DHEA is a steroid hormone naturally produced in the body’s adrenal glands. Low DHEA levels can indicate low estrogen levels that can have a direct effect on fertility. DHEA supplements may increase fertility, improve egg quality, and decrease miscarriage rates. However, a woman should consult with a qualified physician before taking DHEA supplements as overdose can cause side effects. DHEA is also used for anti-aging, muscle building, and decreasing depression.
Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) is naturally produced in the body’s adrenal glands as a steroid hormone. DHEA in women is converted to estrogen, which is necessary for normal reproduction, and low DHEA levels can indicate low estrogen levels that can have a direct effect on fertility. DHEA supplements may provide an increase in fertility in such cases. While the mechanism of supplementation is unclear, preliminary research and anecdotal reports support a positive connection between DHEA and fertility. DHEA supplements are also used for health issues not related to fertility, such as slowing aging, building muscle, and decreasing or preventing depression.
When women reach their 30s, their bodies house fewer quality eggs. DHEA levels begin to drop around the same time. Combine the two and there is a higher chance of infertility and a higher chance of chromosomal abnormalities in the babies of women who manage to conceive.
DHEA and fertility are directly related because increasing DHEA levels have been shown to increase the chances of spontaneous conception and the success rate of IVF. Other benefits of increased DHEA levels include a healthier pregnancy and delivery. As of 2011, it is unclear how DHEA supplements affect a woman’s hormonal system to increase fertility. Researchers and physicians suggest that increasing DHEA levels may increase egg release, increase egg numbers, and improve egg quality. Increasing DHEA has also been shown to improve ovarian function, decrease the chances of chromosomal abnormalities in older eggs, and decrease miscarriage rates.
A woman should consult with a qualified physician if she is considering taking DHEA supplements to increase her fertility. The doctor better understands the relationship between DHEA and fertility and can advise on the specific dosage for the woman’s body and medical history. Before treatment, the doctor will check the woman’s current hormone levels through a saliva test, because the supplements may only be effective for women who have below-average DHEA levels. DHEA overdose can also cause side effects, such as facial hair or acne. During DHEA replacement therapy, the doctor will closely monitor the patient, because each person reacts differently depending on their basal hormone levels.
In addition to the link between DHEA and fertility, DHEA is known for many other health benefits and positive side effects. Many people buy DHEA at their local pharmacy as an antiaging supplement. DHEA is also used as a muscle building steroid and as a cortisol antagonist to counteract depression by protecting the body against high cortisol levels. Finally, DHEA may also improve mood, cognition, sexual desire, and episodic memory in some people.
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