Hormonal deficiencies can be detected through a combination of a blood, urine and saliva test. In most people with symptoms of chronic fatigue, the production of various hormones – important for the energy level – is too low: thyroid hormone (thyroxine), DHEA, cortisol, aldosterone, testosterone, estrogen, progesterone and growth hormone.
When deficiencies occur, I prescribe low physiological doses (i.e. as much as needed for the body to function properly), for the duration of six months up to one year (or longer when necessary), until a new test shows that the organs and glands are again producing sufficient hormones. Administering low doses comes with absolutely no side effects. On the contrary: it helps in restoring the body’s optimal condition.
I sometimes prescribe a somewhat higher dose of a specific hormone, even when the urine test has not pointed out any deficiencies. If someone has various complaints of fatigue but has normal hormonal levels, or when there are clinical symptoms that may point in the direction of deficiencies, then extra hormones (mainly DHEA, thyroid hormone and cortisol) may give a boost and contribute to a speedy recovery.