DHEA

[Edinburghdreaming]

Has anyone taken/taking DHEA? Have you had any side effects with it?

Any experiences appreciated!

[Lucyloo81]

Hi there, I am currently taking it ready for my next cycle. The only side effect I have had is my hair has gone slightly thinner.

I get mine from Biovea: biovea.net which was recommended by my friend on here.

Good luck

[Edinburghdreaming]

Thanks Lucy. No weight gain or skin changes then? That's good to hear.

[Lucyloo81 in reply to Edinburghdreaming]

Well I would say before taking it I was losing weight as I was trying. Unfortunately I can't shift any weight but I can handle that...just. I have spots around my hairline on my neck and I googled it and it might be linked to the DHEA. Everyone is different on it as it depends on how your body reacts to the hormones. Try not to worry it will be worth it.xx

[Edinburghdreaming in reply to Lucyloo81]

Thank you x

[Cinderella5]

Hey, I've taken it for my last two cycles which were greatly improved, first cycle was a disaster. I had 2 morula which were on their way to blasts although no positive and I got 1 blastocyst for the first time ever this cycle and currently on my 2ww. No side effects, perhaps slightly be easier hair and the odd spot but other than that nothing really. If you have a read through my posts you'll see my story, don't want to bore you too much!xx

[Edinburghdreaming in reply to Cinderella5]

Thank you! I'll have a look through your posts. Anything is worth a try at this point!!x

[Cinderella5 in reply to Edinburghdreaming]

That's exactly what I thought. I had already decided that i was giving it a try but I did tell my clinic though just in case they thought it wasnt for me but they had no objections and now recommend it after a poor round! The consultant was amazed at what a difference it made for me!xx

[Edinburghdreaming]

How are you coping with the 2WW? Taking the DHEA does mean a delay in starting the next cycle but if we went straight into it and then it didn't work I'd always ask 'what if'. Not sure if it will make a difference for me as AMH is ok'and egg numbers not horrific but hopefully will be a bit of a boost. Xx

[Cinderella5 in reply to Edinburghdreaming]

I'm doing ok I guess, just looking for every twinge and wondering what, if anything's happening! I'm back to work tomorrow, so at least I'll have something to take my mind off it. They do recommmend for optimum result at least taking it for 2 months so I guess it's up to you to whether you delay or not, though decision. If you Google Dr Gleicker in New York he is a big supporter of it. He's got a few videos on you tube.xx

[Edinburghdreaming]

It's hard isn't it, keep thinking positive thought! My clinic has said minimum of 3 months taking it before the next cycle so I'll go with that. Probably good to have a break anyway. We had a 5 month break in between the last 2 cycles out of choice to recover and collect ourselves a bit x

[Cinderella5 in reply to Edinburghdreaming]

Yeah it is hard! Trying to stay positive but scared to get my hopes up too!! Oh that's good that your clinic supports it too! I think a rest is helpful to let the mind and body recover!xx

[Edinburghdreaming in reply to Cinderella5]

Well he didn't strongly recommend it but basically said no harm trying if I want to.

Oh I know that feeling well. It's like trying to brace yourself for the potential heartbreak while staying outwardly positive for everyone else. So hard - big hugs xx

[Cinderella5 in reply to Edinburghdreaming]

Thank you!xx

[vic77]

Check some of my previous posts.I am taking it and got better quality eggs 2nd time round so back on it for 3rd go xx

[Edinburghdreaming in reply to vic77]

That's encouraging thanks. Did you get more eggs?xx

[lorraineb61]

I asked about DHEA at my last appointment. We were told that the research showed an increase in egg quality for women with an AMH level of less than 8.6 (I think). The consultant did recommend inofolic though - it's sachets that you take, in water, twice a day. It's designed for women who have PCOS or, are overweight - like me!! It's a UK site so delivery was next day. Only thing is, it was advisable to take for 3 months, like DHEA for you to see any benefit.

There are no side effects with this - only time will tell if it works! We have now signed up for our 2nd cycle & start northisterone on 8th July!! By the time egg collection happens, I will have been taking inofolic for approx 9/10 weeks.

[Edinburghdreaming in reply to lorraineb61]

Thanks Lorraine. I think going into cycle 4 I just want to try anything that might help if it's not going to do any harm or cost too much x

[forMoira]

I spoke to my consultant (clinic in Cambridge) about dhea and he said it is widely used in Europe as it helps the ovaries but it is not recommended in the UK as there is some evidence that it harms the baby. He told me not to take it. I guess everyone will have to weigh up the benefits and risks for themselves. I just wanted to share what my consultant said to help you.

[Edinburghdreaming]

Thanks - I did discuss this with my consultant and he said no reason not to take it. I'm not sure if you continue it after egg retrieval but will cross that bridge when we come to it. Thanks for your input though x