Androstenedione

(Andro)

What is it?

Androstenedione or "Andro" is a hormonal substance that is metabolized into testosterone once it's in the body.

Does it occur naturally in the body?

Yes, but only in very small quantities.

What are the claims?

Androstenedione converts into testosterone in the body, which then helps your body increase muscle mass and become more lean.

Does it work?

Two studies have shown that orally administered androstenedione does increase serum testosterone levels. Strangely it also increased estrogen levels as well. Unfortunately, there was no difference in muscle mass for the group taking androstenedione and the control group at the conclusion of either study.

(The studies are King et.al. (JAMA 1999; 281: 2020-2028) and Leder et.al. (JAMA 2000; 283: 779-782))

The authors of both studies point out the following;

...with higher doses and more frequent administration as may characterize use by those interested in performance enhancement, "...it is likely that some individuals may experience sustained and larger increases in testosterone levels..." In addition, they speculate based on their data that differential metabolism to androgens and estrogens across individuals may predispose some to more androgenic responses and others to more estrogenic responses to androstenedione administration.

So in the studies no... but potentially yes. Androstenedione did not live up to its billing as a product that can increase muscle mass in the King et.al. and Leder et.al. studies, but it might have androgenic (muscle building) qualities if given in higher doses and administered more frequently. Unfortunately, we have not been able to find any further studies to prove this hypothesis.

What are the dangers?

Subjects who took androstenedione saw a 12% drop in their HDL cholesterol (the good kind). That kind of drop could very likely increase the risk of heart disease in longtime users.

DANGERS FOR MEN: Testicular atrophy, impotence and the development of female characteristics such as breast enlargement.

DANGERS FOR WOMEN: The development of male characteristics such as male pattern baldness, deepening of the voice, increased facial hair, and enlargement of the clitoris, as well as abnormal menstrual cycle and abnormal bleeding and blood clots. Women may also be at increased risk for breast cancer and endometrial cancer.

CHILDREN AND ADOLESCENTS: Androgenic and estrogenic effects as in adults, for early-onset puberty and premature cessation of growth, such that they will be short as adults.

Without long term studies to rely upon, scientists can only make educated guesses on what other problems may occur. However, it is possible that if a man took androstenedione long enough, the elevated estrogen levels would cause him to grow breasts (gynecomastia). That fact alone would probably stop andro sales cold if it were on a warning level.

The Bottom Line

There does not appear to be any benefit for bodybuilders, with no study showing any significant increase in muscle mass because of androstenedione. In addition, there are potentially serious side effects.

Unless prescribed by a doctor for a medical condition, we cannot recommend the supplement androstenedione.

Links for More Info

	Centers for Disease Control and Prevention http://www.cdc.gov/

	United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) http://www.fda.gov/

	Herbs, Botanicals & Other Products - Extensive Information from the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center https://www.mskcc.org/cancer-care/diagnosis-treatment/symptom-management/integrative-medicine/herbs

	National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health - Overviews on Herbal Treatments and Supplements https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/herbsataglance

	National Institutes of Health http://www.nih.gov/

	National Institutes of Health - Office of Dietary Supplements https://ods.od.nih.gov/

	Operation Supplement Safety https://www.opss.org/

	United States Department of Agriculture http://www.USDA.gov/

	WebMD - Helping you make better decisions for life. http://www.webmd.com/

We at WeBeFit DO NOT recommend ANY supplements to ANY of our clients. ONLY a licensed Nutritionist or Medical Doctor can make those recommendations based on your individual needs.

This is being provided for INFORMATIONAL and EDUCATIONAL purposes only.

CAUTION:These supplements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for safety, effectiveness or purity. There may be unknown risks associated with taking any supplements. There are no regulated manufacturing standards for companies that make supplements. There have been instances where herbal or health supplements have been sold that were contaminated with toxic substances. If you should choose to purchase herbal or health supplements, please only purchase them from a reliable source to minimize the risk of contamination.

If you should decide to use ANY supplement, ALWAYS consult your doctor or Nutritionist first.

7/2/2005