DHEA (dehydroepiandrosterone) is a hormone that is naturally produced by the adrenal glands in both men and women. In women, DHEA is a precursor hormone to estrogen and testosterone, and it has been suggested that DHEA supplementation may improve the chances of pregnancy in women with advanced maternal age who are undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF).
Advanced maternal age is defined as women who are over the age of 35 and are trying to conceive. As women age, their ovarian reserve (the number of viable eggs) decreases, which can make it more difficult to conceive. In addition, the quality of the remaining eggs may also decline, which can lead to a higher rate of chromosomal abnormalities and a lower chance of a successful pregnancy.
DHEA supplementation may help with advanced maternal age and IVF by improving ovarian function and egg quality. Studies have shown that DHEA supplementation can increase the number of mature follicles (structures in the ovaries that contain eggs) and the number of eggs retrieved during IVF. In addition, DHEA supplementation has been associated with improved embryo quality and higher pregnancy rates in women with advanced maternal age who are undergoing IVF.
It’s important to note that DHEA supplementation should only be taken under the supervision of a healthcare provider, as it can have side effects and may interact with other medications. Additionally, not all women may benefit from DHEA supplementation, and it’s important to undergo appropriate fertility testing and evaluation to determine if this treatment is appropriate.