Endocrine evaluation and treatment is very complex and you must have an experienced physician.  For bioidentical hormones you should have a physician experienced in this particular area. 

1.  Thyroid:  Hypothyroidism in the elderly is common and symptoms can be non-specific and affect many parts of the body.  TSH, T4 and free T3 are common lab tests but may be normal with milder but symptomatic cases.  The Barnes Axillary Temperature test predates modern lab testing and is easily done at home to screen for occult hypothyroidism.  On awakening in the morning, without getting out of bed, place a thermometer in your axilla for five minutes.  The normal is 97.8 to 98.2 degrees (not valid with fever, ovulation).  For example, Dr. McNeel's wife Marilyn had a thyroidectomy in the 70's and had been taking Synthroid (T4) for 30 years.  Her TSH and T4 tests had been normal for decades and she was tired all the time.  Her initial Barnes test was 95 degrees.  She changed to Armour thyroid (T4 & T3) and slowly increased with the Barnes test as a guide.  Her test temperatures gradually increased to normal and she felt much better, was no longer tired and needing naps.  Hyperthyroidism in the elderly is also a masquerader.

2.  Estrogen:  BioIdentical Hormones  refers to hormones that are identical to those in the human body, such as estradiol (the active form of estrogen), progesterone, testosterone and others.  Opposed are the patented drugs such as Premarin (pregnant mare's urine, or horse estrogen) and Provera, a progestin or compound with progesterone properties.  In this complicated and controversial area it helps to understand the history and politics, see Dr. Erika's blog.  The BioIdentical Hormone Society trains physicians in this area.  Bioidentical estrogen is given as a cream or patch for skin absorption, which avoids "first pass" through the liver that occurs with pills and greatly reduces risks of thromboembolism.  The oral route for estrogens increases C Reactive Protein whereas the cutaneous route does not, possibly reducing inflammation and cardiovascular risk.  Estrogen replacement therapy is associated with reduced osteoporosis, reduced colon cancer and possibly increased breast cancer.   Blood and 24 hour urine female hormone test panels are available.  For example, Dr. McNeel's wife Marilyn had been on Premarin for 30 years following a hysterectomy in the 70's.  She changed to estrogen cream (20% estradiol 80% estriol) from a compounding pharmacy.  Her body initially rejected the estrogen and she had to take a ten week course of cobalt (see J Wright; Ann NY Acad Sci 2005;1057:506-524) to reset her liver enzymes.  This worked, and she also takes small doses of testosterone cream, oral progesterone and DHEA. 

3.  Growth hormone (GH) decreases markedly with age.  GH stimulates the liver to produce insulin like growth factor 1 (IGF1).  Decreasing GH and IGF1 with pituitary disease and/or age are associated with decreased lean muscle mass, increased obesity especially abdominal, and decreased bone density and osteoporosis.  These findings can be reversed to some extent by daily injections of growth hormone.  The area is controversial, however, as some physicians believe GH should only be given to patients with GH deficiency, and others use it as an anti-aging treatment.  In addition dosage is critical as with increasing dosages there are increasing side effects, including joint pains, edema, carpal tunnel syndrome, and increased insulin resistance and tendency to diabetes. Urine test is available.

4.  Testosterone also decreases with age, starting about age 40 in men with a gradual decline.  For most men this is not a major problem, but about 20% of men over 60 will develop hypogonadism and testosterone deficiency, which can result in reduced muscle mass and energy, decreased libido, and decreased cognitive function.  Testosterone therapy can restore sexual function and muscle strength, prevent bone loss and protect against heart disease.  Risks include the theoretical possibility of stimulating breast and prostate cancers in men, and prostate enlargement.  Blood and 24 hour urine male hormone test panels are available.  For women, small doses of testosterone if deficient offer benefits of improved sexual function and mood, but may cause facial hair and acne.  Cardiovascular risk may be reduced.

5. Cortisol  is the "fight or flight" hormone from the adrenals in response to fear, stress etc.  In anti-aging medicine the two "hormones of death" are insulin and cortisol; you must keep them down.  Cortisol can save your life but if chronically elevated is associated with shortening of telomeres and premature death.  Avoid chronic anger and hostility and other negative emotions.  Cortisol varies during the day and testing can be done with blood, saliva (cheaper) and urine.