I have high FSH levels and I heard the supplement DHEA is support to improve egg quality and numbers when going through IVF. I've just ordered some (50mg tablets) only I don't know if I should be taking this without doctor's permission. Has anyone used these supplements?
I have no idea what is stimulating my FSH levels. I am only 32. It went from 16 to level 10 but I have just cancelled an IVF attempt due to poor response (but I was not on the highest drug dose to begin with). I came across DHEA from the High FSH success board which mention the Center for Human Reproduction in the US having very good result with DHEA. Prior to this, I had never heard of it
Just been doing some research for you on DHEA. Now I know why I couldn't find anything in any of my reference material. DHEA is not available for sale in Australia. It is a hormone produced naturally by the body and affects estrogen and testesterone levels.
I seriously wouldn't take it while doing a cycle without letting your doctor know, otherwise it could really mess things up.
Find a good natural therapists (called naturopath in Australia) or a good chinese doctor and see if they can help.
It can be so hard for them to work out the right dosage. My first cycle I hyperstimulated. Second cycle, they were worried I wasn't stimulated enough, then two days later I had 16 follicles and they did my retrieval 4 days early because they were so big. IVF is very much a case of two step forward one step back sometimes. Each time you learn something new.
Good luck. I personally have been through such a journey with natural therapies due to infertility that I am now studying it.
Thanks for looking into this for me. I live in the UK and have been TTC for 3 years. At first I was unexplained but following from 4 unsuccessful attempts at IUI last year, I found out that I have elevated FSH levels. Apparently it was elevated before I started the IUIs but the nurses/doctors never thought to tell me. If I had known then I would have been doing things to target my FSH levels such as acupuncture instead of feeling that there was not much I could since I was unexplained. With regard DHEA, I contacted the Center for Human Reproduction in New York who are doing the study in this and they have offered to speak to my doctor with regard protocol (free of charge). Whether my doctor will be willing to engage or not is a different matter. I am entitled to two fee attempts on the NHS so I can't really force the doctor. However hopefull he will be willing to engage. What is your story?
I am in Australia, we are lucky because our government covers most of our treatments and we can have as many as we like. Out of pocket first cycle of the year is about 1000 pounds after that it is even cheaper.
I am also unexplained infertility. Just been through a whole lot more tests, but still everything is negative except for a clotting problem which doesn't seem to be that much of an issue. We have been ttc for almost 4 years. I have conceived once 2 years ago but mc at almost 6 weeks. Had an ivf cycle last year, got 14 eggs only one fertilised (so there is number one problem), I hyperstimualted and then had an FET which didn't take. Did another cycle this Feb, one in that didnt stick and 6 left in the freezer.
Good luck with DHEA and doctor. Let me know what they say.
I have just finished my FOURTH icsi & before this I had responded baldy & ended up with not very good embies.
My consultant said he went to a confrence in America & they said about a woman takinh DHEA.. he suggested I may want to try it but as it hasnt been tested enough it was only thro my choice & I could order it on the internet.
He said it is supposed to take 3 to 6 mths to have full affect.. I didnt want to wait that long so I said I would start taking it but wanted to cycle again before the 3 to 6 mths but keep taking it ..
I started just over a mth ago... I still didnt respond well ( as I hadnt been taking it for long.. I only had 2 large follies... there was an egg in each.. both were suitable for icsi but only 1 fertilised..
IT WAS MY FIRST EVER GRADE ONE EMBIE.. AND I FOUND OUT YESTERDAY.......................................................I AM PREGNANT........
I can only put it down to the DHEA & would reccomend it to anyone.. I bought 25mg tablets & took 2 in the morning & 1 in the evening with food.. after EC I reduced it to 2 tablets a day..I stopped taking it yeaserday once I got my BFP.
That is absolutely brillant news. I have already received a supply of DHEA tablets (50mg) but I have not started to take them yet because I have written to my consultant to see what he has to say about it. I might start taking them. Why did you decide on 75mg? Would 50mg be too little or 100mg too much? Do you live in the uk
So pleased for you and you have given me much hope.
Yes I live in England I live in South Devon .
My consultant suggested them to me but says if I take them it has to be off my own back as there isnt really enough reserch done yet.. It worked for me tho !!
He told me if I wanted to take them, then get the 25mg tabs so I can have 2 in the morning & 1 at night.. I wouldnt take 2 of yours tho.. I think the 50 will be enough.. I think 100 would be too much.
Good luck & let me know what your consultant dsays.
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