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 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 responses, and how inflammation serves as a common thread in hormonal and immune imbalances.

From nasal rinses and air filters to antihistamine strategies and dietary advice, this episode gives you both clinical clarity and everyday tools to reduce inflammation, manage allergies, and protect long-term health.

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Follow Dr. Buddiga here:
Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/drpraveenbuddiga/

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

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

Practice Website : https://www.buddiga.com/Excellence

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.

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 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 burnout.

The conversation explores not just the “what” of sleep apnea but the “why” and “how”—why home sleep studies might miss the diagnosis, how fragmented sleep alters hormone signaling, and how a holistic approach can help patients truly recover.

You’ll also learn about non-CPAP treatments, like oral appliances, orthodontic expansion, positional therapy, and myofunctional exercises and exciting new tools like GLP-1/GIP medications that are now FDA-approved for treating sleep apnea in people with obesity.

Key Takeaways:

- Poor sleep triggers the HPA axis, raising cortisol and suppressing reproductive hormones.

- Home sleep tests are useful but can underestimate severity.

- Treatment for sleep apnea isn’t one-size-fits-all.

- Sleep apnea can be reversed by treating underlying causes such as nasal obstruction, excess weight, or craniofacial structure issues.

- Regular sleep timing is more important than total sleep time—consistency is key for metabolic and hormonal regulation.

- Screens before bedtime can severely disrupt sleep quality.

- Sleep should be considered a vital sign.

Follow Dr. Chhaya Makhija here:

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

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https://unifiedendocrinecare.com/

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

Follow Dr. Brown here:

https://www.therestfulsleepplace.com/

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

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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.

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 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 strategies and real talk. If you’ve ever questioned whether therapy is “for you,” or felt unsure about the next step when life feels heavy, this episode is your guide.

Key Takeaways:

• Why anxiety and depression are rising among teens and young adults
• Why mental health issues are more common among younger generations
• How lifestyle habits like walking, better sleep, and social connection make a real difference
• What CBT looks like in real life and how it shifts emotions through thoughts and actions
• How to approach the idea of therapy without shame or stigma
• Why emotional healing requires curiosity, not criticism

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/

Follow Dr. Jonathan Terry here:

https://www.instagram.com/drjonathanterry/?hl=en

https://drjonathanterry.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.

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.