Brendan Fallis Turned Data into Power
Brendan Fallis, 45
Entrepreneur and wellness advocate
As a former athlete, I’ve always prioritized taking care of myself. I train regularly, mixing full-body workouts with cardio, strength training, and occasionally Pilates. I eat pretty clean, though I’m a sucker for a good steak. I eat out regularly, which makes it tough to avoid excess oils, and when I travel, I snack more than I’d like (cheese and nuts are my downfall).
But as I got older, I noticed dips in energy and slower recovery, especially after long trips or stacked work days. My sleep started to suffer, too. I could fall asleep easily, but I’d often wake up around 3 or 4 a.m. and struggle to get back to sleep.
I wasn’t feeling bad, but I wanted to get ahead of any downward trend before it became a real issue that might prevent me from being fully present for my family, managing my work, and keeping my physical and mental energy steady.
Symptoms
Low energy Slow workout recovery Brain fog Mood swings InsomniaLow energy
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MildAfter Hone
MildSlow workout recovery
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MildAfter Hone
MildBrain fog
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MildAfter Hone
MildMood swings
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MildAfter Hone
MildInsomnia
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MildClinical Notes
Brendan’s testosterone levels are significantly lower than ideal for a 45-year-old, and likely behind his fatigue, slow recovery, mood changes, brain fog, and disrupted sleep. This low testosterone level is likely due to a combination of aging (testosterone naturally declines with age) and previous TRT use (stopping TRT can leave your body less able to restart normal testosterone production on its own).
His cholesterol levels—particularly LDL—were also elevated, raising long-term cardiovascular risk. His free T3 thyroid hormone was technically in range, but suboptimal. We also decided to add NAD+ to help increase his energy and support his athletic performance
Brendan’s testosterone level is where we’d see for his age and lifestyle.
Because his estradiol dropped too low, we discussed pausing anastrazole until they come up slightly.
Brendan’s cholesterol levels have come down but remain slightly elevated, so we recommended getting a coronary artery calcium score test, a relatively inexpensive, non-invasive scan that tells you how much calcified plaque is in the arteries that supply your heart—an early indicator of atherosclerosis (hardening or narrowing of the arteries).
Shera Raisen, M.D., Hormone physician and integrative medicine specialist
Timeline
Get Started—Initial Test
Purchase your advanced lab test for $60 and go to a partner lab or we’ll send someone out to your place for free (if available in your area).5 days—Physician Consult
Your licensed physician will review your labs & health history to diagnose your symptoms and create a personalized plan.10 days—Medication Arrives
Your medication and supplement arrive with instructions, and Hone is there for as much or little support as you need.30 Days—Start Feeling Better
Depending on which medications you purchase you may start to feel the impacts on your sleep, energy levels, strength, and mood. It’s usually very subtle at this point.60 Days—Improvements
You’ll wake up one morning and realize you’re starting to feel more like yourself again.90 Days—Retest
At this point you’ll see some real differences in your mood, energy, sleep, cognition, and more.
Initial Labs
Testosterone supports many body functions, including muscle strength, energy, libido, and mood. Starting in their mid-thirties, men’s testosterone declines by about 1 to 3 percent per year, but for some men, the decline is more rapid. An optimal total testosterone range for men is between 800 and 1200 ng/dL.
Free testosterone is the unbound form of testosterone available for your body, making it a more accurate reflection of how much is biologically active. Low levels can lead to symptoms like fatigue, low libido, and decreased muscle mass. An optimal level for men is 15.0 – 20 ng/dL.
Some testosterone is converted to estrogen via aromatase, and even a healthy estradiol level can spike with TRT, leading to symptoms like breast tissue growth (gynecomastia), mood swings, and fatigue. An aromatase inhibitor like anastrazole is sometimes prescribed with TRT to keep estradiol levels in a healthy range, ideally between 7.6 – 43 pg/ml for men.
Cholesterol is a waxy substance your body uses to make hormones, vitamin D, and support cell function—but too much can increase your risk of heart disease. Total cholesterol ideally should be under 170 mg/dL in men, with regular testing recommended to track changes over time.
LDL (low-density lipoprotein) is often called “bad” cholesterol because high levels can contribute to plaque buildup in arteries, raising your risk for heart attack and stroke. An optimal LDL level for men is below 90 mg/dL.
T3 (triiodothyronine) is an active thyroid hormone that plays a key role in metabolism, energy, and brain function. Low free T3 levels can cause fatigue, weight gain, and brain fog. Some labs consider 2.0 – 4.4 pg/ml within the normal range for men, but between 3.0 – 5.0 pg/ml is a more optimal level.
6-Month Follow Up
Testosterone supports many body functions, including muscle strength, energy, libido, and mood. Starting in their mid-thirties, men’s testosterone declines by about 1 to 3 percent per year, but for some men, the decline is more rapid. An optimal total testosterone range for men is between 800 and 1200 ng/dL.
Free testosterone is the unbound form of testosterone available for your body, making it a more accurate reflection of how much is biologically active. Low levels can lead to symptoms like fatigue, low libido, and decreased muscle mass. An optimal level for men is 15.0 – 20 ng/dL.
Some testosterone is converted to estrogen via aromatase, and even a healthy estradiol level can spike with TRT, leading to symptoms like breast tissue growth (gynecomastia), mood swings, and fatigue. An aromatase inhibitor like anastrazole is sometimes prescribed with TRT to keep estradiol levels in a healthy range, ideally between 7.6 – 43 pg/ml for men.
Cholesterol is a waxy substance your body uses to make hormones, vitamin D, and support cell function—but too much can increase your risk of heart disease. Total cholesterol ideally should be under 170 mg/dL in men, with regular testing recommended to track changes over time.
LDL (low-density lipoprotein) is often called “bad” cholesterol because high levels can contribute to plaque buildup in arteries, raising your risk for heart attack and stroke. An optimal LDL level for men is below 90 mg/dL.
T3 (triiodothyronine) is an active thyroid hormone that plays a key role in metabolism, energy, and brain function. Low free T3 levels can cause fatigue, weight gain, and brain fog. Some labs consider 2.0 – 4.4 pg/ml within the normal range for men, but between 3.0 – 5.0 pg/ml is a more optimal level.
Treatment Plan
Medications
Testosterone (0.5mL once a week)
Testosterone plays a critical role in regulating energy, mood, libido, muscle mass, and recovery. As levels decline with age—or after stopping TRT—these functions can suffer, leaving you feeling depleted. Weekly testosterone injections help restore levels to an optimal range.
Anastrozole (0.5mg once a week)
If you’re on testosterone replacement therapy (TRT), an enzyme called aromatase converts some of the testosterone into estrogen. If it converts too much, you may experience a frustrating swap of low testosterone symptoms for ones associated with too-high estrogen, like breast tissue growth, erectile dysfunction, and fatigue. Anastrozole blocks aromatase from converting testosterone into estrogen.
B12 injections (0.5mL, injected once or twice a week)
Vitamin B12 is essential for energy, and absorption of the nutrient naturally declines as you age. This nutrient helps your body produce energy by converting food into fuel, supporting red blood cell formation, and keeping your nervous system running smoothly. If you have a B12 deficiency, it can make a big difference in how energized you feel. Supplemental B12 benefits such as reduced fatigue and increased energy.
Sermorelin (200mcg, daily)
Sermorelin is a peptide that stimulates the release of growth hormone, which supports muscle and tissue repair. Research has also linked sermorelin to many of the same benefits as TRT, including muscle growth, and combining sermorelin and testosterone may amplify the effects.
NAD+ (0.6mL, injected twice weekly)
NAD+ is a coenzyme found in every cell of the body and is essential for turning nutrients into energy, repairing DNA, and regulating cellular metabolism. Levels naturally decline with age, which can contribute to fatigue, brain fog, and slower recovery. Supplementing with NAD+ helps boost energy at the cellular level and supports endurance, cognitive function, and healthy aging.
Supplements
Performance Multivitamin (2 tablets per day with food)
Hone’s men’s multivitamin is a premium, doctor-formulated blend of essential vitamins and minerals tailored to support an active lifestyle—boosting energy, endurance, immune health, and overall vitality.
Lifestyle Changes
Diet
Prioritize healthy fats (olive oil, avocados) and limit saturated, hydrogenated, or partially hydrogenated fats (butter, margarine, shortening, refined vegetable oils, fried foods) to help lower cholesterol.
Reduce alcohol consumption to no more than 1 drink per day, particularly beer, which increases the conversion of testosterone to estrogen.
Sleep hygiene
Be mindful of blue light at night, maintain a consistent bedtime, and avoid letting caffeine creep into the afternoon. Eat magnesium-rich foods and consider a magnesium supplement.
Brendan: I’ve never been someone looking for a quick fix or a shortcut. I want sustainable, long-term improvements that make sense. My plan from Hone was customized to how I live and what I care about, not some one-size-fits-all prescription.
Since working with Hone, I’ve felt better across the board. The combo of hormone support and better sleep has probably been the biggest game-changer. Once those synced up, everything else started to feel easier: more stamina, better recovery, and a stronger sense of presence mentally. Emotionally, I’m clearer and steadier—I’m not as easily thrown off by the little things. And that makes a real difference when you’re balancing parenting, work, and life.
One challenge that I didn’t anticipate: travel, which I was doing a lot of. Carrying controlled substances across international borders isn’t always straightforward, and even when I could bring everything, my routine would get thrown off by time zones, long days, and refrigeration protocols. There were stretches where I’d miss a dose or delay it a few days.
I’m still fine-tuning a few things, mainly sleep quality and overall recovery. Making sure I stay consistent with my prescribed plan is my number one goal so I can truly monitor my feeling over the next year and beyond.
Uncover What’s Possible with Hone
Our tailored plans uncover the root causes behind your symptoms and deliver lasting relief.
Mentioned in This Article:
Testosterone
Testosterone provides the foundation for Hone’s testosterone replacement therapy plans, used to treat low testosterone levels and boost energy, strength, and libido. Available via injections, cream and dissolvable troches.
Anastrozole
To balance hormones and support treatment for symptoms of low testosterone in men, Anastrozole (generic Arimidex) reduces estrogen levels and the conversion of testosterone to estrogen.
Vitamin B12
Vitamin B12 is essential for red blood cell formation and DNA production. Treating a B12 deficiency may boost energy and mood, reduce stress and fatigue, and decrease symptoms of multiple conditions.
NAD+
A crucial ally in your body’s fight against aging. Supplementing with NAD+ may increase lifespan, boost strength and physical performance, help with weight loss, and more.
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The Edge upholds the highest standards of health journalism. We source research from peer-reviewed medical journals, top government agencies, leading academic institutions, and respected advocacy groups. We also go beyond the research, interviewing top experts in their fields to bring you the most informed insights. Every article is rigorously reviewed by medical experts to ensure accuracy. Contact us at support@honehealth.com if you see an error.
About the author
Tracy Middleton is the Senior Editorial Director at Hone and an award-winning health journalist and editor with more than 20 years’ experience. She is the former Editor in Chief and Brand Director of Yoga Journal and former Health Director of Women’s Health, and a member of the Association of Health Care Journalists.
