Stopped taking Dhea and feeling unwell

[FluffyPink]

Hello,

I’ve been on Dhea to improve egg quality for over a year. We’ve made the decision to opt for double donor, so I was told by the clinic to stop Dhea. I wasn’t told to reduce it gradually, just to stop taking it. I felt fine for about a month but for the past week have been feeling ill (fatigued/shaky and my limbs feel weaker) and have noticed mood symptoms also. I rang the clinic and my doctor does not think it’s linked to stopping Dhea. However, I’ve come across a small no. of posts online with advice re lowering the dose it gradually (rather than abruptly). I’ve had some symptoms before when changing IVF drugs, so it makes sense to me the two things could be linked. Has anyone else noticed a difference upon stopping Dhea?

Thank you 🙂

[Lillilly]

Hi FluffyPink, I only took DHEA for a couple of months before I was told that my chances of success with own eggs was less than 2%. That was about a year ago. I didn’t feel any different for stopping it but that may be because I only took it briefly. However your symptoms sound very much similar to something I’ve been experiencing which is anxiety and anxiety attacks. Sounded bonkers to me at first but I’ve noticed a consistent pattern as we progress with our donor egg treatment and the stages that go with it which feels like a rollercoaster. Add the Covid situation which means we don’t know when we can travel abroad for the transfer...well the GP just said I have pushed myself mentally and physically to a point that my body is warning me to take better care of myself. This may be way off what you’re experiencing but the symptoms sound so similar to mine. Either way, I hope you figure out what it is and feel better soon. Xx

[FluffyPink in reply to Lillilly]

Thanks Lillilly,

Sorry to hear you’ve been having really such a tough time. It certainly has been stressful here of late! I really don’t know what to think, as I’ve now started the meds to prep for biopsy too and often seem to have some side effects with new meds. I’ve also been to see my fertility counsellor. Taking one day at a time seems to be the only approach that works. I’m pretty sure my mood has been affected by the news of having to switch to double donor and Covid makes everything more complicated! It’s quite likely a mix of things. Thank you so much for sharing your experience with me. I do sometimes wonder how on earth we manage to keep ourselves going on this journey!

xxx

[Cinderella5]

Hey, I have taken DHEA a few times in prep for treatment for months at a time and havent suffered any side effects coming off. I would just say that my hair got back to normal from being a little greasy and I didnt get so many break out spots. Could you maybe have a bug?xx

[FluffyPink in reply to Cinderella5]

Thanks Cinderella. Yes, I have wondered if it could be a bug also. I’m starting to feel a bit better today but it’s gradual. I think Lillilly is right about the stress of it all - either way there’s a stress/ emotion component to it. Thanks so much for your reply 💕

[Cinderella5 in reply to FluffyPink]

Yes its definitely a stressful journey especially when having to make emotionally difficult decisions....we had to opt for DE so I completely sympathise. I'm glad to hear that you're feeling a bit better. All the best with your cycle, hope it's a lucky one!xxx

[FluffyPink in reply to Cinderella5]

Thank you ☺️ xx