A Functional Medicine Approach to Hormones & Vitality
What Is It?
Low energy, poor libido, and general fatigue are among the most common complaints in adults over 35—and they're often dismissed as a "normal" part of aging. But these symptoms are usually signs of deeper hormonal imbalances that can affect both your physical and emotional well-being.
As we age, our bodies naturally reduce the production of vital hormones such as estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, and thyroid hormones. These chemical messengers regulate everything from energy and metabolism to mood, sleep, and sexual function. When they decline or become imbalanced, you can feel like a completely different version of yourself.
At The WAE Clinic, we view these symptoms through the lens of functional medicine—which means we don’t just patch the symptoms, we identify and correct the root causes.
Signs and Symptoms
If your energy has taken a nosedive or you’ve noticed changes in your motivation, mood, or sexual health, you may be experiencing hormone-related fatigue. Common symptoms include:
In Women:
Fatigue, especially in the afternoon
Brain fog and memory lapses
Low libido or sexual discomfort
Mood swings or irritability
Irregular periods or menopausal symptoms (hot flashes, night sweats)
Poor sleep quality
In Men:
Decreased stamina and muscle strength
Mental fog and low motivation
Reduced libido and sexual performance
Weight gain, especially around the abdomen
Depressed mood or anxiety
Difficulty recovering from exercise or stress
In Both:
Sluggish metabolism
Cravings for sugar or carbs
Poor sleep quality or insomnia
Increased sensitivity to stress
Chronic fatigue—even after “a good night’s sleep”
Many of these symptoms are mistakenly attributed to age alone—but they’re often signals that your body’s hormone pathways need support.
Root Causes
In functional medicine, we look deeper than the surface symptoms. Low energy and hormone-related fatigue can stem from a variety of underlying factors:
1. Decline in Sex Hormones
Estrogen & progesterone drop rapidly during perimenopause and menopause in women, leading to fatigue, brain fog, and mood instability.
Testosterone declines more gradually in men (and in women), affecting drive, energy, libido, and muscle mass.
2. Thyroid Dysfunction
Even subtle changes in thyroid hormone levels can slow metabolism, decrease cellular energy production, and impact cognitive function.
3. HPA Axis Dysregulation (Adrenal Fatigue)
Chronic stress dysregulates your hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, affecting cortisol rhythms, which in turn disrupts energy, sleep, and hormone balance.
4. Mitochondrial Decline
Aging and oxidative stress reduce mitochondrial efficiency—your cells’ ability to produce energy from nutrients—leading to fatigue at the cellular level.
5. Nutrient Deficiencies
Hormone production depends on key nutrients (e.g., zinc, magnesium, B-vitamins, omega-3s). Deficiencies can impair hormone synthesis, detoxification, and neurotransmitter balance.
How a Functional Medicine Practitioner Diagnoses and Treats It
Unlike conventional medicine, which may rely solely on symptoms or basic lab work, functional medicine uses comprehensive diagnostic testing and personalized treatment.
Step 1: Advanced Hormone Testing
We use saliva, blood, or DUTCH testing to assess:
Estrogen, progesterone, testosterone (total & free)
DHEA and cortisol (adrenal health)
Thyroid function: TSH, Free T3, Free T4, reverse T3, thyroid antibodies
Step 2: Mitochondrial and Nutrient Evaluation
We assess cellular energy markers and test for:
Vitamin & mineral deficiencies
Oxidative stress levels
Mitochondrial function
Step 3: Gut and Liver Health Assessment
Since hormones are metabolized and eliminated through the liver and gut, we also evaluate:
GI microbiome balance (via stool testing)
Liver detox function and bile flow
Functional Medicine Strategies for Reclaiming Energy
Once we uncover the root causes, we develop a customized plan that may include:
1. Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy (BHRT)
Estrogen and progesterone support for women to relieve fatigue, brain fog, and mood swings
Testosterone therapy for men (and women) to boost energy, libido, and muscle mass
Thyroid hormone support (T4/T3 combinations) for those with sluggish thyroid function
2. Nutritional Therapy
We optimize your nutrition with:
Healthy fats and proteins to support hormone synthesis
Low-glycemic, anti-inflammatory foods
Key nutrients like magnesium, selenium, zinc, iodine, and B vitamins
3. Lifestyle & Movement Coaching
Exercise prescriptions tailored to energy levels and hormone status
Sleep optimization strategies for melatonin regulation and deeper rest
Mind-body practices (breathwork, meditation) to reduce cortisol
4. Targeted Supplementation
We often use:
Adaptogens (ashwagandha, rhodiola) to support adrenal function
Glutathione and NAC for hormone detox and antioxidant support
Probiotics and fiber to promote hormone elimination via the gut
5. Ongoing Lab Monitoring
We regularly reassess labs to track progress, adjust dosing, and fine-tune your program.
Conclusion: You Can Feel Like Yourself Again
Energy loss doesn't have to be the cost of aging. Hormonal shifts are a natural part of life—but they don’t have to define your vitality.
At The WAE Clinic, we specialize in helping you uncover the root causes of low energy and rebuild a strong foundation for lasting vitality. Through advanced testing, BHRT, and a personalized, whole-body plan, we help you reclaim your spark—mentally, emotionally, and physically.
If you're ready to feel like yourself again—or even better than before—schedule your consultation today. Start your personalized health journey — Book your free discovery call today!
Aging is inevitable. Feeling exhausted is not.
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