DHEA side effects?: Anyone experienced... - Fertility Network UK

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DHEA side effects?

hoping-for-the-best profile image

Anyone experienced side effects from being on DHEA? Our consultant recommended I take it for 6 weeks prior to our next cycle based on my age (37). I decided to get my DHEAS level tested beforehand and it came back as 3.71 umol/L which is normal for my age. I’ve been on it about 2 weeks and have had some scary symptoms - racing heartbeat the other night for a few seconds and this evening I’m experiencing chest tightness. I’m also getting headaches and feeling fatigued. Not sure if I should lower the dose or just ditch it altogether. We’ve been planning on pushing back my period to ensure I’m on them for long enough but I’m sorely tempted to just get on with it, we don’t even really know there’s an egg quality issue. Would be interested to hear if anyone’s experienced side effects that went away over time xx

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hoping-for-the-best
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I took 50mg for 3 mths only had a little greasy face & hair and a few spots, had no tests but 38 with 2 mc thought I’d try u took other supplements aswel got pregnant in 3 mths but sadly mc again.

hoping-for-the-best profile image
hoping-for-the-best in reply to

I’m so sorry for your loss. It’s a good sign that you did get pregnant though, keep the faith xx

Kaylon profile image
Kaylon

I took DHEA, ubiquinol and Vitamin D for 3 months before my last egg collection. I felt no different but they only collected 6 eggs as opposed to 12 in the previous round without any supplements. Can't say it was their fault but I stopped taking them.

Weirdly I experienced tightness in my chest on suprecur this month. Hope you feel better soon x

Ash2016 profile image
Ash2016

I had palpitations and headaches when I started taking it. I reduced my dose from 75 mg to 50mg and then after a while upped it to 75mg when I felt my body had got used to it.

hoping-for-the-best profile image
hoping-for-the-best in reply toAsh2016

That’s interesting you had the palpitations too, glad to hear you got used to it in the end - I think it can be a shock to the system.

penny24 profile image
penny24

I took 25mg three times daily with ubiquinol, vit c, vit d, pregnacare max, royal jelly for three months before egg collection and collected 11 eggs compared to 5, reached blastocyst for the first time and I’m now 39 weeks pregnant (never had a bfp before)

Not sure what tipped the balance but worth a try

The dhea made my hair greasy, couple of spots but other than nothing. Good luck x

Thanks ladies, think I will persevere with it for now!

Dreamingofbaby profile image
Dreamingofbaby

Bless u Hun that does not sound nice. Always expect some side effects but that is not fun. Did clinic say it was normal? Hopefully they will reduce but maybe speak to them too to ensure that u not badly reacting or anything. Hope u ok. Take care x

hoping-for-the-best profile image
hoping-for-the-best in reply toDreamingofbaby

I did have the racing heartbeat last time I tried it which is why I stopped - when I told the consultant he said “yes you will do, it’s a steroid! Take it in the morning” and that was that! So I think maybe it’s normal. It’s heartening to see other people have had it too and got used to it over time. But you’re right, scary when it’s happening! Hope you’re doing ok 😘xx

Dreamingofbaby profile image
Dreamingofbaby in reply tohoping-for-the-best

The things we have to endure a. As long as it could get a good outcome then def worth it all a. I suffer on the stim injections but hopefully it worth it 🤞🤞. Best wishes to u xx

lorraineb61 profile image
lorraineb61

I took DHEA for 3 months prior to my successful 4th cycle!! I didn't have any side effects but I know it can affect everyone in different ways!! I'm surprised that you've been told to take it for only 6 weeks though as I was told that it worked best at the beginning stage of the egg growth which is about 90 days before ovulation? x

hoping-for-the-best profile image
hoping-for-the-best in reply tolorraineb61

That’s great, glad to hear it worked for you! Yes I think the longer you take it the more it kicks in, it’s just the minimum amount of time it takes for it to have an effect. I don’t really want to wait around. We’ll see if it helps 🤞x

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