Is your thyroid the reason you’re hesitating to start a GLP-1 medication?

GLP-1 medications have changed the way we treat obesity and type 2 diabetes. But for anyone with a thyroid condition, they’ve also created a lot of anxiety, especially when headlines mention thyroid cancer, nodules, or hormone disruption.

In this episode of Hormones & Hope, endocrinologist Dr. Chhaya Makhija breaks down the science behind GLP-1 medications and thyroid health by answering the five most commonly Googled questions on this topic:

✅ Do GLP-1 medications like Ozempic or Wegovy cause thyroid cancer?

✅ Can I take GLP-1 medications if I have hypothyroidism or Hashimoto’s?

✅ Do GLP-1 medications affect thyroid hormone levels or absorption?

✅ Do GLP-1 medications cause thyroid nodules or swelling?

✅ Are GLP-1 medications safe if thyroid cancer runs in my family?

 No fear-mongering. No oversimplification. Just clear, evidence-based guidance to help you make informed decisions with your physician. 

This episode is especially helpful if you have hypothyroidism, Hashimoto’s disease, thyroid nodules, or a personal or family history of thyroid cancer and are considering GLP-1 therapy.

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Email: [email protected]

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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.

In this episode of Hormones & Hope, Dr. Chhaya Makhija addresses the most commonly searched and most misunderstood questions about GLP-1 medications and weight loss. 

Dr. Makhija explains why weight loss is never just about fat, why muscle matters far more than we realize, and how GLP-1 medications can support — not replace — foundational lifestyle changes like strength training, nutrition, sleep, and stress management.

You’ll also learn why stopping GLP-1 medication can lead to weight regain, when dose reduction or discontinuation may be appropriate, and how clinicians monitor progress beyond the scale using body composition and metabolic markers.

This episode is a reminder that your health is not a trend, it’s a long-term commitment shaped by biology, behavior, and informed care.

Follow Dr. Chhaya Makhija here:
https://www.instagram.com/chhayamakhijamd/
https://www.facebook.com/unifiedendocrine
https://unifiedendocrinecare.com/
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https://www.linkedin.com/in/chhayamakhijamd/

Email: [email protected]

Download Free Resources here:
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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.

In this episode of Hormones and Hope, Dr. Chhaya Makhija is joined by Dr. Susan Zink, a board-certified psychiatrist and founder of Elemental Integrative Psychiatry, for a practical conversation on women’s mental health during hormonal transitions.

From PMDD and menstrual-related mood changes to postpartum depression and anxiety, Dr. Zink breaks down what’s normal, what’s not, and when symptoms deserve medical attention. She explains why some women are more sensitive to hormonal shifts, how reproductive psychiatry differs from traditional mental health care, and why treatment should never be one-size-fits-all.

This episode also explores integrative treatment options including therapy, medication, sleep optimization, nutrition, and evidence-based supplements  and how they work together to support recovery. Whether you’re navigating postpartum emotions, struggling with cyclical mood changes, or caring for someone who is, this episode offers clarity, validation, and real hope.

Follow Dr. Chhaya Makhija here:
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Download Free Resources here:
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Follow Dr. Susan Zink here:
https://www.elementalintegrativepsych.com
instagram.com/elemental_integrative_psych
https://www.linkedin.com/in/susanzinkmd/?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app

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.

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 explains what endocrinology really involves, why so many popular “hormone hacks” are misleading, and how misinformation can actually delay proper diagnosis and care.

This episode is especially valuable for anyone feeling overwhelmed by online health advice or confused by conflicting information around hormones, weight, and metabolic health.

Follow Dr. Chhaya Makhija here:

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https://www.linkedin.com/in/chhayamakhijamd/

Download Free Resources here:

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Follow Dr. Nadolsky here: 

Instagram: @drkarlnadolsky

Podcast: @Docs Who Lift

Youtube: @Docs Who Lift

Linkedin: @Karl Nadolsky

X: @DrKarlNadolsky

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.

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:
✅ What causes low libido in women?
✅ Is low libido normal during perimenopause or menopause?
✅ Can hormonal changes affect female sex drive?
✅ Can stress and lack of sleep reduce libido?
✅ What is the O-Shot and does it work?
✅ Is PRP safe for vaginal health?

Together, they explore why low libido is often misunderstood, how hormones, brain chemistry, pelvic health, stress, and sleep all play a role, and what truly personalized treatment can look like. From hormone therapy and FDA-approved medications to regenerative treatments like PRP (O-Shot) and vaginal laser therapy, this conversation brings clarity, compassion, and hope to a topic many women struggle with silently.

If you’ve ever wondered whether what you’re experiencing is “normal,” distressing, or treatable, this episode is for you. 

Follow Dr. Chhaya Makhija here:

https://www.instagram.com/chhayamakhijamd/

https://www.facebook.com/unifiedendocrine

https://unifiedendocrinecare.com/

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https://www.linkedin.com/in/chhayamakhijamd/

Download the Free Guide 'Your Health on GLP-1' Here:

https://dr-chhaya.myflodesk.com/glp1

Follow Dr. Adanna Ikedilo here:

https://thegynlounge.com/adanna-ikedilo/

https://www.instagram.com/thegynlounge_official/

https://www.youtube.com/@TheGYNLounge

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.

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, and environment intersect, and where medications like GLP-1s fit into a comprehensive treatment plan. The discussion goes far beyond prescriptions—covering lifestyle integration, realistic expectations, ethical concerns around compounded medications, and why repairing our relationship with food may be the most important intervention of all.

This episode is a must-listen for patients, clinicians, and anyone seeking clarity amid the noise surrounding modern weight-loss treatments.

Dr. Sarah Stombaugh is a family medicine physician and diplomate of the American Board of Obesity Medicine. Graduating from Creighton University Medical School and completing her family medicine residency at University of Chicago, Dr. Stombaugh practiced outpatient primary care in Evanston, Illinois before moving to Charlottesville, Virginia with her family.

Upon moving to Charlottesville, Dr. Stombaugh opened a private practice weight loss clinic, in which she sees patients in-person at her downtown Charlottesville office and by telemedicine throughout the states of Virginia and Illinois.

In addition to her clinical work, Dr. Stombaugh is the host of the "Conquer Your Weight" podcast. Through this platform, she shares valuable insights, expert opinions, and practical advice on weight management, contributing to the well-being of a broader audience. Dr. Stombaugh believes in empowering both individuals and the medical community in order to promote an evidence-based approach to the treatment of obesity.

Follow Dr. Chhaya Makhija here:

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Download the Free Guide 'Your Health on GLP-1' Here:

https://dr-chhaya.myflodesk.com/glp1

Follow Dr. Sarah Stombaugh here:

https://www.sarahstombaughmd.com/

https://www.sarahstombaughmd.com/glp/

https://www.instagram.com/sarahstombaughmd/

https://www.youtube.com/@SarahStombaughMD

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.

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, and they break down the myths surrounding supplements like melatonin, magnesium, L-theanine, and ashwagandha. 

Whether you’re a clinician, a patient, or someone trying to feel better in your daily life, this episode is full of evidence-based, actionable guidance that you can start using today!

Follow Dr. Chhaya Makhija here:

https://www.instagram.com/chhayamakhijamd/

https://www.facebook.com/unifiedendocrine

https://unifiedendocrinecare.com/

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https://www.linkedin.com/in/chhayamakhijamd/

Download The Free Stress Buster Guide:

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Follow Dr. Nishi Bhopal here:

IntraBalance : https://intrabalance.com/

Pacific Integrative psych: https://pacificintegrativepsych.com/about-nishi-bhopal-md/

https://www.instagram.com/intrabalance/

https://www.youtube.com/c/intrabalance

https://www.linkedin.com/in/nishibhopal/

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.

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 should get GLP-1 medicines?
✅ Why is there stigma around weight-loss meds?
✅ What easy habits can families start today?

This episode explores childhood obesity not as a sudden diagnosis, but as a slow, subtle shift influenced by habits at home, modern lifestyle patterns, and food environments that work against our kids. Dr. Chamarthi shares the red flags parents often overlook, explains why ultra-processed foods now make up 70% of a child's diet, and breaks down the risks of conditions like fatty liver disease appearing in kids as young as eight. 

Her patient stories illustrate the emotional, psychological, and medical weight that families carry and the hope that comes with proper intervention. If you’re a parent, caregiver, or healthcare provider, this episode will give you a roadmap to understanding and addressing childhood obesity with confidence and empathy.

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/

Download The Free Stress Buster Guide:

https://dr-chhaya.myflodesk.com/stressbuster

Follow Dr. Sushma Chamarthi here:

Website: https://www.valleychildrens.org/provider/venkata-sushma-chamarthi-md
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/v-sushma-chamarthi-md-faap-dabom-62b7a9363

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.

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 more clarity, calm, and intention. 

Dr. Chhaya shares three powerful insights—the third one being a simple but transformative shift you can begin practicing today, without waiting for January 1st.

Key Takeaways:

- Advocate for yourself: You don’t need permission to seek clarity or expert care.

- Personalize everything: Your body is unique—your habits, nutrition, and treatments should be too.

- Your breath is your anchor: Presence and awareness are powerful tools for calm, clarity, and hormonal balance.

- Start now: Transformation begins with small, intentional actions today, not on a date on the calendar.

Whether you’re managing hormones, navigating a chronic condition, or simply craving a reset, this episode offers grounded, compassionate guidance to reconnect you with your body and your breath.

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/

Download The Free Stress Buster Guide:

https://dr-chhaya.myflodesk.com/stressbuster

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.

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 cells respond to movement. She also reveals why walking isn’t enough, why push-ups matter more than we think, and how sleep, protein, and stress management shape health in every decade.

The conversation also highlights NASA’s vibration research and how it inspired Osteoboost, an FDA-cleared device designed to support women with low bone density through targeted mechanical stimulation.

A must-listen for anyone wanting to understand bone density, metabolic aging, and longevity on a deeper level.

Follow Dr. Chhaya Makhija here:

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https://unifiedendocrinecare.com/

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https://www.linkedin.com/in/chhayamakhijamd/

Get Your Free Osteoporosis Guide Here

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Dr. Peeke is a Pew Foundation scholar in nutrition and metabolism, board certified in internal medicine, an NIH-trained published clinical investigator, holds dual master's degrees in public health and policy,  and is a nationally recognized women's health expert and speaker. Dr. Peeke is a senior operating advisor to private equity investing in healthy living and aging. She is chief medical officer of Osteoboost Health, facilitating the integration into medical practice of the Class II FDA approved medical device, the Osteoboost, for the management of low bone density.

Follow Dr. Peeke here:

Website: https://drpeeke.com/ 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pampeekemd/?hl=en

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PamPeekeMD

Youtube: @DrpeekeMD

Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/her/id742910884 

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pampeekemd/

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.