DHEA

[Babydoctor]

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

[jils04]

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.

[Babydoctor]

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

[Wanting a daughter]

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

[Babydoctor]

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

[Flava]

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 ...

[Babydoctor]

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