Hormonal deficiencies can be detected with a combination of a blood test, urine test and saliva test. Most people with chronic fatigue complaints have insufficient production of all kinds of hormones that are important for energy levels: thyroid hormone (thyroxine), DHEA, cortisol, aldosterone, testosterone, estrogens, progesterone and growth hormone.
In case of deficiencies, I prescribe low physiological doses (that is, as much as necessary for the body to function normally) for six months to one year (or longer if necessary), until a new test shows that the organs and glands are producing sufficient hormones again. Administering these low physiological doses has absolutely no side effects. On the contrary: it helps to bring the body back into optimal condition.
Sometimes I also prescribe a slightly higher dose of a certain hormone, even if the urine test shows that there are no deficiencies. If someone has many different fatigue complaints but still shows normal hormonal values, or if there are clinical symptoms that may indicate possible deficiencies, additional hormones (mainly DHEA, thyroid hormone and cortisol) can provide a boost and speed up recovery.