DHEA supplements

[Happy_face]

Hi everyone!

Can I ask if anyone has used DHEA for fertility aid and if it helped? Also, are there any known side effects and is It ok to take if you have a good egg reserve? It was recommended to me by my doctor to use to prepare for my second round of IVF.

[SKC111]

hey, I purchased some DHEA from America after reading the book it starts with an egg. After taking it I found I had really bad mood swings and felt down. I decided to stop but I think everyone reacts differently. If the Dr recommends worth a try all the best

[Happy_face in reply to SKC111]

Hi! Oh wow, sorry to know. You're right that everyone's body reacts differently to certain supplements. My body can be pretty sensitive, that's why I'm contemplating if whether to take it or not.

Thanks!

[Eggfreezer2015]

I did use these as was recommended by my consultant but he monitored me carefully with regular blood tests, which I would recommend that you ask your doctor to do. Good luck x

[Happy_face in reply to Eggfreezer2015]

No problem, I will take that on board.

Thanks!

[Endofitall]

I had my worst cycle with DHEA (suggested by dr due to low reserve). And it gave me terrible acne and worsening of endometriosis so I’m not a fan.

[Happy_face in reply to Endofitall]

Wow, sorry to hear that.

[Rainbow2023]

Hi, I used DHEA for 4 months as recommended by my consultant during our batching cycles. Hard to know whether it specifically helped our result but we threw everything into the ring. Regarding side effects, I did put on weight which I associate with them (and the growth hormone I took).

[Happy_face in reply to Rainbow2023]

Hi!

This is what I'm afraid of, potential side effects as I don't want to do more damage to my body than good. I will way up the pros and cons and decide from there.

Thank you!

[Rubylou01]

Hi - over 40s and chemical pregnancies with ICI and IVF led me to organising full bloods out with my (previous) non proactive clinic. Found out I have low testosterone and DHEA - both of which can affect your egg quality - as per It Starts with the Egg . I've only been taking 75mg /day for past 3 weeks but no side effects other than a week long mild headache (same with all hormone meds) so far (I already have a few spots and my skin now seems clearer). I'm testing again in a week to see if/how it's improving and then hope to try a new egg collection in a few months time....so will see if it works Would suggest a blood test might help to see if you are low? You can then discuss with your Dr whether/ how much necessary?

[Happy_face in reply to Rubylou01]

Hi,

Yes, I will have those things tested before I decide to take the supplements or not. I also read that you shouldn't take DHEA if you are under 40, I will be turning 40 this year so I'm assuming that it should still be ok for me to take? I'm also taking COQ10 UBIQUINONE 200 mg as suggested. I want to try different measures to improve a better second round of IVF outcome.

[Redcativf]

I have no side effects but not sure if it helping as I been advised to take it but no one is monitoring in the nhs. Best of luck

[Happy_face in reply to Redcativf]

That's good. I will speak more to my Dr about it and take it from there.

Thanks!

[Choots]

I used them! 75 mg a day and I didn't have side effects

[Zassa]

As everyone says you should test your DHEA-S and testosterone first to see if they are low. If they are low you will most likely not get any side effects but if they're already normal/ideal and go high this can cause side effects like acne, hair growth, etc.A good guide is It Starts with The Egg that states values to look for in case the doctor is not sure. I have also met doctors who have just said 'take DHEA' without telling all of this. This is why everybody responds differently on it.

[Happy_face in reply to Zassa]

I will take that onboard, thank you.

[Kilk22 in reply to Zassa]

Hi, could anyone share what the ideal levels are for dhea? For what age group? What's low and what's optimal etc? X

[NemoFish]

I didn’t get any side effects, but the cycle using it was my worst cycle. I really bumped up my follicle count (12 by collection which is off the scale for me), but only 4 eggs so no difference to other cycles there. Egg quality was the worst too with abnormal fertilisation and no transfer that round. Can’t say whether it was the DHEA, could’ve just been bad luck x

[Happy_face in reply to NemoFish]

Oh my sorry to hear. Wishing you all the best!

[articsnowfox]

I did and it worked at the age of 43 (44 when i had my son), i gave my leftover pills and it also worked for her (43 with recurrent miscarriges). But most of all, the data supporting it are extremely good: pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/313...

[articsnowfox in reply to articsnowfox]

the side effects for me weren't so bad - oily skin and a bit grumpy. You need to take 75 mg/day of a micronised formulation to achieve optimal levels in your blood (and this is the dose and formulation that the clinical trials were based on)