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. 3d ago

    How to Lower Cortisol Naturally: What Comes First—Stress, Cortisol, or Your Reaction?

    Register For Free Masterclass - Hormones and Bones with Dr. Makhija: https://zoom.us/meeting/register/RlPn712VStaT5jTtqHzSOA#/registration Is stress making you sick? And is cortisol really to blame for everything? In this episode of Hormones and Hope, Dr. Makhija sits down with Dr. Robyn Tiger, a lifestyle medicine physician, coach, and founder of StressFreeMD, to explore how stress affects our brain, nervous system, and overall health, and what we can do to respond to it differently. From blood sugar fluctuations and blood pressure to sleep, digestion, and emotional well-being, chronic stress can affect many aspects of our health. But while we can’t eliminate stress from our lives, we can learn to manage our stress responses and recover more effectively. Dr. Tiger shares her personal journey of discovering the connection between stress and physical symptoms, along with practical strategies to help regulate the nervous system, including simple breathing techniques and ways to shift negative thought patterns. Whether you're navigating work pressures, family responsibilities, health concerns, or the everyday demands of life, this conversation offers practical tools to help you build a healthier relationship with stress. Remember: You don't have to eliminate stress to feel better. Small, consistent changes can make a meaningful difference, and it's never too late to start. Tune in to learn how to build your own toolkit for managing stress and finding your calm, even on the go. 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. Robyn Tiger here: https://www.instagram.com/stressfreemd/ https://www.stressfreemd.net/about https://www.podpage.com/the-stressfreemd-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.

  2. Oct 8

    Should I Avoid Gluten and Soy If I Have Hashimoto’s? Diet and Supplements Explained

    In this episode of the thyroid series, Dr. Makhija answers more thyroid questions she hears from patients.  She breaks down the differences between Synthroid, generic levothyroxine, Armour Thyroid, and desiccated thyroid, explains what elevated TPO antibodies mean when your TSH is normal, and discusses whether thyroid medication is always needed for life. You’ll also learn how often TSH should be checked, when thyroid medication doses may need to change, and what can affect thyroid hormone absorption. Dr. Makhija also answers some of the biggest questions surrounding the so-called “thyroid diet,” including whether you need to avoid gluten, soy, or cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli and cauliflower if you have hypothyroidism or Hashimoto’s. She explains what we know about selenium and iodine supplements and why taking too much iodine can sometimes be harmful. Whether you have hypothyroidism, Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, elevated TPO antibodies, or simply want to better understand your thyroid labs and treatment options, this episode offers a practical, evidence-based overview of these commonly asked questions. Subscribe to the podcast for more conversations about thyroid health, hormones, osteoporosis, GLP-1 medications, hormone replacement therapy, and metabolic 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 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. Oct 1

    Thyroid Hormone Pills Explained: Normal TSH, T3 vs. T4, Weight Gain & the Best Time to Take Levothyroxine

    What does it mean if your TSH is normal but you still feel tired, gain weight, lose hair, or experience brain fog? Can thyroid medication help with weight loss? And if you’re taking levothyroxine, should you take it in the morning or at night? In this episode, Dr. Makhija, a triple board-certified endocrinologist, answers some of the most common thyroid questions she hears from patients. From understanding TSH and hypothyroidism to taking thyroid medication correctly, this episode covers some of the everyday questions that can make thyroid health feel confusing. Dr. Makhija explains why symptoms like fatigue, weight gain, hair loss, and brain fog aren't always caused by the thyroid, what other factors may need to be considered, and how your individual symptoms, medical history, labs, and stage of life can all influence thyroid treatment. This is Part 1 of the thyroid series, with more conversations coming up on T3 vs. T4, animal thyroid hormone, Hashimoto's, TPO antibodies, iodine, and diet. 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.

  4. Sep 24

    Strength Training: How to Build Muscle at Any Age | Fitness, Mindset & Healthy Aging

    In this episode of Hormones & Hope, Dr. Makhija sits down with Alicia Giana, founder of AGF Gym, to talk about strength training, sustainable fitness, motherhood, thyroid health, and the mindset behind long-term health. Alicia shares her own experience of having half of her thyroid removed as a young adult and later developing hypothyroidism, while also building a career in fitness and eventually opening her own gym. Her story is a reminder that a health condition doesn't have to determine what you're capable of doing. Dr. Makhija and Alicia discuss why strength training becomes increasingly important as we age, how women can support muscle and bone health through perimenopause and menopause, and why it's never too late to start building strength. They also talk about protein, sleep, hydration, recovery, realistic expectations for muscle gain, and how to make exercise work when life gets busy. Alicia opens up about adjusting her fitness routine after becoming a mother, finding time for herself, and letting go of the pressure to bounce back immediately. Whether you're new to strength training or already active, this episode offers realistic advice for building strength and making fitness a sustainable part of your life. 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 Alicia here: https://aliciagianafitness.com/ https://www.instagram.com/aliciagianafitness/?hl=en https://www.facebook.com/aliciagianafitness/ 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. Sep 17

    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.

  6. 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.

  7. 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.

  8. 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.

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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
    70
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Hormones & Hope with Dr. Chhaya
  • Show Website
    Hormones & Hope with Dr. Chhaya

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