My DHEA Success Story (so far)

[usuk]

I have been taking DHEA for over 45 days now, which is the latest recommendation for results (45-60 days).

And if it helps anyone, I usually have 6 or 7 follicles, but only 3 or 4 are the same size at the trigger time.
And my left side usually pulls all the weight - with minimal activity on the right.

Last month (30 days into DHEA) the right side pulled all the weight yet I still only had 3 follies in the game at trigger time. Many more were just not big enough.

BUT BUT BUT this month, my right side is out of control. I cannot even count how many I had today on the right. She had counted like 5 or 6 and then found 3 or 4 hidden behind that.

Before my failed IVF - prior to DHEA - I had 7 or 8 visible and they retrieved 13 mature eggs.

This month I have more than visible, with at least 6 or 7 that will be in the game by trigger.
She said if did not have a history of miscarriage/poor egg quality - this cycle would be cancelled because I would end up like "octomom."

So I think this has made a difference for me. Those eggs might not be good, but I have NEVER EVER had this many follicles and I have been taking Follistim since my 3rd MC which was March 2009.

I am not a Doctor but to get this many follicles without an IVF protocol at age 39 1/2 is a terrific response. And she said if they pushed my trigger to CD12 it would be higher.

I hope this helps someone who needs one more trick up there sleeve.

This is my last IUI. I promised myself that 2 weeks ago. But I am having an IUI on my 3rd wedding anniv and I have as many eggs now as I did with IVF. So even if I do not get lucky, I had the best chance I could get without paying $12k for IVF.

I am grateful for the silver lining.

[usuk]

UPDATE:

After 45 days on DHEA:
- AMH went from .5 to 1.1
- FSH is lower too - a 6. My average is 8 or 9. Apparently one cycle I was 14 :(

Anyway no way of knowing if the egg quality is being improved but I am making more follicles.

[nshapland]

Thanks. I'm going to ask my dr next time (if there is a next time) if I can take it all the way though...

[usuk]

I am taking 75mg a day. I bought it at GNC. My RE said he heard good things but since his facility does a lot of proprietary research - he did not push it on me as if he could personally vouch for it. He left it up to me.

I have taken it straight though 2 previous IUIs. From July 12 until today. No one has said (yet) to stop after ovulation. But I will confirm that tomorrow.

My voicemail from the nurse today said "continue with baby aspirin, folic acid, prenatal, and 25 mg of DHEA 3 times a day"

[nshapland]

I was on prescription micronized DHEA but only for like a month b/c they want you to stop the day of the trigger shot. How do you get 45 days in a row without taking a month off from trying (which I don't feel like I can do b/c I am 40)?
Also, what dose are you taking? I was on 25 mg twice/day...

[Kricket212]

What is DHEA? Is it prescription?

[Kimber1101]

How much are you taking & where did you get it?

[CA25]

Congrats girl!!! yay I am also taking Dhea for more eggs as well!!!