Aa
Does anyone know anything about DHEA?
I have a low Ovarian reserve which means I don't produce many eggs which makes it unlikely IVF will work for me (I have already tried one cycle). We have been recommended trying DHEA - a new experimental drug which can apparently make you produce more eggs. It cannot be bought over the counter in the UK and has not been trialled yet. Does anyone know anyone who has tried it or know anything about it at all?? Not sure how much I believe in miracle cures but am willing to try anything at this stage.
I took DHEA supplements in th states, i got them form my local health food store that has a large selection of alternative drugs.
There were actual only two selections. A very expensive womens hormone menopausal forumla, or one for men that was at least a 1/4 of the price, and was pure DHEA without all the other fluff products added.
I took the DHEA, but as i was on clomid and HCG shot, and nearly had my cycle cancelled due to ovarian hyperstimulation, so i since have held off on taking anymore.
I do not know what the shipping restrictions into UK may be, but many of the DHEA products retail in USA for around $5 - $10 for the just DHEA versions, and i think your shipping would be around $15- 20, so about 45 pounds to get it over to you, maybe less on the shipping.
If you do think your going to try, post back and we can look at some of the better name brands for you, as there are a lot of bad brand names in USA on vitamin supplements
Diane
There were actual only two selections. A very expensive womens hormone menopausal forumla, or one for men that was at least a 1/4 of the price, and was pure DHEA without all the other fluff products added.
I took the DHEA, but as i was on clomid and HCG shot, and nearly had my cycle cancelled due to ovarian hyperstimulation, so i since have held off on taking anymore.
I do not know what the shipping restrictions into UK may be, but many of the DHEA products retail in USA for around $5 - $10 for the just DHEA versions, and i think your shipping would be around $15- 20, so about 45 pounds to get it over to you, maybe less on the shipping.
If you do think your going to try, post back and we can look at some of the better name brands for you, as there are a lot of bad brand names in USA on vitamin supplements
Diane
I just read your question regarding DHEA. I am a 41 year old woman that had an FSH of 11.6 and only 7 follicles. I had been trying to get pregnant for almost 2 years before I decided to do IVF. I was searching the web to find out how to lower my FSH level and came across the website that was already given to you, I did lots of research and decided to start taking DHEA, after just 2 months of taking 75mg in am of DHEA my FSH lowered to 5.6. I continued to take DHEA for 8 months (I was 40 at the time). I just recently went through my first IVF cycle, after stimulation I had 11 follicles 8 eggs retreived 6 eggs fertilized and 5 embies transfered. A 7cell grade 1, 2- 6cells grade 1&2, and 2 -4cell grades 1&2. 1 being the best and 4 being the worst grade. Unfortunately I just found out on monday that none took. Unbeleivable!!! I don't know if it is partly due to my nervousness, it took me 8 months to get up the nerve to do IVF not to mention the amount of money.. Dhea takes 4 months to peak, I did not have any negative side effects, as a matter of fact I think I felt much better taking it. I think I had a very good outcome using DHEA just not good luck unfortunately, but perhaps you will.
It is very depressing when you are 41 almost 42 and feel like that was the final outcome to your fertililty, and you will never have your own children...Good luck to you
It is very depressing when you are 41 almost 42 and feel like that was the final outcome to your fertililty, and you will never have your own children...Good luck to you
Wow glad you came along when you did - that is all really helpful thank-you. It was actually a doctor who recommended it so think she must think I do need the hormones. My husband is just quite sceptical because we can only buy it over the internet over here and its hard to know what to think but is good to know you can buy it over the counter over there...
ooh! here is the link for you. can't believe i found it again so fast :)
http://www.centerforhumanreprod.com/premature_ovaries.html
http://www.centerforhumanreprod.com/premature_ovaries.html
Hi STP,
What crazy timing, this is the first day for me on these forums, and I have also been looking into DHEA and its role in hormonal balance. DHEA is a hormone, actually. I would strongly, strongly advise you to first get your DHEA, cortisol and progesterone levels tested by a doc who knows what they're doing. Here in the States you can buy DHEA supplements off the shelf but they may or may not be right for you, even if you could get your hands on them!
Here is an example from my personal situation. I had a miscarriage in April (2009). Six weeks later I had my hormone levels tested and found that I had very low cortisol levels (signifying adrenal fatigue), low progesterone levels (possibly an anovulatory cycle, and/or caused by the adrenal issue), and very HIGH DHEA, more than 2x the normal limit.
I had read and heard about DHEA supplementation in the past as a boost for mental clarity and focus, so I had been tempted to take it but I never did and now I'm really glad I didn't.
I *just* read about a study being done in the UK using DHEA, actually! Dang it, I already deleted the link, but I will try to find it again and post it for you if I do.
Apparently DHEA *is* having good success rates for some women. Just be sure you need it before you start using it. I wouldn't consider it a miracle cure, after all-- the endocrine system is the major player when it comes to fertility issues! :)
What crazy timing, this is the first day for me on these forums, and I have also been looking into DHEA and its role in hormonal balance. DHEA is a hormone, actually. I would strongly, strongly advise you to first get your DHEA, cortisol and progesterone levels tested by a doc who knows what they're doing. Here in the States you can buy DHEA supplements off the shelf but they may or may not be right for you, even if you could get your hands on them!
Here is an example from my personal situation. I had a miscarriage in April (2009). Six weeks later I had my hormone levels tested and found that I had very low cortisol levels (signifying adrenal fatigue), low progesterone levels (possibly an anovulatory cycle, and/or caused by the adrenal issue), and very HIGH DHEA, more than 2x the normal limit.
I had read and heard about DHEA supplementation in the past as a boost for mental clarity and focus, so I had been tempted to take it but I never did and now I'm really glad I didn't.
I *just* read about a study being done in the UK using DHEA, actually! Dang it, I already deleted the link, but I will try to find it again and post it for you if I do.
Apparently DHEA *is* having good success rates for some women. Just be sure you need it before you start using it. I wouldn't consider it a miracle cure, after all-- the endocrine system is the major player when it comes to fertility issues! :)
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