DHEA used as an IVF add-on is usually stopped when ovarian stimulation begins, unless your fertility specialist tells you to continue. The Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA) says androgen supplementation with DHEA or testosterone is generally stopped when stimulation starts, or at least before embryo transfer. The 2025 ESHRE guideline does not recommend DHEA before or during ovarian stimulation for low responders or normal responders because trials have not shown a clear improvement in live birth rates or egg yield.
Do not continue DHEA after a positive pregnancy test unless a fertility or endocrine specialist has prescribed it for another medical condition.
The protocol, the dose and the stopping point all come from your clinic rather than from a product page. If it helps to see what the over-the-counter product itself looks like when you discuss it with them, this is a DHEA supplement sold over the counter, with the labeled strength and ingredient list on the page.
DHEA During IVF: The Usual Stopping Point
| IVF stage | Typical DHEA advice |
|---|---|
| Before stimulation | DHEA may be used for several weeks as an optional pretreatment, although its benefit is unproven. |
| Start of ovarian stimulation | Many clinics stop DHEA when injectable stimulation medicines begin. |
| During stimulation | Continue only if your reproductive endocrinologist specifically tells you to. |
| Egg retrieval | If your clinic continued DHEA during stimulation, it may be stopped on or after retrieval according to that clinic's protocol. |
| Fresh embryo transfer | Stop DHEA before embryo transfer. |
| Frozen embryo transfer | Ask your clinic for a specific stop date. Do not continue DHEA automatically during the transfer cycle. |
| Positive pregnancy test | Do not take further DHEA unless your fertility or endocrine specialist confirms that it is necessary. |
The HFEA guidance on androgen supplementation states that testosterone or DHEA is generally stopped when ovarian stimulation starts, or at least before embryo transfer.
Why Should DHEA Be Stopped Before Embryo Transfer?
DHEA should usually be stopped before embryo transfer because its safety during pregnancy has not been adequately established.
DHEA, or dehydroepiandrosterone, is a hormone precursor that can be converted into androgens and estrogens. The Mayo Clinic advises avoiding DHEA during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
Stopping DHEA before embryo transfer also avoids continuing a hormone-based IVF add-on during implantation and early pregnancy. The European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology reports that current studies do not provide enough safety data to recommend a specific duration of DHEA use during ovarian stimulation.
What If My Clinic Told You to Continue DHEA During Stimulation?
Follow your clinic's written protocol and do not stop DHEA early without checking with them.
Some research studies continued DHEA throughout ovarian stimulation, so clinics do not all use the same schedule. However, the current ESHRE guideline does not recommend DHEA before or during ovarian stimulation for low responders or normal responders. Trials have not shown a clear improvement in live birth rates or egg yield.
Ask your clinic:
"Should I take my last DHEA dose when stimulation starts, on egg-retrieval day, or before embryo transfer?"
What If You Are Having a Frozen Embryo Transfer?
For a frozen embryo transfer, do not restart or continue DHEA unless your fertility specialist has given you a specific reason and stop date.
DHEA is mainly used as an ovarian stimulation pretreatment. It is not standard luteal support for embryo transfer. Ask for a clear plan before starting the frozen transfer cycle, especially if you are taking estrogen, progesterone, or other hormone medicines.
What If You Already Took DHEA After Transfer?
If you already took DHEA after embryo transfer, contact your fertility clinic and tell them:
- The dose you took
- The date and time of your last dose
- Whether the embryo transfer has already occurred
- Whether you have had a positive pregnancy test
Do not take another dose until your clinic advises you. A single accidental dose does not automatically mean that the cycle will fail, but your clinic should decide what to do next.
If you take DHEA for adrenal insufficiency or another endocrine disorder rather than solely for IVF, do not stop it without speaking to the prescribing doctor. MedlinePlus recommends reviewing medicines and supplements with a healthcare professional during pregnancy.