DHEA levels

[HopeNotTooLate46]

Hello to all on this fertility journey

I'm 47 (maybe too old but I've only had the chance to try late). So my ovarian reserve is low but I still ovulate and had regular periods until I started the IVF journey. Anyway, I was prescribed DHEA (abroad) in the hope to improve my AMH, what it has from 0.02 in aug 2023 to 0.05 Jan 2024 (a small improvement). But now my DHEA-S levels are high 11.820 ug/ml (range is 0.56 - 2.83ug/ml according to the lab). Is this too high a level to have benefits on fertility?

I had a round of natural IVF in December (in London) which collected a mature egg but this failed to fertilise all together. I've had previous 2 eggs collected which fertilised abnormally (Aug/Dec). wondering if the DHEA-S levels might be detrimental to the eggs? My head is telling this is the last year to try what I can to have my dream.

[Nakijo]

Thanks for sharing hope. Wish you the best. A miracle can happen

[Nicnic888]

hello, the most important thing to test testosterone as taking DHEA will increase this. Testosterone will help follicle to mature, a low level of this means a reduction in quality and quantity. The optimum level is between 25 to 45 ng/dL, if your testosterone is measuring high it can also affect the quality of eggs with the later stage of egg maturity. Recommend It starts with the egg 3rd edition for more insight on this.

[HopeNotTooLate46 in reply to Nicnic888]

Thank you nicnic888. Ok so my level doesn't sound too high compared to the range above. I'll get my testosterone level tested ... But noticed I've last few months that they skin is getting really only wonder if that might be testosterone. I have the book at home but I'm away at the moment getting hysteroscopy

[TeddyBear5]

hello! Just wanted to wish you all the best. It’s hard as time goes on and you just get older and still desperately want a baby.

Was also going to suggest seeing a doc and getting testerone and other levels tested just to be sure all is ok and doesn’t harm your chances.

I really hope it works out for you. I gave up on my own eggs at age 43 as I didn’t have the money or support of my DH to do my own cycles with a 3% chance of it working. It was very challenging accepting using a donor, but here I am about to do a donor embryo transfer.

I hope you get your miracle xxxxx

[HopeNotTooLate46 in reply to TeddyBear5]

Thank you teddybear. It's hard to know what to do as every day that goes by is 1 less chance. I've found different doctors/specialist give different options/opinions even on the same course of treatment. It's had to know who to put your time and body to. Apart from testosterone what other tests should I consider? I'm in Jordan so getting tests is easier

[HopeNotTooLate46 in reply to TeddyBear5]

We've spoken about donor eggs but I feel that I want to give a last push with my own before donor eggs. My mind is still saying I want a baby that is genetically ours. I guess I need my heart to outweigh my brain

[Eggfreezer2015]

Just wanted to wish you all the best. Also to add that you can take vitamins to improve quality of egg, which you may already be doing. And if your clinic has prescribed you DHEA they should be tracking your testosterone closely. I took this for my egg collection and recall having bloods done every 2 days or so. Good luck x

[HopeNotTooLate46 in reply to Eggfreezer2015]

Thank you eggfreezer2015. Yeah I'm taking pretty every supplement recommended for low ovarian reserve to improve what ever eggs are still there. Unfortunately I was prescribed DHEA outside of the UK and I know that it's not recommended yet (time unfortunately not on my side). I'll have to find lab in UK that can do home blood tests.

Wishing you all the best 🤞🙏

[Eggfreezer2015 in reply to HopeNotTooLate46]

I know some clinics abroad have recommended providers in the UK that they work with, perhaps ask your clinic overseas re where you can do bloods as you also need someone to interpret and guide you. X