HWN Suggests

Homers and Hormones: Mark McGwire and Androstenedione

It has been well reported that androstenedione is converted by enzymes in the body to testosterone, which is obviously the most common sex steroid. But what seems to be left out is that androstenedione is also manufactured by the body, and by itself is a sex steroid, albeit a mild one. That being said, androstenedione isn’t nearly as potent as, say, some of the synthetic junk Ben Johnson was taking (or the late Lyle Alzado). But it does have an effect similar to its more notorious brethren.

read full article

Featured

 Is androstenedione safe?

When androstenedione was first synthesized about 60 years ago, it was shown to have both androgenic (male hormone-like) and anabolic steroid-like (muscle building) properties, making it an anabolic androgenic steroid. Despite research showing its seemingly small impact, androstenedione became widely used as a supplement to increase testosterone levels and promote muscle development. It’s good to know that in order for androstenedione to be converted into another hormone such as testosterone, specific enzymes and hormones, among other molecules, must be readily available in the body. Therefore, simply introducing extra androstenedione into your system doesn’t automatically guarantee that all of the necessary players will be there to produce more testosterone.

Articles of Interest

Andro Supplement Ban Takes Effect

Former St. Louis Cardinals slugger Mark McGuire admitted using androstenedione a few years ago -- and that actually helped make it even more popular with fitness buffs and athletes. As NPR's Chris Arnold reports, andro is now reclassified as a controlled drug because of health risks found by researchers. But that hasn't stopped people around the country from hoarding it before the ban is enforced.

Androstenedione (a Natural Steroid and a Drug Supplement): A Comprehensive Review of Its Consumption, Metabolism, Health Effects, and Toxicity with Sex Differences

Androstenedione is a steroidal hormone produced in male and female gonads, as well as in the adrenal glands, and it is known for its key role in the production of estrogen and testosterone. Androstenedione is also sold as an oral supplement, that is being utilized to increase testosterone levels. Simply known as “andro” by athletes, it is commonly touted as a natural alternative to anabolic steroids. By boosting testosterone levels, it is thought to be an enhancer for athletic performance, build body muscles, reduce fats, increase energy, maintain healthy RBCs, and increase sexual performance. Nevertheless, several of these effects are not yet scientifically proven.

Baseball's Andro Controversy

Mark McGwire admits he used androstenedione -- banned in several sports -- the summer he broke Major League Baseball's home run record. The U.S. is about to classify it as an illegal steroid, but will baseball follow suit?

The side effects of 'andro,' the banned supplement androstenedione

Also known as "andro," the dietary supplement was once touted to enhance athletic performance by stimulating muscle growth and boosting testosterone levels. But once it enters the body, it acts like a steroid and can pose similar health risks.

Resources

You and Your Hormones

Androstenedione is described as a ‘pro-hormone’ because it has few effects itself. Instead, it is important because of the ability of different parts of the body to convert it into the hormones, testosterone and oestrogen, which exert many effects on the body.