Confused!!!

[Alwaysfullofhope]

Hey everyone,

I have changed clinic due to my clinic being a satellite clinic and not opening as early as some others... this is our 3rd attempt so paying for treatment.

I spoke to my new consultant a couple of weeks ago who has written me up a new protocol not very dissimilar to the protocol my other consultant had written out, however new consultant spoke more in depth about previous cycles and egg quality etc which seemed to be positive, however requested that my AMH levels were to be checked (first time I've spoken about AMH to any consultant) any way before I could be put forward for this test I had to speak to my previous consultant who said he sees know reason why I should need this tested and my FSH levels and the way I have responded to previous cycles shows my AMH to be normal but never the less I have booked for the test!

Moving onto why I am confused is due to my issue not be quality more quantity I asked my consultant what the key driver could be and just in a brief conversation he mentioned possible PCOS ( never has this been spoke about previously?) But in the mist of the conversation and due to being taken back by the comment I didn't mention anything (stupid I know) but I have self medicated with DHEA 50mg a day I spoke to both consultant's who confirmed it cannot do harm but not proof it will do any good!! I currently have oily skin and a few spots which I am assuming is due to the DHEA?! But to my point PCOS can be due to testosterone I do not want to add to that with DHEA...

Cycle is in September? Should I stop taking DHEA?

Thanks in advance for your responses!!

🤍x

[IVFat40]

I wondered whether your new clinic might be able to test your DHEA-S and testosterone levels, to give you a sense of whether your current levels are within normal/optimal range? The book 'it starts with the egg' gives a summary of optimal levels to aim for. Although I did have to ask for it my clinic did these tests for about £30 each (I also got my vitamin D level checked at around the same price.

Wishing you all the luck.

[KiboXX]

I can’t help on the DHEA front but I think it’s very unusual that your AMH level has never been discussed with your previous consultant. That to me, would give me huge confidence that your new consultant is doing the right things and you’ve made a good decision moving. I’ve had four cycles at two clinics and both clinics did a fresh test and used that to help decide on the best course of treatment xx

[Chel91]

Hi, I'm wondering what symtpoms of PCOS do you have? Irregular cycles, lots of small follicles ovaries etc.? It does also seem odd that you hadn't already had AMH and FSH checked, as that's really standard for most doctors, and will help confirm if you have PCOS also.

You are correct in that most younger women with PCOS should not take DHEA, my doctor only recommends it for over 35, but with PCOS sometimes it's not until after 40 that testosterone levels start to change. Best to get all your testing done and see what your AMH, FSH and testosterone / DHEA panel indicate first though. It might seem like an extra expense, but it may be worth it to get to the core of what's really going on and then you can agree on the best protocol. Best of luck hun xx

[Ivfgotadream]

You should only really take DHEA If you have confirmed low testosterone levels as it can actually decrease fertility if not - that’s why it’s not available in the U.K. and has to be Imported because it’s not approved for use here/requires a prescription

If you have a decent number of follicles that also indicates you don’t need to be on DHEA (it’s only really for women with a very very low follicle count) so I would stop taking it before your next cycle