Thread: Prednisone questions

Hi ladies,

I saw my endo earlier this week. She did some bloodwork (free & total testosterone, DHEA-S), and said if my levels have not dropped significantly, she wants me to take Prednisone. FYI, Total T was 93 in January and 88 in April; DHEAS was 399 in January (and 400 is the high-end of normal for my lab - so it was borderline). I'm on 2,000 mgs of met.

I did a search on this board and found out that lots of ladies have taken Prednisone or Dexamethasone. I know these steroids can help lower adrenal testosternone, so can help drop overall testoterone levels. Most of the medical studies I've seen, though, have been on Dexamethasone.

So my primary questions are: are Prednisone and Dex essentially the same? Is one better than the other? Is there any reason for me to ask her to prescribe Dex instead?

I'm seeing an RE too and am expecting to start medicated cycles (likely starting with Clomid) in the next few months. Is there any advantage to taking Prednisone (or Dex) for a while before adding Clomid or other ovulation induction meds?

Any other advice, opinions, thoughts most welcome!

TIA!
Lissa

I'm on dex but I've read that either prednisone or dex can be used. Most of the people I've talked to are on dex. I'm not sure of the difference.

A DHEA level of under 400 may be normal but for pg you really want that number under 250 with under 200 being even better. Mine was 291 when my dr put me on dex.

Yes, being on dex or prednisone for a while will help once you are put on fertility meds. It will help them to work better since your levels will be lowered and it will lower your risk of m/c.

GL and I hope it works for you!!

~*~*~*~*babydust*~*~*~*~*

Thanks so much! Hope you don't mind me pestering you with a few more questions.

Have you had your DHEAS re-tested since you started dex? What sort of improvements/changes have you seen?

And where did you learn about the preferred DHEA-S level being under 250/200 for TTC? Neither of my docs mentioned that to me.

Thanks again!
Lissa

I don't mind at all. Ask away .

No, I haven't have my DHEA level retested but I'm on my last refill so I will be talking to my dr soon about whether or not I need to continue taking it.

I haven't really noticed a large difference but my level wasn't all that high so I really didn't expect to see much of a difference. The only thing I've noticed is my skin is a little clearer.

My dr is the one that told me about what level is best for pg. He tested it as part of my recurrent m/c testing.

If you have anymore questions, please feel free to ask. I will do my best to help you . GL!!

Steph