The DHEA fertility supplement I used for IVF cycle 5 (& the amazing results)

The DHEA-fertility connection, and supplement chat. If you’ve been trying to conceive for a while, or are deep into the TTC-verse, it’s probably popped up.

In 2023, following an early miscarriage, TRB founder Eloise went for her fifth round of IVF. And, in spring 2024, gave birth to twins. Now a few months out from that final cycle of IVF, pregnancy and c-section recovery, Eloise ran me through a few takeaways from her IVF prep, including the DHEA fertility supplement she used. 

Keen to get going? Skip straight to Ovaterra and get 15% off the entire range – including TRB founder Eloise’s go-to Fertinatal® DHEA – with code TRB15.

What does DHEA do for fertility, exactly?

Dehydroepiandrosterone, or DHEA, is a steroid hormone that serves as a precursor to androgens and estrogens, meaning it helps produce testosterone and estrogens in the body. 

Most of our DHEA is produced by the adrenal glands from cholesterol, with smaller amounts coming from the ovaries, testicles, and brain.

DHEA is a ‘weak’ androgen on its own. And as we age, our natural production of DHEA slows down, leading to lower levels of other hormones like DHEA-s and testosterone. Understanding how your body produces and distributes DHEA to various tissues is key to understanding its role in maintaining hormonal balance.

DHEA and diet

You can’t get DHEA from food – so if you’re looking to increase your levels, supplements are the focus. While DHEA is a controlled substance in many parts of the world, it’s considered a dietary supplement in the United States and can be purchased without a prescription. 

You can buy a DHEA supplement on its own – like the one Eloise went for in her IVF prep – or look for it when choosing a preconception multivitamin (a few do include it). 

Your body uses both natural and supplemental DHEA to maintain healthy hormone levels, which support various systems in the body, including ovarian health.

Studies suggest that DHEA may help:

• maintain normal hormone levels
• support female reproductive health (including ovarian health)
• maintain a healthy female sex drive

Researchers hypothesize that by supplementing with DHEA, it’s possible to restore DHEA and testosterone levels, similar to those we’d expect to see in women in their 20s.

And, specifically relating to diminished ovarian reserve (DOR) and/or poor ovarian response (POR), recent studies show encouraging results for DHEA’s effect on IVF or ICSI outcomes.  

Remember, before starting any over-the-counter supplements, it’s always best to talk to your healthcare provider to ensure they’re safe and appropriate for your specific needs.

So exciting – how was Fertinatal® developed?

Fertinatal® DHEA is our origin.

It all started in 2011 with a woman who was trying everything to conceive, and her doctor, who would not give up on supporting her goal.

That doctor is Norbert Gleicher, MD, a reproductive endocrinologist, a clinical researcher and Ovaterra’s co-founder.

After more than a quarter century of researching and treating fertility, Dr Gleicher thought he’d seen it all. That is, until Dwyn Harben walked into his office at the Center for Human Reproduction in New York City.

At age 42 – and single at the time – Dwyn knew that one day, she would want to have children.

How much DHEA should a woman take, for fertility?

At Ovaterra, we recommend 25 to 100mg a day, depending on your androgen levels. 

After testing, Eloise went for Fertinatal® which provides 25mg DHEA in each capsule – our standard guidance is to take one capsule three times a day, or as instructed by your doctor.

What do we mean by micronization?

With micronization, we’re talking about reducing the particles which make up DHEA to a very small size. DHEA which has been micronized is proven to be better absorbed by the body – read more about why here. 

Fertinatal® is the only micronized DHEA product on the market with over 10 patents, and specially formulated by reproductive endocrinologists with more than 40 years of experience in infertility.

How long does DHEA take to work for fertility – and when should we stop?

Practitioners will often recommend starting DHEA supplementation at least three months out from your IVF or ICSI cycle. 

In terms of when to stop, Ovaterra – and doctors in general – recommend you stop taking DHEA once pregnant. We’ve written up a pretty thorough 101 on this topic, so check there for the detail, but in brief, we don’t know yet whether DHEA is safe during pregnancy – there just isn’t enough research.

Can DHEA be beneficial for male fertility?

Possibly, for erectile dysfunction. Male patients should consult with their physician on this topic, however.

Any side effects we should know about, when taking DHEA?

Certain patient groups should not supplement with DHEA, so always check first with your healthcare provider. For example, DHEA supplementation is not helpful for patients with PCOS or endometriosis – read more about why on our blog. 

In terms of reported side effects of DHEA supplementation, these include: 

• oily skin
• acne
• hair loss
• increased hirsutism (hair growth)
• deepening of the voice
• increased libido and assertiveness
• Irritability
• increased levels of estrogen
• gastro-intestinal complaints
• hypertension

If you’re concerned about side effects, discontinue supplementation or consult a healthcare provider immediately.

Looking to supplement with DHEA? Get 15% off the entire Ovaterra range – including TRB founder Eloise’s go-to Fertinatal® – with code TRB15.