Advise on DHEA & CO Q10 from a UK London clinic

Hi Ladies I know that DHEA and CO Q10 crop up all the time as to weather we should take or not and I found the below on the website of a London fertility clinic in relation to treatment for low ovarian/ poor responder patients. I thought I would share as I have found it hard to find any reputable sites commenting on these.

c. DHEA: This is a testosterone-related hormone that is a precursor to the production of both

testosterone and oestrogen and has been suggested to increase outcome in this group of

women. Initially egg number was suggested to improve but recent evidence does not support

this and suggests an improvement in embryo quality. The mechanism of any potential benefit

remains uncertain but as DHEA decreases with age, it may be that supplementation allows more

efficient production of testosterone and oestrogen required for follicle growth. Other suggested

mechanisms are that DHEA decreases the degeneration of follicles, increases the effect of FSH

on the ovary or may decrease miscarriage by minimising genetic abnormalities in embryos.

As a mild male hormone, other suggested positive effects of DHEA are an increase in energy

levels and libido and potential side effects, although rare at the appropriate dose are oily skin,

acne and hail loss.

As it is not drug licensed in the UK for this indication, and in essence is a supplement it cannot

be prescribed directly by us but we can advise you on where best to source it.

The recommended dose is 25mg three times a day for at least two months.

d. Coenzyme Q10: This is a naturally occurring micronutrient that is produced by the energy

producing component (mitochondria) of our cells. It is safely used with good evidence in many

areas of medicine such as cardiac and neurological disease and early studies have suggested a

possible improvement in embryo quality.

The recommended dose is 300mg twice a day.

4. MISCELLANEOUS:

b. Alternative Medicine:

- Traditional Chinese Medicine and Homeopathy have been suggested as possible remedies

for ovarian reserve issues. However, there is no evidence to support their use and the exact

ingredients (whether beneficial or possibly harmful) are often difficult to accurately identify

- Acupuncture and Yoga have also been suggested to positively affect blood flow to the

uterus and potentially improve outcome. Again, there is no evidence of benefit in outcome

in this group of patients. However, we would recommend them as relaxation techniques

and to improve quality of life if they are something you feel you would benefit from.

[vic77]

Very helpful thanks for sharing. I am taking both and have moments where I wonder am I am doing more harm than good as consultants don't poo poo it but don't seem to rave about it either so always good to read stuff in favour of it. My 2nd cycle embryo quality was improved after taking it so am on it again and got the micronised stuff this time from a mate in the states xx