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Androstenedione

Introduction

Androstenedione is a steroid hormone that can help the body produce testosterone. It has been used to improve athletic performance and to increase sex drive. Androstenedione can be taken as a pill. It is banned by the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA).

Dosages

100 milligrams 2 to 3 times daily.

What Research Shows

Not Enough Data to Assess

Athletic performance^A1

Editorial process and description of evidence categories can be found at EBSCO NAT Editorial Process.

Safety Notes

Androstenedione is a steroid and may not be safe. It may increase the risk of certain cancers. Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding and children should not use androstenedione.^B1

Interactions

Talk to your doctor about any alternative therapy or supplements you are taking to make sure it does not interfere with your current treatment.

References [ + ]

A. Athletic Performance

A1. Nissen SL, Sharp RL. Efficacy of dietary supplements on lean mass and strength gains with resistance exercise: a meta-analysis. J Appl Physiol. 2003;94(2):651-659.

B. Safety

B1. 2019-2020 banned substances. NCAA website. Available at: http://www.ncaa.org/sport-science-institute/topics/2019-20-ncaa-banned-substances. Accessed July 15, 2019.

Last reviewed October 2019 by EBSCO NAT Review Board Eric Hurwitz, DC
Last Updated: 1/13/2020

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