• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to footer
  • Fertility Topics
  • Fertility Therapies
  • Hormone Health
  • Nutrition
  • Success Stories
  • PROGRAMS
  • ARTICLES
Natural Fertility Info.com
  • Shop Products
  • PROGRAMS
  • ARTICLES
Natural Fertility Info.com

Natural Fertility Info.com

Natural Fertility tips, information, herbs, supplements and more

  • Shop Products

Fertility Therapies

Should Women Use a DHEA Supplement to Improve IVF Outcome?

Dalene Barton - Certified Herbalist, Birth Doula
July 22, 2021
Reviewed by Christine Traxler, MD

Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) is a supplement regularly suggested by doctors for IVF preparation, especially in those women who were previously poor-responders due to diminished ovarian reserve (DOR). A collection of statistical analyses and a few small studies have shown positive outcomes for many women hoping to have a child of their own despite diminished ovarian reserve.

What is DHEA?

DHEA is in a class of steroid hormones known as androgens. DHEA is a precursor to testosterone and estrogens. This means that those hormones are made from it. In women, DHEA is made in the adrenals and ovaries. DHEA is also sold in health foods stores as a bio-identical, over-the-counter nutritional supplement.

Can DHEA Supplementation Help You Get Pregnant?

While DHEA supplementation has been found to help women with DOR, it should only be used if advised by your doctor. There is easy access to DHEA as a supplement, so it can be tempting to want to try it for any fertility issue, but this may do more harm than good, as it can cause hormone imbalances.

Women with PCOS are advised to avoid this supplement, as their bodies often already have elevated levels of androgens and the common side effects of supplementation are two bothersome symptoms of PCOS – acne and hirsutism. Hirsutism is characterized by male pattern hair loss, with excessive body hair growth, including excess facial hair. This is not something women want to have to live with!

While doctors have been suggesting its use for years, there is little research to show it is beneficial for general fertility purposes. We advise only supplementing with DHEA if directed to do so by your doctor.

Who Can Benefit From DHEA Supplementation?

Women with confirmed diminished ovarian reserve due to the following reasons:

  • Premature ovarian failure
  • Premature ovarian aging
  • Age-related infertility
  • Poor response to IVF

Research on DHEA for Diminished Ovarian Reserve

According to a study published in Human Reproduction (Wiser et al., 2010), “Dehydroepiandrosterone supplementation can have a beneficial effect on ovarian reserves for poor-responder patients on IVF treatment.”

Findings in this small study:

  • 33 women took part in the study; all had significantly diminished ovarian reserve
  • 16 were in the control group, 17 in the DHEA group
  • Each woman was given 75 mg of DHEA once a day before starting the next IVF cycle and during treatment
  • Improved embryo quality was noted during treatment between the first and second cycles
  • Women in the DHEA group had higher live birth rates, compared with the controls (21% vs. 4%)
  • It is important to note that six of the seven deliveries were among women with secondary infertility
  • 12 women were older than 42
  • There was no significant increase in estradiol (E2) levels among women in the DHEA group
  • 1 woman in the DHEA group became naturally pregnant 45 days after DHEA use and was included in the live birth rate

Another study published in Obstetrics and Gynecology (Mamas and Mamas, 2009) found that DHEA supplementation at 50 – 75mg for at least 4 months prior to IVF, in women with confirmed diminished ovarian reserve, premature ovarian failure (POF) or premature ovarian aging, may result in:

  • improved oocyte (ovum, egg) production
  • improved embryo quality
  • both improved egg production and embryo quality in women aged 40-47 years
  • natural conception
  • considerable improvement in intrauterine insemination (IUI) and IVF outcome, as well as pregnancy outcome
  • reduced miscarriage risk

Yet another study reviewed (Gleicher, N. et al. 2009) miscarriage rates at fertility clinics in the United States and found that women with DOR that were treated with DHEA had a nearly identical miscarriage rate as compared to average populations. It is well known that infertile women with DOR have a much higher miscarriage rate than both average populations, and infertile women with normal ovarian reserve.

Researchers point to improved egg and embryo quality by reducing aneuploidy*. Anu – what? Aneuploidy speaks to chromosomal alignment. It is thought that DHEA supplementation helps reduce chromosomal abnormalities, resulting in better egg and embryo quality and a reduction in miscarriage, with a better term pregnancy outcome.

“Caution should, nevertheless, be exercised in concluding that observed DHEA effect can automatically be extrapolated to normal, fertile populations, though such a possibility deserves further investigation.”

Are There Side Effects?

Side effects reported for the use of DHEA in preparation for IVF were oily skin, hirsutism and acne. There have been other side effects reported at different dose levels and when utilized for other health issues.

Where Can You Get DHEA?

Should your doctor suggest you supplement with this, ask them for a reputable source. Research shows that DHEA supplements at local pharmacies and health food stores lack quality control and often do not contain the level of DHEA stated on the product label. You are going to want a high quality DHEA supplement to help ensure a positive outcome, as will your doctor, so they should be the best resource in helping you locate the DHEA supplement they find dependable.

To DHEA or Not – That is the Question!

Many fertility clinics have found increased results in helping women who were once told “you can only achieve pregnancy through egg donation” by simply having them supplement with DHEA prior to and through IVF. If you have diminished ovarian reserve and want to use DHEA as a supplement, you should definitely talk to your doctor about this frst.

It is important to note that DHEA is not going to resolve reproductive health-related infertility. It appears to focus on egg health, so while it may be helpful in achieving pregnancy, it is not going to fix other health-related fertility issues a person may be dealing with.

Have you used DHEA? What were your experiences? We would love to hear from you!

*aneuploidy medical definition
/an·eu·ploi·dy/ (an″u-ploi´de) any deviation from an exact multiple of the haploid number of chromosomes, whether fewer or more.

References

  • Wiser, A., Gonen, O., Ghetler, Y., Shavit, T., Berkovitz, A., & Shulman, A. (2010). Addition of dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) for poor-responder patients before and during IVF treatment improves the pregnancy rate: A randomized prospective study. Human Reproduction, 25(10), 2496-2500. doi:10.1093/humrep/deq220 Retrieved from: https://academic.oup.com/humrep/article/25/10/2496/2385689
  • Mamas, L., & Mamas, E. (2009). Dehydroepiandrosterone supplementation in assisted reproduction: Rationale and results. Current Opinion in Obstetrics and Gynecology, 21(4), 306-308. doi:10.1097/gco.0b013e32832e0785 Retrieved from: https://journals.lww.com/co-obgyn/Abstract/2009/08000/Dehydroepiandrosterone_supplementation_in_assisted.3.aspx
  • Gleicher, N., Ryan, E., Weghofer, A., Blanco-Mejia, S., & Barad, D. H. (2009). Miscarriage rates after dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) supplementation in women with diminished ovarian reserve: A case control study. Reproductive Biology and Endocrinology, 7(1), 108. doi:10.1186/1477-7827-7-108 Retrieved from: https://rbej.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/1477-7827-7-108
  • Fett, Rebecca. (2014) It Starts With the Egg: How the Science of Egg Quality Can Help You Get Pregnant Naturally, Prevent Miscarriage, and Improve Your Odds in IVF (pp. 155-171). New York: Franklin Fox Publishing

« Previous Post
Fertility Diet Tip - How Eating Healthy Can Be Affordable
Next Post »
6 Surprising Facts About the Female Egg Everyone Should Know

About the Author

Dalene Barton - Certified Herbalist, Birth Doula

Dalene Barton - Certified Herbalist, Birth Doula

Practicing natural health and herbalism for over 18 years, Dalene received her training and herbal certification under the guidance of Lynn Albers at Yarmony Mt. Herbal College in Colorado in 2000. She went on to become a Certified Birth Doula at Birthingway College of Midwifery in Portland, Oregon in 2007. As a Birth Doula, Dalene has helped to bring many new lives in to this world. Dalene has written 280+ fertility articles and with her vast array of herbal and holistic healing knowledge has helped 1000's of women on their journey to Motherhood.

5 Steps To Improve Your Fertility Naturally

  • Learn the 5 different areas to focus on for optimal fertility health
  • Learn how to support hormonal health with herbs and essential oils
  • Tips on transitioning to a whole food fertility diet.
  • Self-care therapies to support your reproductive health

@NaturalFertilityInfo

naturalfertilityinfo

View

Jul 4

Open
At 40, after having three children through medical intervention due to an absent menstrual cycle (amenorrhea), Traci decided to find a different way to conceive her fourth child. Through her research on natural options for overcoming fertility challenges she found us and learned ways to address her personal fertility issues. This is her story…
​
​
​​**While testimonials are real life experiences of those who have used our products, results do vary. We do not claim that they are typical results that consumers will generally achieve. The testimonials are not necessarily representative of all of those who will use our products and/or services.

naturalfertilityinfo

View

Jun 29

Open
Q: Will the Fertility Cleanse bring back a missing period?
​
​Swipe through the slides for our answer...

naturalfertilityinfo

View

Jun 27

Open
I believe things are placed on our hearts for a reason, not because we are supposed to suffer without them. While the journey to the outcome may not look exactly how we imagined, know that if it is in your heart, you can accomplish it. Just be open to the journey.

naturalfertilityinfo

View

Jun 24

Open
Two things are clear about phthalates and your fertility health: One, they are everywhere, and two, they are controversial! Particularly controversial is the link between phthalates and fibroids.
​
​Phthalates are a group of chemicals that are found in many everyday modern products. They’re found in floor and wall coverings, certain detergents, plastic food packaging, pharmaceuticals, lubricating oils, and personal care products like shampoos, soaps, hairspray, perfumes, and fragrant health products. Phthalates are even found in many of the plastic water bottles you might be drinking out of every day.
​
​If you are as concerned about these chemicals in our everyday lives as I am, see our Ditch & Switch Guide so you can start getting those chemicals out of your home. You can find it by clicking on our Bio.

naturalfertilityinfo

View

Jun 21

Open
How would you feel if in your twenties you were told you would never be able to have children because you were going through early menopause? Probably devastated. This is exactly what happened to Aleta. Fortunately for Aleta and her husband, advances in reproductive technology and a little old fashioned natural pregnancy preparation helped them achieve a goal they weren’t sure would ever be possible. This is Aleta’s story…

naturalfertilityinfo

View

Jun 17

Open
Q: How long before an IVF should the Fertility Cleanse be done?
​
​Swipe through to see what our answer is...

naturalfertilityinfo

View

Jun 14

Open
I am here talking my booty off day in and out to make sure you know that you are not alone.

naturalfertilityinfo

View

Jun 10

Open
Many women want to boost their fertility health but aren’t sure where to start.

If this is you, don’t you worry; I am going to make this as easy as possible for you and save you tons of time in trying to figure it all out.

This post is packed with resources for anyone who is just getting started with (or wanting to revive) their fertility journey.

Keep reading to learn about the three most important areas to focus on for healthy fertility...

naturalfertilityinfo

View

Jun 8

Open
Latoya used the information from our website and the help of Vitex to become pregnant. Click through the slides to read more about her experience...
​
​
​​**While testimonials are real life experiences of those who have used our products, results do vary. We do not claim that they are typical results that consumers will generally achieve. The testimonials are not necessarily representative of all of those who will use our products and/or services.
1w

naturalfertilityinfo

View

Jun 6

Open
Q: My hair has been falling out lately. Is there anything natural I can do? Where should I start?
​
​Swipe through the slides to see what our answer is...

naturalfertilityinfo

View

Jun 1

Open
The most important step to your success is the next 5 minutes of every moment.

naturalfertilityinfo

View

May 30

Open
Let's give a little extra love to our thyroids; shall we? Here are some foods you can add to your diet that help to nourish the thyroid... 
​
​Which are your favorites?

naturalfertilityinfo

View

May 26

Open
After 2 miscarriages, Felicia implemented certain products and therapies to increase her chances of a healthy pregnancy. She shares her story here... 
​
​**While testimonials are real life experiences of those who have used our products, results do vary. We do not claim that they are typical results that consumers will generally achieve. The testimonials are not necessarily representative of all of those who will use our products and/or services.

naturalfertilityinfo

View

May 23

Open
Q: Does having PMS mean hormonal imbalance?
​
​Swipe through the slides to see what our answer is...

naturalfertilityinfo

View

May 19

Open
What you are doing today is impacting the health of your eggs 90 days from now. Let's pamper those eggs! 
​
​If you are wondering where to get started, download my egg health guide at www.EggHealthTips.com

naturalfertilityinfo

View

May 17

Open
Can added sugars in our diets affect hormonal health and fertility? Here are the details and the effects sugary foods can have on hormonal and reproductive health... 
​
​What's your biggest hurdle when it comes to sugar?

naturalfertilityinfo

View

May 12

Open
Diana’s story is one of true heartbreak after years of struggle, but with a glorious golden light at the end of the tunnel. Here is her truly inspiring fertility journey…
​
​​​​​
​**While testimonials are real life experiences of those who have used our products, results do vary. We do not claim that they are typical results that consumers will generally achieve. The testimonials are not necessarily representative of all of those who will use our products and/or services.

naturalfertilityinfo

View

May 6

Open
Q: I am on birth control, can I start supporting my hormonal health with herbs and supplements or do I need to be off of birth control to start?
​
​Swipe through the slides to see what our answer is...

naturalfertilityinfo

View

May 4

Open
Have you been waiting to begin making healthy lifestyle changes to support your fertility health? Do you feel overwhelmed about where to begin?
​
​What has been holding you back?

naturalfertilityinfo

View

May 2

Open
Girls, we all have one. Here are some ways to encourage health and balance, naturally...
​
​For the full guide, click the link in our Bio.
​
Load More...

Footer

  • Programs
  • Upcoming Classes

  • Consultations
  • Contact Us