Hormonal deficiencies can be detected through a combination of blood, urine, and saliva tests. Most people with chronic fatigue symptoms have insufficient levels of various hormones that are important for energy levels: thyroid hormone (thyroxine), DHEA, cortisol, aldosterone, testosterone, estrogens, progesterone, and growth hormone.
In cases of deficiency, I prescribe low physiological doses (that is, just enough to allow the body to function normally) for six months to a year (or longer if necessary), until a new test shows that the organs and glands are once again producing sufficient hormones. Administering these low physiological doses has absolutely no side effects. On the contrary: it helps restore the body to optimal condition.
Sometimes I also prescribe a slightly higher dose of a particular hormone, even if the urine test shows no deficiencies. If someone has many different fatigue-related symptoms but still has normal hormone levels, or if there are clinical symptoms that may indicate potential deficiencies, then supplemental hormones (primarily DHEA, thyroid hormone, and cortisol) can provide a boost and speed up recovery.