DHEA (dehydroepiandrosterone) is a hormone that the body naturally produces and is also available in supplement form.
There are claims that DHEA can help with anti-aging, depression, osteoporosis, and certain conditions related to fertility. This article focuses on the specific claims about DHEA for fertility.
This article also provides information on the recommended DHEA fertility dosage, and the potential concerns and side effects of DHEA supplementation. It also answers whether your diet can support natural DHEA production in your body.
Let’s get started!
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Understanding DHEA
As mentioned before your body – specifically the adrenal gland – produces DHEA. That DHEA is then used to make other hormones like estrogen and testosterone. Production of DHEA declines naturally as you age (1).
DHEA is available in supplement form as well. Before deciding on a supplement, however, it’s important to understand whether a DHEA supplement for fertility can help you.
DHEA and Female Fertility
The primary claim about DHEA and fertility in women is that it can improve egg quality and ovulation. Let’s delve into what the research says.
Low Ovarian Reserve
A 2017 meta-analysis of nine studies looked at the effect of DHEA supplementation on fertility in women with low ovarian reserve undergoing IVF (2).
The results of the studies were contradictory. On the one hand, when data was combined, the overall rate of pregnancy was significantly higher in women who received DHEA supplementation for fertility before treatments.
On the other hand, when only looking at the randomized controlled trials (considered the best type of research) in the meta-analysis, no significant difference in pregnancy rates was found.
There was no significant difference in the number of eggs retrieved or miscarriages.
Another meta-analysis on DHEA supplementation before women began IVF treatment found similar results: a significant increase in the number of pregnancies but no significant difference in the number of eggs retrieved (3).
The conclusion is that DHEA supplementation for fertility in the case of women with low ovarian reserve may be helpful but more research is definitely required.
PCOS
As PCOS is a common cause of fertility problems, it’s obvious that women with PCOS may wonder about taking DHEA for fertility.
Women with PCOS experience hormonal dysregulation, specifically elevated androgen levels. Your body uses DHEA to create androgens. A DHEA-Sulfur blood test that is high can be one sign of PCOS (4).
While a recent study found high DHEA levels to be twice as common in women with PCOS, it’s important to note that this was still only 8% (versus 4% of women without PCOS) (5). Because it’s not very common, not all women with PCOS have their DHEA levels measured.
If your DHEA level is already elevated, there is clearly no need for supplementation. Since high DHEA levels are more common in women with PCOS, doing a blood test for DHEA is a good idea if you are considering a supplement.
Egg Quality and Ovulation
When it comes to DHEA for egg quality and ovulation, there is an absence of recent human research available. Older research and research on animals have sometimes shown promising results, but outcomes are inconsistent.
Therefore, while some websites may claim that DHEA supplementation can absolutely improve egg quality and promote regular ovulation, my conclusion as a clinical dietitian is that there is not yet enough research to definitely say.
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DHEA Supplements: Common Questions
What are they made of?
DHEA supplements are made from a phytosterol extracted from a type of wild yam. This extraction can be turned into DHEA in the laboratory.
What is the recommended dosage of DHEA supplements for fertility?
As explained above, there’s no scientific consensus about the benefits of DHEA for fertility. Even so, because there is hope for DHEA and fertility, an estimated 26% of clinicians prescribe it to their patients who are trying to conceive (2).
The most common dosage recommendation for DHEA is to take 25 mg three times daily (a total of 75 mg each day) (6, 7, 8).
DHEA Side Effects and Drug Interactions
DHEA can have dangerous interactions with many common prescription medications (1). Therefore, it is absolutely crucial to speak to your doctor before starting DHEA supplementation for fertility or anything else.
Do not take DHEA while pregnant or breastfeeding (1).
Other potential consequences of taking DHEA include deepening of the voice in women, acne and oily skin, changes in menstrual cycle, facial hair growth in women, and increased cholesterol, among other side effects.
Diet and DHEA
While there are no food sources of DHEA, cholesterol is a precursor of DHEA (9).
Cholesterol is present in animal-based foods such as eggs, dairy, red meat, and poultry. Your liver also produces cholesterol on its own.
In other words, even if you follow a vegan diet (no animal-based foods), then your cholesterol levels are likely fine and won’t prevent DHEA production.
Bottom Line
The body naturally makes DHEA but the amount declines with age. It is a precursor of various hormones, including sex hormones. Therefore, it’s believed that there’s a link between DHEA and fertility.
DHEA is available in supplement form and several meta-analyses conclude that DHEA supplementation before IVF treatment may increase the likelihood of pregnancy in women with low ovarian reserve.
There are many side effects and dangerous medication interactions associated with DHEA supplementation, so it’s critical to speak to your doctor before beginning to take DHEA supplements.
Do not take DHEA if pregnant or breastfeeding.
While there are no dietary sources of DHEA, there are plenty of ways you can enhance your fertility with food. Consult with a registered dietitian nutritionist to optimize your diet and lifestyle to support your fertility goals.
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Sources
1. Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. (2023, August 10). DHEA. Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements-dhea/art-20364199
2. Qin, J. C., Fan, L., & Qin, A. P. (2017). The effect of dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) supplementation on women with diminished ovarian reserve (DOR) in IVF cycle: Evidence from a meta-analysis. Journal of gynecology obstetrics and human reproduction, 46(1), 1–7. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jgyn.2016.01.002
3. Schwarze, J. E., Canales, J., Crosby, J., Ortega-Hrepich, C., Villa, S., & Pommer, R. (2018). DHEA use to improve likelihood of IVF/ICSI success in patients with diminished ovarian reserve: A systematic review and meta-analysis. JBRA assisted reproduction, 22(4), 369–374. https://doi.org/10.5935/1518-0557.20180046
4. Goodarzi, M. O., Carmina, E., & Azziz, R. (2015). DHEA, DHEAS and PCOS. The Journal of steroid biochemistry and molecular biology, 145, 213–225. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jsbmb.2014.06.003
5. Boucher, H., Robin, G., Ribière, L., Martin, C., Espiard, S., & Catteau-Jonard, S. (2024). Is it useful to measure DHEAS levels in PCOS?. Annales d’endocrinologie, 85(2), 95–99. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ando.2024.01.011
6. Xu, L., Hu, C., Liu, Q., & Li, Y. (2019). The Effect of Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) Supplementation on IVF or ICSI: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials. Geburtshilfe und Frauenheilkunde, 79(7), 705–712. https://doi.org/10.1055/a-0882-3791
7. Gleicher, N., & Barad, D. H. (2011). Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) supplementation in diminished ovarian reserve (DOR). Reproductive biology and endocrinology : RB&E, 9, 67. https://doi.org/10.1186/1477-7827-9-67
8. Liu, Y., Hu, L., Fan, L., & Wang, F. (2018). Efficacy of dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) supplementation for in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer cycles: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Gynecological endocrinology : the official journal of the International Society of Gynecological Endocrinology, 34(3), 178–183. https://doi.org/10.1080/09513590.2017.1391202
9. Miller W. L. (2002). Androgen biosynthesis from cholesterol to DHEA. Molecular and cellular endocrinology, 198(1-2), 7–14. https://doi.org/10.1016/s0303-7207(02)00363-5
Meredith Mishan is a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist with over 12 years of experience working with nutrition clients from around the world. She has a Master of Science degree in Dietetics and Nutrition from Florida International University and is credentialed as a dietitian in both the United States and Israel.
