DHEA and IVF

Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) is a sex hormone made in the from adrenal glands as well as the ovaries. Clinically DHEA is often used to enhance energy, memory, muscle, libido & mood.

DHEA has been studied extensively in fertility, because DHEA may enhance follicle development (the sack that contains an immature egg) and oocyte (egg) quality.

Moreover, DHEA supplementation has been seen to “rejuvenate” aged ovarian environments as women grow older to improve pregnancy outcomes and reduce miscarriage rates.

Approximately one third of IVF clinicians in 45 countries add DHEA as an adjuvant to IVF treatment protocols in women with poor response to ovarian stimulation however this benefit in women with advanced reproductive age is not as well studied.

In a 2016, the effect of DHEA supplementation on in vitro fertilization (IVF) parameters and pregnancy outcomes in patients older than 37 years of age was looked at.

486 patients undergoing Assisted Reproductive Technology (IVF via ICSI) treatment were enrolled. 243 patients received DHEA three times daily for 3 months before the IVF cycle.

Rate of high quality embryos was significantly higher among patients after DHEA administration, while the duration and amount of FSH required for ovarian stimulation was significantly decreased.

There was significantly higher clinical pregnancy rate, implantation rate and live birth rate in the DHEA group as well.

Importantly, no patient dropped out of treatment because of side effects attributed to DHEA use.

“Significantly higher clinical pregnancy rate amongst DHEA users”

Lastly, the miscarriage rate was significantly lower in the DHEA group than the control group.

We always screen for DHEA levels as part of our standard fertility work up. It is easily measured in blood or saliva and can be safely taken orally to improve levels. We’ve seen DHEA improve energy, memory, muscle, libido & mood in women of all ages. It is a very low cost therapy with a broad spectrum of benefits including fertility as evidenced in this study.

If you are experiencing infertility make sure your MD or ND screens your DHEA-S levels. It may be crucial to your reproductive success.

- Dr. Muradov

Reference: (2016) Effect of dehydroepiandrosterone administration in Chinese women over 37 years undergoing assisted reproductive techniques.