DHEA supplements and higher doses of Folic Acid?

[ChocoMuffin]

Hello there!

Has anyone been advised to take DHEA (Dehydroepiandrosterone)? And if so, any side effects? My consultant has suggested it as there are some studies that suggest it could increase conception rates during IVF treatment by increasing ovarian response to stimulation.

They have also advised taking 5 mg (milligrams) of folic acid. The recommended dose is 400 mcg (micrograms) and that’s what I’ve taking so far so taking 12x more seems a big jump!

Any advice would be hugely appreciated. Thanks!

[Eggfreezer2015]

For the DHEA I would recommend that you ask your consultant to monitor and do regular bloods if they want you to take it. The side effects I remember (was a while ago, was feeling quite aggressive and unwanted hair growth on my face). Did they say why they wanted you to increase your folic acid? I took 1000ui of folate for about a month or so to bring my levels up and then dropped to 400ui. My body was not absorbing folic acid. If not I would go back and ask why? And whether you are better off trying folate. Good luck x

[Systema23]

hi

I took DHEA for my 2nd cycle. In the period between both the number of eggs collected decreased and the number that I could implant remained at 1 for both cycles (I am 41).

The side effect I had was really bad acne on my back and greasy hair. My 2nd cycle did result in a positive result but not sure if that was the DHEA, the other supplements or diet and lifecycle changes.

I continue to be on 5mg folic acid, and will remain so for the duration of my pregnancy. The reason for the higher dosage and duration is linked to epilepsy in my case. My hospital advised it was to prevent spins bifida.

Hope that helps xx

[Blueberryshrub]

Hi there, my clinic mentioned taking DHEA but hasnt provided much information and certainly would not have monitored me if I started taking it. I did buy blood test from medichecks to check my DHEA levels and they were really low. So I started taking it. I quickly had to lower the dose from 75 to 25 and then to 12mg because of the side effects. It turned out DHEA was increasing my estrogen levels too much and made my fibroid and endo situation much worse. My AMH went down so I dont think it worked for me. It is a precursor hormone so you never know what your body will turn it into. But I understand it is tempting to try it.

As for the folic acid, I am taking 400mcg of FOLATE which is a recommended form and dosage. Folic acid is apparently not absorbed that well (unlike Folate).

[Endofitall]

DHEA led to my worst cycle and a drop in my AMH plus acne and worsening of endo symptoms. I had bloods checked and it was suggested by my clinic. But I wouldn’t do it again. Interesting about the folic acid - did they explain why?