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Dr. Pratibha Pr Rao, MD, MPH

(29 Ratings)

Specializes in: Adult Endocrinology

Professional interests include: hyperprolactinemia, amenorrhea (missed periods), pheochromocytoma, and more.

32778 S Roundhead Drive
Solon, OH 44139

(440) 914-0018

Dr. Pratibha Pr Rao, MD, MPH is an endocrinologist in Solon, OH specializing in adult endocrinology. Dr. Pratibha Pr Rao, MD, MPH is affiliated with Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland Clinic Main Campus and Twinsburg Family Health & Surgery Center.

Office Locations

Address:

32778 S Roundhead Drive
Solon, OH 44139

Address:

8701 Darrow Road Mail Code Tw3-4
Twinsburg, OH 44087

Address:

9500 Euclid Avenue
Cleveland, OH 44195

Some issues Dr. Pratibha Pr Rao, MD, MPH can help you with:

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)

Polycystic ovarian syndrome is a common endocrine disorder that causes symptoms such as acne, facial hair, and weight gain. It is often diagnosed when patients experience problems getting pregnant, because PCOS can interfere with ovulation. There is no cure for PCOS, but there are effective treatments that can lessen the severity of the symptoms.

Despite the name, not everyone with polycystic ovarian syndrome develops cysts on their ovaries. It is also possible to have ovarian cysts without having PCOS. The symptoms of polycystic ovarian syndrome are actually related to insulin resistance, a condition where the insulin made by the body is not effectively recognized by the cells. This causes the pancreas to release higher levels of insulin in order to keep blood sugar levels stable, and the excess insulin interferes with hormone production in the pituitary and ovaries, causing the PCOS symptoms.

The symptoms of PCOS include:

Weight gain
Acne
Facial or body hair
Thinning head hair
Missing or irregular periods
Infertility

PCOS is a syndrome, which means that if patients have PCOS, they might not have each and every symptom. Even a few of them might be enough to have physicians check for polycystic ovarian syndrome. A doctor might perform an exam and order blood tests to measure hormone levels.

Treatment for PCOS may include:

Insulin sensitizers, which help the body use insulin more effectively, lowering hormone levels. The most commonly used insulin sensitizer is metformin.
Weight loss. Being overweight does not cause PCOS, and PCOS can make losing weight difficult. Still, weight loss can improve symptoms for many women.
Birth control pills to regulate menstruation and sometimes reduce symptoms such as acne.
Fertility medications, especially medications to stimulate ovulation such as clomiphene.
Anti-androgen medications, which work to treat symptoms such as acne and facial hair.
Low-carb diets, which work similarly to insulin sensitizers to lower hormone levels and help reduce weight.
Ovarian drilling or resectioning, surgical procedures sometimes performed if infertility is a persistent problem. These procedures open up the wall of the ovary to temporarily make ovulation more likely.

Polycystic ovarian syndrome is one of the most common endocrine disorders affecting women. Left untreated, it can increase the risk of diabetes, heart disease, and certain cancers. Fortunately there are many good treatment options available.

Thyroid Problems

Thyroid problems are a group of conditions that alter hormone regulation and metabolism. The thyroid is a small, butterfly-shaped gland located in the lower neck, just below the Adam's apple (laryngeal prominence) and larynx (voice box). Despite its small size, the thyroid has an outsized effect on the body by regulating hormones that control metabolism. Metabolism is the body's process of converting consumed food into fuel to power the entire body. Heart rate, weight, cholesterol, body temperature, and even physical growth and development are all affected by the metabolism.

When the thyroid malfunctions, the body is unable to properly process and allocate energy. Thyroid problems, such as hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid) and hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid), cause irregular metabolism. In some cases, the body produces antibodies that attack the thyroid cells for unknown reasons. The damaged thyroid responds by releasing either too little or too much T3 and T4 thyroid hormones. Thyroid malfunctions may also arise from genetic causes or iodine deficiency. Thyroid problems may include:

Hashimoto's thyroiditis, an autoimmune disease that causes hypothyroidism
Graves' disease, an autoimmune disease that causes hyperthyroidism
Goiter
Thyroid nodule
Thyroid cancer

Hashimoto's is the leading cause of hypothyroidism, which is when the thyroid does not produce enough hormones to stimulate adequate metabolism. The condition is diagnosed by blood tests that measure TSH (thyroid stimulating hormone) and detect Hashimoto's antibodies. Symptoms of hypothyroidism include sluggish metabolism, inflammation, fatigue, weight gain, brittle hair, dry skin, and sensitivity to cold. To supplement impaired thyroid function, patients with Hashimoto's are typically prescribed synthetic thyroid hormone pills. Such patients may need to consume synthetic thyroids for the rest of their lives. Other treatments may include dietary changes, such as the avoidance of certain foods and medication to reduce inflammation. Frequent blood tests can inform patients if their TSH levels are within a normal range.

Grave's disease is most frequently the cause of hyperthyroidism, which is when the thyroid produces too many hormones, overstimulating one's metabolism. The condition is also diagnosed by blood tests that measure TSH and detect Grave's antibodies. Elevated heart rate, high blood pressure, sweating, bulging eyes, and weight loss are common symptoms of hyperthyroidism. Treatments for hyperthyroidism include oral radioactive iodine, which slowly shrinks the thyroid, slowing the production of excess thyroid hormone. Other anti-thyroid medications such as methimazole (Tapazole) also reduce the production of thyroid hormones. Blood pressure medications known as beta blockers can ease the increased heart rate caused by hyperthyroidism. If treatments are unsuccessful, patients may be prescribed a thyroidectomy, or surgery to remove part or all of the thyroid. Some patients with hyperthyroidism may require ophthalmological (eye medicine) treatments such as eye drops, prednisone, and surgery to reduce eye swelling and bulging.

Untreated thyroid disorders frequently lead to goiters or thyroid nodules. A thyroid goiter is a large lump that can be felt near the base of the neck and is made of swollen thyroid tissue or nodules (excess cell growth). Nodules and goiters are diagnosed by CT scan or ultrasound. Obstructive goiters can cause pain, coughing, and abnormal breathing. The most common cause of goiters is hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid). However, Hashimoto's is also known to cause goiters or nodules. Goiters develop from continued damage from antibodies to the thyroid over time. At times, a goiter can result from a cancerous thyroid tumor. Most goiters and nodules are themselves benign.

The exact causes of thyroid cancer are unknown. People who develop thyroid cancer may or may not have another thyroid problem such as Hashimoto's or Grave's disease. Symptoms of thyroid cancer include a nodule that can be felt on the neck, hoarseness, difficulty swallowing, swelling in the neck, and neck and throat pain. CT and MRI scans are used to diagnose thyroid cancer. There are four types of thyroid cancer which vary in intensity. Thyroidectomy (thyroid removal surgery) is usually prescribed to treat thyroid cancer.

Thyroid problems are often long-term conditions that require some form of treatment. With regular monitoring and medication, many people with thyroid problems are able to lead active and fulfilling lives.

Hypertension	70
High Cholesterol	52
Stroke	0
Ischemic Heart Disease	0
Depression	0
Chronic Kidney Disease	0
Asthma	0
Osteoperosis	0
Atrial Fibrilation	0
Heart Failure	0
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	0
Diabetes	57
Dementia	0
Cancer	0

doctor visit	140
hospital care	16
inpatient care	16

**Gender**
Male	88
Female	152

**Ethnicity**
Non-Hispanic White	188
Black	0
Hispanic	0
Asian	0
Other	0
Native American	0

**Age**
From 65 to 74	118
From 75 to 84	0
85 and over	0
Less than 65	60

Hypertension	75
High Cholesterol	68
Stroke	10
Ischemic Heart Disease	44
Depression	29
Chronic Kidney Disease	43
Asthma	18
Osteoperosis	10
Atrial Fibrilation	10
Heart Failure	28
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	19
Diabetes	66
Dementia	13
Cancer	0

doctor visit	143

**Gender**
Male	48
Female	112

**Ethnicity**
Non-Hispanic White	124
Black	0
Hispanic	0
Asian	0
Other	0
Native American	0

**Age**
From 65 to 74	87
From 75 to 84	26
85 and over	11
Less than 65	36

Hypertension	75
High Cholesterol	68
Stroke	8
Ischemic Heart Disease	36
Depression	36
Chronic Kidney Disease	53
Asthma	23
Osteoperosis	10
Atrial Fibrilation	16
Heart Failure	24
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	16
Diabetes	64
Dementia	11
Cancer	8

doctor visit	175
hospital care	53
inpatient care	53

**Gender**
Male	45
Female	109

**Ethnicity**
Non-Hispanic White	119
Black	0
Hispanic	0
Asian	0
Other	0
Native American	0

**Age**
From 65 to 74	81
From 75 to 84	38
85 and over	0
Less than 65	0

Hypertension	75
High Cholesterol	59
Stroke	8
Ischemic Heart Disease	42
Depression	30
Chronic Kidney Disease	44
Asthma	11
Osteoperosis	15
Atrial Fibrilation	16
Heart Failure	27
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	16
Diabetes	49
Dementia	12
Cancer	0

doctor visit	192

**Gender**
Male	47
Female	116

**Ethnicity**
Non-Hispanic White	131
Black	0
Hispanic	0
Asian	0
Other	0
Native American	0

**Age**
From 65 to 74	86
From 75 to 84	39
85 and over	0
Less than 65	0

Hypertension	75
High Cholesterol	66
Stroke	7
Ischemic Heart Disease	28
Depression	33
Chronic Kidney Disease	44
Asthma	10
Osteoperosis	15
Atrial Fibrilation	12
Heart Failure	22
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	13
Diabetes	39
Dementia	9
Cancer	10

doctor visit	208
hospital care	49
inpatient care	49

**Gender**
Male	53
Female	127

**Ethnicity**
Non-Hispanic White	150
Black	0
Hispanic	0
Asian	0
Other	0
Native American	0

**Age**
From 65 to 74	90
From 75 to 84	49
85 and over	0
Less than 65	0

Hypertension	75
High Cholesterol	71
Stroke	6
Ischemic Heart Disease	34
Depression	36
Chronic Kidney Disease	46
Asthma	12
Osteoperosis	18
Atrial Fibrilation	11
Heart Failure	22
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	17
Diabetes	40
Dementia	11
Cancer	12

doctor visit	91
hospital care	57
inpatient care	57

**Gender**
Male	51
Female	99

**Ethnicity**
Non-Hispanic White	116
Black	19
Hispanic	0
Asian	0
Other	0
Native American	0

**Age**
From 65 to 74	79
From 75 to 84	0
85 and over	0
Less than 65	34

Hypertension	75
High Cholesterol	68
Stroke	10
Ischemic Heart Disease	35
Depression	40
Chronic Kidney Disease	50
Asthma	0
Osteoperosis	14
Atrial Fibrilation	17
Heart Failure	28
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	17
Diabetes	50
Dementia	13
Cancer	11

doctor visit	118

**Gender**
Male	35
Female	95

**Ethnicity**
Non-Hispanic White	116
Black	0
Hispanic	0
Asian	0
Other	0
Native American	0

**Age**
From 65 to 74	77
From 75 to 84	26
85 and over	0
Less than 65	0

Hypertension	72
High Cholesterol	71
Stroke	0
Ischemic Heart Disease	25
Depression	18
Chronic Kidney Disease	42
Asthma	9
Osteoperosis	13
Atrial Fibrilation	11
Heart Failure	19
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	17
Diabetes	42
Dementia	0
Cancer	9

doctor visit	177
hospital care	66
inpatient care	66

**Gender**
Male	50
Female	132

**Ethnicity**
Non-Hispanic White	149
Black	20
Hispanic	0
Asian	0
Other	0
Native American	0

**Age**
From 65 to 74	91
From 75 to 84	56
85 and over	0
Less than 65	0

Hypertension	75
High Cholesterol	74
Stroke	13
Ischemic Heart Disease	31
Depression	25
Chronic Kidney Disease	33
Asthma	10
Osteoperosis	20
Atrial Fibrilation	24
Heart Failure	21
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	18
Diabetes	46
Dementia	10
Cancer	18

Average Medicare Procedure Volume From 2014 - 2022

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. Pratibha Pr Rao, MD, MPH for Medicare patients.

The highest averages for the top procedures that Dr. Pratibha Pr Rao, MD, MPH treated as an endocrinologist in Solon, OH were hospital care and inpatient care.

doctor visit	156
hospital care	48
inpatient care	48

Average Medicare Patient Data From 2014 - 2022

Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. Pratibha Pr Rao, MD, MPH.

**Gender**
Female	94
Male	41

**Ethnicity**
Black / African American	3
Asian / Pacific Islander	0
Non-Hispanic White	109
Native American / Alaskan Native	0
Hispanic	0
Other	0

**Age**
75 to 84	23
85 and over	1
Less than 65	13
65 to 74	70

Average of Total of Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. Pratibha Pr Rao, MD, MPH From 2014 - 2022

The highest averages of the most common conditions of Medicare patients that Dr. Pratibha Pr Rao, MD, MPH treated were hypertension, high cholesterol, diabetes and chronic kidney disease.

Hypertension	66
High Cholesterol	59
Stroke	6
Ischemic Heart Disease	27
Depression	24
Chronic Kidney Disease	35
Asthma	9
Osteoporosis	11
Heart Failure	19
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	13
Diabetes	45
Atrial Fibrillation	11
Dementia	7
Cancer	6

Education & Training

She completed residency at Grant Medical College & Sir J.J. Group of Hospitals. She is certified by the Internal Medicine Internal Medicine - Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism and has a state license in Kentucky.

Residency: Grant Medical College & Sir J.J. Group of Hospitals (1994)

Board Certification: Internal Medicine Internal Medicine - Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism

Licensed In: Kentucky

Affiliations & Hospitals

Dr. Pratibha Pr Rao, MD, MPH is associated with these hospitals and organizations:

Cleveland Clinic

Cleveland Clinic Main Campus

Twinsburg Family Health & Surgery Center

Ratings & Reviews

Dr. Pratibha Pr Rao, MD, MPH has an exceptional overall rating with an average of 4.9 out of 5 stars based on 29 ratings. We collect ratings and reviews of Dr. Pratibha Pr Rao, MD, MPH from all over the web to help you find the right in Solon, OH.

4.9

Overall Rating

(29 Ratings)

Leave a Review

General Payments

These charts describe general payments received by Dr. Pratibha Pr Rao, MD, MPH. Doctors may receive payments for a number of reasons, including meal compensation, travel compensation, and consulting.

**Payments by Company**
Corcept Therapeutics	$134 Korlym $134
Bayer HealthCare Pharmaceuticals Inc.	$91 Kerendia $91
Novo Nordisk Inc	$91 Ozempic $38	RYBELSUS $20	Xultophy 100/3.6 $15	$17
INSULET CORPORATION	$43 Omnipod $43
Lilly USA, LLC	$42 FORTEO $17	JARDIANCE $13	TRADJENTA $11
Other	$83 SOLIQUA 100/33 $29	QSYMIA $15	RECORLEV $12	SOLIQUA $11	$16

**Types of Payments**
Food and Beverage	$471
Education	$12

Biography

Dr. Pratibha Rao specializes in adult endocrinology and practices in Solon, OH, Twinsburg, OH, and Cleveland, OH. Dr. Rao's areas of expertise include the following: amenorrhea (missed periods), graves disease, and hypocalcemia (calcium deficiency). She is professionally affiliated with Twinsburg Family Health & Surgery Center and Cleveland Clinic Main Campus. Her residency was performed at Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education & Research (JIPMER), Grant Medical College & Sir J.J. Group of Hospitals, and a hospital affiliated with Albert Einstein College of Medicine. Her average rating from her patients is 5.0 stars (out of 5).