Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) is a naturally occurring hormone. It acts as a precursor to other essential hormones.
Understanding DHEA
DHEA is a steroid hormone produced primarily by the adrenal glands. Small amounts are also made in the gonads (ovaries in women, testes in men) and the brain. DHEA functions as a precursor hormone, converting into androgens (male sex hormones like testosterone) and estrogens (female sex hormones like estradiol).
DHEA circulates mainly as DHEA-sulfate (DHEA-S). The body converts DHEA to DHEA-S, which acts as a reservoir. DHEA levels naturally peak in early adulthood, typically between the ages of 20 and 35, then gradually decline with age.
DHEA’s Impact on Fertility
DHEA influences reproductive health, particularly for women facing fertility challenges. It improves ovarian function, egg quality, and ovarian reserve, especially in women of advanced maternal age or those with diminished ovarian reserve (DOR). DHEA supplementation can improve egg quality and quantity for women preparing for in vitro fertilization (IVF). This hormone contributes to an androgen-rich environment within the ovaries, important for egg follicle development.
When DHEA converts to androgens like testosterone, these hormones support early-stage egg maturation. These androgens then convert into estrogens within the ovaries, crucial for overall follicle development. Research indicates DHEA supplementation can improve embryo quality, increase IVF success rates, and potentially reduce chromosomal abnormalities for women with DOR. Women with DOR often have lower DHEA and testosterone levels; supplementing DHEA can help restore these, improving ovarian response and pregnancy rates.
Assessing DHEA Levels
DHEA levels are typically measured through a blood test that assesses DHEA-sulfate (DHEA-S). Healthcare providers use DHEA-S test results to evaluate adrenal gland function and assess hormonal balance.
Normal ranges for DHEA-S vary by age and sex, and between laboratories. For instance, typical normal ranges for females aged 30-39 are 45-270 µg/dL, and for those 40-49, they are 32-240 µg/dL. Elevated DHEA-S levels can sometimes link to Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS).
Optimizing DHEA Levels for Fertility
For women optimizing DHEA levels for fertility, particularly those with diminished ovarian reserve, an optimal DHEA-S level is often around 180 mcg/dL. A range of 95-270 mcg/dL is generally considered normal for women trying to conceive. Specific optimal levels should always be determined by a fertility specialist.
DHEA supplementation is the primary method to raise DHEA levels. A common dosage for fertility is 75 mg per day, often split into three 25 mg doses. DHEA is a hormone precursor and should only be taken under medical supervision.
DHEA supplementation can lead to side effects, including oily skin, acne, unwanted hair growth, voice changes, and mood swings. DHEA is not suitable for everyone; individuals with a history of hormone-sensitive cancers or conditions like PCOS should avoid it.
Pregnant or breastfeeding women should also avoid DHEA. Regular monitoring of DHEA-S and testosterone levels is recommended during supplementation. Effects typically begin after one to two months, with peak effectiveness after four to five months. DHEA supplementation is usually part of a broader fertility treatment plan.