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Definition of Androstenedione

Androstenedione is a naturally-produced adrenal steroid precursor that the body uses to manufacture testosterone and other androgens. It has also been manufactured and sold as a food supplement where it is popularly known as andro. Although it has been used to increase muscle strength, adrostenedione has numerous harmful side effects prompting the United States Food and Drug Administration to ban its use.

  1. Identification

    • According to the Physicians Desk Reference, the steroid precursor androstenedione was used by athletes as a perceived alternative to anabolic steroids. Because the body uses androstenedione to increase the male hormone, testosterone, the supplement was believed to increase muscle mass, strength and performance.

    Function

    • Where an anabolic steroid such as testosterone induces muscle growth, an anabolic steroid precursor does not cause muscle growth, but can be converted by the body into such a steroid. The United States Food and Drug Administration considers androstenedione to be an androgenic steroid precursor because it is converted to testosterone in the body.

    Effects

    • Side effects of androstenedione may include allergic reactions such as chest pain, skin rash or hive, tightness of the chest and trouble breathing. Androstenedione may cause headaches, mood swings, acne, sensitive skin, enlarged breasts or shrunken testicles in men, baldness, increased body and facial hair, and aggressive behavior. Long term use of androstenedione may affect growth and liver function.

    Warning

    • The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has determined that products containing androstenedione may increase the risk to consumers of serious health problems. It recently warned nearly two dozen companies to cease distributing products containing androstenedione and sold as dietary supplements or face appropriate enforcement action.

    Considerations

    • The FDA believes it has the authority to regulate the distribution of products containing androstenedione and sold as dietary supplements under the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act of 1994. The FDA believes certain requirements for dietary ingredients that were not previously marketed in the U.S. prior to October 15, 1994 regarding androstenedione have not been met. As such, the FDA contends companies cannot legally market androstenedione in dietary supplements.

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