DrFeb
Health Guide

Androstenetrione

Androstenetrione is a chemical compound often found in the synthesis of certain steroid hormones. While it sounds complex, it is most commonly encountered by consumers as a potent ingredient in 'pro-hormonal' dietary supplements designed to support muscle growth and testosterone levels. Unlike common vitamins found in apples, this is a powerful chemical precursor. It is crucial to understand how it works in the body and the strict safety regulations surrounding it, as it is not a nutrient you eat for general health, but a compound used for specific, aggressive performance goals.
Evidence BasedDietary Supplement
Androstenetrione
VERIFIED SOURCE

Bio-Activity Analysis

Liver Stress Risk: Androstenetrione vs. Natural Diet

SCIENTIFIC DATA VISUALIZATION

Y-Axis
Hepatotoxicity Risk Level
Source Type →

Health Benefits & Sources

Why It Is Used

  • Testosterone Precursor: It serves as a building block the body can potentially convert into testosterone.
  • Muscle Hardness: Users seek it for promoting drier, more vascular muscle gains compared to wetter bulking agents.
  • Hormonal Efficiency: It aims to bypass certain rate-limiting enzymes to increase overall hormonal output.

Deep Dive

Androstenetrione (often called 'Andro') is a 17-ketosteroid. In the past, it was marketed heavily as a 'natural' way to boost testosterone. However, the body converts this compound into various metabolites. While some may convert to testosterone, others convert to estrogens. It is important to note that the FDA banned the sale of this compound as an ingredient in dietary supplements in 2004. Today, if you encounter it, it is likely in a custom chemical synthesis context or research chemical market, not a standard health store shelf. Its primary 'benefit' is purely pharmacological: increasing androgen levels, albeit with significant variability in results and high risk of side effects.

Natural Food Sources

Unlike essential nutrients like Vitamin C or Magnesium, Androstenetrione does not exist in significant, bioavailable quantities in fruits, vegetables, or common foods. It is a synthetic chemical intermediate. While some steroid hormones are found in trace amounts in animal products, you cannot practically source Androstenetrione from your diet.

FoodAmount% DV
NoneN/AN/A

Supplementation

Status: Banned by the FDA for use in dietary supplements.

Usage: Historically, doses ranged from 100mg to 300mg daily. However, because of its illegal status in over-the-counter products, it is not recommended for use. If you are looking for hormonal support, focus on natural optimization (sleep, diet, exercise) or consult a doctor about legal, prescribed hormone therapies.

Top Food Sources

N/A
Not found in the human diet

Frequently Asked Questions

No. It was banned by the FDA in 2004 from being sold as a dietary supplement ingredient. It is only legally available for research purposes or custom chemical synthesis.
Studies have shown mixed results, often with no significant benefit over placebo for muscle gain, while carrying high risks of liver toxicity.
Androstenetrione is a closely related chemical (often an intermediate step in synthesis), but they are distinct compounds. Both were popular in the late 90s/early 2000s.
Legally, no. If you see a product claiming to contain it, it is likely an illegal, unregulated product, which poses a severe safety risk.

Safety & Side Effects

Safety Profile

WARNING: This is a potent chemical with significant health risks.

  • Liver Toxicity: Androstenetrione is heavily metabolized by the liver and has been linked to liver damage, including cholestatic hepatitis and elevated liver enzymes.
  • Hormonal Imbalance: It can convert to estrogen, leading to side effects like gynecomastia (development of breast tissue in men), water retention, and mood swings.
  • Cardiovascular Risk: Like many anabolic agents, it can negatively impact cholesterol levels (lowering HDL 'good' cholesterol).
  • Who Should Avoid: Anyone with liver conditions, heart issues, or hormone-sensitive cancers should strictly avoid this compound. It is not for women, children, or men over 50 without strict medical supervision.

Scientific References

  • [1]The New England Journal of Medicine: 'Adverse Effects Associated with Androstenedione' (2000)
  • [2]FDA News Release: 'FDA Bans Androstenedione' (2004)
  • [3]Journal of the American Medical Association: 'Hepatitis Associated with Androstenedione' (1999)