DHEA: Has anyone had any experience... - Fertility Network UK

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DHEA

TTCWithCHSweetheart profile image

Has anyone had any experience with DHEA?

I have heard a lot about it helping the embryos reach the blastocyst stage which I’m struggling with.

The consultant at my first clinic recommended I avoid it but i just had my 3rd cycle at a second clinic and it’s failed so I want to try something.

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TTCWithCHSweetheart profile image
TTCWithCHSweetheart
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15 Replies

Just be careful with dhea it can do more harm than good if you don’t need it! Xx

TTCWithCHSweetheart profile image
TTCWithCHSweetheart in reply to

That’s my worry. I don’t have a follow up with the doctor until the end of September so can’t even ask the question in time to start taking it or anything else that could help xx

in reply toTTCWithCHSweetheart

I took it without telling my consultant took it for about a week it gave me the worse stomach cramps told my consultant he said to stop! I was probably making things worse. It’s now not a risk I’m willing to take I am taking ubiquinol I did for about a month befor my last cycle and got my best ever embryos so this time I’m talking 600mg and started 3 months befor guess I will just have to wait and see what happens xx

TTCWithCHSweetheart profile image
TTCWithCHSweetheart in reply to

I’ve been taking CoQ-10 for about 6 months but stopped during treatment. Do you mind me asking what ubiquinol you took? X

in reply toTTCWithCHSweetheart

Just 300mg I have 2 a day I got it off amazon what protocol are you on if I’m honest Iv done 7 rounds of ivf and protocol is normally what makes the most difference x

TTCWithCHSweetheart profile image
TTCWithCHSweetheart in reply to

Did you get a specific brand?

I’ve done 2 long protocols and 1 short. Tbh I’ve not looked into the protocols too much as I think we just put our trust in the doctors don’t we. It’s on our list to discuss with the doctor but again our follow up is a month away 😕 I feel like as this is our first round with this clinic (but 3rd in total) they kind of just started again. Xx

in reply toTTCWithCHSweetheart

To be honest I buy the cheapest I think it’s called ved! My last cycle I got my best embryos ever 4ab didn’t work but I do have a son from my 4th cycle he was a 5bb it honestly is just luck! After my 3rd cycle didn’t work I panicked and google the sh*t out of things I found that just got me so worked up I admit I take a lot of vitamins I don’t know if it helps but it make me feel better like I’m doing something to help I would say always follow your gut I always took doctors word for everything but round 4 I took control i followed my gut at the end of the day you know your body better than anyone it took me along time to get confident around doctors tho xx

I tried it when my consultant said not to bother - I was desperate.. I had terrible side effects and had to give up with it. Was so gutted as so wanted it to be that magic fix.

Have you tried pure ubiquionol (as opposed to CQ10)? Thats what I am banking on to improve my eggs this cycle, and fish oil with DHA xx

TTCWithCHSweetheart profile image
TTCWithCHSweetheart in reply to

I don’t want to take them if it’s going to do more harm than good but am getting so desperate now.

I have only tried CoQ-10 which I take all day long lol.

I also take pregnacare max which includes the fish oil.

I am feeling so overwhelmed by it all now. What to take, what not to take, what ones are correct etc. It’s killing me!! Xx

Ropa19 profile image
Ropa19 in reply toTTCWithCHSweetheart

I was told by my acupuncturist that it’s the black ubiquinol that is the best to take and ive used amazon and lamberts previously, but just found 2 months worth on nature’s best website which is cheaper than both the other sites. I’ve been thinking about trying DHEA too but think I’ll just wait as don’t want to make things worse either x

Starsoutside profile image
Starsoutside

I take DHEA and haven't had any issues with it. I was prescribed it by one fertility specialist then when I had to move country due to Covid I started with another fertility clinic and they wanted me to continue taking it. I have just had my third IVF cycle and have three day 3 embryos frozen. I am doing another cycle to batch the embryos for PGS which is why they are only day 3. I also take ubiquinol every day. Maybe worth trying to contact your clinic ahead of time asking if they recommend taking DHEA.

Joso_8283 profile image
Joso_8283

It depends on the reasons you're not conceiving. I take it as recommended by a nurse from my previous clinic. The specialist from my new clinic told me to continue and has now put me onto testro gel instead in the run up to treatment as its a higher level of testosterone.

I'm also taking ubiquinol rather than coq10.

This is all because I have a very low amh.

I read it stars with the egg to get initial info on vits etc but I think you should at least speak with a nurse at your clinic. I'm sure they will speak to the specialist on your behalf.

You don't want to mess with your hormones (dhea) if not necessary and I understand how stressful and confusing it is so please contact your clinic and ask what they think otherwise you will get so stressed like I did at first! x

TTCWithCHSweetheart profile image
TTCWithCHSweetheart in reply toJoso_8283

This is just it, I don’t want to take them if it’s going to do more harm than good but after 3 failed cycles I’m desperate for some answers. I looked into a blood test but my dad spoke with a doctor last night at the hospital (dads a paramedic) and he said to push more at our clinic for some answers as DHEA isn’t usually done on the NHS and the clinic may have already done a similar test on us that rules this out. My AMH isn’t bad. It’s 18 and I’m 30. It’s the quality of the egg I think we’re struggling with as the embryos are struggling to reach blastocyst. However I’m now getting some advise (from other people on here) that after day 3 it could be the sperm so we’re also looking into that now.

It’s a minefield isn’t it. Xxxx

Joso_8283 profile image
Joso_8283 in reply toTTCWithCHSweetheart

It really is and I feel for you. I did so much research and got myself in quite a pickle but I agree with your dad about the clinic. You shouldn't be in such a state of confusion. These clinics are being paid a lot of money and you should be able to get some answers.

My very limited amount collected last time werent great quality. The ubiquinol is supposed to help with that. As is your diet and general wellbeing. I also take everything recommended in it starts with the egg but who really knows if its the right thing to do.

I checked with my clinic and the only things they said I should def take were the dhea, ubiquinol and a decent prenatal multi vit. The rest they said could help but they couldn't advise for sure so Im taking a chance. But who knows!

Maybe they arent testing you for it because they don't think it would help you?

I hope you find your answers soon and wish you loads of luck with your journey 💛 x

leo1980 profile image
leo1980

Hello! I am taking it. I am 40:) clinic made me get my levels tested before prescribing it. I have had no side effects so maybe it’s not working.

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