Androstenedione is a "pro-hormone," meaning that it is an inactive precursor of another hormone - in this case, a precursor of both female (estrogen) hormones and male (testosterone) hormones. Androstenedione, a steroid hormone, is a natural substance made in the adrenal gland and the gonads. It is also found in small amounts in some plants. Androstenedione is synthesized in the adrenal gland and gonads from dehydroepiandrosterone. It is metabolized by the enzyme 17 beta-hydroxy steroid dehydrogenase to testosterone, and by the aromatase enzyme complex to estrone. Estrone is metabolized to estradiol.
What It Does.
It is said that supplemental androstenedione can significantly increase blood testosterone levels and build muscle. Androstenedione is metabolized into testosterone in both men and women, and is reported to increase nitrogen preservation resulting in increased muscle mass. In the body, "andro" becomes active upon conversion to testosterone - the major "male" hormone responsible for muscle growth and other male characteristics such as growth of facial hair and development of a deep voice. Higher levels of testosterone are thought to help athletes exercise more intensely and recover faster. Thus resulting in more muscle being built. .
Dosage and Administrative.
There is a wide range of doses taken by those who use androstenedione for "anabolic" purposes. Doses range from 50 milligrams to 200 milligrams daily and in some cases much higher. Supplement makers claim that a 100-milligram dose of androstenedione increases testosterone levels by 300% over a duration of 2- 4 hours. The most common form in which androstenedione is taken is in the pill form. These pills can range from 50 to 200 mg capsules. There are also other ways in which this drug is taken, it comes in the forms of: gels, patches and chewing gums. In some cases athletes have been know to snort the drug in a crushed up pill form, however this is very harmful and not recommended.