Hormones & Hope with Dr. Chhaya

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.

Hormones & Hope with Dr. Chhaya is a health podcast hosted by Chhaya Makhija, MD, with 67 episodes on record and a Required Pod Score of 80.

Chhaya Makhija, MD hosts Hormones & Hope with Dr. Chhaya, a health show with 67 episodes published.

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  Hormones & Hope with Dr. Chhaya

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

  Oct 1, 202622 min

  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.

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  Hormones & Hope with Dr. Chhaya

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

  Sep 24, 202632 min

  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.

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  Hormones & Hope with Dr. Chhaya

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

  Sep 17, 202638 min

  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.

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  Hormones & Hope with Dr. Chhaya

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

  Sep 10, 202644 min

  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.co m 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.

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  Hormones & Hope with Dr. Chhaya

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

  Sep 4, 202620 min

  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.

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