Androstenedione

Editor's Note: While peer-reviewed scientific studies on this dietary supplement are lacking, many practitioners and individuals report observational and anectodal benefits from its use. The use of this dietary supplement is on the rise. For this reason, Intramedicine has provided this monograph using the information that is currently available. As more science-based research becomes available, this monograph will be updated to include that material.

Androstenedione is a weak androgenic steroid hormone produced naturally in the testes and adrenal cortex of men and in the ovaries and adrenal cortex of women. Androstenedione is an intermediate metabolite and direct precursor in the conversion of dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) to testosterone, estradiol and estrone. Natural production of testosterone is highly regulated by the body. Theoretically, oral androstenedione could subvert normal control mechanisms, resulting in transient increased testosterone levels. Androstenedione does not increase natural testosterone production.

Various reports suggest that androstenedione increases testosterone levels anywhere from 0 to over 300 percent. Reported increases in testosterone levels from androstenedione supplementation are transient, beginning about 15 minutes after ingestion and peaking about 1-1½ hours later. Levels may remain elevated for as long as 3 hours. This transient elevation may not produce adverse effects of testosterone elevations, since it is not long enough to induce pituitary response. With limited use of androstenedione (small doses not exceeding 100mg taken just prior to heavy physical exertion), testosterone suppression is unlikely to occur. Androstenedione doses of 300mg daily have been demonstrated to result in significant increases of DHT, estradiol and estrone.(1)

The National Football League, International Olympic Committee, National Collegiate Athletic Association and International Tennis have banned androstenedione in professional sporting events. The FDA does not regulate androstenedione and it is legal for OTC purchase. However, androstenedione is considered unsafe by many in the medical community.

NOTE: All of the steroid hormones mentioned are isomers of androstene and are currently available on the market as supplements. There are three (3) different enzyme conversion pathways resulting in the utilization of these substances as precursors to testosterone hormones. All three result in a conversion to testosterone or nandrolone. NOT ALL FORMS PRODUCE THE SAME RESULTS. Each has different conversion pathways resulting in a variety of chemical compounds potentially with profoundly differing biochemical influences and side effects.(2)

Conversion of androstenedione to estrogen in males increases in relationship to the levels of adipose tissue. Higher fat-to-muscle ratios result in increased levels of estrogen from androstenedione.(3)

Large doses of androstenedione may convert to testosterone causing a similar side effect profile.(5)

Health Conditions
Androstenedione should not be used by anyone with breast or prostate cancer, cardiac or renal compromise, hypercalcemia or impaired liver function.(6, 7)

Side Effects
The literature reports one case of a man who experienced 2 episodes of priapism (abnormal, painful, and continued erection of the penis in the absence of sexual desire) after taking androstenedione.(8)

Pregnancy/Breast-Feeding
Androstenedione should not be used by pregnant or breastfeeding women.

Age Limitations
Androstenedione is generally not recommended for women due to the potential for virilization, however, supplements that convert to nandrolone (norandrostene, norandrodiol), rather than testosterone, are likely to be more efficiently utilized in women.

Androstenedione is not recommended for anyone under the age of 25, unless supervised by a physician. Men over the age of 45 should have frequent (every 6 months) PSA testing when using androstenedione.