DHEA IMPROVES OVARIAN FUNCTION AND PREGNANCY RATES

The most recent study published in Endocrine, demonstrated the benefits of using DHEA supplementation in women struggling with infertility and diminished ovarian reserve. The study concluded that supplementing with DHEA, improved all parameters associated with achieving a pregnancy:

• A decrease in FSH levels and increase in all androgen levels

• Increased quality and quantity of follicles ad eggs, commonly seen in lower ovarian reserve

• Shorten time to a natural pregnancy

• Increased quality of the endometrium

• Increased IVF pregnancy rates

• Decreased risk of miscarriage and chromosomal abnormalities in embryos

• Improved cumulative pregnancy rates in women attempting a non-assisted IVF pregnancy

DHEA is a fat-soluble hormone, produced primarily in the adrenal glands and in smaller amounts in ovaries/testes, the brain and other peripheral tissues such as the skin. DHEA levels peak in our 20’s but can decrease up to 80% in adulthood.

Lower DHEA levels can be related to increased cortisol levels due to physical or emotional stress, alcohol consumption, malnutrition and vegetarian diets high in soy consumption. Drugs known to lower DHEA production include: corticosteroids such cortisone and dexamethasone, insulin and other drugs that target the Central Nervous System such as Dilantin and Tegretol.

Additional benefits unrelated in achieving a pregnancy included an increase in libido, as well as an increase in arousal and vaginal lubrication; common symptoms experienced in premenopausal women.

Serum levels of DHEA-S should be tested before staring DHEA; not only to establish base line but also to determine appropriate dosages with DHEA supplementation. Given it can take up to 3 months to achieve optimal DHEA levels, testing should be repeated 3 months after starting DHEA. Depending on your blood results, DHEA is dosed at 25 to 75 mg a day. Due to its’ stimulatory effects, DHEA should be taken no later than late afternoon and preferably with a fatty meal for optimal absorption.

Contraindications for taking DHEA include PCOS, hirsutism (excessive facial hair), acne, elevated testosterone levels and women with a history of estrogen dependence breast cancer. Women with normal to adequate serum levels of DHEA, should not take DHEA as it can interfere with ovulation