Cortisol is the Missing Link in the Wellness Conversation

Cortisol is truly the missing link in the conversation about wellness, health, fitness, fatness, sleeplessness, and the optimal body composition

We’re going to take a look at how cortisol follows a natural rhythm, and what light exposure, movement, and food timing have to do with getting your energy and focus back. We’ll talk about why most health trends are focused on sleep and hormones, especially in menopause.

If you’re struggling about cortisol or want the science-backed information, this episode is for you. Know why cortisol is the missing link.

My Guest:

Justin Hai is the co-founder of several award-winning wellness companies, including Alastin Skincare (acquired by Galderma), GLO Pharmaceuticals, and Rebalance Health. With a background in industrial design and an MBA from Pepperdine, Justin blends creative vision with real science—holding multiple U.S. patents and has presented to NASA and the Pentagon. He is also a featured expert in the upcoming Amazon Prime documentary sHEALed and a passionate advocate for redefining wellness through the lens of hormonal balance, sleep science, and stress mastery.

Questions We Answer in This Episode:

• [00:06:00] – How did you get so deeply interested in studying cortisol?
• [00:07:36] – Why is cortisol high in 2025?
• [00:12:17] – What is the value of the double blind IRB (independent review board) studies?
• [00:14:24] – What’s changed in the last 30 years that’s spiking our cortisol now?
• [00:23:43] – Tell us about Cushing’s.
• [00:27:23] – How does social media affect hormones?
• [00:30:59] – What are the rebalanced lozenges and how do they work?
• [00:34″13] – What’s the difference between menopause and adropause?
  
  

Know Why Cortisol is the Missing Link to Thriving in Menopause  

Cortisol is the “Master Hormone.”
If cortisol is off, everything is off.

Sleep & Hormone Production

• High cortisol = poor sleep = next-day hormone deficit.
• This cycle leads to fatigue, brain fog, weight gain, libido issues, skin/nail changes.

Modern Stressors

• Tech, notifications, and constant “content” create chronic stress.
• Lifestyle and overworking worsen cortisol

Play & Perspective

• Importance of playfulness in reducing cortisol.

Lifestyle Habits for Cortisol Balance

• No late-night eating/drinking → reduces bathroom trips & sleep disruption.
• Alcohol is a stimulant, not a sedative.
• Importance of sleep hygiene (cool room, no work in bed, no screens).
• Bed is only for intimacy + sleep

Connect with Justin:

• Facebook – Rebalance Health
• Instagram – @justin_a_hai and @rebalancehealth 
• TikTok – @rebalancehealth
• LinkedIn – Justin Hai
  
  

Other Episodes You Might Like:

• Previous Episode – The Exercise Crisis Destroying Women’s Metabolisms (And How to Fix It with Just 2 Workouts)
• Next Episode – What’s Too Late for Bone Density
• More Like This – Acute vs Chronic Stress Effects on Cortisol in Menopause and Beyond

Resources:

• Stress Nation book by Justin Hai reveals how cortisol — the misunderstood Master Hormone — is at the center of it all.
• Join the Hot, Not Bothered! Challenge to learn why timing matters and why what works for others is not working for you.
• Understand how sleep relates to your hormones, muscle mass and weight loss with Flipping 50 Sleep Yourself Strong.