My story so far, part 3 - could DHEA be the key?

After the appointment with the gynaecologist, I carried on with Yasmin for the rest of 2010. Then in January 2011 I was doing some more internet research, when I stumbled over something I'd come across before but not really paid much attention to: DHEA.

I pieced together from various searches and sites how a lack of DHEA in my system could possibly hold the key to why I'm menopausal and how I can possibly...maybe...reverse it all!! Woohoo!! Some research by the Neogenesis clinic in Greece and by the Center for Human Reproduction in the US have had some recent excellent results in supposedly post menopausal women like me.

I don't claim to be an expert or adviser on anything that I try and explain here so please look this up for yourself on Google and you'll soon find the information (I'll add links to the blog too). Basically, DHEA is a type of "master/mother" hormone which links the body's adrenal stress system (cortisol, adrenalin) with the hormonal system (oestrogen, progesterone, testosterone). When the body is under acute and then chronic long term stress, then DHEA levels can apparently reduce to permanently low levels as they are overwhelmed by our adrenal system, which then put the body in permanent "fight or flight" syndrome. This in turn shuts down the reproductive system, as our bodies cleverly decide that "now" is not a good time to be pregnant. This is fine when stress is short term as it would have been for our ancient ancestors who needed "fight or flight", but in today's modern lifestyles where chronic stress is very prevalent in young women's lives, this process is our reproductive enemy.

The thinking is from some sources, that DHEA supplements could effectively restart the reproductive system by helping protect the reproductive hormones from the damaging effects of the adrenal system, which would then allow hormones to rise back to normal levels, effectively "reversing" the menopause. Most studies and forum entries suggest that 75mg per day for 4 months is the optimum amount and time for the the DHEA to do its job most successfully - alongside acupuncture and a healthier lifestyle. I must add there are also reports of side effects including hair loss, acne, increased body hair and many more unwanted effects, plus little or no knowledge of the long term effects which may or may not be reversible once coming off the DHEA. I wouldn't recommend anyone does what I'm doing without medical consultation - this is just a decision I've made for me, and it may well be the wrong one.

Needless to say, I've come off the pill now, started on 25mg on DHEA for 10 days now upped to 50mg a day, started acupuncture, plus multivitamins, soy isoflavones, Co-Enzyme Q10 and Black Cohosh (for hot flushes - aarrggh!!), am making better diet choices including very little alcohol or caffeine (sooo hard!) and more exercise as my BMI has crept up to around 27.

Wish me luck and I'll report the results as they happen..