Hormones & Hope with Dr. Chhaya

Chhaya Makhija, MD
  • 5.0 (8)
  • 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. 2d ago

    How Much Protein Do You Really Need? Protein, Fiber, Gut Health, and Building Muscle

    Is it really possible to get 100 grams of protein a day without eating meat? In this episode of Hormones & Hope, Dr. Makhija sits down with Registered Dietitian and Nutrition Coach Leonila Campos to unpack the truth about protein, fiber, and plant-forward eating.  Leonila shares practical examples of how foods like tofu, tempeh, lentils, chickpeas, edamame, quinoa, nuts, and seeds can fit into a high-protein eating pattern. She also explains why protein alone isn't enough to build muscle and why pairing adequate protein with resistance training is so important. They also talk about a question many people struggle with: Can you enjoy traditional foods like rice, beans, and tortillas while managing blood sugar? Leonila explains how small changes to a familiar meal can add more fiber, vegetables, and balance without asking you to completely give up the foods you love. Whether you're vegan, vegetarian, plant-forward, or simply trying to eat more intentionally, this episode offers a realistic approach to building healthier meals — without making nutrition unnecessarily complicated. 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 Leonila here: https://www.instagram.com/nutrition_with_leonila/ www.youtube.com/@SimpleNutritionInsights https://www.fueledbyleo.com fueledbyleo@gmail.com 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.

  2. Sep 10

    Love and Spark is Lost? How to Rebuild Intimacy in a Long-Term Relationship | Dr. Alexandra Stockwell

    Can you have a successful career, a loving marriage, and still feel completely disconnected from your partner? In this episode of Hormones and Hope, Dr. Chhaya Makhija sits down with Dr. Alexandra Stockwell, intimacy expert and author of Uncompromising Intimacy to have a conversation about long-term relationships, emotional intimacy, sexual desire, and maintaining connection as life changes. For many couples, especially during mid-adulthood, conversations can slowly become about work, children, schedules, finances, and responsibilities while emotional and physical intimacy gets pushed to the bottom of the list.  But does losing sexual desire have to be inevitable in a long-term relationship? Absolutely not. If you've ever wondered how to reconnect with your partner, improve intimacy in a long-term relationship, understand low libido, or bring emotional and physical connection back into your relationship, this episode is for you. 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 Follow Dr. Stockwell here: www.alexandrastockwell.com www.alexandrastockwell.com/ideas www.alexandrastockwell.com/app https://amzn.to/2ymI3Hl   www.alexandrastockwell.com/podcast 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.

  3. Sep 4

    At 69, She Lost 38 Lbs on Mounjaro 2.5 mg — Here’s What Happened to Her Muscle

    In this episode, Dr. Makhija shares the inspiring journey of a 69-year-old woman who transformed her health by taking a personalized approach to type 2 diabetes, weight management, and metabolic health. When she first came for care, she was dealing with fatigue, chronic pain, reduced mobility, and difficulty losing weight. She was also unaware that her blood sugar levels had progressed into the diabetes range, with an A1C of 7.2%. Instead of focusing only on weight loss, the approach focused on the whole person — nutrition, hydration, gut health, movement, pain management, muscle preservation, and eventually GLP-1 therapy with Mounjaro (tirzepatide). But the greatest success was not the number on the scale. It was becoming stronger, more active, and able to enjoy life again. If you are considering GLP-1 medications or are already on your weight loss journey, this episode will help you understand why the full picture matters. Download the Free Guide 'Your Health on GLP-1' Here: https://dr-chhaya.myflodesk.com/glp1 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 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.

  4. Aug 27

    Starting Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro, Zepbound & GLP-1 Agonists | What’s Next?

    What happens when you start a GLP-1 medication?  In this episode, Dr. Makhija walks you through what she discusses with her patients when starting a GLP-1 receptor agonist. She explains what to expect during the first 24–48 hours, how appetite and cravings may change, common gastrointestinal side effects, injection basics, hydration and nutrition, and why gradual dose titration matters. You’ll also learn why maintaining adequate protein, fiber, fluids, and overall nutrition is important during GLP-1 treatment, how to support muscle while losing weight, and why the number on the scale isn’t the only measure of progress.  Dr. Makhija also discusses the role of body composition assessments in tracking fat loss and muscle mass during a weight-loss journey. If you’re considering starting a GLP-1 medication or have recently started one, this episode can help you understand what the early stages of treatment may look like from an endocrinologist’s perspective. Download the Free Guide 'Your Health on GLP-1' Here: https://dr-chhaya.myflodesk.com/glp1 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 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.

  5. Aug 20

    How I Start HRT: Estradiol Patch + Progesterone for Menopause

    What exactly is menopause hormone replacement therapy (HRT), and how do estradiol patches and progesterone work together? In this episode, Dr. Makhija takes you inside the clinical approach she uses when helping women start menopause hormone therapy during perimenopause and menopause. Dr. Makhija explains estradiol patches, including what they are, how transdermal estrogen works, the different doses available, how often patches are changed, and where they are typically applied. She also discusses why some women may notice differences when switching between brands or manufacturers of estradiol patches, particularly during the 2026 national estradiol patch shortages. You'll also learn about progesterone and menopause HRT, including why progesterone is generally needed for women with an intact uterus who are using systemic estrogen, how micronized progesterone may be incorporated, and why Dr. Chhaya often introduces estrogen and progesterone separately rather than starting both at the same time. If you're experiencing hot flashes, night sweats, brain fog, fatigue, sleep changes, or menstrual changes and are wondering whether menopause hormone therapy may be right for you, this episode provides an inside look at how treatment can be individualized. Download the Free Guide 'Your Health on GLP-1' Here: https://dr-chhaya.myflodesk.com/glp1 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 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.

  6. Aug 7

    The 5 Most Common Questions About GLP-1 Medications | Coverage, Prior Authorizations, Denials & More

    Getting prescribed a GLP-1 medication is often the easy part. Getting it covered by your insurance is where many people run into roadblocks. In this episode, endocrinologist Dr. Chhaya Makhija answers five of the most common questions she hears about GLP-1 insurance coverage, including prior authorizations, prescription denials, appeals, and what your options are if your medication isn't approved.  She also shares what happens behind the scenes in a physician's office and why the insurance process can be so frustrating for both patients and doctors. Whether you're considering Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro, Zepbound, or another FDA-approved GLP-1 medication for obesity, type 2 diabetes, fatty liver disease (MASLD), or other metabolic conditions, this episode will help you better understand your coverage, know what questions to ask, and feel more prepared for your next appointment. Download the Free Guide 'Your Health on GLP-1' Here: https://dr-chhaya.myflodesk.com/glp1 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 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.

  7. Jul 30

    CGM & GLP-1: 10 Continuous Glucose Monitor Questions an Endocrinologist Answers

    Continuous Glucose Monitors (CGMs) have become one of the biggest trends in health and wellness—but are they actually useful if you don't have diabetes? In this episode of Hormones and Hope, board-certified endocrinologist Dr. Makhija breaks down the science behind CGMs, answers the 10 most common questions she hears from patients, and explains what these devices can—and can't—tell you about your health. From understanding the difference between blood glucose and sensor glucose to making sense of glucose spikes, you'll learn how factors like meals, exercise, stress, sleep, and hormones influence your glucose patterns.  Dr. Makhija also discusses when a CGM may be a helpful learning tool, who is most likely to benefit, and how to use the data to support healthier lifestyle habits instead of creating unnecessary anxiety. Whether you're managing diabetes, prediabetes, insulin resistance, or simply curious about optimizing your metabolic health, this episode will help you make informed decisions. 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 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.

  8. Jul 23

    Hormones, Pelvic Floor, Incontinence & Sexual Wellness - A Gynecologist Explains the Connection

    Perimenopause, menopause, low libido, painful sex, vaginal dryness, urinary incontinence, recurrent UTIs, pelvic floor dysfunction, hormone replacement therapy (HRT)—these are common concerns, but they should never be dismissed as just a normal part of aging. Key Takeaways: ✅ What are the first signs of perimenopause? ✅ Why is my sex drive so low during menopause? ✅ What is pelvic floor dysfunction? ✅ Can pelvic floor therapy help bladder leaks and painful sex? ✅ Is Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) safe? ✅ What are the benefits and risks of HRT? In this in-depth conversation, Dr. Chhaya Makhija is joined by Dr. Manita Nat, board-certified OB-GYN, robotic surgeon, and sexual medicine expert, to discuss the symptoms women often normalize and the evidence-based treatments available today.  Together, they explore how hormonal changes impact women's health across different life stages—from postpartum recovery to perimenopause and menopause and why a personalized, holistic approach can make all the difference. Whether you're dealing with postpartum recovery, perimenopause, menopause, low libido, weight gain, or other hormone-related symptoms, this conversation will help you better understand your body and the treatment options available. 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. Nat here: https://www.instagram.com/drmanitanat/ https://www.eastbayobgyn.com https://www.instagram.com/eastbayobgyn https://www.youtube.com/@UCIVryPc4MMmOQFripEMpbWw https://www.instagram.com/navyabydrnat/ 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.

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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
    66
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Hormones & Hope with Dr. Chhaya
  • Show Website
    Hormones & Hope with Dr. Chhaya

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