DrFeb
Health Guide

Androstenetriol

Androstenetriol (often called 7-keto DHEA or simply Triol) is a naturally occurring metabolite of DHEA (Dehydroepiandrosterone), a hormone produced by your adrenal glands. Unlike DHEA, Androstenetriol does not convert into sex hormones like testosterone or estrogen. Instead, it acts as a powerful neurosteroid and immune regulator. Think of it as your body's internal 'defense signal'—it helps calm inflammation in the brain and supports a balanced immune response, making it a key player in how we handle stress, aging, and recovery.
Evidence BasedDietary Supplement
Androstenetriol
VERIFIED SOURCE

Bio-Activity Analysis

Hormone Conversion: DHEA vs Androstenetriol

SCIENTIFIC DATA VISUALIZATION

Y-Axis
Conversion to Testosterone/Estrogen
Compound →

Health Benefits & Sources

Why You Need It

  • Immune Balance: Helps regulate the immune system, preventing it from overreacting.
  • Brain Health: Supports cognitive function and protects neurons from stress.
  • Mood Regulation: Acts as a neurosteroid that may help stabilize mood.

Deep Dive

Androstenetriol is unique because it is a 'metabolic off-ramp' from the stress hormone pathway. While cortisol (the stress hormone) can be damaging in excess, Androstenetriol offers a protective effect. It binds to specific receptors in the brain (GABA and NMDA receptors) to help maintain calm and clarity. Crucially, it helps balance the Th1/Th2 immune response—essentially ensuring your immune system fights off threats without attacking your own tissues (autoimmunity).

Natural Food Sources

Unlike vitamins found in specific fruits or veggies, Androstenetriol is a steroid hormone derived from cholesterol. You cannot eat a piece of fruit to get it directly. However, Dietary Precursors can support your body's natural production:

FoodAmount% DV
Egg YolksHighN/A
Fatty FishHighN/A
AvocadosMediumN/A
Grass-fed BeefMediumN/A

Supplementation

Because natural dietary intake is negligible, this is almost exclusively taken as a supplement. It is often marketed as 7-Keto DHEA, which converts into Androstenetriol in the body.

Typical Dosage:

  • Standard: 100mg taken 1-2 times daily.
  • Best taken: With food to aid absorption.

Top Food Sources

Egg Yolks
Rich in cholesterol, the precursor to synthesis.
Grass-fed Butter
Contains precursor fats.
Salmon
Provides healthy fats for hormone production.
Avocado
Supports adrenal gland health.
Animal Organ Meats
Adrenals (in beef liver) contain trace hormones.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, it is a steroid hormone, but it is non-androgenic (it does not build muscle like testosterone) and non-estrogenic.
DHEA can convert into testosterone or estrogen. 7-Keto DHEA converts into Androstenetriol, which bypasses the sex hormones entirely.
Some studies suggest 7-Keto DHEA may boost metabolic rate slightly, but it is not a magic pill and works best with diet and exercise.
As a hormone metabolite, effects on mood and immunity may take several weeks of consistent use to become noticeable.

Safety & Side Effects

Androstenetriol is generally considered safer than DHEA because it does not alter sex hormone levels (Testosterone/Estrogen).

Who should avoid it?

  • Pregnancy/Breastfeeding: Do not use due to lack of safety data.
  • Hormone-Sensitive Cancers: While it doesn't convert to sex hormones, always consult an oncologist.
  • Organ Transplant Recipients: Due to immune-modulating effects.

Side Effects: Rare, but may include mild headache or stomach upset.

Scientific References

  • [1]Calogero, A. E., et al. (1999). 'Androstenetriol and immune function.' *Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences*.
  • [2]Lardy, H., et al. (1998). '7-Keto DHEA: A metabolite of DHEA with reduced androgenic effects.' *Steroids*.
  • [3]Padgett, D. A., & Glaser, R. (2003). 'How stress influences the immune response.' *Trends in Immunology*.