk in both men and women—even with healthy habits.

Longevity medicine doesn’t chase one number.
It looks at the whole picture: hormones, lipids, inflammation, metabolism, genetics, and symptoms.

Cardiovascular protection isn’t reactive.
It’s proactive.

If you’ve ever been told your labs are “normal” but your body says otherwise, you’re asking the right questions.

Comment HEART or LONGEVITY if you want to learn which labs actually matter—and why.

Your heart deserves more than a cholesterol number.
It deserves a plan.

Like and follow for more!

01/19/2026

I’m doing all the “right” things…
Eating clean. Taking supplements. Investing in skincare. Trying to sleep more.

But my body doesn’t feel like it used to.

I wake up tired, even after a full night of sleep.
My stomach feels bloated or uncomfortable more often than not.
My weight feels stubborn—or changed without a clear reason.
My skin looks dull. My joints ache more.
My hormones feel unpredictable, and stress hits harder than it should.

Nothing feels extreme enough to be an emergency.
But it’s constant enough to be exhausting.

I’ve been told my labs are “normal.”
That this is just part of getting older.
That I should try another probiotic.

Still… something feels off.

At Patuxent Integrated Wellness Center, we know that aging doesn’t just show up on the outside—it often begins in the gut.

When the gut is inflamed, the body is forced into a constant state of overdrive:
low-grade inflammation persists, nutrients aren’t absorbed efficiently (even when you’re supplementing), and stress signals ripple through the immune and hormone systems.

This is where GI Mapping becomes invaluable.

Rather than guessing or treating isolated symptoms, GI Mapping allows us to look beneath the surface—identifying imbalances early, before they evolve into more complex or chronic issues.

Our goal isn’t symptom chasing.
It’s understanding what’s truly happening in your body so we can support healing in a precise, personalized way.

If you’ve noticed your body isn’t responding the way it once did—and you haven’t been given clear answers—GI Mapping may be the missing piece.
Message “GI MAP” to get started.

01/12/2026

The one thing standing between you and feeling like yourself again isn’t willpower.
It isn’t discipline.
And it definitely isn’t another supplement.

Most women navigating perimenopause are doing everything they’ve been told to do:
clean eating, workouts, stress management, early bedtimes, hormone “hacks.”

And yet…
Energy is still low.
Sleep is unpredictable.
Weight feels harder to manage.
Moods feel unfamiliar.
And there’s a quiet question underneath it all:
“Is this just how it is now?”

Here’s the truth most women aren’t told:
Perimenopause isn’t a problem to push through or suppress.
It’s a complex, biologically driven transition that requires a comprehensive, personalized strategy.

Not band-aids.
Not generic advice.
Not being told to “wait it out.”

That’s exactly why we created our Hormone Optimization in Perimenopause Program — a science-backed, individualized approach that addresses the real drivers behind symptoms:
• Hormonal fluctuations
• Metabolic changes
• Inflammation
• Sleep disruption
• Stress and nervous system strain

This program isn’t about chasing perfection or forcing balance.
It’s about understanding what your body is asking for — and responding with precision, education, and care.

If you’ve been wondering whether it’s possible to feel clear, strong, confident, and comfortable in your body again… it is.

And you don’t have to navigate this season alone.

Message us to learn more about the Hormone Optimization in Perimenopause Program.This image might look like rest.
But for many women in perimenopause, it’s actually survival mode.

Wrapped in blankets.
Bone-deep exhaustion.
Canceling plans.
Scrolling instead of sleeping.
Feeling heavy, flat, and disconnected from the version of yourself you remember.

You’ve tried to do everything “right.”
Clean eating. Supplements. Yoga. Early bedtimes.
Maybe even a few late-night purchases promising hormone balance in a bottle.

And yet…
Your energy is still gone.
Sleep isn’t restorative.
Your weight feels harder to manage.
Your mood doesn’t feel like you.
And there’s a quiet question in the background:
“Is this just how it’s going to be now?”

Here’s the truth most women aren’t told:
Perimenopause isn’t a problem to push through or suppress.
It’s a complex, biologically driven transition that requires a comprehensive, personalized strategy.

Not band-aids.
Not willpower.
Not being told to “wait it out.”

Because the one thing standing between you and feeling like yourself again isn’t effort — it’s approach.

That’s why we created our Hormone Optimization in Perimenopause Program — a science-backed, individualized plan that addresses what’s actually happening beneath the surface:
• Hormonal fluctuations
• Metabolic changes
• Inflammation
• Sleep disruption
• Nervous system strain

This isn’t about forcing energy or “powering through.”
It’s about restoring balance so your body can function the way it was designed to.

If this image feels familiar, know this:
Feeling clear, strong, and comfortable in your body again is possible.
And you don’t have to navigate this season alone.

Message us to learn more about the Hormone Optimization in Perimenopause Program.

01/11/2026

If you’ve been dealing with persistent symptoms and feel like you’re getting nowhere — this is often where the missing answers live.

Bloating. Reflux. Constipation or diarrhea. Food sensitivities. Fatigue. Brain fog. Skin issues. Hormone imbalance. Difficulty losing weight despite doing “everything right.”

One of the most common things we hear is:
“My labs are normal, but I don’t feel normal.”

That’s exactly why we offer our GI Mapping Program using advanced functional testing from Diagnostic Solutions Laboratory.

This is not basic stool testing.

GI Mapping is a comprehensive, functional stool analysis that evaluates:
• Digestion and nutrient absorption
• Gut inflammation and immune activity
• Microbiome balance (beneficial vs. pathogenic organisms)
• Bacterial, parasitic, and fungal imbalances
• Intestinal integrity and overall gut resilience

This program is ideal if you:
• Have ongoing GI symptoms with no clear diagnosis
• Feel inflamed, exhausted, or hormonally off
• React to foods without obvious triggers
• Struggle with skin issues, brain fog, or immune dysfunction
• Have difficulty optimizing BHRT or TRT
• Are tired of guessing and want data-driven answers

What’s included:
• GI Mapping test through Diagnostic Solutions Laboratory
• In-depth provider review of results in the context of your symptoms and history
• A personalized, evidence-based treatment plan — never one-size-fits-all

Several advanced add-ons are available when clinically appropriate, allowing us to further evaluate areas such as:
• Hormone metabolism
• Detoxification pathways
• Intestinal permeability
• Additional inflammatory or immune markers

Investment:
The initial GI Mapping consultation is $399 and includes the test kit (no add-ons), laboratory analysis, and a comprehensive interpretation with personalized treatment recommendations.

Our approach is educational, individualized, and evidence-based. The goal isn’t just to manage symptoms — it’s to understand what’s driving them and create a clear path forward.

When care aligns with your body’s needs, results follow.

Ready for real answers? Comment “GI” or send us a message to get started.

01/09/2026

If you’re on a GLP-1 medication — or focused on weight loss in general — supplements aren’t about “doing more,” they’re about supporting your body while it’s doing the work.

GLP-1 therapies can be incredibly effective, but reduced appetite, rapid weight loss, and metabolic shifts can increase nutrient gaps and oxidative stress. Strategic supplementation helps protect muscle, hormones, metabolism, and long-term health while results are happening.

Three supplements we commonly recommend as part of a GLP-1 support plan:

Pumpkin Seed Oil
Typical daily dose: 1,000–2,000 mg daily with food

Why it matters:
Pumpkin seed oil contains plant sterols, zinc, and essential fatty acids that support insulin sensitivity, hormone balance, and lipid metabolism. During weight loss, it also helps support lean muscle preservation — something the scale doesn’t show but your metabolism absolutely cares about.

Brief cautions:
Avoid if you have a known pumpkin or seed allergy.

Vitamin D3 + K2 (taken together)
Typical daily dose:
D3: 2,000–5,000 IU daily
K2 (MK-7): 90–180 mcg daily

Why it matters:
Vitamin D plays a critical role in glucose regulation, immune function, and fat metabolism, yet deficiency is extremely common. K2 helps ensure calcium is directed to bones instead of arteries, supporting cardiovascular and bone health during weight loss.

Brief cautions:
Patients on anticoagulants should consult their provider before using K2. Vitamin D dosing should ideally be guided by labs.

Astaxanthin
Typical daily dose: 4–12 mg daily with a meal containing fat

Why it matters:
Astaxanthin is a powerful antioxidant that protects cells and mitochondria from oxidative stress, which can increase during rapid weight loss. It supports fat metabolism, cardiovascular health, muscle recovery, and skin health.

Brief cautions:
Generally very well tolerated. Use caution if you have very low blood pressure or are on multiple blood-pressure-lowering medications.

The bigger picture:
GLP-1 medications help regulate appetite. Supplements help support the systems that make weight loss sustainable — metabolism, hormones, inflammation, and nutrient balance.

When care aligns with your body’s needs, results follow.

For patients looking for a simple, provider-guided way to get started, we’ve created a curated GLP-1 Metabolic Support Essentials plan here:
👉 https://us.fullscript.com/plans/smorley-glp-1-metabolic-support-essentials

Education plus proactive care makes all the difference.