Androstenediol

Related Terms

1,5alpha-Androsten-3,17-dione (1AD), 1,5alpha-androsten-3beta,17beta-diol, 19-norandrostenediol, 19-norandrostenedione, 3beta,17beta-androstenediol (AD), 4-androstenediol, 5-androstenediol, (Adiol), alpha-androstenediol, "Andro" prohormones, androstenediol 3-sulfate (ADIOLS), androstenediol glucuronide (3alpha-diol-G), androstenedione, beta-androstenediol, dehydroepiandrosterone, DHEA metabolite, methyl androstenediol.

Background

Testosterone prohormones, such as androstenediol, androstenedione, and dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), have been marketed as testosterone-enhancing and muscle-building nutritional supplements for the past decade. They have recently become more readily available in many countries through the Internet.
Androstenediol and other prohormones have been shown to increase androgen prohormone, testosterone, and estradiol levels in humans. However, despite promotional claims, studies have not demonstrated bodybuilding or sexually enhancing effects with prohormone supplements like androstenediol.
Research suggests that androstenediol may be less effective when taken by mouth.
Prohormone supplements, including androstenediol, are associated with potentially harmful side effects, including abnormal estrogen, testosterone and lipid levels, and the potential to contribute to cancerous cell growth.
Due to a lack of human benefit and the potential for negative health effects, the risk to benefit ratio of using androstenediol and other prohormone substances seems unfavorable. Prohormones are currently on the International Olympic Committee's list of banned substances and are banned from many professional athletic sports. Moreover, some forms have been banned for over-the-counter sales by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Androstenediol is not currently listed on the FDA everything added to food in the United States (EAFUS) database, which contains ingredients added directly to food that the FDA has either approved as food additives or listed or affirmed as generally regarded as safe (GRAS).

Evidence Table

These uses have been tested in humans or animals. Safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider. GRADE *
These uses have been tested in humans or animals. Safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider. GRADE *


Androgen prohormones are widely promoted for their effects on building lean body mass, reducing body fat, and enhancing physical endurance. Androstenediol and other prohormones have been shown to increase testosterone and estradiol levels in humans. However, significant improvements in muscle mass and athletic performance have not been observed in human studies.
 C


Androgen prohormones are widely promoted for their effects on building lean body mass, reducing body fat, and enhancing physical endurance. Androstenediol and other prohormones have been shown to increase testosterone and estradiol levels in humans. However, significant improvements in muscle mass and athletic performance have not been observed in human studies.
 C
* Key to grades

A: Strong scientific evidence for this use
B: Good scientific evidence for this use
C: Unclear scientific evidence for this use
D: Fair scientific evidence for this use (it may not work)
F: Strong scientific evidence against this use (it likley does not work)
* Key to grades

A: Strong scientific evidence for this use
B: Good scientific evidence for this use
C: Unclear scientific evidence for this use
D: Fair scientific evidence for this use (it may not work)
F: Strong scientific evidence against this use (it likley does not work)

Tradition / Theory

The below uses are based on tradition, scientific theories, or limited research. They often have not been thoroughly tested in humans, and safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider. There may be other proposed uses that are not listed below.

Dosing

Adults (18 years and older)
Research suggests that androstenediol may be less effective when taken by mouth.
An androstenediol-cyclodextrin complex that was placed under the tongue increased testosterone and estradiol levels in the blood.

Safety

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration does not strictly regulate herbs and supplements. There is no guarantee of strength, purity or safety of products, and effects may vary. You should always read product labels. If you have a medical condition, or are taking other drugs, herbs, or supplements, you should speak with a qualified healthcare provider before starting a new therapy. Consult a healthcare provider immediately if you experience side effects.

Interactions

Interactions with Drugs
Androstenediol may interact with androgens and estrogens, as it has been shown to increase levels of estradiol, testosterone, and many of its analogues.
Androstenediol may interact with cholesterol-lowering agents, as it has been shown to lower high-density lipoprotein (good cholesterol) levels.
Androstenediol may interact with anticancer agents. Androstenediol may stimulate the growth of breast cancer cells and exert androgenic activity on prostate cancer cells, but it may stop the growth in other cancer or tumor cells.
Andrenostenediol may also interact with hydrocortisone, aminoglutethimide-plus-hydrocortisone, antibiotics, antivirals, and immunosuppressants.

Attribution

This information is based on a systematic review of scientific literature edited and peer-reviewed by contributors to the Natural Standard Research Collaboration (www.naturalstandard.com).

Bibliography

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