DrFeb
Health Guide

androstatrienedione

Androstatrienedione (often called 'Andro-stenedione' or 'ANDRO') is a chemical compound that acts as a prohormone. It is a metabolic precursor in the body's steroidogenesis pathway, meaning the body converts it into other hormones, primarily testosterone and estradiol. While it was famously marketed as a 'testosterone booster' for athletes in the late 90s, it is crucial to understand that **it is not a naturally occurring vitamin or mineral found in food.** It is a synthetic steroid precursor. In this guide, we will focus on the science of how it works in the body and the significant safety risks associated with its use as a dietary supplement.
Evidence BasedDietary Supplement
androstatrienedione
VERIFIED SOURCE

Bio-Activity Analysis

Natural Production vs. Supplement Conversion

SCIENTIFIC DATA VISUALIZATION

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Effectiveness & Safety
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Health Benefits & Sources

What Does It Do? (The Mechanism)

Androstatrienedione works by providing the raw material (precursor) your body needs to synthesize sex hormones. Here is the breakdown of its effects:

  • Hormone Conversion: It travels through the bloodstream to the testes (in men) and ovaries (in women), where enzymes convert a portion of it into testosterone.
  • Aromatization: Conversely, an enzyme called aromatase can convert it into estradiol (a form of estrogen).
  • The 'Boost' Myth: Early marketing suggested it significantly raised testosterone levels. However, scientific studies show that while it may cause a temporary, small spike in hormones, it rarely results in the sustained increases needed for significant muscle growth or athletic performance.

Deep Dive: The Anabolic Reality

The allure of Andro-stenedione was its promise of 'anabolic' (muscle-building) effects without a prescription. However, the body is very efficient at regulation. When you introduce exogenous precursors, the body often compensates by downregulating its own natural production.

Furthermore, because it can convert to estrogen, users often experience side effects like water retention and gynecomastia (development of breast tissue in men). The United States FDA banned the sale of prohormones like Andro in 2004 due to these health risks and their classification as controlled substances.

Natural Food Sources

Important Clarification: Androstatrienedione is a synthetic steroid. It does not exist naturally in fruits, vegetables, or common foods.

However, you can support your body's natural hormone production by eating foods rich in specific nutrients:

NutrientFood SourceRole in Hormone Health
ZincOysters, Beef, Pumpkin SeedsEssential for testosterone synthesis.
Vitamin DFatty Fish, Egg Yolks, Fortified MilkActs as a precursor to steroid hormones.
Healthy FatsAvocados, Olive Oil, NutsCholesterol (found in fats) is the direct building block of hormones.

Supplementation

Dosage: Historically, doses ranged from 50mg to 300mg daily.

Who Should Take It? No one. As of 2004, Androstenedione is banned by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) and the FDA. It is classified as a Schedule III controlled substance in the United States. It is illegal to sell for human consumption as a dietary supplement.

Top Food Sources

N/A (Synthetic Only)
Not found in food.
Oysters (Zinc)
Supports natural T production.
Eggs (Cholesterol)
Hormone building block.
Spinach (Magnesium)
Essential for synthesis.
Pomegranates
Antioxidant support.

Frequently Asked Questions

While it is a naturally occurring hormone in the human body, the supplement form is synthesized in laboratories. It is not found in the food you eat.
The FDA banned it because it poses health risks (liver damage, heart issues) and is an unfair performance enhancer. It is also a precursor to testosterone, making it a controlled substance.
Scientific consensus suggests it provides little to no benefit for muscle growth that cannot be achieved through proper training and nutrition.
No, though they are related. DHEA (Dehydroepiandrosterone) is another prohormone. Both are banned in professional sports.

Safety & Side Effects

Safety & Risks (Read Carefully)

Because this is a synthetic hormone precursor, the risks are significant compared to standard vitamins.

  • Liver Toxicity: High doses can place immense strain on the liver.
  • Cardiovascular Risk: It can negatively alter cholesterol levels (lowering HDL 'good' cholesterol), increasing the risk of heart disease.
    • Hormonal Imbalance: In men, it can cause testicular atrophy (shrinking) and acne. In women, it can cause virilization (deepening voice, facial hair growth).
    • Legal Status: Possessing or distributing this substance can lead to legal consequences in many countries.

Who should avoid it? Everyone. Especially those with a history of heart disease, liver issues, prostate issues, or hormone-sensitive cancers.

Scientific References

  • [1]King, D. S., et al. (1999). 'Effect of oral androstenedione on serum testosterone and adaptations to resistance training in young men.' *JAMA*.
  • [2]Leder, B. Z., et al. (2000). 'Oral androstenedione administration and serum testosterone in men.' *JAMA*.
  • [3]National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA). 'Anabolic Steroids and Other Performance-Enhancing Drugs.'
  • [4]U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). 'DEA Classifies Androstenedione as a Schedule III Controlled Substance.'