Androstenediol
Natural prohormone that converts to testosterone via 3β-HSD. Produced naturally in the adrenal cortex and gonads. Sold briefly as an OTC supplement in the post-DSHEA era (late 1990s). More immune-stimulating effects documented than true anabolic effects. Minimal ergogenic benefit established in human trials. Scheduled III in 2004.
Mechanism of Action
Direct weak AR agonist. Converts to testosterone via 3β-HSD in peripheral tissue. Also has direct ER (estrogen receptor) binding with estrogenic activity. Some immunomodulatory effects (stimulates natural killer cell activity) documented in rodent models — proposed mechanism for reported anti-radiation effects. Effective testosterone conversion rate is low and variable.
Typical Dosing
⚠ Warning Flags
- •Schedule III in the US (2004)
- •More estrogenic than androgenic in practice
- •No meaningful anabolic effect documented in humans
Effect Profile
Side Effect Profile
Research Studies
The acute effects of androstenediol supplementation in healthy young males
Ballantyne CS, et al. · 2000
Acute androstenediol supplementation produced small and variable testosterone elevation (< 10% above baseline) with significant estradiol increases — estrogenic conversion exceeds androgenic conversion, rendering the prohormone counterproductive for anabolic purposes.