DHEA and (in)fertility

LuBirdie

As you can see from my signature we've been at this for a very long time with many losses. After our last failed IVF, I wasn't sure where to turn, thinking that, this may be it for us as far as additional treatments. So, I did some extensive research on DHEA and Coq10. I started taking them both along with baby aspirin in late August. Studies have shown that DHEA may help with egg quality prior to ART cycles if taken about 3 months in advance. No upcoming ART cycles but thought I'd give it a try - at this point what do I really have to lose? Well, lo and behold... I got a natural BFP a couple weeks ago. Im 42 mind you. It ended in a chemical though about 3 days ago. Is anyone else using Dhea and what are your thoughts? My side effects are slightly more oily skin/hair. And, 2 cycles I had earlier ovulation. Just wanted to hear your thoughts... it could have been a fluke, but Im going to stay on it at least for a another 2-3 cycles to see what may happen. 

kelley72

I have no experience with DHEA or anything similar.  Best wishes

stemi

@LuBirdie‌ I have read a little bit about its use for AMA women. I got some CoQ10, which my pharmacist sister-in-law freaked out about. It definitely needs to be stopped as soon as you are pregnant, from what I gather. (I believe because it thins your endometrial lining). I also think I've read that you should only use it for the first half of each cycle. That's all I got...

Are you using it throughout the entire cycle?

Radiantly

Hi!
I do have some info to share. I don't know about CQ10 but do have info on DHEA.

For about two months I've been on a vitamin regimen from my functional medicine chiropractor. Based on blood tests and saliva tests (blood showed I have high inflammation, and saliva showed that my hormone levels were low and cortisol was too high, which means my adrenal gland has been working too hard). So I am on an inflammation diet (I've already been gluten free for 5 years and know inflammation is due to the gluten sensitivity) I am avoiding caffeine as it is inflammatory and causes cortisol levels to shoot up. He also said not to do high intensity excersizes. Just yoga pilates walking.

I am taking DHEA in droplet form with Prognenalone 3 times a day. 2 drops DHEA and 15 drops prognenalone
Also 2x a day taking fish oil, vitamin D, calcium magnesium and multivitamin.
I did some research on dr google about DHEA and Prognenalone and everything.l agrees with what my chiro said. If you google "endometriosis inflammation DHEA prognenalone" you'll find good stuff.

In the 2 months I've been on this regimen I feel better energy, waking up easier, falling asleep easier, less mood swings (much!!), last AF I had NO PMS.

He said the DHEA and prognelanone were framing up my hormone structure. Basically my estrogen and progesterone levels are linked to my adrenal gland and liver. And my closed right tube is likely due to endometriosis and that is linked to inflammation.

I do believe it's helping. But for OP- the quality o the drops I'm using is good. I'm not so sure about buying it off the counter from CVS because it probably isn't great quality.

Check out DR DAN KALISH for they national medicine. That Google direction should bring you to be able to find a functional medicine (holistic) dr in your area to get evaluated. They go way deeper and gentler than an RE

I have approval from my RE to try this for a bit before lapro surgery.

On DPO10 today ladies! Nervous!
These few days are the hardest I swear.

stemi

@Radiantly‌ that is awesome that you have had such good results! Also, I'm so jealous you have a functional medicine chiro. I wish we had functional med doctors where I live!
ETA-- I'm also on 10DPO-- its SO HARD!!!

stephzrn

Lurker here and BFP mentioned.   My RE had me on high dose CoQ10, baby aspirin and DHEA.  I was on the DHEA for 3 months.  The first cycle trying after being on the DHEA for 3 months, I got my BFP.  I did have a chemical pregnancy just prior to starting DHEA.  My RE tested my hormones just prior to starting the DHEA and then again 2 weeks in.  I got it from a special pharmacy that my RE uses and they adjust it based on my labs.  I believe I was on 50mg though.  As side affects go, it thinned by hair but it grew back and it was probably only me and my hairstylist that could tell.  I stopped the DHEA as soon as I got my BFP.  I also did acupuncture a couple times a month as well.  Best of luck.

stemi

@stephzrn‌ congratulations! It's good to know an RE can prescribe, monitor, and tweak it. That is my fear with supplements-- really not knowing how potent they are and how your body is responding. Glad it was helpful for you!

lcwed

@stemi‌ @Radiantly‌ you guys are so close. FX you get BFPs inv the next few days.

stemi

@lcwed‌ thank you! I was feeling all the symptoms a few days ago(eye roll), and now nothing. Trying to hold out hope, but it is waning
ETA spelling

Radiantly

thanks...... feeling nothing. but temp is still high.....

LuBirdie

@Radiantly‌ thanks for all the great info, I too am envious about the great help you are receiving... I have to travel to get any sort of decent treatment.

That is such great news @stephzrn... congratulations!!!! I was on the same protocol too.... Im going to keep trying. 

And, yes, @stemi I take it throughout my cycle, though I stopped immediately along with COQ10 when I got my bfp (chemical). I just started up again on cycle day 1. Fx crossed for both you and @radiantly.

peregrinefalconx

I, too, have been searching for the magic bullet of supplements to make my eggs better. I have been taking CoQ10 for a while now, with a baby aspirin. I did get a little guy in there after having 2 blighted ovums, although he didn't make it. My RE is very open to CoQ10 but DHEA only while being monitored for IVF. You can get too much DHEA in your system...so it's not something I am choosing to go solo on. Going to ask at my 2nd opinion in a couple of weeks.

I take the CoQ10 all month long.

Radiantly
stephzrn I too am totally jealous that you can get your REs on board. It seems like it would make sense to try just about anything!

Radiantly

Be careful of Chinese herbs, they are almost never organic and the quality of farming/amount of pesticides is rampant there.  I am now a convert to Susun Weed's Green wisdom which is to make infusions certain herbs daily.  I'm so into it that I'm spreading my research/knowledge to friends and family.  Hopefully this inspires/educates someone here!  I thought about posting it as a new thread but not sure if I should.

Making infusions is very different than making tea.  The infusions are herbal nourishing medicines that, while made from "every day" herbs/weeds, are very powerful.  They are impossible to take too much of, and ideally drink 1 quart every single day. My wise women herb teachers reiterate that you need to follow this formula:

1. Take a clean 1 quart jar (like a mason jar)

2. Weigh out 1 oz of dried herb (they vary... I've found nettles tend to be 1 oz=1 cup, and linden is 1 oz = almost 2 cups.) **

3. Pour dried herb into jar and pour over with Boiling water, fill to brim

4. Stir if any dried herb remains at the top

5. Close jar tightly and stand at room temperature at least 4 hours or overnight 

6. Strain and drink. *

* Can be diluted with water/lemon/honey etc only after the initial ratio & recipe above

** Do not mix the herbs, just do "simples" - 1 type of herb at a time.

-- Can store in the fridge after overnight steeping

-- Will last up to 48 hours in fridge

-- if you don't finish it, pour into your plants

I make it every night before i go to bed. Mostly I do nettles, but some nights I do Linden, Red Clover, or oat Straw. They are all good for fertility! but from what I've learned, you can't go wrong with Nettles and Linden as the main ones. I like the taste. They taste really good chilled.

This is a good brand and easy to buy online.

Remember that 8 ounces of nettles is about 8 cups, and if you're doing it every day, it's only 8 days, so keep that in mind...

Nettle leaves: https://www.mountainroseherbs.com/products/nettle-leaf/profile

Linden flowers: https://www.mountainroseherbs.com/products/linden-leaf-and-flower/profile

Here is a good website with links to Susun Weed's videos on these herbal infusions:

https://www.cheeseslave.com/herbal-infusions-for-fertility-and-hormone-balancing/

(Pasted here to make it easier to read):

“Red clover (Trifolium pratense) is better in every way than its cousin soy. It contains four phytoestrogens; soy has only one (isoflavone). Red clover infusion has ten times more phytoestrogens than soy “milk,” fewer calories, more calcium, and no added sugars. Red clover is the world’s leading anti-cancer herb; soy isoflavone encourages the growth of breast cancer cells in the lab. Red clover improves the memory; Japanese men who ate tofu twice a week doubled their risk of Alzheimer’s disease. Soy beverage can contain up to 1000 times more aluminum than milk, according to Sally Fallon, lipid researcher and fat specialist. She believes that ‘the highly processed soy foods of today are perpetuating… nutrient deficiencies…'”

“Oatstraw (Avena sativa) reduces high cholesterol, increases libido, and strengthens the nerves. A cup of oatstraw infusion contains more than 300 milligrams of calcium plus generous amounts of many other minerals. Its steroidal saponins nourish the pancreas and liver, improving digestion and stabilizing moods. Oatstraw is best known however for its ability to enhance libido and mellow the mood. In Auryuvedic medicine, oatstraw is considered the finest of all longevity tonics.”

“Stinging nettle (Urtica dioica) builds energy, strengthens the adrenals, and is said to restore youthful flexibility to blood vessels. A cup of nettle infusion contains 500 milligrams of calcium plus generous amounts of bone-building magnesium, potassium, silicon, boron, and zinc. It is also an excellent source of vitamins A, D, E, and K. For flexible bones, a healthy heart, thick hair, beautiful skin, and lots of energy, make friends with sister stinging nettle. It may make you feel so good you’ll jump up and exercise.”

stemi

Very informative, thanks @Radiantly‌

Radiantly

my side hobby is natural health lol

Radiantly

I just checked and Mountain Rose herbs is out of nettles!

Here is another option for those of you itching to buy bulk herbs... it's a true farm you have to place your order over email or phone, and they grow everything there in upstate NY.  They are so nice!  When I came back from a conference earlier this fall on herbs, I was all inspired and I bought a pound of FRESH YARROW LOL the guy picked it that morning and it was in my kitchen 2 days later, I was like what am I doing?! I made tinctures...

https://www.healingspiritsherbfarm.com/ 

stemi

@Radiantly‌ that's so cool