DHEA – A Natural Supplement to Improve Fertility What is DHEA? Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) is a steroid hormone that is produced by cholesterol in the adrenal glands, a precursor to both testosterone and estrogen. DHEA primarily functions as a metabolic intermediate in biosynthesis of various sex hormones. But it also has a great effect on nuclear and cell surface binding, which leads us to DHEA’s massive role in boosting fertility. What is DHEA used for? While this might not initially sound like much, DHEA has the potential to be a miracle supplement for boosting fertility in women. DHEA has been consistently shown to boost egg quality in women over 40, specifically by yielding extra oocytes and embryos. In fact numerous women who have been told by doctors that they are unable to conceive without an egg donation, have actually found that they still can have a chance to conceive using their own eggs! The Center for Human Reproduction reports through studies that DHEA supplements with IVF protocols, have been shown to produce better results and increase a woman’s chances of conception immensely. In fact, many fertility centers across the nation have adopted DHEA supplementation to accompany IVF treatment of patients with diminished ovarian reserve. DHEA is especially beneficial to women with diminished ovarian reserve (DOR) or whose low ovarian function is due to aging; Studies all over the world show that women who have taken DHEA supplements and the IVF protocol have illustrated extraordinary improvement and therefore DHEA has beneficial effects on female fertility. Is DHEA safe? There have been minimal reports of negative side effects with DHEA supplementation. If any side effects are reported, they are usually minor like increase in acne or moodiness because DHEA increases your natural hormones. Your body is intended to produce specific amounts of DHEA throughout your lifetime and these levels drop with age. Best sources of DHEA Although our body naturally produces DHEA, it has a tendency to decline as we age, which has led to the production of supplements. Therefore, the optimal sources are from: Wild yams Soy (unprocessed) Flax seeds Salmon Olive oil Over the counter DHEA supplements Call Family Acupuncture today for an appointment: (561) 459-0528