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Side Effects of Androstenedione

Androstenedione is classified as an anabolic steroid by the Anabolic Steroid Control Act. The steroid gained national attention when baseball star Mark McGwire was found to use it. Androstenedione is naturally produced in the body by the adrenal glands, testicles and ovaries. When released into the blood, androstenedione is converted into testosterone and estrogen. The additional supplementation of androstenedione can cause serious health conditions by disrupting the body's normal levels of testosterone and estrogen.

  1. Banned

    • In April 2004, the United States Food and Drug Administration banned the sale of all products containing androstenedione, due to increased evidence of serious side effects. In January 2005, the Anabolic Steroid Control Act classified androstenedione as a controlled substance, making it a federal crime to possess androstenedione without a medical prescription.

    Male Side Effects

    • Additional supplementation of androstenedione disrupts normal levels of testosterone in the body. The male reproductive system suffers serious changes such as shrinking testicles, reduced sperm count and impotence. Other side effects experienced by males are enlarged breasts, enlarged prostate and the potential development of prostate cancer.

    Female Side Effects

    • Supplementation of androstenedione can have a masculinizing effect upon women. They experience an increase of facial hair and a deepening of the voice. Women also experience abnormal menstruation, blood clots, and higher chances of getting breast or endometrial cancers.

    Child Side Effects

    • Androstenedione supplementation can stunt the growth of children by prematurely closing the growth plates in the bones. Children can also experience an early onset of puberty, which would lead to abnormal developments within the body.

    Common Side Effects

    • There are common side effects experienced by all users. Increased levels of testosterone can cause excessive amounts of oil within the skin, causing severe acne on the face and back. Both men and women experience hair loss, most commonly known as male pattern baldness, and the lowering of the good cholesterol, HDL. Men, women and children experience mood swings from calmness to extreme agitation.

    Warning

    • Consult a physician before consuming any dietary supplements to ensure safety, necessity and proper intake levels.

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