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| Introduction |
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| Androstenedione is a weak steroid produced naturally in the male and female body. While naturally occurring, androstenedione is necessary for the production of testosterone and estrogens. Various reports suggest that androstenedione supplementation can increase testosterone levels 300 percent. However, this effect is reported to last for a short time, usually in the range of one and a half hours.
The National Football League, International Olympic Committee, National Collegiate Athletic Association, and International Tennis have banned androstenedione in professional sporting events. While the FDA does not regulate androstenedione and it is legal for over-the-counter purchase, it is considered unsafe by many in the medical community.
Supplementation is the only source of androstenedione as it is not available in sufficient quantities in the diet.
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| Reported Uses |
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Although studies are inconclusive about its effectiveness, androstenedione has been used in attempts to enhance sports performance and boost testosterone levels. However, there is some controversy over the safety and effectiveness of such supplementation(1) as increased levels of serum testosterone(2) and estradiol(3) have been associated with its use. One study concluded that androstenedione supplementation did not increase testosterone levels or enhance skeletal muscle performance to resistance training in young men with normal testosterone levels. The study also found increased estrogen levels, which could result in possible health problems.(4)
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| Dosage Info |
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| Dosage Range |
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Most Common Dosage |
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Dosage Forms |
| 25-900mg daily. |
50-100mg daily. |
Sublingual spray, sublingual tablets, capsules, transdermal cream, gel, and liposomal spray. |
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| Toxicities & Precautions |
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| Be sure to tell your pharmacist, doctor, or other health care providers about any dietary supplements you are taking. There may be a potential for interactions or side effects. |
General
The use of androstenedione has not been widely studied in humans and some
controversy exists over both the effectiveness and potential toxicity of androstenedione.(5)
Large doses of androstenedione may convert to testosterone causing a similar side effect profile.(6)
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Health Conditions
If you have breast or prostate cancer, a heart condition, kidney or liver disease, use of this dietary supplement is not recommended.(7, 8) |
Side Effects
Side effects are possible with any dietary supplement. There is one case report that this dietary supplement caused an unwanted, prolonged, painful erection in one man.(9) Tell your doctor if these side effects become severe or do not go away. |
Pregnancy/Breast-Feeding
This dietary supplement should not be used if you are pregnant or breast-feeding an infant. |
Age Limitations
Androstenedione is not recommended for anyone under the age of 25, unless supervised by a physician. Men over the age of 45 should also use androstenedione under a physician's supervision. Androstenedione is not recommended for use by women.
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| Footnotes |
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1 Apgar B. Do 'Health Products' Really Help Athletic Performance? Am Fam Physician. Apr1999;59(7):1990,1992.
2 Leder BZ, Leblanc KM, Longcope C, Lee H, Catlin DH, Finkelstein JS. Effects of oral androstenedione administration on serum testosterone and estradiol levels in postmenopausal women. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. Dec2002;87(12):5449-54.
View Abstract
3 Leder BZ, Longcope C, Catlin DH, et al. Oral androstenedione administration and serum testosterone concentrations in young men. JAMA. Feb2000;283(6):779-82.
View Abstract
4 King DS, Sharp RL, Vukovich MD, et al. Effect of Oral Androstenedione on Serum Testosterone and Adaptations to Resistance Training in Young Men: A Randomized Controlled Trial. JAMA. Jun1999;281(21):2020-28.
View Abstract
5 Yesalis CE 3rd. Medical, Legal, and Societal Implications of Androstenedione Use. JAMA. Jun1999;281(21):2043-44.
6 Luu-The V, et al. Type 5 17beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase: its role in the formation of androgens in women. Mol Cell Endocrinol. Jan2001;171(1-2):77-82.
View Abstract
7 Blue JG, Lombardo JA. Steroids and steroid-like compounds.
Clin Sports Med. Jul1999;18(3):667-89.
View Abstract
8 Virilon-IM (testosterone cypionate injection), Product Prescribing Information. Star Pharmaceuticals, Inc. Pompano Beach, Florida; 2000.
9 Kachhi PN, Henderson SO. Priapism after androstenedione intake for athletic performance enhancement. Ann Emerg Med. Apr2000;35(4):391-3.
View Abstract
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