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1235159 tn?1323009319

DHEA and baby aspirin?

I am 41 and have experienced a chemical pregnancy and a m/c earlier this year and am now having another m/c. I had read somewhere about taking DHEA to improve egg quality and also about taking baby aspirin to possibly prevent a m/c. Can anyone tell me more about this? I am also curious about a B vitamin...I had read about it having something to do with fertility?  Any help would be greatly appreciated!
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Avatar universal
Hi Marietta2000,

I saw your post about DIM and your IVF experiences. I wonder if you took DIM during your IVF treatment? Do your RE approve that? my understanding you'd be given a lot of estrogen and progesteron at different time of IVF, does DIM impact them or not?
Helpful - 0
1002983 tn?1349822086
I'm totally with you on that!  I don't see how those tests could have been accurate at all.  I find that often the doctors just don't listen to their patients.  Many of them just won't listen to what we say, and disregard any input we have.  I don't think it's a co-incidence either that those hot flashes and night sweats have gone. .....Since I was trying for my second baby back in 2007, my periods have been really light, only lasting a day or so.  I was never a person who had heavy or long periods, at most they lasted about three days, even when I was young.  But now they are only about 1 - 1 1/2 days, and this worries me.  I do seem to ovulate though, but what do you think it could mean?  My last two IVF cycles I produced 6 and 8 eggs, of which most fertilized, and my E2 levels rose really well during the stimulation, but I'm really worried I'm nearing menopause.  What do you think?  I haven't had any hot flashes or anything like that, and my RE reckons my menopause would be around 47 or so according to my AMH, but I don't know.  I'm finding myself pretty worried.  

Anyway, GOOD LUCK TO ALL!!!!!  
Helpful - 0
1096856 tn?1333119985
You guys are great!  I love all of the input.  I have been taking 75 mg of dhea and 200 mg of coq10 for about 3.5 months now.  I also take b6, multi vitamin and baby asprin.  A little over a year ago, my fsh was about 15, but estrodol was good at about 10.  About a month ago, my fsh was 5.4, but my estradol was like 160!!  I asked the doc if it was the dhea that lowered my fsh, but could it have raised the estradol.  Her response was that she didn't think it did either.  Now, here is the funny thing about doctors.  I'm thinking neither one was a very accurate reading.  Reason being is that even though it was day 3.... it really wasn't a "period" by definition, because I hadn't ovulated for over 100 days.  I had the tests done on "day 3", but then ovulated on cd7, so that tells me I was in essence further along in the egg development and I know that just prior to ovulation, your estrogen rises and fsh lowers.  Didn't make sense to her at all, but what do you guys think of that logic??  You read all over the internet that a period is only a period if you have ovulated... if not, it is just bleeding because your lining has gotten too thick or your hormones are out of whack.  Anyway.... I digress...

The one thing that was so miraculous and I don't care what the docs say... is that I was suffering so badly from hot flashes and night sweats that it would make me nauseous.  That has completely stopped and I can't imagine it is just a coincidence.

Good luck in 2011 to all of us!!!
Helpful - 0
1002983 tn?1349822086
Hi All!!

I forgot to mention the Human Growth Hormone SAIZEN.  I've been reading wonderful things about this for older women.  One women I read of had bad quality eggs on IVF one and two, many of her embryos had fragmentation, but her RE then prescribed her with saizen, and she got pregnant next IVF with twins!!!!  And her embies were wonderful!!  SAIZEN is very expensive, but I would be interested in finding out more about it.  I shall email my RE this week and see if he ever uses it.  

Xrayz - A bit more on CQ10:  
It helps to maintain the eggs integrity by protecting it from free radicals. Coq10 is best taken for two to three months before having IVF or natural conception.

SSBD to all of us!!!!  
Helpful - 0
1002983 tn?1349822086
Hi Risa!
That's no good, it possibly doubling your FSH.  My FSH seems to be similar, maybe a bit less, it's now 7.8, but with an E2 of 185, so it's more likely a 9 or 10 maybe.  Of course, the problem is, we can never be sure if any new problems we get are due to what we're taking or not.  I'm on 75mg, and everything seems to be fine.  

Xrayz
CoQ10 is a coenzyme – an organic molecule that’s loosely bound to an enzyme and helps the enzyme function. Since co-enzyme Q 10 has ten subunits in the quinine chemical group, it’s commonly referred to simply as CoQ10.
CoQ10 is part of almost every cell in the human body, especially in the mitochondria. It’s similar to a vitamin and is oil soluble. It helps the body turn carbohydrates and fats into energy by converting them to ATP. Almost all of your energy is produced in this manner. High concentrations of CoQ10 are found in the heart, where it has a major impact on the heart’s rate.  The liver, another high energy demand organ, is also abundant with the coenzyme.
Because CoQ10 is fat-soluble, it’s best to take it with a fatty food. In fact, it is most easily absorbed by the body when it’s actually consumed with a food containing a good bit of fat. For maximum absorption, break the gel cap open and chew the CoQ10 with a fat.  I'm taking 200mg a day, but some women I've read take up to 600mg.  You also need to start taking it about three months before TTC for it to have any effect.  

Meeshy!!  Thanks for your fertility info:0)
Helpful - 0
1217293 tn?1467354344
DHEA doubled my fsh level, so it didn't work for me and I was only on 25 mg.  I used it for three months and then the dr ran my AMH and my FSH test.  After results, he had me stop taking it.  
Risa
Helpful - 0
1217293 tn?1467354344
You can watch the video I have on my journal about Tribulus, really good stuff for people who need help to ovulate.  My acupuncturist went to a workshop on it and says it is good for everyone cycle 5-14.  

Risa
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1235159 tn?1323009319
Anyone heard anything about COq10? I remember seeing it mentioned as well for fertility but I dont remember how or when it was taken.
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1235159 tn?1323009319
Wow! I am learning a lot from you ladies!!  Thank-you for all the information!
Helpful - 0
875802 tn?1315937896
I forgot to add another site that I found some stuff on that I purchased http://www.********************.com/Recurrent-Miscarriage-s/57.htm I ended up buying some of the items from www.swansonsvitamins.com because they are a whole heck of alot cheaper. Maca for about 5 dollars a bottle.
Helpful - 0
875802 tn?1315937896
I dont know much about DHEA but started taking a baby asprin because it was rec to me by the woman on the forums at www.tcoyf.com which is the website for the book TAKING CHARGE OF YOUR FERTILITY. There is a complementary and alternative therapy area you may like if you are like me and looking to go the herbal route it is at http://www.*****.com/forums/56.aspx
Helpful - 0
1002983 tn?1349822086
I saw DIM under the Five Fertility "Medicines" You Should Know About.  I thought I'd had everything covered, but then something else comes out of the woodwork!!!!  Here is a bit about it:-
The second natural fertility drug is a truly amazing enzyme from food called Diindolylmethane, or DIM. DIM has been the talk of the science world for sometime now since the discovery of its effects on certain cancers. The properties in DIM that make it an anti-cancer drug are the same properties that make it an amazing fertility drug. DIM works to regulate the body's balance of estrogen; too much estrogen can cause several health issues, including infertility. Some examples of estrogen dominant infertility are endometriosis, PCOS, and ovarian cysts.

...I guess we could be doubling up on things, but I suppose the test as to whether any of these have worked will be shown when I start stimming.  I think my embryo quality has been amazingly identical on both of my IVF cycles - even though the protocols were different.  I got 6 eggs on the long protocol, and 8 on the micro-dose, so it will be interesting to see if anything changes, or if my embryo quality improves!!!  I don't think I'll add in the DIM or the tribulus, but maybe next time!!!  See how optimistic I am!!!  (NOT)!!  I need more positive thinking, I guess I just don't want to allow myself to dream anymore......

Anyway, that is a real bummer about your GP.  But do you get your fertility treatment covered by insurance?  I've been getting my tests done through my GP these past few months, but that will of course change once I start IVF.  Is your thyroid getting under control?  Aren't you seeing a new RE?  

You're a wealth of info Sherri!!!!  I'm glad you're on here!!!!  :0)  
Helpful - 0
922048 tn?1387942584
What's DIM? Haven't heard of that. The tribulus I think it helps boost testosterone. I would be taking it for sure except I'm worried that taking it with DHEA could result in me getting too much testosterone. Two years ago I was taking 200mg/day of DHEA because I read that was ok. Mostly for bodybuilders though, not TTC women. But I had way too much testosterone, I think. But that was never confirmed. Around the same time my thyroid was going crazy, so I guess it could have been that! Who knows?

I wish I could order my own labs whenever I want! That would sure help! My GP normally lets me order what I want but he changed his practice and now it costs $1,800.00 a year to be a member of his practice. (And you still have to pay for the office visits!) I can't afford it any more. So I think I have to find a new dr. :-( I hate changing drs, especially after 5 years.
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1002983 tn?1349822086
I've never heard of that one.  I will look it up.  I've also ordered DIM which seems to be something else people are taking.  I don't know if I'll add it to the mix though, but maybe next time, if this one doesn't work. I have a 5yr son and 2yr old daughter, and had them really easily, but now it looks like my eggs just aren't good anymore.  CRAZY!!!!
Helpful - 0
1235159 tn?1323009319
Have any of you ever heard of Tribulus? I bought some off of soap.com. It said it helps with ovulation. I dont think I have an ovulation issue although I do O late and my luteal phase is only 10 days. Tribulus is derived from a root and is also used by body builders.
Helpful - 0
1002983 tn?1349822086
Hi xrayz!

I replied to your other post.  Again, I'm so sorry about your losses.  I am taking quite a few supplements, the list is pretty long, but I would say a couple of things I am taking which a number of doctors do seem to recommend are TRANS-RESVERATROL and PYCNOGENOL (pine bark extract).  They are both hugely rich in anti-oxidants.  I don't see many REs recommending much to women to help with egg quality, but I have seen these two I fair bit.  I get all my supplements from vitacost.

Risa615!  
I wonder, how did you conclude that the DHEA wasn't good for you?  Do you mean with regards to side effects, or do you mean directly with your cycle?  I'm on 75mg a day, like Sherri says.  So far I haven't had any greasy skin, or seen any hair falling out. I just had a few pimples for a week or so, but they're gone now.  I've been on it since about September.  My RE said I didn't need it, as my E2 levels once stimming were really excellent, and my egg production was fine for my age, so I'm taking it against his wishes, but since I'm onto IVF #3, I feel I need to try something different.  

Good Luck to us all!!!!  And yes Sherri, positive thinking is needed!!!!  We WILL be successful in time!!!!  :0)    SSBD EVERYONE!!!
Helpful - 0
1235159 tn?1323009319
Thanks so much! I have not been to an RE yet and wanted to try some natural things first. I am going to have some bloodwork done thru my husband's office and wasnt sure what all to test besides fsh and estradiol. Thanks so much for the suggestions!
Helpful - 0
922048 tn?1387942584
Oh no! I'm so sorry to hear you are having another m/c. It's so unfair that we have to go thru that even once, let alone multiple times. Will keep you in my thoughts and prayers! I read the same thing about DHEA. Not only can it increase egg quantity, but also also quality. I think the article was from the website for Center for Human Reproduction (the New York clinic that did the first studies on DHEA helping women with diminished ovarian reserve). I tried it myself once and lowered my FSH from 42 to 10.3! It's worth trying but I highly recommend getting your DHEA-S, estrogen and testosterone levels checked before starting. If your levels are low or in the bottom half of the normal range, then you know you can benefit from DHEA supplementation. And don't ever take more then 75mg a day of DHEA. (I'm on it now at 25mg/day) If you take too much, you can get elevated testosterone levels which is no fun. I've been there.

From what I've read it is really miraculous how much DHEA can help rejuvenate the ovaries of us "older" women. The baby aspirin might be able to help, too, by keeping the blood thin and potentially increasing the blood flow to the pelvic area to both the uterus and the ovaries. I wish I could take baby aspirin, but I have several stomach ulcers. I am on a different blood thinner, which seems to be helping. It's called Lovenox. And I have to give myself shots twice a day every day.

Hang in there! We WILL be successful in time! Unfortunately just maybe not as quickly as we would like! Again, I'm very sorry for your loss. Most of us on this site have been there and totally understand what you're going through. We are here for you!
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1217293 tn?1467354344
So sorry to hear about m/c.  I found a great fertility recipe on the web that is in my journal Aug. 10, check it out, it includes both b6, b50 and baby aspirin along with other vitamins. I tried DHEA under doctor's care, and it was not good for me. Everyone is different, so consult your dr before trying it.  Although i have not gotten pregnant, my lining has been really good and so has my follicles sizes since I started this natural fertility recipe.  I did recently try fertility drugs, but actually had better results without them.

Risa
Helpful - 0
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