Shows
Hormones & Hope with Dr. ChhayaThis 1 Daily Habit Changes Your Gut (and Life)In this episode of Hormones and Hope Podcast, Dr. Chhaya is joined by Dr. Katrina Coulter, infectious disease physician and microbiome educator, to explore why our gut is one of the most powerful systems in our body. It’s not just about digestion—your gut is shaping your hormones, immune system, mood, and even how you respond to medications.From the overuse of antibiotics to the way our food is grown, Dr. Coulter explains how the loss of microbial diversity is at the root of many modern issues: hormone imbalances, metabolic shifts, poor immunity, and even emotional heal...2025-07-2440 min
The Get Healthy Tampa Bay PodcastE132: Dr. Chhaya Makhija on Thyroid Health, Hashimoto’s, and Common Hormone Myths ExplainedWelcome to the Get Healthy Tampa Bay Podcast with Dr. Kerry Reller! This week, I’m joined by Dr. Chhaya Makhija, a triple board-certified endocrinologist and lifestyle medicine expert based in California. In this episode, we dive deep into thyroid health—what the thyroid does, why it matters, and how to know when it’s actually the cause of symptoms like fatigue or weight gain. Dr. Makhija breaks down how to interpret thyroid labs, the role of TPO antibodies in Hashimoto’s, and when supplements like selenium might be helpful.We also explore common myths around thyroid nodules...2025-07-2345 minHormones & Hope with Dr. ChhayaMenopause, Allergies & Immune Chaos: Understanding the OverlapWhat do perimenopause, thyroid antibodies, and chronic hives have in common? More than you'd think. In this episode of Hormones and Hope, Dr. Chhaya is joined by Dr. Praveen Buddiga for a deep dive into the interconnected nature of hormones, the immune system, and chronic inflammation.Dr. Buddiga shares how his daughter’s early struggles with severe allergies reshaped his entire medical journey and how that personal lens now helps him find deeper answers for his patients. Together, they break down why chronic hives aren't just a surface issue, the hidden connection between thyroid health and histamine re...2025-07-1733 minHormones & Hope with Dr. ChhayaThe Sleep-Hormone Connection: Cortisol, Testosterone & MoreWe often think of sleep as something we can "catch up on" later. But what if even mild sleep issues could be quietly impacting your hormones, energy levels, metabolism, and long-term health?In this powerful episode of Hormones & Hope Podcast, Dr. Chhaya Makhija is joined by sleep medicine expert Dr. Funke Afolabi-Brown—one of the few specialists trained in both pediatric and adult sleep disorders. Dr. Brown breaks down how even mild sleep apnea, often dismissed or ignored, can suppress testosterone, elevate cortisol, impair glucose control, and contribute to issues like secondary hypogonadism, stubborn weight gain, and bu...2025-07-1030 minHormones & Hope with Dr. ChhayaThe Most Overlooked Treatment for Anxiety and Depression Isn’t a Drug — You Need to Hear ThisWhat if your anxiety or mood swings weren’t “just in your head”—but clues pointing toward something deeper?In this insightful episode of Hormones & Hope Podcast, Dr. Chhaya Makhija is joined by psychiatrist and educator Dr. Jonathan Terry, who shares a grounded, hopeful perspective on mental health. They explore how to differentiate everyday stress from something more serious, when and how to seek support, and why judgment (especially self-judgment) is often the biggest roadblock to healing. From cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) to lifestyle shifts like behavioral activation and anti-inflammatory diets, this episode is packed with real...2025-07-0330 min
Love and Science FertilityStressed about Stress? A Lifestyle Medicine Approach to Stress Reduction with Dr. Chhaya MakhijaIn this evidence-based and wisdom-filled episode, we discuss how there are many ways to use science to start to feel better and achieve better fertility outcomes. We consider the following:awarenesschoosing your A teamtrusting the processconnecting with your soul and allowing for transformationbreathwork and the relaxation/parasympathetic responseobjective data to show it's working (heart rate, respiratory rate, blood pressure, continuous glucose monitoring) other lifestyle medicine tools such as nutrition, exercise, and sleepindividualized careGuest Information: Dr. Chhaya Makhija is a physician entrepreneur, CEO and Founder of Unified Endocrine and Diabetes Care in California. She leads th...2025-07-0351 minHormones & Hope with Dr. ChhayaBefore the Baby: Your Body, Your Habits, Your Plan — A Couple’s Guide to Pre Conception HealthIn this heartfelt episode of Hormones & Hope, Dr. Chhaya Makhija is joined by Dr. Erica Bove, double board-certified OBGYN and reproductive endocrinologist, and founder of Love and Science. Dr. Bove shares how combining science with emotional support can change the entire fertility experience. From tackling myths around IVF and ovulation to helping clients manage stress and find hope again, she explains how fertility coaching supports people at every step of the journey.This episode is a must-listen for anyone feeling isolated or overwhelmed in their fertility journey and looking for a new, more compassionate way forward.2025-06-2633 minHormones & Hope with Dr. ChhayaHormones, Fibroids & Menopause: The Overlooked ConnectionDid you know that up to 90% of women of color and 80% of all women will develop fibroids by age 50? Yet, most women don't even realize they have them.In this week's episode, Dr. Chhaya Makhija sits down with Dr. Cheruba Prabakar—a fellowship-trained minimally invasive surgeon, gynecologist, and founder of Lamorinda Gynecology & Surgery—also known as The Fibroid Doc. Dr. Prabakar brings both surgical expertise and real-world compassion to help patients feel empowered, not overwhelmed. From rapid-fire myth-busting to clinical insights, this episode clears the confusion around fibroids: what causes them, how they impact fertility, when to remo...2025-06-1926 minHormones & Hope with Dr. ChhayaYour Fertility Roadmap: Egg Freezing, Male factor Medications & Daily Habits That MatterHow do you know when to seek help for fertility? What’s actually “normal” when it comes to your cycle? And is egg freezing only for women in their late 30s? What about male factor causing infertility - the shocking statistics. In this episode of the Hormones & Hope Podcast, Dr. Chhaya Makhija is joined by reproductive endocrinologist Dr. Carolina Sueldo for a deep dive into all things fertility. From understanding your menstrual cycle as a vital sign to knowing when to seek help, this episode sheds light on what’s normal, what’s not, and why early action matt...2025-06-1239 minHormones & Hope with Dr. ChhayaPrecision Lifestyle Rx for Rheumatoid Arthritis & Inflammation: Food, Movement, MindCan you truly thrive with rheumatoid arthritis—not just survive? In this empowering episode of Hormones and Hope Podcast, endocrinologist and lifestyle medicine specialist Dr. Chhaya Makhija connects with world-renowned rheumatologist and telehealth pioneer Dr. Diana Girnita to explore that very question.Drawing from her clinical experience and her book Thriving with Rheumatoid Arthritis, Dr. Girnita shares how science-backed lifestyle changes can complement traditional treatment. From busting common myths (like “RA only affects older people”) to discussing the impact of sugar, sleep, and mindset, this conversation brings clarity and hope to anyone living with or at risk...2025-06-0526 min
Hormones & Hope with Dr. ChhayaWelcome to Hormones & Hope Podcast!Welcome to Hormones & Hope Podcast!I’m your host, Dr. Chhaya Makhija — triple board-certified in Internal Medicine, Diabetes, Endocrine & Metabolism, and Lifestyle Medicine. For over 20 years, I’ve helped thousands navigate hormonal health challenges—from diabetes and thyroid issues to fatigue, weight changes, and fertility concerns.In this episode, I share why this podcast exists: to cut through the confusion, fear, and frustration around hormonal health with clear, science-backed insights and compassionate guidance. You’re not alone, your body is not broken, and there’s always something we can do.Join me for expert inter...2025-06-0204 min
Brain Power with Dr. EkoEP. 37 | The Power of Laughter and Breath for Health, with Dr. Chhaya Makhija.Unlock the secrets to a healthier life as we sit down with the pioneering Dr. Chhaya Makhija, founder of Unified Endocrine and Diabetes Care. Dr. Makhija reveals her groundbreaking methods that merge traditional medicine with lifestyle enhancements, such as laughter yoga, and breathwork. Learn how a good laugh and focused breathing can transform your health by boosting endorphins, balancing stress hormones, and grounding you in the present moment. This episode promises to deliver actionable insights into holistic well-being, anchored in both ancient practices and modern science.Join Dr. Eko and Dr. Makhija as they explore the profound...2024-09-3022 min
The Direct Care Podcast For SpecialistsUnified Endocrine & Diabetes Care with Dr. Chhaya MakhijaSend us a textThe founder of the first direct specialty care in endocrine & lifestyle medicine in the State of California, Dr. Chhaya Makhija shares her direct specialty care journey. She found a harmonious balance between academia and opening a direct specialty care private practice that is transforming the way people are living with chronic conditions. If you believe it, it will happen. Clinic Site: Unified Endocrine & Diabetes CareInstagram: @chhayamakhijamdFacebook: Unified Endocrine and Diabetes CareYouTube: @chhayamakhijamdLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chhayamakhijamd/ Support the s...2024-06-0435 min