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PODCAST

Hormones & Hope with Dr. Chhaya

Chhaya Makhija, MD

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 &

health & fitness medicine

All Episodes

32:46

Beyond Food & Weight: Navigating Eating Disorders in...

Hormones & Hope with Dr. Chhaya ·

2026/04/09

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 comprehen...

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47:30

Rethinking Exercise, Fitness, and What It Really...

Hormones & Hope with Dr. Chhaya ·

2026/04/02

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 ...

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37:05

From Medications to Lifestyle: A New Approach to...

Hormones & Hope with Dr. Chhaya ·

2026/03/26

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. Y...

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34:02

GERD Explained: Why Acid Reflux Is More Serious Than...

Hormones & Hope with Dr. Chhaya ·

2026/03/19

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 jus...

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34:22

Testosterone, Clomid & HCG: Men’s Health, Sperm Count...

Hormones & Hope with Dr. Chhaya ·

2026/03/12

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...

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41:52

Low Testosterone Explained: What to Fix Before...

Hormones & Hope with Dr. Chhaya ·

2026/03/05

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 phy...

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35:28

From Walk to Marathon: How Anyone Can Start Running &...

Hormones & Hope with Dr. Chhaya ·

2026/02/26

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 po...

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29:04

Oral Health Is Metabolic Health: What Your Dentist...

Hormones & Hope with Dr. Chhaya ·

2026/02/19

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 sh...

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30:30

Erectile Dysfunction: The TRUTH About Cialis, Viagra...

Hormones & Hope with Dr. Chhaya ·

2026/02/12

In Part 2 of this conversation on men’s health and erectile dysfunction, Dr. Chhaya Makhija continues her discussion with sexual medicine specialist Dr. Katherine Klos, shifting the focus from causes to treatment. While erectile dysfunction is commonly associated with low testosterone, this episode highlights why treatment requires a broader perspective. Hormones are only one component of a complex system involving vascular function, neurologic signaling, metabolic health, medications, and p...

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29:08

Erectile Dysfunction Isn’t Just About Sex — Here’s...

Hormones & Hope with Dr. Chhaya ·

2026/02/05

In this episode of Hormones and Hope, Dr. Chhaya Makhija begins a two-part series on men’s health and erectile dysfunction with urologist and sexual medicine specialist Dr. Katherine Klos. Key Takeaways: ✅ What are the medical causes of erectile dysfunction? ✅ Can erectile dysfunction happen even if testosterone is normal? ✅ Is erectile dysfunction linked to diabetes or insulin resistance? ✅ Why do doctors ask about morning erections? ✅ Is erectile dysfunction a sign of heart disease? Dr. K...

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30:43

Low Bone Density at 40+? A Dentist’s Journey from...

Hormones & Hope with Dr. Chhaya ·

2026/01/29

In this deeply personal and empowering episode of Hormones & Hope, Dr. Chhaya Makhija is joined by a very special guest—Dr. Cynthia, a retired dentist and longtime patient at Unified Endocrine & Diabetes Care. ✅ What is osteoporosis? ✅ Why do so many women delay osteoporosis treatment? ✅ Are osteoporosis medications really necessary? ✅ What happens if osteoporosis is left untreated? ✅ Is osteopenia the same as osteoporosis? ✅ What daily injectable osteoporosis treatment is really lik...

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24:05

Can You Take GLP-1 Medications If You Have...

Hormones & Hope with Dr. Chhaya ·

2026/01/22

Is your thyroid the reason you’re hesitating to start a GLP-1 medication? GLP-1 medications have changed the way we treat obesity and type 2 diabetes. But for anyone with a thyroid condition, they’ve also created a lot of anxiety, especially when headlines mention thyroid cancer, nodules, or hormone disruption. In this episode of Hormones & Hope, endocrinologist Dr. Chhaya Makhija breaks down the science behind GLP-1 medications and thyroid health by answering the five most commonly Googl...

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35:20

GLP-1 Medications: Is It Right for Me? Top 5...

Hormones & Hope with Dr. Chhaya ·

2026/01/15

In this episode of Hormones & Hope, Dr. Chhaya Makhija addresses the most commonly searched and most misunderstood questions about GLP-1 medications and weight loss. Dr. Makhija explains why weight loss is never just about fat, why muscle matters far more than we realize, and how GLP-1 medications can support — not replace — foundational lifestyle changes like strength training, nutrition, sleep, and stress management. You’ll also learn why stopping GLP-1 medication can lead to we...

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29:10

PCOS, PMDD & Postpartum Depression: The Hormone–Mood...

Hormones & Hope with Dr. Chhaya ·

2026/01/08

In this episode of Hormones and Hope, Dr. Chhaya Makhija is joined by Dr. Susan Zink, a board-certified psychiatrist and founder of Elemental Integrative Psychiatry, for a practical conversation on women’s mental health during hormonal transitions. From PMDD and menstrual-related mood changes to postpartum depression and anxiety, Dr. Zink breaks down what’s normal, what’s not, and when symptoms deserve medical attention. She explains why some women are more sensitive to hormonal shifts, how ...

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42:33

Cortisol Explained: What Social Media Gets Wrong...

Hormones & Hope with Dr. Chhaya ·

2026/01/01

In this in-depth episode, Dr. Chhaya Makhija sits down with board-certified endocrinologist and obesity medicine specialist Dr. Karl Nadolsky to cut through the confusion surrounding hormones, metabolism, and modern wellness culture. From cortisol panic and thyroid myths to continuous glucose monitors and weight-loss trends, this conversation brings science back into the spotlight. Dr. Nadolsky explains what endocrinology really involves, why so many popular “hormone hacks” are misleading, an...

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35:24

Hormones, PRP, and Lasers: New Options for Women’s...

Hormones & Hope with Dr. Chhaya ·

2025/12/25

Low libido, vaginal discomfort, and changes in sexual desire are incredibly common, but that doesn’t mean women have to “just live with it.” In this episode, Dr. Chhaya Makhija is joined by gynecologist and sexual wellness expert Dr. Adana Ikedilo to break down what low libido actually means, when it becomes a medical issue, and why women should never feel shame for bringing it up. Key Takeaways: ✅ What causes low libido in women? ✅ Is low libido normal during perimenopause or menopause? ✅ ...

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41:28

How GLP-1 Medications Work: Treating Obesity as a...

Hormones & Hope with Dr. Chhaya ·

2025/12/18

In this in-depth episode of Hormones & Hope, Dr. Chhaya Makhija is joined by obesity medicine specialist Dr. Sarah Stombaugh for a thoughtful, evidence-based conversation on obesity as a chronic disease and the evolving role of GLP-1 receptor agonists in long-term weight and metabolic health. Together, they unpack why obesity is not simply about willpower, how genetics, hormones, inflammation, and environment intersect, and where medications like GLP-1s fit into a comprehensive treatment ...

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36:26

Stop Taking Melatonin Like This — Sleep Doctor...

Hormones & Hope with Dr. Chhaya ·

2025/12/11

In this powerful and deeply insightful episode of Hormones & Hope, Dr. Chhaya Makhija sits down with triple-board-certified psychiatrist and sleep medicine specialist Dr. Nishi Bhopal to unpack one of the most universal yet widely misunderstood pillars of health: sleep. Together, they explore how sleep influences hormones, metabolism, immunity, mental health, and long-term cognitive function, and they break down the myths surrounding supplements like melatonin, magnesium, L-theanin...

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32:53

Ultra-Processed Foods & Childhood Obesity: What...

Hormones & Hope with Dr. Chhaya ·

2025/12/04

In this episode of Hormones & Hope Podcast, Dr. Chhaya sits down with pediatrician and obesity-medicine specialist Dr. Sushma Chamarthi, who has dedicated her career to helping children build healthy, sustainable relationships with food and movement. Key Takeaways: ✅ How can parents spot weight issues early? ✅ What makes junk food risky for kids? ✅ Does screen time cause weight gain? ✅ Who should get GLP-1 medicines? ✅ Why is there stigma around weight-loss meds? ✅ What easy habits can f...

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28:43

The 3 Insights That Will Change Your Health—Starting...

Hormones & Hope with Dr. Chhaya ·

2025/11/27

In this special Thanksgiving episode, Dr. Chhaya Makhija invites listeners into a heartfelt, reflective conversation on gratitude, health advocacy, personalization, and the mindset shifts that truly move the needle in our well-being. This solo episode blends storytelling, real patient experiences, and a guided moment of breath awareness to help you step into the last six weeks of the year with more clarity, calm, and intention. Dr. Chhaya shares three powerful insights—the third one bei...

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44 results

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