DHEA: Supportive Treatment for Advanced Age and Low AMH
DHEA, dehydroepiandrosterone, is a precursor indirect hormone.
It is produced and secreted by the zona reticularis cells of the adrenal cortex. After secretion, it is absorbed by specific organs and tissues with DHEA receptors, such as the skin, breasts, and reproductive organs.
Only after entering these tissues can DHEA be converted into active hormones, such as estrogen, testosterone, or progesterone.
DHEA is the most abundant steroid hormone in the human body. Its level varies according to age and sex, and it gradually declines year by year after the age of 30.
In addition to being produced naturally in the body, DHEA can also be supplemented externally.
Diosgenin from wild yam has a chemical structure similar to steroid saponins and can be used as a raw material for synthesizing sex hormones or steroid preparations.
However, taking wild yam orally does not cause the human body to automatically synthesize these hormones.
It must go through multiple steps of concentration and purification in a biochemical laboratory before it can be refined into a high-concentration active ingredient.
Whether DHEA is produced by the human body or taken as an oral DHEA supplement, it is metabolized by the liver and converted into DHEA-S, dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate.
Therefore, if the product taken is only a natural yam extract, it may not effectively increase blood levels of DHEA or DHEA-S in the body.
Clinical evidence has shown that starting oral DHEA supplementation at 75–90 mg daily for 3 months before IVF treatment may help patients with premature ovarian insufficiency or diminished ovarian function.
This is especially relevant for women of advanced reproductive age.
During IVF treatment, DHEA may help improve ovarian reserve, increase the number of eggs retrieved, improve embryo quality, and increase pregnancy rates.
Long-term use of DHEA may cause side effects such as acne, excessive sebaceous gland secretion, and increased body hair.
However, when the daily oral dose of DHEA is below 100 mg, side effects are not common.
Patients with polycystic ovary syndrome, PCOS, already have elevated androgen levels in the body.
Additional DHEA supplementation may further increase androgen levels and make symptoms worse.
Before taking DHEA, please consult your doctor first and do not take supplements on your own.
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