Androstene Facts

Androstene, a natural hormone found in animals, humans and in pollen, is produced by the adrenal glands and gonads. It is a natural substance and metabolite of DHEA, which is metabolized into the female sex steroid estrogen and the male sex steroid testosterone. Used for its anabolic properties to produce larger muscles, androstene is sold as a nutritional supplement.

Dosage

• Androstene should be taken on an empty stomach with a full glass of water, 30 minutes prior to exercise. The standard dosage of androstene is 100 mg per day. Depending on the optimum gain and amount of time involved training, athletes take a dose of 50 mg to 300 mg daily.

Male Side Effects

• Men taking androstene may experience dependency as well as the following side effects: mild to moderate acne, breast enlargement, premature hair loss, irritability, aggressiveness, decreased sperm count, testicular shrinkage, and kidney and liver dysfunction.

Female Side Effects

• Women taking androstene may experience dependency as well as the following side effects: mild to moderate acne, decrease in breast size, enlargement of the clitoris, deepening voice, excessive hair growth, irritability, aggressiveness, menstrual disorders, and kidney and liver dysfunctions.

Misconceptions

• While androstene is sold as a performance enhancer, a 1999 study in the Journal of the American Medical Association states that there is no proof that over-the-counter androstene supplements enhances muscle building or increases athletic performance.

Warning

• Androstene has been reported to increase testosterone levels by 300 percent and is not recommended for anyone under 25 years old due to this boost in the hormone levels. In adolescents, androstene has been proven to stunt growth.

Legality

• Androstene has been banned in Olympic competitions, by the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) and by the majority of amateur and professional sports. Additionally, the FDA sent letters to 23 corporations requesting them to no longer distribute products sold as nutritional supplements containing androstene due to the risk of serious health problems.