Androstenedione

What is it?

Androstenedione (andro) is a hormone produced by the adrenal glands, ovaries and testes. It's a hormone that's normally converted to testosterone and a form of estrogen (estradiol) in both men and women.

Andro is available legally only by prescription and is a controlled substance. Its use as a performance-enhancing drug is illegal in the United States.

Manufacturers and bodybuilding magazines tout andro's ability to allow athletes to train harder and recover more quickly. Scientific studies that refute these claims show that supplemental androstenedione doesn't increase testosterone and that your muscles don't get stronger with andro use.

Risks

Side effects of andro in men include:

• Acne
• Diminished sperm production
• Shrinking of the testicles
• Enlargement of the breasts

In women, side effects include:

• Acne
• Masculinization, such as deepening of the voice and male-pattern baldness

In both men and women, andro can damage the heart and blood vessels, increasing the risk of heart attack and stroke.