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Other names:
3-Andro Xtreme, Andro-Gen, Andro-Stack, Animal Stak, Nor Andro Ripped Fuel
Stack
What it is supposed to do:
Help build muscle mass and recover quickly from injury.
How it is supposed to work:
Androstenedione is a potent anabolic steroid, produced in the adrenal gland
and gonads. It is converted to testosterone by the liver. Testosterone is
available by prescription only, whereas androstenedione can be purchased over
the counter as a dietary supplement.
Toxic effects:
Same effects as testosterone:
 | Heart disease, heart attacks, blood pressure elevation; |
| Liver disease, cancer, |
| Testicular shrinkage, and irreversible breast enlargement; Development
of male characteristics in women; |
| Growth stunting in adolescents; |
| Multiple skin effects including acne, oily hair & skin, cysts,
abnormal growth of hair or loss of hair, stretch marks, dermatitis, and
skin infections; |
| Decrease in strength of muscle-tendon unit resulting in a greater
tendency for strains and rupture; |
| Aggressive behavior ("roid rage"), psychosis, mood changes,
suicide. |
Some of the effects are irreversible.
Does it work?
Little is known about whether androstenedione works. One study showed no
differences in muscle size, strength or overall body composition. Another
study showed a transient increase in testosterone levels but no effects on
athletic performance.
Other Information:
Banned by the International Olympic Committee, National Football
League, National Collegiate Athletic Association, and National Basketball
Association
References:
- Koch, JJ. Performance-enhancing substances and their use among adolescent
athletes. Pediatrics in Review. September 2002;23(9):310-7.
- Greydanus, DE and Patel, DR. Sports doping in the adolescent athlete: The
hope, hype and hyperbole. Pediatric Clinics of North America. August 2002;
49(4):829-55.
- Congeni, J and Miller, S. Supplements and drugs used to enhance athletic
performance. Pediatric Clinics of North America. April 2002; 49(2):435-61.
- Ahrendt, DM. Ergogenic aids: counseling the athlete. American Family
Physician. March 2001;63(5):913-22.
- Blue, JG and Lombardo, JA. Nutritional aspects of exercise: Steroids and
steroid-like compounds. Clinics in Sports Medicine. July 1999;18(3):667-687.
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