DHEA (dehydroepiandrosterone) is a naturally occurring hormone that declines with age, and emerging research suggests supplementing with it may meaningfully improve egg quality and pregnancy success rates, particularly for women facing age-related fertility challenges. The hormone, produced primarily by the adrenal glands, acts as a precursor for reproductive hormones including testosterone and estrogen. As women age, DHEA levels drop significantly, declining about 2% per year after peaking in the 20s and 30s, with some women experiencing an 80% decrease by midlife .

How Does DHEA Improve Fertility Outcomes?

The mechanism behind DHEA's fertility benefits centers on the ovarian environment rather than the eggs themselves. Researchers believe that supplementing with DHEA restores a more youthful hormonal balance within the ovary, creating a healthier setting for eggs to mature. This matters because while women are born with all the eggs they'll ever have, those eggs remain immature until they're recruited for development each month. The quality of that development depends heavily on the hormonal environment surrounding them .

Testosterone, often thought of as a male hormone, plays a surprisingly vital role in female fertility, particularly during the early stages of egg maturation. Women with diminished ovarian reserve (DOR), a condition characterized by lower egg quantity and quality, typically have low levels of both DHEA and testosterone. When DHEA is supplemented, it increases circulating levels of these hormones, potentially supporting better egg development .

What Do the Studies Actually Show?

The research on DHEA's fertility benefits is striking. In one study, the pregnancy rate among women taking DHEA reached 24%, compared to just 4% in a control group not taking the supplement. Another study reported similar findings, with 25% pregnancy rates in the DHEA group versus 7% in those without supplementation . These improvements are particularly notable because they occurred in women with diminished ovarian reserve, a population typically at higher risk of poor outcomes.

Beyond pregnancy rates, DHEA supplementation has been linked to measurable improvements in egg and embryo quality. Studies have shown that DHEA can significantly improve egg and embryo quality in individuals with diminished ovarian reserve, and research suggests it increases the number of eggs that reach maturity each month .

One of the most compelling findings involves miscarriage prevention. Multiple studies have demonstrated that DHEA supplementation prior to conception can significantly reduce the risk of miscarriage once pregnancy is achieved. One representative study found that miscarriage rates were cut roughly in half among women over 41 who supplemented with DHEA before conceiving. This protective effect is believed to occur because DHEA reduces the number of eggs with chromosomal abnormalities, which are the leading cause of early pregnancy loss .

Ways to Approach DHEA Supplementation Safely

• Determine if you're a candidate: Most fertility clinics currently recommend DHEA for all women over 40 trying to get pregnant, and for younger women if they have diminished ovarian reserve characterized by high FSH (follicle-stimulating hormone) levels above 10 mIU/mL or low AMH (anti-mullerian hormone) levels below 1.0 ng/mL .
• Follow standard dosing: The most commonly used fertility dose is 25 mg taken three times daily, for a total of 75 mg per day, taken under medical supervision .
• Allow time for results: The effects of DHEA build gradually, with most benefits beginning after 1 to 2 months of consistent use and peaking after about 4 to 5 months .

Side effects at the standard fertility dosage are uncommon and typically mild when DHEA is taken under medical supervision. However, DHEA is not appropriate for everyone, and working with a fertility specialist to determine whether supplementation makes sense for your specific situation is essential .

What About Other Approaches to Egg Quality?

While DHEA has gained attention, other evidence-based strategies can support egg quality. Nutrition plays a foundational role, with research supporting diets built around leafy greens, colorful vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, nuts, seeds, and olive oil. These foods provide antioxidants and micronutrients that support cellular function and hormone signaling .

Lifestyle factors also matter significantly. Adequate hydration, aiming for 64 ounces of water daily, supports circulation and nutrient delivery. Gentle movement like walking, yoga, or swimming keeps circulation strong and helps regulate stress hormones. Regular sleep with a consistent schedule supports hormone regulation and cycle predictability .

Avoiding harmful exposures is equally important. Research consistently links smoking with accelerated egg loss and DNA damage in egg cells. Cannabis use can affect the hormonal axis and cellular function, while moderate-to-high alcohol intake can increase oxidative stress. Even high levels of caffeine have been linked to decreased fertility .

Another supplement gaining clinical attention is Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10), an antioxidant that may enhance mitochondrial function, especially for those over 35 or navigating diminished ovarian reserve. Research shows that CoQ10 supplementation increases clinical pregnancy rates for people facing fertility setbacks, particularly those with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and poor ovarian response .

"While there is no guarantee that these tips will improve your egg quality, there is evidence that shows that they can have a positive effect," explained Dr. Vishvanath Karande, a board-certified reproductive endocrinologist.

Dr. Vishvanath Karande, Board-Certified Reproductive Endocrinologist at InVia Fertility

The key takeaway is that improving egg quality involves multiple approaches working together. DHEA may help restore hormonal balance for certain populations, but it works best as part of a comprehensive strategy that includes nutrition, lifestyle modifications, stress management, and medical supervision. If you're considering DHEA or any fertility supplement, discussing your specific situation with a reproductive specialist ensures the approach aligns with your individual needs and health profile .