InIt Starts with the Egg,one of the egg-quality supplements I discuss for the advanced plan is DHEA. Here, I'm answering reader's most common questions about DHEA and fertility.

1. Should I take DHEA To Improve My Egg Quality?

By far the most common issue people struggle with is whether adding a DHEA supplement is warranted in their particular case. DHEA has shown an incredible ability to improve egg quality and quantity in some women preparing for IVF, but DHEA is a hormone precursor and you should not take it without talking to your doctor about whether it is right for you.

In addition, it is important to test your DHEA-S and testosterone levels to determine whether supplementing with DHEA may help in your individual case, and to continue testing regularly to monitor whether you are taking the correct dose. (You can also order these tests yourself through Life Extension (US) or Medichecks (UK). See below for a discussion of the optimal level of DHEA for fertility).

2. How Does DHEA Help With Fertility?

DHEA is typically recommended to those with diminished ovarian reserve, whether as a result of age or premature ovarian insufficiency. In both cases, the aim is to restore DHEA to normal levels seen in young fertile women. As explained by Dr. Norbert Gleicher, from The Center for Human Reproduction in New York,

"DHEA supplementation for women with diminished ovarian reserve (or DOR) has revolutionized the practice of in vitro fertilization. It has vastly improved pregnancy outcomes for women who suffer from premature ovarian aging (or POA) as well as women over 40 whose ovarian reserve is declining as a part of the natural aging process."

As discussed in my book, studies have found that women with diminished ovarian reserve (as indicated by a low AMH and low follicle count on ultrasound) often have low levels of DHEA and testosterone. By supplementing with DHEA, it is possible to raise both to normal levels, and in doing so, dramatically increase the number and the quality of eggs retrieved in IVF.

Clinical studies show that supplementing with DHEA significantly increases the pregnancy rate and live birth rate in IVF. (There is much stronger evidence for this now than when I wrote the book in 2014 and I will be updating the book soon with the latest studies.)

*If your doctor claims there is no evidence that DHEA is effective, please direct them to my updated list of studies here: Does DHEA Improve Egg Quality? *

There is also new research indicating that for young women with premature ovarian insufficiency (POI), supplementing with DHEA is likely make the most difference, by actually getting at the root cause of the problem. Studies are finding that POI is often caused by the adrenal glands failing to produce sufficient DHEA. (E.g. Gleicher 2016, Ayesha 2016, ).  Poor adrenal function is in turn typically caused by autoimmunity and is particularly common in women with thyroid autoimmunity or endometriosis (See my post on Endometriosis, Egg Quality, and DHEA ).

But just because you have diminished ovarian reserve or a low number of eggs retrieved in previous IVF cycles, that does not automatically mean that DHEA is going to help. To get a clearer answer, it is useful to test for both DHEA and testosterone levels.

3. What are Normal Levels of DHEA and Testosterone for Women?

The level of DHEA in the bloodstream fluctuates widely, so it is more accurate to measure the sulfated version, DHEA-S. Another way to check whether DHEA levels are adequate is to measure testosterone in the blood. (Because the body uses DHEA to produce testosterone when and where it is needed).

The normal Ranges for DHEA-S for women are:

  • Age 18-29 years 44-332 µg/dL (1.19-9.00 µmol/L)
  • Age 30-39 years 31-228 µg/dL (0.84-6.78 µmol/L)
  • Age 40-49 years 18-244 µg/dL (0.49-6.61 µmol/L)

The normal ranges for testosterone for women are:

  • Testosterone (bioavailable): 0.8-10.0 ng/dL (0.03-0.35 nmol/L)
  • Testosterone (free): 0.3-1.9 ng/dL (0.01-0.07 nmol/L)
  • Testosterone (total): 8-60 ng/dL (0.3-2.1nmol/L)

4. Do I Need DHEA if My Level is DHEA-S Level is 100 ? 150? 200?

There is no clear cut line as to when a DHEA supplement is warranted, but a 2018 study appears to suggest that supplementing with DHEA is helpful for poor responders when the starting level is less than 180 mcg/dL. A low testosterone level might be even more informative.

When supplementing with DHEA, clinics aim to bring DHEA-S and testosterone levels up to the higher end of the normal range for young women, which is around 300 mcg/dL. (See e.g. CHR's explanation of DHEA for IVF)

5. Can DHEA be Harmful?

DHEA is not right for everyone. It can potentially interact with some medications, can worsen PCOS (which is associated with higher testosterone levels), and could theoretically enhance the growth of hormone-sensitive cancers (just like any supplemental hormone).

If the dose is too high for too long, it may also potentially interfere with egg development. For this reason, if you are taking DHEA, you should re-test your DHEA-S and testosterone levels every month or two.  Most women need to reduce the dose if it will be taken for more than two months.

Anecdotally, it seems that the dose typically used in IVF studies (25 mg, 3 times per day, for a total of 75mg) is too high for most women.  25 mg once per day may be a better starting point.

For discussion of what happens if testing shows your level is too high, see Question #8 below.

6. What Are the Common Side Effects of DHEA?

The most common side effects of DHEA are oily skin, acne, and unwanted hair growth (these signs may suggest you are taking too much, although that is still uncertain). For those who begin with low levels of DHEA, there can actually be beneficial "side effects," including improved energy, mood, sexual function, cognitive function and exercise tolerance. (People without fertility problems take DHEA for all of these reasons).  In very rare cases, DHEA may cause voice changes.

7. How Much DHEA Should I Take and When To Stop before IVF?

The standard dose used in clinical trials so far is 25 mg, three times per day (for a total dose of 75mg). Unless your DHEA-S level is quite low to begin with, this dose may be too high.  I recommend working with a knowledgable physician who can advise on whether DHEA is right for you, and the appropriate dose.

When taking DHEA for more than a couple of months, it is best to re-test to ensure you are taking the correct amount to bring your levels into the upper half of the normal range. Anecdotally, many women who take 75mg for more than a couple of months find that the dose is too high and need to reduce to 25 mg or 10 mg, once per day.

Like most other egg quality supplements, doctors typically recommend that you stop taking DHEA shortly before egg retrieval.

8. What If My DHEA-S is Too High?

High DHEA-S is seen in about 20-30% of patients with PCOS.  If your DHEA is elevated because of supplements rather than PCOS, it is best to lower your dose or take a break, but there is no need to panic.

DHEA-S is the storage form of DHEA. It is effectively a pool  that can be drawn upon to make testosterone and estrogen when needed.  The "when needed" part is important. Conversion from DHEA-S to DHEA and then other hormones is regulated by a variety of factors . The body does not automatically make too much testosterone (or estrogen) just because there is a higher than normal level of DHEA-S. If both your DHEA-S and testosterone are high, that is more of an issue.  There may be some other factor involved in raising testosterone, such blood sugar problems.  (Studies show that Myo-inositol can help with this, significantly reducing excess testosterone.)

9. Where Can I get DHEA in the UK/ Australia/ Canada?

Outside the U.S., DHEA is more tightly regulated (as it probably should be), and is supposed to be available only by prescription. (There are, however, many websites that will ship to addresses in the UK and Canada, even though this is not technically permitted.)

10. What is the Best DHEA for Fertility?

DHEA is best absorbed if it is micronized (i.e. in small particles). This is not absolutely essential though.

Fertinatal is the brand used in the early clinical trials. I also recommend:

  • Pure Encapsulations DHEA
  • Life Extension DHEA
  • Nutricology


To learn more:

Does DHEA Improve Egg Quality? Summary of the Latest Studies

It Starts with the Egg on Amazon

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