Overview

Touted as the "natural steroid alternative," andro has become as well known as Prozac—thanks to the media. Having reached its height of popularity during Mark McGuire's homerun-record-setting season, it has since been banned by nearly every major sport, making androstenedione—a direct precursor to testosterone—nearly as controversial as the steroids it was intended to replace.

The Full Story

Usage

Amount: The ideal intake of androstenedione has not yet been determined, but in research, oral doses given to men at levels of 50 mg and 100 mg per day were shown to raise testosterone levels from 140% to 183% and 211% to 237%, respectively.

Timing: Androstenedione is typically taken in the morning before breakfast and again in the evening before dinner.

Strength trainers take note: Because testosterone levels peak in about 60 minutes, it has been theorized by some experts that an oral dose taken 60 minutes before a weight-training session may add a "strength boost" during a workout by increasing the immediate production of testosterone.

Consumer beware: Because andro is technically an androgen hormone, it may have somewhat of a "drug-like" effect within the body and reduce the body's potential to naturally produce testosterone. Because of this, most experts recommend "cycling," or going on and off androstenedione, for periods of no longer than three to four weeks on, followed by three to four weeks off.

Androstenedione is primarily used by male athletes and aging men who hope to increase testosterone levels. It is surrounded by controversy because while it does appear to increase testosterone for short periods of time, there isn't significant evidence that it in turn increases muscle mass or strength. Androstenedione does, nonetheless, appear to significantly increase libido and is more recently becoming popular for that reason.

Safety Information

Safety:
This supplement is not recommended for women, as elevated testosterone levels may cause unwanted masculine characteristics, such as deepened voice, facial hair, and enlarged genitals.

Consumer warning:
Increased testosterone, which is the desired result of supplements such as androstenedione, can also lead to enlargement of the breasts, prostate, and other glandular tissues, increase the risk of glandular cancers, water retention, impotence, acne, oily skin, and increase sex drive.

Toxicity:
None documented.

Bans and Restrictions:
Androstenedione has been banned by the National Football League, the International Olympic Committee, and the National Collegiate Athletic Association.

References

Earnest, C., et al., "In Vivo 4-Androstene-3,17-Dione and 4-Androstene-3Beta,17Beta-Diol Supplementation in Young Men," Eur J Appl Physiol 81.3 (2000) : 229-32.

King, D.S., et al., "Effect of Oral Androstenedione on Serum Testosterone and Adaptations to Resistance Training in Young Men: A Randomized Controlled Trial (see comments)," JAMA 281.21 (1999) : 2020-8.

Leder, B.Z., et al., "Oral Androstendione Administration and Serum Testosterone Concentrations in Young Men," JAMA 283.6 (2000) : 779-82.

Rasmussen, B.B., et al., "Androstenedione Does Not Stimulate Muscle Protein Anabolism in Young Healthy Men," J Clin Endocrinol Metab 85.1 (2000) : 55-9.

Uralets, V.P., and Gillette, P.A., "Over-the-Counter Anabolic Steroids 4-Androsten-3,17-Dione; 4-Androsten-3beta,17beta-Diol; and 19-Nor-4-Androsten-3,17-Dione: Excretion Studies in Men," J Anal Toxicol 23.5 (1999) : 357-66.