Androstene is also called andro or androstenedione, a naturally occurring human steroid. It was once used as a dietary supplement to help athletes increase muscle mass, but the Federal Drug Administration has banned the sale and distribution of this anabolic steroid due to the severely negative side effects associated with its use.
Function
Androstene has both anabolic and androgenic effects on your body. Anabolic effects refer to "building up" muscle mass, while androgenic refers to masculinizing effects such as increasing body hair and facial hair and promoting muscle growth. Adrenal glands, ovaries and testicles naturally produce androstenedione. Once released into your bloodstream, androstenedione can convert to both testosterone and estrogen.
Performance Enhancement
As a controlled substance, androstene requires a prescription. However, androstene has been available as a dietary supplement for use in athletic performance enhancement. The theory was that supplementation of your body with anabolic steroids such as androstene would increase the amount of testosterone, the primary male hormone. Increases in testosterone levels could increase the "building-up" properties of this steroid by increasing muscle size, strength, and fat-free mass, enabling endurance athletes to train harder. However, according to MayoClinic.com, when used as a dietary supplement, androstenedione converts mainly to estrogen, the primary female hormone.
Side Effects
Males who use androstene may experience an increase in acne, testicular atrophy, impotence, and the development of female characteristics such as breast enlargement. Women using androstene can develop male characteristics such as male pattern baldness, deepening of the voice, increased facial hair and enlargement of the clitoris, as well as abnormal menstrual cycle, blood clots, and increased risk for breast and endometrial cancer. Children using androstene develop acne, early onset of puberty and premature cessation of growth. In addition, androstene causes mood changes and lowers your level of HDL or "good" cholesterol, increasing your risk for heart disease, heart attack and stroke. Less common side effects include liver tumors, leukemia, lymphoma, and other cancers, as well as psychiatric reactions.
Legal Issues
The FDA has banned the sale and distribution of dietary supplements containing androstene due to risk of serious health problems associated with its use. Typically, dietary supplements do not require FDA approval. Under the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act of 1994, dietary supplement manufacturers must ensure the safety of a dietary supplement before it reaches market. After it reaches the market, however, the FDA is responsible for removing any unsafe dietary supplement. In addition, androstene does not meet other government requirements allowing it to be lawfully marketed as a dietary supplement.
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