Anyone on DHEA for IVF? How has it been?

[maxlette]

I am taking DHEA as prescribed by my doctor. Anyone has success stories to share?

[Cinderella5]

Ive taken DHEA a few times for IVF. I didnt have many bad side effects to be honest, hair gets a bit greasier and the odd more spot but all in all I cant say anything bad about it. I do genuninely feel that it helped me get better quality embryos so definitely worth a shot if you tolerate it ok. Good luck.xxx

[maxlette in reply to Cinderella5]

Thank you for your sharing.

How long did you take it?

[Cinderella5 in reply to maxlette]

For best results I got told 3 months so that's usually what I aim for but some other ladies have seen improvements taken at shorter intervals too.xx

[maxlette in reply to Cinderella5]

I’m taking Ubiquinol, prenatal vitamins and Myo-inositol too.

[CAS2]

Yes I took it, alongside melatonin, omega 3, vitamin b, complex B. Last cycle added Vitamin E and L'argenine during the cycle only. Had my best cycle yet. 20 eggs, 13 Fert, 7 blastocyst. Currently in 2ww in 2 x A grade on board, and 5 frosties (2 A's, 1B and 2 C grades). I am 40 so really hoping one of these is genetically viable and takes! I never had anything to freeze on my last cycles.

Vitamins aside, I honestly thing the difference was also down to the protocol, they upped my stims and kept me going the full 12 days, and had a 38 hour trigger not 36. All follicles were a decent size. I think I need big ones to make eggs that are mature enough.

OH on vitamins too for low sperm and had a really good count too on the day!

Keeping everything crossed for this lot (because let's face it, IVF is a roller coaster, and no sooner are you up, you are back down again!!).

[maxlette in reply to CAS2]

Thank you for your sharing.

I had my first cycle but only one egg was retrieved and survived till day 3. My doctor put me on DHEA and vitamin D. I’m also taking Prenatal vitamins, Ubiquinol and Myo-inositol. Waiting for my second cycle... 🙏🏻

[CAS2 in reply to maxlette]

My first cycle we got a few eggs but not very good quality at all. I think you have to think of the first cycle as a learning curve of what works. And sometimes even the second. It's so important they get it right I think....

Good luck with the second. I was recommended to take Melatonin as well for egg quality. Each round the quality and number got better. xx

[maxlette in reply to CAS2]

Did you take melatonin before or during the cycle?

It has been indeed a roller coaster ride for my hubby and me especially with the hormonal reaction for me😰

Does it matter when the trigger shot to be? Isn’t 36 hour a standard?

[CAS2 in reply to maxlette]

I took it before alongside DHEA. Just 3mg before bed. We used to get it from biovea.com

It’s so difficult isn’t it? What hormonal reaction did you have if you don’t mind me asking? Xx

[CAS2 in reply to CAS2]

P.S. 36 hour trigger is standard but he wanted my follicles to grow as much as possible as I don't get mature eggs out of the small ones, so did a 38 hour one - it seemed to work, though I was paranoid about ovulating before EC!

[Hidden]

I’ve not been advised it myself but it works in a similar fashion to DHEA. Can’t quite remember which one but one is needed as a precursor to the other. They can supposedly help improve number and quality of eggs but there is low level mixed evidence.

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

Sorry not sure how this has appeared here. Was replying to another post. Similar topic though.

[maxlette in reply to Hidden]

Thank you for your sharing.

Crossing fingers and hope for the best with DHEA.