[EdnCy]

Have any of you had personal experience with using DHEA prior to IVF? It's a male hormone that, according to preliminary research, is showing some promise in helping older women and women with POF (like me) release more and better quality eggs prior to IVF. I have an appointment later this week for a phone consultation with a RE from another state who is part of this study. If this allows me to have a biological child, which egg donation (my only other option) won't, it will be worth it, but I'm trying not to get my hopes too high.

[Seannarogers]

Yes, I have been taking it for almost 2 years. I found out that I may have had fluid in the uterus for all the subsequent IUIs and 2 IVFs so it is hard to tell if it works. I have 14 embryos frozen and my egg quality seems to be very good so I am hoping the DHEA works. (The shot they give you before the egg retrieval seems to be causing the fluid. Even though it doesn't reappear after the retrieval my doctors think it leave a toxic environment so I am doing a transfer on a drug free cycle.) I have had no noticeable side effects to the DHEA. It may also be responsible for helping keep my FSH low. It was 12 and then 26 and went down to 8 and 10. Now it is at 19, but it does go up and down. Good luck!

[Jetta]

My last FSH was 53, and I'm way too young for menopause. But there it was... the one before that was way high, too-- upper 40's.

Think I'm too high to even consider DHEA?

[sunshine]

It's worth talking to your RE about. My levels were 37 on 12/24 and my RE just told me to try DHEA for a few months and then we'll test again. I'm a little worried about some of the potential side effects, but so far all of the forums I've seen about it report little or no side effects.

[ScootiesGirl]

I've been taking DHEA for a couple of months in addition to acupuncture. I'm hoping this has helped.

[sunshine]

Kelli- have you noticed any side effects from the DHEA? I bought it, but haven't started taking it b/c AF hasn't arrived yet and I want to make sure I'm not pg first. I know it's a long shot, but stranger things have happened. I read the warning label that it can cause facial hair, acne, and hair loss. I'm sure those are extreme cases and they have to put it on there, but it really freaked me out. Have you gone back to have your FSH levels tested again? Keep me posted on your progress.

[ScootiesGirl]

Originally Posted by sunshine

Kelli- have you noticed any side effects from the DHEA? I bought it, but haven't started taking it b/c AF hasn't arrived yet and I want to make sure I'm not pg first. I know it's a long shot, but stranger things have happened. I read the warning label that it can cause facial hair, acne, and hair loss. I'm sure those are extreme cases and they have to put it on there, but it really freaked me out. Have you gone back to have your FSH levels tested again? Keep me posted on your progress.

I've been taking it since the end of October and I haven't noticed any side effects. I take it along with l-arginine, fish oil, and kidney essence herbs from my acupuncturist. If anything my skin has gotten better (clear, no facial hair, etc) and my hair is soft, shiny and still extremely thick. I'm waiting for AF to arrive (ETA 1/27) and then will do the 3-day FSH draw. I'm on pins and needles waiting for it to come. I feel great and I've stayed pretty stress free and relaxed. That has to help during all this. I'll let you know what happens with my FSH! Crossing my fingers for under 10!!!

[sunshine]

I'm glad you don't have any of those scarey side effects. That makes me feel better. Good Luck with your test

[sunshine]

Kelli- I forgot to ask what dosage of the DHEA do you take? I was told to take 25mg 3x a day.

[ScootiesGirl]

HI Shelli,

I take 25mg in the morning and 50mg in the evening. I have never want AF to come more! I want my FSH test so I can see if has lowered. DH had his SA this past Thursday and they said we would have results in 3-5 days...Come on acupuncture/herbs...work, work, work!!

[sunshine]

It's funny how when we want her to show up she takes her sweet time. The waiting game sucks. I really hope everything you've been doing with the accupuncture and supplments really does work. It will be great to see a success story come from this sucky diagnosis. I don't want to sound hopeless, but I just wish there were more they could do to help us. Anyway....I'll be on pins and needles waiting to see those numbers come down for 'ya.

[ScootiesGirl]

Shelli! Something is working!! Whether it is the acupuncture, DHEA or a combination of all I'm doing but my FSH was 8.8!! That is well within the normal range!! Woo hoo...I'm DH & I are finally normal at something! ha ha!!

[sunshine]

That's AWESOME!!!!! I'm so happy for you. It's also nice to know those numbers really can come back down. So what is your next step?

I'm going to see a new RE next week for a second opinion. I'm just not satisfied with donor eggs being my only option. He told me to take the DHEA, but just didn't seem convinced it would work. I need someone who will be more positive.