Chhaya Makhija, MD

Hormones & Hope with Dr. Chhaya

Health EN ↓ 57 episodes

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.

Author

Chhaya Makhija, MD

Episodes

The Sleep-Hormone Connection: Cortisol, Testosterone & More 10.07.2025 30:58

We 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...

The Most Overlooked Treatment for Anxiety and Depression Isn’t a Drug — You Need to Hear This 03.07.2025 30:05

What 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...

Before the Baby: Your Body, Your Habits, Your Plan — A Couple’s Guide to Pre Conception Health 26.06.2025 33:00

In 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,...

Hormones, Fibroids & Menopause: The Overlooked Connection 19.06.2025 26:42

Did 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 br...

Your Fertility Roadmap: Egg Freezing, Male factor Medications & Daily Habits That Matter 12.06.2025 39:35

How 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 fertili...

Precision Lifestyle Rx for Rheumatoid Arthritis & Inflammation: Food, Movement, Mind 05.06.2025 26:08

Can 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. G...

Welcome to Hormones & Hope Podcast! 02.06.2025 4:05

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 cu...