DHEA

Hi White Rock Girl,

OK.. Good question. Actually it is out side my scope to prescribe DHEA
in Canada.
You need a medical doctor prescription. Not even a ND can prescribe it I
believe. So I will do my best to give you some ideas without crossing the
line of pretending that I really understand the use of DHEA. Basically, keep
digging as my post will not be enough for you to make an informed decision.

I can give you a little info on DHEA though and send you a link to its use.

I would not take it blindly. I would have your MD or ND test you to
see if you are actually deficient in DHEA. TCM is all about balance and
really if you are not lacking DHEA then it may not be the best medication for
you. The side effects related to DHEA such as lowering of the voice, acne and facial hair growth probably
happens to those who are supplementing with DHEA when they already have
adequate levels.

Also, DHEA can be converted to Estrogen or Testosterone. So in your
case you may want to take Qucertin and Cordyceps to help influence the
conversion to estrogen (otherwise lowering of voice and facial hair growth
etc.) I think the studies suggest 3 month so supplementing. So
only a month may not be long enough and we really do not know if what happens
if you take it for 6 months... so 3 months sounds like a good amount of time.

It is regulated substance in Canada. You will have an
easier time getting a nuclear war missile head than a prescription from your
MD. But in the states it is on the shelf just like all other supplements
(Vit C, Ginseng, calcium, etc.) So I am not sure if it is really
dangerous or it is just regulated tightly like all hormones in Canada.

Here is a link to more info...
I wish I could be more helpful.

Good luck.

Lorne Brown, Dr. TCM
Acubalance Wellness Centre Founder & Clinical Director
Vancouver & Langley Clinics

Paul C Magarelli, MD, Ph.D.

Medical Director

Reproductive Medicine & Fertility Centers

HI, the issue I think that must be sorted out... What do you believe your chances are for having a baby with your own eggs?

Some basic biology:  Pregnancy rates for 20 year old women are 20% per month, for 30 yo it is 10% per month, for 40 yo it is 4-5% per month.  Miscarriage rates are 60% per pregancy when you study it carefully.  Rates of Down's syndrome increase dramatically with age.  Even IVF pregnancy rates in the US predict IVF outcomes to be around 2 - 5 % in women over 42.   These are based on being human.  These do not represent a pathology or "sick" state.  They represent our best estimates based on huge population studies.  Most women that undergo fertility treatments want a baby to add to their families.  If you can consider that Donor Eggs in women over 40 result in an over 60% pregnancy rate, even higher in some centers, than you may want to consider Donor Egg.  If donor eggs are out of the question, I know of some Acupuncturists that have had succes with TCM in helping women achieve pregnancies even at age 46, 

Now to the point, DHEA and Clomid may affect your chances, but remember going form 2 to 3% may not be exactly what you thought the change might be by adding their drugs.

Good Luck