Androstenedione

Androstenedione, or andro, is a steriod hormone produced in the adrenal glands and gonads. Androstenedione is an intermediary in testosterone and estrogen production, and is converted into testosterone and estrogen by several human tissues, including bone and muscle.

In two conflicting studies, men were given 300 milligrams of Androstenedione per day. In one study, both testosterone and estrogen levels were elevated in the test subjects. In the other study, only estrogen levels were elevated. In both of these studies, no strength level increases were noted.

Andro came into the media spotlight after Mark McGwire admitted to using it during his Major League Baseball (MLB) home run chase. The sale of Androstenedione was banned by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2004, citing health risks similar to those of steriod use. The supplement has also been banned by the World Anti-Doping Agency and thus can not be used by olympic athletes.

WARNING: Because Androstenedione is converted in parts to estrogen, person taking this supplement may have strong estrogenic effects. These can include gynecomastia, or the formation of breast tissue. A condition referred to in bodybuilding as “bitch tits”.