DHEA

Hi Jils04

Sometimes tiredness can be caused by an increase in Progesterone as it can have a sedating effect on some people, I noted that even on myself when I was on Provera. Estrogen can also be a cause.

Excess Hair (such as jawline hair) or loss can be caused by excess DHEAs,Testosterone, Thyroid or general hormonal imbalance can be a cause.

Too much of any hormone is not optimum we need to strike a balance. For example to much Estrogen can cause Breast pain, Fibroids etc.

I have included a short list other may be useful of symptoms of either deficiencies or an increase in certain hormones may cause (Disclaimer: guideline only and some symptoms can mimic more serious illnesses, always see your Doctor to test and confirm ):

INCREASED ESTROGEN

- Fogginess, fatigue
- Breast Pain and increased size (swelling)
- Fibrocystic Breasts - Lumpy breasts
- Bloating - Fluid retention
- Uterine Fibroids
- Weight Gain - usually fluid
- Headaches - some notice this before a period

DECREASED ESTROGEN

- sweating
- Hot flashes
- shortness of breath /shallow breathing
- sweating especially at night
- vaginal shrinkage
- painful intercourse - due to lack of mucous and vaginal dryness
- Flaky and dry skin, scalp and hair - sometimes rashes
- Depression, anxiety and forgetfulness
- mood changes
- Heart palpitations
- yeast infections
- Libido decrease

INCREASED PROGESTERONE

- Depression
- Decrease in energy
- Drowsiness and feeling tired
- Constipation

DECREASED PROGESTERONE

- Headaches
- Decrease in Libido
- Anxiety and Depression
- Night Sweating
- Enlarged breasts and sometimes painful
- Yeast infections
- Asthma/Hay fever
- Muscular Aches and pains
- Insomnia and nightmares
- Shortness of breath
- vaginal shrinkage
- Vagueness
- Intercourse more painful due to vaginal dryness
- Dry skin and hair - Flaky
- Weight gain usually fluid retention causing bloating

INCREASED TESTOSTERONE

- Oily skin and acne - especially cystic acne around the jawline
- Increased Clitoral size
- Mood and Behavioural changes - such as feelings of aggravation, aggression and anger
- increased facial hair - specifically around jawline
- Male pattern loss of hair
- Changes in voice a more masculine or deepening or sometimes a more throaty voice


DECREASED TESTOSTERONE

- Decreased libido
- Dry skin and hair - Hair prone to splitting more
- Thinning of pubic and body hair (arms, legs)
- Reduced clitoral sensation
- Lack of energy
- Malaise
- Breasts/nipple sensitivity reduced
- Overall sense of well being reduced

Hugs Dr H x

Looks like my symptoms are more on the increased oestrogen and progesterone side so I guess Its like doing e priming before a cycle. I can live with that in the short term.
When going off dhea, I noticed a crash in hormones and yeast infection, lumpy breasts. After you finish your cycle and become pregnant, obviously you have to stop dhea but if you have a failed cycle, is it best to gradually reduce the dhea or just stop ?
Thanks so much for that list, will help a lot of dhea takers.

I tend to advise to stop it, but no problems if you gradually decrease. I personally do that myself. xx

When during a cycle do we stop taking DHEA? or do we keep taking it the whole way through?

Hi fellow Aussie :)

Normally, the whole cycle until a positive beta HCG. Sometimes we will taper down during a cycle or stop it after transfer.

By, the way I am so sorry to see that you had no response at all :( If I can be of any help, please let me know.

Big Hugs Dr H xxx

Hey Z! Im also taking 50 DHEA and got a bfp first try but lost it before 5 weeks. Now Im taking it again I will be 37 next month and I think I have some symptoms from the increased testosterone list for sure , but who know from what? Not sure it is from the dhea ...

Hi Flava

Have you just started having these symptoms since being on the DHEA?

If you do not mind me asking which symptoms?

Big Hugs

Dr H X