High FSH and DHEA

[Lee]

Hi

A couple of years ago when I first joined this forum there was some discussion about taking DHEA to lower FSH levels and improve egg quality. Does anyone know anything about this or tried it themselves? I have high FSH and obviously want to do anything I can that may help. Would appreciate any advice anyone has.

Thanks Lee

[kiwi1107us]

Hi Lee,

I have a high FSH (on day2 it was 13.4) and underwent invitro treatment in Nov, but it was converted to IUI since I did not produce enough follicles. I am scheduled for in vitro again in May, and have been told by my doctor to start taking 75 mg. of DHEA a day. If this new doctor (i changed IVF clinics) is giving me DHEA I assume it should help.
I would love to hear about any side effects this produces from someone who has already taken it.
Karla

[Lee]

Hi Karla

My last FSH level was similar to yours although mine has fluctuated so far between 10 and 22. I visited my doctor yesterday and he has also put me on DHEA, 25 mg 3 times a day. He said it replaces the DHEA hormone in your body that you need to produce eggs. I have to take it for a minimum of 3 months and maybe for 6 months before I start another IVF cycle. He sugested before I asked about it so it must obviously work for some people. He said a couple of the side effects could be acne and mood swings. How long have you been taking it or will you have been taking it before your cycle in May?

Lee

[Lee]

Hi Karla

How are you doing on the DHEA? I havent had any of the side effects mentioned but I am getting pretty bad headaches. As I am not normally a headachy person then I am assuming it is the Dhea causing them.

Have you been back to the clinic yet to start your next cycle as you said you were due to start in May?

I have to go for some bloods and scans in July to see if there is any physical changes from taking the DHEA.

Good luck for your next cycle.

Lee

[daly]

Hi Lee and Karla,

I'm taking 75 mg DHEA a day for the last week and also have been having headaches! I thought it was allergies, but they are a really different quality. Is your doctor going to check a DHEA level after supplementing? I was going to cycle after just taking it for one month, but am considering waiting the full 3 months. Seems like such a long time to wait I've read people actually getting pregnant naturally after years of trying while they wait the 3 months taking the DHEA to cycle again. My RE is not checking anything with me and said it was fine to take it. I know NY is doing a study with DHEA to f/u their previous studies with larger case numbers. Let's hope it does someting for our poor eggs!!

I'm also taking arginine (an amino acid) Have either of you heard of that one from your docs?