What Is the Link Between DHEA and Fertility?
If you've been trying to conceive without success, you may be searching for answers. One possible factor influencing fertility is a hormone called DHEA.
Dehydroepiandrosterone, or DHEA, is a hormone produced by your adrenal glands. It's a precursor to male and female sex hormones like estrogen and testosterone, which means your body uses DHEA to make them. Because of this role, DHEA can have a huge impact on your reproductive health.
We're exploring the link between DHEA and fertility and how DHEA levels may affect your ability to get pregnant.
What Is DHEA and Why Is It Important?
DHEA (specifically DHEAS, or dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate, which is a sulfated form of DHEA) is a precursor hormone used as a building block to create other hormones, including estrogen and testosterone. Because of this, DHEA helps regulate important functions related to mood, energy, bone density, immunity and fertility.
So, what does DHEA do for women? In addition to supporting hormone production, it can influence menstrual regularity, ovarian function, and even egg quality. Unfortunately, DHEA levels decline with age. By the time a woman is 70, she may have only 10%–20% of the DHEA she had in her 20s.
How Does DHEA Affect Fertility?
DHEA may impact fertility in several ways, including:
- Hormone balance: DHEA supports the production of estrogen and testosterone—essential for ovulation and a healthy menstrual cycle.
- Ovarian Reserve: In some research, low DHEA levels were associated with a lower ovarian reserve the quantity and quality of your eggs)
- Oxidative Stress: Some research suggests that DHEA may have antioxidant effects that support cellular health in the ovaries, though more studies are needed.
Symptoms of Low DHEA in Women
Low DHEA levels are not always a sign of an underlying problem, as DHEA levels decline with age. However, if you are trying to conceive, having lower levels may impact your menstrual cycle as it's a precursor to estrogen. Symptoms of low DHEA levels include:
- Fatigue
- Low libido
- Weight gain
- Irregular menstrual cycles
- Vaginal dryness
- Mood changes
- Difficulty building muscle
- Weakened immune system
DHEA Sulfate Test
If you suspect that you have low DHEA, a simple blood test called the DHEA Sulfate or DHEA-S test measures your DHEA level. This is especially useful if you're experiencing fertility issues:
- Low DHEA may indicate adrenal fatigue or hormonal imbalance.
- High DHEA could signal conditions like PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome) or adrenal dysfunction.
High DHEA symptoms include excessive hair growth (a condition called hirsutism), acne, and irregular periods. Depending on your results, you can work with your healthcare provider on an action plan.
What is the Link Between DHEA and PCOS?
You may have noticed that the symptoms of high DHEA levels mirror those of PCOS, an endocrine disorder that's one of the primary causes of infertility. In fact, in an analysis of women aged 20-29 with PCOS, about 1 in 3 women had high DHEAS levels and higher levels of the male sex hormones testosterone and androstenedione.
Researchers do not fully understand the link between adrenal hormones like DHEAS and PCOS, but it appears that for some women, excess DHEAS levels are one part of the overall hormonal imbalance common in PCOS.
Can a DHEA Supplement for Women Support Fertility?
In certain cases, DHEA supplements and fertility may be a good combination, especially for women with low ovarian reserve or those undergoing IVF or egg freezing. Some studies suggest DHEA supplementation may improve egg quality, embryo development, and pregnancy rates.
However, it's not a solution for all women. If you have high DHEA levels or PCOS, you should avoid supplementing with DHEA. And always consult a medical professional before taking any medication or vitamin.
Possible Side Effects of DHEA Supplements
Supplementing with DHEA may support ovarian reserve, but there are potential side effects. These include: oily skin or acne, hair growth, moodiness, breast tenderness and irregular cycles. It is critical to work with a knowledgable fertility specialist or other specialist to ensure you're taking the right steps to support your fertility.
Conclusion
We're still exploring the link between DHEA and infertility, but research has established the hormone's role in supporting reproductive function. For some women, especially those with low ovarian reserve, DHEA fertility supplementation may offer meaningful benefits. For others, like those with PCOS, it could make things worse.
The best approach is to partner with your healthcare provider to assess your DHEA level, evaluate your overall hormonal and reproductive health, and guide you through the decision to use or avoid supplements.
