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The effect of 12-month dehydroepiandrosterone supplementation on the menstrual pattern, ovarian reserve markers, and safety profile in women with premature ovarian insufficiency

  • Reproductive Physiology and Disease
  • Published:
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Abstract

Purpose

To evaluate the effect of 12-month DHEA supplementation on menstrual pattern and ovarian reserve markers in women with premature ovarian insufficiency (POI)

Methods

This is a prospective observational study. Women with POI were given DHEA supplements (25 mg three times daily) for 12 months. Sonographic assessment for ovarian volume and antral follicle count (AFC) and serum measurement for anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH), follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), estradiol, testosterone, liver function, and hemoglobin level were performed at baseline and monthly for 13 months after the supplementation. Menstrual pattern, ovarian reserve markers, and side-effects were recorded.

Results

Between August 2011 and July 2014, 38 women with POI were recruited and 31 completed the study. The median age of women was 36 years, and the median baseline FSH and AMH concentrations were 82.2 IU/L and 0.01 ng/ml, respectively. No women had resumption of regular menstruation after DHEA supplementation. AMH, FSH, and AFC did not change significantly. No serious side effects were reported.

Conclusions

Our results do not support any significant improvement in ovarian function by 12-month DHEA supplementation in women with POI.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Queen Mary Hospital, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong

    Queenie Ho Yan Wong, Sofie Shuk Fei Yung, Jennifer Ka Yee Ko, Hang Wun Raymond Li & Ernest Hung Yu Ng

  2. Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Princess Margaret Hospital, Kwai Chung, Hong Kong

    Queenie Ho Yan Wong

  3. Hong Kong Reproductive Health Service, Central, Hong Kong

    Tracy Wing Yee Yeung

Authors
  1. Queenie Ho Yan Wong
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  2. Tracy Wing Yee Yeung
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  3. Sofie Shuk Fei Yung
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  4. Jennifer Ka Yee Ko
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  6. Ernest Hung Yu Ng
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Correspondence to Queenie Ho Yan Wong.

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Wong, Q.H.Y., Yeung, T.W.Y., Yung, S.S.F. et al. The effect of 12-month dehydroepiandrosterone supplementation on the menstrual pattern, ovarian reserve markers, and safety profile in women with premature ovarian insufficiency. J Assist Reprod Genet 35, 857–862 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10815-018-1152-2

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10815-018-1152-2

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