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Androstenediol
Last reviewed: 20.11.2021
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Main functions
- Natural anabolic steroid.
- Increases muscle mass.
Theoretical basis
Androstenediol is a precursor to the synthesis of testosterone.
Although androstenediol is a steroid, it is currently unknown whether oral doses of this supplement can significantly increase testosterone levels. Synthesis of testosterone is just one of several ways of converting androstenediol. Most of these reactions depend on the activity of the enzymes and rely on a complex feedback mechanism, which has not yet been fully explored.
Research results
Androstenediol was synthesized in 1932. Experiments performed in 1935 on castrated dogs revealed a mild anabolic effect. Androstenediol was virtually forgotten until 1962, when additives of androstenediol and dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) were given to women (n = 4) to determine if they would have a higher testosterone level [9]. Doses of 100 mg of both drugs gave a temporary increase in testosterone levels. Measurements of strength and sports performance were not conducted.
King et al. The effects of androstenediol supplements (300 mg-day) in untrained men during 8 weeks of strength training were evaluated. Testosterone and serum estrogen levels, muscle size and strength, serum lipids, and liver function markers were measured before and during the study in groups with supplements (n = 10) and placebo (n = 10). The differences in serum testosterone, muscle size and strength between the group with andros-tenediol and the placebo group were not established. But in the group with androstenediol additive, the level of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol was significantly lowered and the serum estrogen level was significantly increased, which can have detrimental health effects with prolonged use of the additive.
Recommendations
Androstenediol is an approved food supplement, but it is banned by some governing sports organizations, including the National Student Sports Association (NCCA), the US Olympic Committee, the IOC, the National Football League (NFL) and the Tennis Professionals Association (ATP). Other leading sports organizations are busy evaluating the use of androstenediol and may also prohibit it. This does not reduce its attractiveness for young athletes. And although supplement manufacturers claim that it is harmless, there is no scientific data on this issue.
If androstenediol really increases the level of testosterone like a forbidden anabolic steroid, then the same harmful side effects may appear. Pregnant women, adolescents and persons with certain medical contraindications (eg, coronary heart disease, hypertension or enlarged prostate) should not take this supplement. Due to a lack of data on the safety and the high likelihood of health risks associated with the use of androstenediol, it is not recommended as a food supplement for athletes.
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