A Functional Approach to Rebalancing Low Androgens and Chronic Fatigue
Category: Functional Medicine and Nutrition, Hormonal Health & Energy
Functional Medicine and Nutrition Practitioner Sunshine Coast
Discover How a Functional Medicine and Nutrition Approach Can Help Restore Androgen Levels and Combat Chronic Fatigue with Expert Shelley Cavezza, PhD
Introduction: The Androgen–Fatigue Connection
Low androgen levels—including testosterone and related hormones such as DHEA and androstenedione—are closely linked with chronic fatigue, reduced vitality and a diminished resilience. Androgens are key drivers of cellular energy production, muscle maintenance, motivation, and libido in both men and women. When levels fall below optimal, persistent fatigue, brain fog, low mood, and decreased strength can follow. Here, we explore how a functional medicine and nutrition approach identifies root causes of low androgens and restores sustainable energy.
Understanding Low Androgens and Chronic Fatigue
What Are Androgens?
- Key Hormones: Testosterone and its metabolites, including DHEA and dihydrotestosterone (DHT), are crucial for metabolic function, lean muscle mass, and mental clarity.
- Role in Health: They support neurotransmitter balance, motivation, mood regulation, and physical endurance.
How Low Androgens Contribute to Fatigue
- Reduced Mitochondrial Function: Low androgen levels impair mitochondrial biogenesis and ATP production, leading to chronic low energy and slower recovery.
- Muscle Loss: Lower androgens can accelerate sarcopenia (muscle breakdown), slowing metabolism and increasing feelings of weakness.
- Neurotransmitter Imbalance: Deficiencies can reduce dopamine and serotonin synthesis, contributing to brain fog, low drive, and mood instability.
- HPA Axis Dysregulation: Chronic stress suppresses androgen synthesis by elevating cortisol, shifting the body into a catabolic (energy-depleting) state
A Functional Medicine and Nutrition Approach
- Comprehensive Health Assessment
- In-Depth History & Testing: Advanced testing assesses sex hormones (testosterone, DHEA, SHBG, estradiol), nutrient cofactors (zinc, vitamin D, B-vitamins), thyroid markers, and inflammatory status.
- Identifying Triggers: Review of diet, stress patterns, gut health, toxin exposure, and genetic polymorphisms (e.g., MTHFR, COMT) helps pinpoint root causes of hormonal dysregulation.
- Nutritional Optimisation
- Whole-Food, Nutrient-Dense Diet: Emphasise adequate protein (1.2–1.6 g/kg/day), healthy fats (including omega-3s and monounsaturated fats), and zinc- and vitamin D–rich foods to support hormone synthesis.
- Anti-Inflammatory Focus: Abundant antioxidants from colourful vegetables, berries and nuts help reduce systemic inflammation that can impair hormone production.
- Personalised Supplementation: Targeted nutrients—methylated B-vitamins, zinc picolinate, vitamin D3, magnesium glycinate, CoQ10, and adaptogenic herbs (ashwagandha, rhodiola, ginseng)—can support hormone pathways, energy metabolism, and stress adaptation.
- Lifestyle & Stress Management
- Stress Reduction: Mindfulness meditation, yoga and deep-breathing regulate cortisol, nd restore the anabolic–catabolic balance required for androgen production..
- Sleep Optimisation: Aim for 7–9 hours of restorative sleep, supported by consistent timing, low evening light, and limiting alcohol and caffeine.
- Moderate Exercise: Both resistance training and gentle movement preserve muscle mass, enhance metabolism and promote hormonal balance.
- Gut Health Restoration
- Microbiome Support: The gut microbiome influences hormone metabolism. Probiotics, prebiotics, and gut-healing nutrients (L-glutamine, zinc carnosine, omega-3s) promote balance and reduce systemic inflammation..
- Toxin Reduction: Minimise processed foods, alcohol, endocrine-disrupting chemicals (plastics, parabens, pesticides), and heavy metals to reduce stress on the HPA–gonadal axis.
Summary
Low androgen levels are rarely isolated—they often reflect deeper mitochondrial, inflammatory, or stress-related dysfunctions.
A functional medicine approach addresses these underlying systems to restore hormone balance naturally, support vitality, and reduce chronic fatigue.
Through personalised nutrition, evidence-based supplementation, and lifestyle integration, both men and women can rebuild resilience and energy from the ground up.
Take the Next Step: Discovery Call
If you’re experiencing low energy, poor motivation, or symptoms of hormonal imbalance, consider a Discovery Call with Shelley Cavezza, PhD—an exploratory conversation (not a consultation)—to discuss whether a personalised Functional Medicine and Nutrition programme could help restore your energy and hormonal health.
Empower Your Health Today
Contact Functional Medicine and Nutrition Practitioner Shelley Cavezza, PhD, on the Sunshine Coast and begin your journey toward revitalised energy, balanced hormones and improved wellbeing.
Additional Resources
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Contact Information
- Website: www.drshelleycavezza.com.au
- Phone: +61 419 821 666
- Email: info@drshelleycavezza.com.au
Disclaimer: This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Please consult a healthcare professional before starting any new health programme.
