Hormones & Hope with Dr. Chhaya

Chhaya Makhija, MD
  • 5.0 (6)
  • MEDICINE

Welcome to Hormones and Hope, the podcast where we bridge science and wellness for every listener. I’m Dr. Chhaya Makhija, a triple board-certified endocrinologist, lifestyle medicine specialist, and educator/speaker practicing in California. After nearly two decades of helping patients decode their health, I created this podcast to give you trusted, evidence-based insights—delivered with clarity, compassion, and real-life relevance. Let's experience the intersection of clinical endocrinology & lifestyle empowerment.

  1. 10H AGO

    Beyond Food & Weight: Navigating Eating Disorders in Teens

    What if eating disorders don’t look the way you think they do? In this episode of Hormones and Hope, Dr. Chhaya Makhija interviews adolescent medicine specialist Dr. Lauren Hartman to explore the rising prevalence and complexity of eating disorders in pediatric and adolescent populations. With eating disorders presenting at younger ages and across diverse populations, this conversation highlights the urgent need for early recognition and intervention.  Dr. Hartman provides a comprehensive overview of how eating disorders exist on a spectrum—from disordered eating behaviors to diagnosable clinical conditions and why waiting for full diagnostic criteria can delay care. You’ll learn how to distinguish between disordered eating and a clinical eating disorder, what subtle signs to watch for, and why early intervention can dramatically change outcomes. Whether you’re a clinician, parent, or someone wanting to better understand adolescent health, this episode offers a compassionate, practical, and hopeful perspective. About Dr. Hartman: Dr. Lauren Hartman is a double board-certified pediatrician and adolescent medicine specialist with nearly 20 years of experience treating children, adolescents, and young adults, with particular expertise in eating disorders across hospital and outpatient settings. Throughout her career, Dr. Hartman has held numerous leadership positions at regional and national levels. Currently, she serves on the Eating Disorder Committee for the Society for Adolescent Health and Medicine (SAHM), the premier professional organization for adolescent health specialists. Dr. Hartman maintains a private practice in Berkeley, California Aspen Grove Adolescent & Young Adult Medicine where she specializes in eating disorders. Her forthcoming book, Freeing Children and Young Adults from Shame, Scales and Stigma: A Practical Guide for Parents, Educators and Clinicians, will be published in Spring 2026 by Routledge. Follow Dr. Chhaya Makhija here: https://www.instagram.com/chhayamakhijamd/ https://www.facebook.com/unifiedendocrine https://unifiedendocrinecare.com/ https://www.youtube.com/@chhayamakhijamd https://www.linkedin.com/in/chhayamakhijamd/ Email: connect@unifiedendocrinecare.com  Download Free Guides/ Resources here: https://linktr.ee/chhayamakhijamd Follow Dr. Hartman here: https://www.aspengroveayam.com https://www.instagram.com/laurenhartmanmd/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/lauren-hartman-b4bab9a0/ Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational, informational, and entertainment purposes only. It’s not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your healthcare provider for personalized guidance. 🔔 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and hit the bell icon!

    33 min

  2. APR 2

    Rethinking Exercise, Fitness, and What It Really Means to Be Healthy

    What if living longer wasn’t about genetics or luck, but about the choices you make every single day? In this episode of Hormones and Hope, Dr. Chhaya sits down with Dr. Ali Zaidi, a longevity expert, to explore what truly drives not just lifespan, but healthspan. Drawing from both clinical experience and evidence-based science, Dr. Ali shares why he shifted his focus from treating disease at later stages to helping people prevent chronic illness before it begins. Together, they unpack the growing movement of longevity medicine and what it actually means in real life, not just on social media. Learn why metrics like VO2 max are helpful but not essential, how simple habits like walking can transform your metabolic health, and why even small improvements in fitness can significantly reduce your risk of disease. If you have ever wondered where to start or how to stay consistent, this episode gives you clarity, direction, and a reminder that it is never too late to take control of your health. Follow Dr. Chhaya Makhija here: https://www.instagram.com/chhayamakhijamd/ https://www.facebook.com/unifiedendocrine https://unifiedendocrinecare.com/ https://www.youtube.com/@chhayamakhijamd https://www.linkedin.com/in/chhayamakhijamd/ Email: connect@unifiedendocrinecare.com  Download Free Guides/ Resources here: https://linktr.ee/chhayamakhijamd Follow Dr. Ali Zaidi here: https://www.instagram.com/AliZaidiMD/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/ali-zaidi-4a81121/ Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational, informational, and entertainment purposes only. It’s not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your healthcare provider for personalized guidance. 🔔 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and hit the bell icon!

    48 min

  3. MAR 26

    From Medications to Lifestyle: A New Approach to Autoimmune Healing

    In this powerful episode of Hormones and Hope, Dr. Chhaya Makhija sits down with quadruple board-certified rheumatologist Dr. Micah Yu to explore a topic many patients are curious (and confused) about: Can autoimmune diseases be managed beyond medications? This conversation bridges the gap between conventional medicine and integrative approaches, offering a realistic, evidence-based look at supplements, lifestyle changes, and personalized care for autoimmune conditions like arthritis. Dr. Yu shares his personal journey with autoimmune disease, how it shaped his approach to medicine, and why true healing often requires looking beyond prescriptions alone. From debunking common myths to breaking down the science behind turmeric, omega-3s, and vitamin D, this episode is packed with clarity, nuance, and practical insights. If you’ve ever wondered whether lifestyle changes actually make a difference, or how to safely integrate supplements into your care plan, this episode is for you. Micah Yu, MD is a quadruple board-certified integrative rheumatologist specializing in Rheumatology, Internal Medicine, Integrative Medicine and Functional Medicine. Trained at Loma Linda University and the Andrew Weil Integrative Medicine Fellowship at the University of Arizona, he is the co-founder of Dr. Lifestyle and founder of MYAutoimmuneMD, where he helps patients address autoimmune disease through evidence-based integrative care. As both a physician and a patient with arthritis, Dr. Yu brings a rare, deeply personal perspective to autoimmunity, arthritis, and whole-person healing. Follow Dr. Chhaya Makhija here: https://www.instagram.com/chhayamakhijamd/ https://www.facebook.com/unifiedendocrine https://unifiedendocrinecare.com/ https://www.youtube.com/@chhayamakhijamd https://www.linkedin.com/in/chhayamakhijamd/ Email: connect@unifiedendocrinecare.com  Download Free Guides/ Resources here: https://linktr.ee/chhayamakhijamd Follow Dr. Micah Yu here:  https://drlifestyle.org/dr-micah-yu/ https://www-fallback.instagram.com/myautoimmunemd/ https://www.youtube.com/@MYAutoimmuneMD https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/autoimmune-alchemy/id1834049652 https://www.linkedin.com/in/micah-yu/ Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational, informational, and entertainment purposes only. It’s not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your healthcare provider for personalized guidance. 🔔 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and hit the bell icon!

    37 min

  4. MAR 19

    GERD Explained: Why Acid Reflux Is More Serious Than You Think

    In this episode of Hormones and Hope, Dr. Chhaya Makhija sits down with Surgeon and Foregut Surgeon Dr. Tejal Pandya to discuss one of the most common yet misunderstood conditions—GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease). While many people associate reflux with occasional heartburn, this conversation reveals how GERD can present in multiple ways, including chest pain, throat irritation, chronic cough, and even symptoms that mimic heart or sinus issues. Dr. Pandya explains how reflux is not just about acid, but also about the physical movement of stomach contents into the esophagus. They also dive into why medications like PPIs don’t always address the root cause, what red flags to watch for, and when it’s time to move beyond symptom management into deeper evaluation. From lifestyle habits to advanced diagnostics like endoscopy, manometry, and pH testing, this episode gives you a clear roadmap to understanding and addressing reflux properly. If you’ve been dealing with persistent symptoms or feel like something is being missed, this episode will help you take the next step toward real answers. Dr. Tejal Pandya is a board certified general surgeon and fellowship trained foregut specialist. She is on a mission to cure antacid dependence through education and comprehensive evaluation and treatment. As a specialist, Dr. Pandya is uniquely qualified to offer functional testing, endoscopy, advanced diagnostics, and surgery to serve patients suffering from heartburn and acid reflux related problems.  She chose this specialty after seeing the major impact these diseases have on overall health and quality of life, and yet they are frequently not treated as diseases at all. She's here to change that. Follow Dr. Chhaya Makhija here: https://www.instagram.com/chhayamakhijamd/ https://www.facebook.com/unifiedendocrine https://unifiedendocrinecare.com/ https://www.youtube.com/@chhayamakhijamd https://www.linkedin.com/in/chhayamakhijamd/ Email: connect@unifiedendocrinecare.com  Download Free Guides/ Resources here: https://linktr.ee/chhayamakhijamd Follow Dr. Pandya here: https://tejalpandyamd.com/ https://www.instagram.com/tejalpandyamd/ https://www.youtube.com/@tejalpandyamd Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational, informational, and entertainment purposes only. It’s not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your healthcare provider for personalized guidance. 🔔 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and hit the bell icon!

    34 min

  5. MAR 12

    Testosterone, Clomid & HCG: Men’s Health, Sperm Count and Fertility Explained

    In part 2 of this conversation, Dr. Chhaya Makhija continues her discussion with urologist and men’s health expert Dr. Justin Dubin, shifting the focus from diagnosing low testosterone to what treatment actually looks like. Dr. Dubin walks through how physicians approach testosterone therapy and what factors matter when deciding if it’s the right option. The conversation also touches on common misconceptions about testosterone, concerns about heart health and prostate cancer, and the growing influence of social media on how younger men think about testosterone therapy. They wrap up with a discussion on HCG therapy, which may help stimulate natural testosterone production and support fertility in certain cases. There isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach to treatment. Understanding the options and having open conversations with your physician can help patients make informed decisions about their health.  About The Guest Dr. Justin Dubin is a Urologist who specializes in Men's Health including sexual medicine and male infertility in South Florida. Justin grew up in Wayne, NJ and graduated from Johns Hopkins University with a degree in Biology. He attended Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson for medical school then completed his training in Urology at the University of Miami followed by his Andrology fellowship at Northwestern University.   Dr. Dubin is passionate about men’s health and education with the goal of improving both the lives of men and their partners. He has published multiple papers on both male infertility and sexual health, has been quoted in the NY Times, Insider, GQ, The Cut, USA Today, and Men’s Health and is the current co-host of the men’s health podcast Man Up: A Doctor’s Guide to Men’s Health through which he hopes to destigmatize men's health topics and motivate men to improve their overall lives. Follow Dr. Chhaya Makhija here: https://www.instagram.com/chhayamakhijamd/ https://www.facebook.com/unifiedendocrine https://unifiedendocrinecare.com/ https://www.youtube.com/@chhayamakhijamd https://www.linkedin.com/in/chhayamakhijamd/ Email: connect@unifiedendocrinecare.com  Download Free Guides/ Resources here: https://linktr.ee/chhayamakhijamd Follow Dr. Dubin here: https://www.mhs.net/providers/d/dubin-justin https://www.instagram.com/justindubinmd/?hl=en https://x.com/justindubinmd?lang=en https://www.tiktok.com/@justindubinmd https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/man-up/id1582655811 Don’t forget to subscribe to Hormones and Hope, leave a review, and share this episode with a friend who could use a little inspiration on their wellness journey. Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational, informational, and entertainment purposes only. It’s not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your healthcare provider for personalized guidance.

    34 min

  6. MAR 5

    Low Testosterone Explained: What to Fix Before Starting Testosterone Therapy

    In this episode of Hormones & Hope, Dr. Chhaya Makhija sits down with Dr. Justin Dubin, a urologist and men's health specialist based in South Florida, to unpack one of the most widely misunderstood topics in men’s health: low testosterone (hypogonadism).  From symptoms like low libido and fatigue to the role of metabolic health and fertility preservation, this conversation explores how testosterone affects overall quality of life, not just hormone levels. Dr. Dubin explains how physicians evaluate low testosterone, why a single lab test isn’t enough for diagnosis, and how lifestyle factors like obesity, sleep apnea, and diabetes play a major role in hormone health. The episode also dives into treatment options, including clomiphene, a medication that can raise testosterone levels while preserving fertility. Together, Dr. Makhija and Dr. Dubin discuss the importance of looking beyond a single hormone level and instead approaching men’s health through a whole-person perspective that includes metabolic health, lifestyle, and long-term wellbeing. This is Part 1 of a two-part series, where the focus is on diagnosis, symptoms, and evaluation of low testosterone. Dr. Justin Dubin is a Urologist who specializes in Men's Health including sexual medicine and male infertility in South Florida. Justin grew up in Wayne, NJ and graduated from Johns Hopkins University with a degree in Biology. He attended Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson for medical school then completed his training in Urology at the University of Miami followed by his Andrology fellowship at Northwestern University.   Dr. Dubin is passionate about men’s health and education with the goal of improving both the lives of men and their partners. He has published multiple papers on both male infertility and sexual health, has been quoted in the NY Times, Insider, GQ, The Cut, USA Today, and Men’s Health and is the current co-host of the men’s health podcast Man Up: A Doctor’s Guide to Men’s Health through which he hopes to destigmatize men's health topics and motivate men to improve their overall lives. Follow Dr. Chhaya Makhija here: https://www.instagram.com/chhayamakhijamd/ https://www.facebook.com/unifiedendocrine https://unifiedendocrinecare.com/ https://www.youtube.com/@chhayamakhijamd https://www.linkedin.com/in/chhayamakhijamd/ Email: connect@unifiedendocrinecare.com  Download Free Guides/ Resources here: https://linktr.ee/chhayamakhijamd Follow Dr. Dubin here: https://www.mhs.net/providers/d/dubin-justin https://www.instagram.com/justindubinmd/?hl=en https://x.com/justindubinmd?lang=en https://www.tiktok.com/@justindubinmd https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/man-up/id1582655811 Don’t forget to subscribe to Hormones and Hope, leave a review, and share this episode with a friend who could use a little inspiration on their wellness journey. Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational, informational, and entertainment purposes only. It’s not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your healthcare provider for personalized guidance.

    42 min

  7. FEB 26

    From Walk to Marathon: How Anyone Can Start Running & Build a Lifelong Exercise Habit

    In this episode, Dr. Chhaya Makhija welcomes Physician and Marathon Coach Dr. Michelle Quirk, who shares how running became her anchor during a season of burnout, grief, and life transitions. Starting with a simple jog around the block, she gradually built endurance, confidence, and eventually a coaching practice helping beginners and experienced runners nationwide. The conversation dives into realistic movement strategies for busy adults, the science-backed benefits of running, and the powerful mindset shift that “something is better than nothing.” Dr. Quirk also explains how coaching provides accountability, lifestyle support, and sustainable habit formation — making fitness a lifelong practice rather than a short-term resolution If this episode reminded you that movement doesn’t have to be perfect to be powerful, start small today. Take a five-minute walk, try a short jog, or simply pause and reconnect with your “why.” Follow Dr. Chhaya Makhija here: https://www.instagram.com/chhayamakhijamd/ https://www.facebook.com/unifiedendocrine https://unifiedendocrinecare.com/ https://www.youtube.com/@chhayamakhijamd https://www.linkedin.com/in/chhayamakhijamd/ Email: connect@unifiedendocrinecare.com  Download Free Resources here: https://linktr.ee/chhayamakhijamd Dr. Michelle Quirk is a board-certified pediatrician and a certified run coach with the Road Runners Club of America (RRCA). She founded Mindful Marathon to help women physicians use running as a path to healing, self-discovery, and sustainable wellbeing. She coaches athletes, leads Mindful Movement Retreats, and is the host of the Mindful Marathon Podcast.  Follow Dr. Michelle Quirk here: https://mindful-marathon.com/coachmichelle https://mindful-marathon.com/podcast https://www.instagram.com/mindful.marathon https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCs1QWRIQow5oVDl8NQtR8RA https://www.facebook.com/MindfulMarathon/ Don’t forget to subscribe to Hormones and Hope, leave a review, and share this episode with a friend who could use a little inspiration on their wellness journey. Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational, informational, and entertainment purposes only. It’s not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your healthcare provider for personalized guidance.

    35 min

  8. FEB 19

    Oral Health Is Metabolic Health: What Your Dentist Knows About Diabetes

    We often think of dental care as something we deal with only when there’s pain, but what if your mouth was quietly influencing your overall health every single day? In this episode, Dr. Chhaya Makhija is joined by Dr. Abhi Thakkar, dentist, educator, and advocate for preventive care, for a powerful conversation on how oral health and metabolic health are deeply interconnected. Dr. Thakkar shares his clinical experience caring for patients across all age groups and highlights an important shift: rising cavity prevalence in children and young adults, largely driven by frequent snacking, sugary beverages, and delayed preventive visits. He explains how each acidic exposure lasts up to 40 minutes, meaning constant grazing prevents saliva from neutralizing damage and allows demineralization to progress over time. If you’ve ever wondered whether flossing really matters, how often you should get dental cleanings, or whether sipping soda all day is worse than drinking it once, this episode answers it all. Follow Dr. Chhaya Makhija here: https://www.instagram.com/chhayamakhijamd/ https://www.facebook.com/unifiedendocrine https://unifiedendocrinecare.com/ https://www.youtube.com/@chhayamakhijamd https://www.linkedin.com/in/chhayamakhijamd/ Email: connect@unifiedendocrinecare.com  Download Free Resources here: https://linktr.ee/chhayamakhijamd Follow Dr. Abhi Thakkar here: https://www.camarenahealth.org/7th-annual-health-careers-start-here-youth-conference/ https://www.instagram.com/drabhithakkar/?hl=en https://www.linkedin.com/in/abhi-thakkar-dds-ficd-facd-fpfa-3491a7195/ Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational, informational, and entertainment purposes only. It’s not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your healthcare provider for personalized guidance. If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to subscribe to the Hormones & Hope Podcast for more expert insights, real conversations, and science-backed strategies to help you feel your best—inside and out.

    29 min
See All (46)

5
out of 5
6 Ratings

About

Welcome to Hormones and Hope, the podcast where we bridge science and wellness for every listener. I’m Dr. Chhaya Makhija, a triple board-certified endocrinologist, lifestyle medicine specialist, and educator/speaker practicing in California. After nearly two decades of helping patients decode their health, I created this podcast to give you trusted, evidence-based insights—delivered with clarity, compassion, and real-life relevance. Let's experience the intersection of clinical endocrinology & lifestyle empowerment.

Information

  • Creator
    Chhaya Makhija, MD
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    46
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Hormones & Hope with Dr. Chhaya
  • Show Website
    Hormones & Hope with Dr. Chhaya

You Might Also Like