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

Is It Really Your Thyroid? What You Need to Know About Fatigue, Weight Gain & Hashimoto’s

Feeling tired, gaining weight, or not quite feeling like yourself? Before blaming your thyroid, tune in to this week’s episode of the Get Healthy Tampa Bay Podcast with Dr. Kerry Reller and special guest Dr. Chhaya Makhija. They discuss how the thyroid works, when it actually causes symptoms, and what tests and treatments are truly helpful.

Key Takeaways

1. Your thyroid isn’t always to blame.
Fatigue and weight gain are common complaints, but they’re not always tied to thyroid dysfunction. It’s important to look at the whole picture—including sleep, diet, stress, and hormones.

2. TSH isn’t the only lab that matters.
While TSH is a starting point, understanding thyroid function often requires looking at Free T4, Free T3, and thyroid antibodies like TPO—especially if you’re symptomatic or have a family history of autoimmune disease.

3. Elevated antibodies ≠ automatic treatment.
Having Hashimoto’s (positive TPO antibodies) doesn’t always mean you need medication. Treatment decisions depend on symptoms, hormone levels, and personal health goals.

4. Beware of over-the-counter “thyroid boosters.”
Many supplements contain animal thyroid extracts, which can be harmful—especially to your heart and bones. Always check with a physician before starting anything new.

5. Lifestyle still matters.
Anti-inflammatory foods, stress management, and exercise all support long-term thyroid health and reduce autoimmune triggers. Selenium and iodine may help, but should be used with guidance.

Conclusion

If you’ve ever wondered whether your thyroid is the missing piece to your fatigue, mood shifts, or metabolism, this episode offers clear, evidence-based insight. Dr. Makhija breaks down the science in a way that’s practical and empowering—helping you understand when to test, when to treat, and when to look beyond the thyroid.

About Our Guest

Dr. Chhaya Makhija is a triple board-certified endocrinologist and lifestyle medicine physician practicing in California. She is the founder of Unified Endocrine Diabetes Care, a direct specialty care practice that blends evidence-based medicine with holistic, prevention-focused strategies. She’s also the host of the Hormones & Hope podcast and a dedicated educator and speaker.

📲 Follow her on Instagram @chhayamakhijamd or visit unifiedendocrinecare.com to learn more.