“When you fix your hormones, you fix your life.” That’s the headline from a new episode of the Balls Deep podcast. In this episode, Dr. Joe Pazona sits down with Marine vet and entrepreneur Micah Berg to discuss his personal experience with Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT). Buckle in, because we go deep:
From the Battlefield to Burnout
Micah’s life story is full of challenges many can relate to. A rough childhood, two hard tours in Iraq, a business grind while raising a young family, and days that stretch into 15-hour marathons. He logged the miles and wore the stress like armor. Then that armor cracked. The energy that once fueled him turned into fatigue that wouldn’t lift. He fought through, because that’s what you do, right? But the warning signs were impossible to ignore.
By the time Micah hit his late 20s, a man who once woke up feeling like Superman slammed into a wall. A fog of fatigue sat in his bones, a low-grade dread shadowed his thoughts, and every minor chore felt like a heavyweight lift. Sound like you?
Chronic Stress + Low T = A Bad Recipe
What Micah didn’t see was that years of low-grade, under-the-surface stress had slowly drained his testosterone. The same tank-empty fight-or-flight energy he thought was just “being a man” was actually cranking out cortisol, the hormone that dulls testosterone and steals your energy, drive, and good mood.
He kept trying to muscle his way through, chalking it up to the grind of work, fatherhood, and responsibility. But one evening, standing in front of the mirror, he had to drop the act and admit he was less than fine. That’s where the healing finally began.
The Turning Point: Asking for Help
The moment came between intervals of a grueling CrossFit routine. Micah hit the ground after the last round, and his training partner paused the clock, pulled him out of the funk, and said, “Bro, just get your T checked. Seriously.” That single act of owning his weakness was the first brick in a brand-new wall of strength.
He managed to schedule a doctor’s appointment, got the blood draw done, and was blindsided when the test came back at a measly 189 ng/dL. That’s the equivalent of what an 80-year-old man might show. At 32, it explained why he felt like he was running on empty.
The TRT Journey: Finding the Right Fit
Micah didn’t rush to the syringe. He tried:
- Estrogen blockers (underwhelming and no change)
- Topical patches (sticky, awkward, and always peeling off)
- Injections (solid boost, but hard to manage when traveling)
In the end, he settled on testosterone pellets, the “set it and leave it” choice that worked best with his packed schedule. Every 4 to 6 months he pops into the clinic, gets a quick insert, and then keeps smashing his goals.
Life on TRT: More Than Just Energy
The turnaround didn’t happen overnight. But a few months in, Micah felt the fog clear. He was sharp, driven, and emotionally all in with his family. Best of all, he showed up as a better husband and dad.
He quipped one day that if your kids are driving you up the wall, maybe your testosterone is low. (Definitely not a diagnosis, but there’s some truth to it)
Micah noticed changes almost right away. Bedroom confidence returned, his outlook brightened, his performance skyrocketed. TRT handed him “the energy of a 20-year-old and the wisdom of a 40-year-old,” he says, and that blend is hard to beat.
Beyond TRT: The Next Level
Micah hit 40 wanting more than a good starter kit. With his hormones stable, he aimed for finer tuning. First up:
- Semaglutide: his secret weapon against stubborn cravings and the last few pounds.
- Peptides like BPC-157: promotes recovery and reduces inflammation.
- Amino acids and electrolytes: to keep muscles humming and hydration locked in.
He still enjoys the occasional glass of whiskey and generous bowls of pasta, but his holistic approach to hormone optimization keeps him lean, strong, and showing up.
The TRT Takeaway
You don’t need to be perfect to feel better. You just need to take that first step.
Micah’s journey demonstrates that, armed with solid medical guidance, a dose of honesty, and a readiness to try new things, you can win back your energy, no matter how far you’ve drifted.
Maybe you’re a veteran, a small-business owner, a father, or simply a man fed up with waking up worn out and snapping at small things. There’s still a way forward. The first step? Get your hormones tested. The fix could be less complicated than you think.
Think TRT could help you feel better? Learn more about the testosterone optimization services at Pazona MD!
Disclaimer: This blog is for informational purposes only and does not substitute professional medical advice. Always consult with your healthcare provider for personalized guidance.
