DHEA - does it help?

[Shapeshifter]

Hi All,

After 2 failed cycles, my doctor has said I could consider using DHEA for 6 weeks before my next try. She said that her clinic has no proof either way, but that other clinics have shown that it has helped poor responders. I have also read that it is for women with "old ovaries". I am 36 with low AMH, results of the 2 cycles speak for themselves. Are there any views out there on whether it has helped? Appreciate your advice. I have started up already as I'm willing to try almost anything. Thanks!

[BC-tammylj]

I figure it won't hurt, right? I'm taking it and have been taking it for about 1.5 months now. I have an IVF coming up in Oct. Here's some info I found: Premature Ovarian Aging and Premature Menopause Treatment:: CHR

I also found this: Effect of dehydroepiandrosterone on oocyte and embryo yields, embryo grade and cell number in IVF

Although after reading that, I think I need to increase my dose. I'm taking 25mg 2x a day, so I need to add another dose I think.

[tenseintexas]

My RE said the same thig... I took it - didnt seem to make much difference- but I wasn't on it the full three months like they say

[Shapeshifter]

Thanks Tammy for those links and Tense for your feedback. My prescribed DHEA dose is 3 times per day, at separate intervals. I have been a bit slack and have been taking two once a day and one the other time but it sounds like I'd better start taking this process a bit more seriously. Looking down the barrel at another 4 cycles (I decided up front that I would go to 6 cycles as we're really keen to become parents) is not a pleasant thought. I am now seriously considering the donor egg process. It's so tough isn't it, knowing we're so up against the odds. I had thought "surely I will be within the 90% of people (at my clinic) who fall pregnant within 3 cycles." But I now accept my fate as an outlier.

[tenseintexas]

Shapeshifter- hugs. We have begun talking donor eggs as well and it has been a tough transition. The emotional toll of IVF is so much greater that I thought . Great luck

[place]

I'm with you girls, my first 3 cycles I could barely get 3 eggs, some were empty and some immature. Did 4th cycle at CCRM and got 11! 8 mature, this was supposed to be our last one. But the quality was crap. 5 fert but none made it past day 4. What dod I do? this is so hard, I'm only 36!

[tenseintexas]

I am sorry you have had problems- I am 36 as well and feel ancient! Ha!
Has anyone suggested donor eggs? My doctor def suggested I do that if this round doesn't work.... I was pretty creeped out by it until I thought of all the advantages.... He said I would have an 80% chance of working- and at this point I. Just want a baby!!

[Shapeshifter]

Thanks for the Tense and hugs back to you and Place and Tammy too.

I'm only 36 too and had no real concerns about my age until the shock of the last cycle with only 4 eggs and no fertilisation. Now I'm starting to get really worried and wishing I'd started to seriously TTC sooner.

I can't think of a possible egg donor either and we don't do anonymous donations or buy eggs here in Australia. How does it work in the States? We might have to come over there.

[tenseintexas]

Shapeshifter- you can do it two ways here-- buy some frozen eggs from an egg bank- or- like my place does it- they have a " bank of donors" you pick them out based on their profiles- and they come in and cycle at your doctors office!

[Shapeshifter]

Thanks Tense, how great is that, a bank! A holiday to the US could be the way fwd for DH and I. Two more cycles and we're on to it.
Has anyone had the maximum dosage of stims? I had 325 units of GonalF (maximum dose here being 400) for the last two cycles.