E132: Dr. Chhaya Makhija on Thyroid Health, Hashimoto’s, and Common Hormone Myths Explained

Welcome to the Get Healthy Tampa Bay Podcast with Dr. Kerry Reller! This week, I’m joined by Dr. Chhaya Makhija, a triple board-certified endocrinologist and lifestyle medicine expert based in California. In this episode, we dive deep into thyroid health—what the thyroid does, why it matters, and how to know when it’s actually the cause of symptoms like fatigue or weight gain. Dr. Makhija breaks down how to interpret thyroid labs, the role of TPO antibodies in Hashimoto’s, and when supplements like selenium might be helpful.

We also explore common myths around thyroid nodules, broccoli, and over-the-counter “thyroid boosters”—plus the risks of taking thyroid medication without a true diagnosis. Whether you’ve been told your thyroid is “borderline” or just want a clearer understanding of this essential hormone system, this episode will give you clarity and direction.

00:28 – Meet Dr. Chhaya Makhija and her approach to endocrinology & lifestyle medicine
02:42 – What the thyroid does and why it’s essential for metabolism and wellness
08:35 – Top symptoms patients report when suspecting thyroid problems
12:33 – When to dig deeper: thyroid nodules, infertility, and irregular cycles
13:10 – Which thyroid labs matter and why TSH isn’t always enough
17:56 – Insurance coverage and the role (or not) of reverse T3 testing
22:20 – Understanding Hashimoto’s and when TPO antibodies mean action
26:30 – What to do with elevated antibodies but normal thyroid labs
30:08 – Myth busting: tired = thyroid? And other misconceptions
34:55 – The danger of “thyroid boosters” and using meds as weight loss hacks
37:53 – Lifestyle tips to support thyroid health and reduce autoimmune triggers

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