DHEA and Low AMH
AMH (anti-mullerian hormone) is a common test run for any couples struggling with infertility. It is one of the main tests to determine a women’s ovarian reserve, commonly known as her fertility potential. This number, along with other measurements determining ovarian reserve (FSH and AFC) can dictate timeline and type of treatment for your infertility case.
Depending on your AMH level, it can open the conversation to the possibility of trying less invasive, natural procedures or if going right to IVF/IUI may be the best option. It can also predict how well or poor your response will be to the stimulating drugs given during medical infertility procedures.
Being labelled with diminished ovarian reserve, either being due to advanced maternal age or premature ovarian failure, can leave most couples with minimal options.
In 2004, the Center of Human Reproduction was the first clinic to implement DHEA in infertility treatments, with numerous, published studies showing benefit, primarily in patients with diminished ovarian reserve.
Another study done at the Tel Aviv Undiversity confirmed again the benefit of DHEA supplementation in patients with diminished ovarian reserve (low AMH).
“In the first controlled study on the effects of the supplement, Prof. Shulman found that women being treated for infertility who also received supplements of DHEA were three times more likely to conceive than women being treated without the additional drug. “
Published research has shown that patients with diminished ovarian reserve have low androgen levels. Adequate androgen levels are required for proper egg development. That is where DHEA can come in and benefit.
DHEA can improve androgen levels in the ovarian environment, producing higher quality eggs, which can improve rates of pregnancy and reduce miscarriage.
Monitoring androgen levels in patients with low AMH is now being used to determine what the best time an IVF or IUI procedure should be done. Other herbs and supplements can be given to boost androgen levels in cases where low AMH is an issue.
When dealing with low AMH, the goal is not to raise levels (since this is very difficult to do, much like the aging process) rather to use it as a guideline in your fertility case. In a past post, I have mentioned how low AMH does not necessarily predict your fertility. At the clinic, it is used as a tool to determine other tests that could be implicated in your infertility case, such DHEA-S, testosterone, inflammatory markers, etc. Diet and lifestyle factors may also play a role in low AMH levels, therefore each case is very individualized.
DHEA can be a great adjunct treatment and continues to be proven effective through studies done for couples who want to naturally conceive or who are going through medical infertility treatments.
In good health,
Dr. Kirti Deol