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 61 episodes on record and a Required Pod Score of 80. PitchCentric scores this show on Booking Probability, Listen Score, and live audience signals refreshed every 24 hours.

Chhaya Makhija, MD hosts Hormones & Hope with Dr. Chhaya, a health show with 61 episodes published.

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  Hormones & Hope with Dr. Chhaya

  The 5 Most Common Questions About GLP-1 Medications | Coverage, Prior Authorizations, Denials & More

  Aug 7, 202623 min

  Getting prescribed a GLP-1 medication is often the easy part. Getting it covered by your insurance is where many people run into roadblocks. In this episode, endocrinologist Dr. Chhaya Makhija answers five of the most common questions she hears about GLP-1 insurance coverage , including prior authorizations, prescription denials, appeals, and what your options are if your medication isn't approved. She also shares what happens behind the scenes in a physician's office and why the insurance process can be so frustrating for both patients and doctors. Whether you're considering Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro, Zepbound , or another FDA-approved GLP-1 medication for obesity, type 2 diabetes, fatty liver disease (MASLD), or other metabolic conditions , this episode will help you better understand your coverage, know what questions to ask, and feel more prepared for your next appointment. 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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  Hormones & Hope with Dr. Chhaya

  CGM & GLP-1: 10 Continuous Glucose Monitor Questions an Endocrinologist Answers

  Jul 30, 202628 min

  Continuous Glucose Monitors (CGMs) have become one of the biggest trends in health and wellness—but are they actually useful if you don't have diabetes? In this episode of Hormones and Hope , board-certified endocrinologist Dr. Makhija breaks down the science behind CGMs, answers the 10 most common questions she hears from patients, and explains what these devices can—and can't—tell you about your health. From understanding the difference between blood glucose and sensor glucose to making sense of glucose spikes, you'll learn how factors like meals, exercise, stress, sleep, and hormones influence your glucose patterns. Dr. Makhija also discusses when a CGM may be a helpful learning tool, who is most likely to benefit, and how to use the data to support healthier lifestyle habits instead of creating unnecessary anxiety. Whether you're managing diabetes, prediabetes, insulin resistance, or simply curious about optimizing your metabolic health, this episode will help you make informed decisions. 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. If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to subscribe to the Hormones & Hope Podcast for more expert insights, real conversations, and science-backed strategies to help you feel your best—inside and out.

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  Hormones & Hope with Dr. Chhaya

  Hormones, Pelvic Floor, Incontinence & Sexual Wellness - A Gynecologist Explains the Connection

  Jul 23, 202641 min

  Perimenopause, menopause, low libido, painful sex, vaginal dryness, urinary incontinence, recurrent UTIs, pelvic floor dysfunction, hormone replacement therapy (HRT)—these are common concerns, but they should never be dismissed as just a normal part of aging. Key Takeaways: ✅ What are the first signs of perimenopause? ✅ Why is my sex drive so low during menopause? ✅ What is pelvic floor dysfunction? ✅ Can pelvic floor therapy help bladder leaks and painful sex? ✅ Is Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) safe? ✅ What are the benefits and risks of HRT? In this in-depth conversation, Dr. Chhaya Makhija is joined by Dr. Manita Nat, board-certified OB-GYN, robotic surgeon, and sexual medicine expert, to discuss the symptoms women often normalize and the evidence-based treatments available today. Together, they explore how hormonal changes impact women's health across different life stages—from postpartum recovery to perimenopause and menopause and why a personalized, holistic approach can make all the difference. Whether you're dealing with postpartum recovery, perimenopause, menopause, low libido, weight gain, or other hormone-related symptoms, this conversation will help you better understand your body and the treatment options available. 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 Dr. Nat here: https://www.instagram.com/drmanitanat/ https://www.eastbayobgyn.com https://www.instagram.com/eastbayobgyn https://www.youtube.com/@UCIVryPc4MMmOQFripEMpbWw https://www.instagram.com/navyabydrnat/ 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. If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to subscribe to the Hormones & Hope Podcast for more expert insights, real conversations, and science-backed strategies to help you feel your best—inside and out.

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  Hormones & Hope with Dr. Chhaya

  The Biggest Myth About Perimenopause: Why Blood Tests Don't Tell the Whole Story

  Jul 16, 202624 min

  If you've been told that weight gain, anxiety, hot flashes, night sweats, fatigue, or irregular periods are simply a part of aging, this episode is for you. In this deeply personal episode, Dr. Chhaya Makhija shares two powerful stories—one from her clinic and one from her own journey through perimenopause—to explain why symptoms matter just as much, if not more, than hormone lab values. She shares why many women are dismissed despite experiencing very real hormonal changes and how evidence-based care can help you feel like yourself again. In this episode, you'll learn: • Why perimenopause is diagnosed based on symptoms—not just blood tests • Why estrogen, progesterone, FSH, and estradiol levels can appear "normal" during perimenopause • The truth about weight gain, anxiety, hot flashes, and night sweats • When hormone replacement therapy (HRT) may be appropriate • Which blood tests and health screenings actually matter • The role of insulin resistance, sleep apnea, bone health, and metabolic health during midlife • How lifestyle changes and HRT can work together to improve long-term health • Why you should never settle for being told to "eat less and move more" Whether you're approaching your 40s, navigating perimenopause, already in menopause, or supporting someone who is, this episode will help you understand what is happening inside your body and empower you to advocate for your health. Remember: Hormones are not your destiny. The right diagnosis, evidence-based guidance, and personalized care can change your health trajectory. 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. If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to subscribe to the Hormones & Hope Podcast for more expert insights, real conversations, and science-backed strategies to help you feel your best—inside and out.

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  Hormones & Hope with Dr. Chhaya

  5 Foods I Recommend to Almost Every Patient

  Jul 10, 202619 min

  Could five simple foods help improve your blood sugar, gut health, hormones, and even how you age? In this episode of Hormones & Hope, Dr. Chhaya Makhija shares the five everyday foods she recommends to nearly every patient for better metabolic health. These affordable, science-backed staples can help support blood sugar regulation, nourish your gut microbiome, reduce inflammation, and promote healthy aging—without restrictive diets or expensive supplements. You'll also discover why fiber is one of the most overlooked nutrients for long-term health, how your gut microbiome influences metabolism and hormone function, and practical ways to add foods like chia seeds, blueberries, walnuts, beans, lentils, and Greek yogurt to your daily routine. Whether you're living with insulin resistance, prediabetes, type 2 diabetes, PCOS, menopause, obesity, or simply want to build healthier habits, this episode is packed with practical, evidence-based nutrition strategies you can start using today. 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. 🔔 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and hit the bell icon!

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