Hormones & Hope with Dr. Chhaya

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 ex...

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:...

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...

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,...

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...

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 mor...

In this episode of Hormones & Hope, Dr. Chhaya welcomes the incredible Dr. Pam Peeke—physician, scientist, author, and the “doc who walks the talk.” Together, they unpack what truly drives women’s long-term health: mindset, muscle, metabolism, and meaning. Dr. Peeke shares her “Mind–Mouth–Muscle” framework, explains why strength training becomes essential after 40, and breaks down how bone cel...

In this episode of Hormones & Hope, Dr. Chhaya sits down with obesity medicine specialist Dr. Mona Sodhi, founder of Monarch Weight Loss & Wellness. Together, they break down the real science behind weight, metabolism, and why so many people do “all the right things” and still struggle. What Dr. Chhaya & Dr. Sodhi Discuss Together: ✔️ What really causes obesity? ✔️ Can you be thin and...

Register for the Upcoming Community Health Screening Event Here Are GLP-1 medications like Ozempic, Wegovy, and Mounjaro the miracle weight-loss injections social media claims them to be or just another Hollywood trend? In this eye-opening episode, Dr. Chhaya Makhija breaks down the real science behind GLP-1 and dual-agonist medications. She tackles misinformation, answers the most common patient...

Register for the Upcoming Community Health Screening Event Here . Why does your body feel so different in your 40s? In this episode of Hormones & Hope Podcast, Dr. Chhaya Makhija unpacks what’s really going on with midlife weight gain, energy dips, and rising blood sugar. She reveals five science-backed solutions that move you beyond the number on the scale—from understanding visceral fat and...

In this episode, Dr. Chhaya Makhija sits down with Dr. Monica Minjeur , founder and CEO of Radiant Clinic , to explore how Restorative Reproductive Medicine (RRM) helps women and couples uncover the root causes of menstrual and fertility issues without defaulting to birth control or IVF. Dr. Minjeur shares how hormonal balance, lifestyle changes, and a holistic understanding of the menstrual cycle...

In this powerful episode of Hormones and Hope, Dr. Chhaya Makhija speaks with cardiologist and longevity medicine specialist Dr. Khadija Siddiqui about how to not just live longer, but live better. They discuss: ✅ Can you have normal cholesterol and still get heart disease? ✅ What are the best tests for heart health and longevity? ✅ What is VO₂ max? ✅ How does exercise protect your heart? ✅ I...

If you’ve been losing more hair than usual and can’t figure out why, this episode is your wake-up call. Dr. Chhaya Makhija sits down with leading dermatologist Dr. Brenda Dintman, who brings over 30 years of experience in medical and cosmetic dermatology, to unpack the real reasons behind hair loss and what you can do to turn things around. From postpartum shedding and perimenopause to thyroid iss...

In this inspiring episode of Hormones and Hope , Dr. Chhaya Makhija sits down with Dr. Esra Shermadou, a board-certified family and obesity medicine physician whose personal journey through cancer and early menopause has shaped her passion for strength training, nutrition, and women’s health. Dr. Esra shares how resistance training transformed not only her body but also her mental health and recov...

What happens when modern neuroscience meets ancient wisdom? In this episode of Hormones and Hope Podcast, Dr. Chhaya Makhija speaks with Dr. Rashmi Schramm, a board-certified family physician turned mindfulness and meditation coach. From her childhood in India to her journey through burnout as a physician in the U.S., Dr. Schramm shares how reconnecting with ancient wisdom and modern neuroscience...

In this episode of Hormones and Hope , Dr. Chhaya Makhija sits down with Dr. Dani Cabral, an Ivy League–trained neurologist, psychiatrist, and Alzheimer’s specialist with over 15 years of experience in brain health and clinical research. Together, they explore one of the most important yet misunderstood organs in our body—the brain—and dive deep into the truths, myths, and breakthroughs surroundin...

In this episode of Hormones and Hope, Dr. Chhaya Makhija sits down with Dr. Nabila Noor—Harvard-trained urogynecologist and pelvic reconstructive surgeon, to talk about something women rarely bring up—even though it impacts millions every single day: pelvic floor health. Dr. Noor breaks it all down, from pregnancy to menopause, and explains how women can take charge of their pelvic floor health wi...

In this empowering episode of Hormones and Hope, Dr. Chhaya sits down with international menopause expert Dr. Sunila Khandelwal to unpack everything you’ve ever wondered about perimenopause and menopause. Together, they discuss: ✅ What is menopause? ✅ What are symptoms and signs of perimenopause and menopause? ✅ When should you start menopause hormone therapy? ✅ How long do hot flashes last af...

Are hot flashes, brain fog, or joint pain just part of getting older? Many women are told to “just live with it,” but the truth is—you don’t have to. In this episode, Dr. Chhaya sits down with Dr. Sadaf Lodhi, a board-certified OB-GYN and menopause specialist, to talk openly about what really happens in perimenopause and menopause. From hot flashes and heart palpitations to vaginal dryness and low...

In this episode of the Hormones and Hope Podcast, Dr. Chhaya is joined by Coach Garcia, a cancer survivor, trainer, and advocate for the transformative power of movement. What began as small fitness sessions in her backyard grew into a thriving practice built on discipline, positivity, and community. But beyond her role as a coach, her personal story of resilience demonstrates why exercise is more...

If you’ve ever brushed off joint pain as “just getting older,” this episode will change how you think about your body. In this episode of Hormones and Hope Podcast, Dr. Chhaya Makhija sits down with rheumatologist Dr. Brittany Panico — a joint health expert who’s treated everything from everyday osteoarthritis to rare autoimmune conditions. Together, they uncover why some people’s joints stay mobi...

What if just one minute of movement a day could shift your entire mindset—and improve your hormonal and metabolic health? In this episode of Hormones and Hope, Dr. Chhaya Makhija is joined by Dr. Sara Ionescu, a family medicine physician and mom of five who now coaches women—especially busy professionals and physicians on how to add simple, effective movement into their daily routines. No gym memb...

In this powerful and informative episode of Hormones and Hope , Dr. Chhaya Makhija is joined by board-certified gastroenterologist Dr. Kumkum Patel for a discussion on the intricate relationship between gut health, hormones, and women's overall well-being. From the connection between IBS and stress to the impact of estrogen and progesterone on gut sensitivity and microbiome diversity, this ep...

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...

What 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 jou...