Androstenedione: Overview, Uses, Side Effects, Precautions, Interactions, Dosing and Reviews

Overview: Androstenedione is a chemical made by your body. Some people use androstenedione to improve athletic performance and reduce the effects of aging, but its benefits are not well defined. Common side effects include acne, increased cholesterol levels, changes in hair growth, mood changes, sleep problems, and fertility problems. In women, it may also cause menstrual changes, a deeper voice, and weight gain. Serious side effects may include blood clots, liver damage, depression, sleep apnea, or sexual problems. In the U.S., androstenedione is not a legal dietary ingredient. However, it may still be available for purchase online or included in some products that are marketed for athletic performance, even if it is not on the label. Talk to your health care provider before starting any performance-enhancing supplement.

Uses

What is androstenedione used for?

Androstenedione may be used to improve physical performance and reduce the effects of aging, but its benefits for any use are not well defined. Note: Androstenedione is not approved by the FDA for any use and it is not considered a legal dietary ingredient in the U.S. The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) considers androstenedione to be an anabolic steroid and a Schedule III controlled substance. Learn more about the legal status of androstenedione here.

How does androstenedione work (mechanism of action)?

Androstenedione is a hormone produced naturally by your body. The amount of androstenedione that your body makes goes down as you age. This hormone acts as a “precursor” to many of the sex hormones that your body needs to function, such as testosterone and estrogen. The androstenedione found in dietary supplements is made in a lab. Since your body can convert androstenedione into other sex hormones, there is interest in using it to improve athletic performance and reduce the effects of aging. Some research shows that taking androstenedione by mouth may increase testosterone levels in men and women. But these effects may depend on your age, the dose you are taking, and how often you take it. Androstenedione may also increase estrogen levels in some people. Increasing the levels of sex hormones in your body can cause serious health problems. Due to these health concerns, the U.S. FDA does not consider androstenedione to be a legal dietary ingredient. See the Side Effects and Warnings & Precautions sections to learn more.

How should I store androstenedione?

You should store androstenedione according to the product label. Most products should be kept in a cool, dry location that is out of the reach of children and pets and not in direct sunlight.

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of androstenedione?

Androstenedione may increase the levels of testosterone in the body, which can cause side effects. The most common side effects from increased testosterone levels are listed below. These side effects may vary depending on the dose you are taking or the specific product you are using. Tell your health care provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.

• Acne
• Changes in cholesterol levels
• Changes in menstrual patterns (in women)
• Deeper voice (in women)
• Enlarged breasts (in men)
• Facial or body hair growth (in women)
• Hair loss
• Infertility
• Irritability and mood changes
• Sleep problems
• Weight gain (in women)

There may be other side effects of androstenedione that are not listed here. Contact your health care provider if you think you are having a side effect of an unapproved drug. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.safetyreporting.hhs.gov or by calling 888-SAFEFOOD (888-723-3366). In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of androstenedione?

While less common, the most serious side effects of androstenedione are described below, along with what to do if they happen. Severe Allergic Reactions. Androstenedione may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop taking androstenedione and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

• Breathing problems or wheezing
• Racing heart
• Fever or general ill feeling
• Swollen lymph nodes
• Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
• Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
• Itching or skin rash
• Bumps on the skin called hives that can be red, pink, white, or brown depending on your skin tone
• Nausea or vomiting
• Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
• Stomach cramps
• Joint pain

Blood Clots. Products that increase testosterone levels, such as androstenedione, may increase the risk of blood clots in your arteries or veins and could cause a stroke, heart attack, or venous thromboembolism, including a blood clot in your lungs (pulmonary embolism) or deep veins (deep vein thrombosis or DVT) . Stop using androstenedione and get emergency help if you have any of the following signs of blood clots.

• Chest pain or pressure
• Fast or abnormal heartbeat
• Trouble breathing
• Pain in your back, jaw, throat, or arm
• Sweating, upset stomach, vomiting, or dizziness
• Sudden weakness on one side of your body
• Sudden and severe headache
• Slurred speech or trouble understanding speech
• Pain, swelling, or tenderness in your arm or leg
• Vision loss
• Bulging eyes
• Double vision

Depression and Suicidal Thoughts and Actions. Products that increase testosterone levels, such as androstenedione, may cause depression and suicidal thoughts or actions in a small number of people. If you are about to harm yourself, call 911 or call or text 988, the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. Call your health care provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms.

• New or increased thoughts of suicide or death
• Suicide attempt
• New or increased feelings of anxiety, depression, or other unusual changes in mood or behavior

Liver Damage. Products that increase testosterone levels, such as androstenedione, may cause liver damage (hepatotoxicity). Call your health care provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms of liver damage.

• Nausea or vomiting
• Stomach or belly pain
• Fever
• Weakness or unusual tiredness
• Itching
• Loss of appetite
• Light-colored poop
• Dark-colored urine (pee)
• Your skin or the whites of your eyes turning yellowish (also called jaundice)

Sexual Problems. Products that increase testosterone levels, such as androstenedione, may cause sexual problems. Tell your health care provider if you have any of the following sexual problems.

• Decreased sex drive
• Delayed ejaculation or unable to have an ejaculation
• Problems getting or keeping an erection
• Delayed orgasm or unable to have an orgasm

Sleep Apnea. Products that increase testosterone levels, such as androstenedione, may increase your risk of sleep apnea, which is a condition where breathing stops and starts again while sleeping. You may be at a higher risk of sleep apnea if you have obesity or lung problems, such as asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Tell your health care provider if you or your bed partner notices that you have symptoms such as snoring, sleepiness during the day, restless sleeping, or waking up suddenly after gasping or choking.

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use androstenedione?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not take androstenedione.

• 17-ketotestosterone
• 4-androstenedione (4A)
• Androstenedione
• Any of the ingredients in the specific product

Ask your health care provider if you are not sure what ingredients are in an androstenedione product.

Certain Types of Cancer. Products that increase testosterone levels, such as androstenedione, should not be used if you have prostate cancer, certain types of breast cancer, or other hormone-sensitive cancers, such as ovarian or uterine cancer.

Pregnancy. Do not use androstenedione if you are pregnant. If you become pregnant, contact your health care provider right away. See the Pregnancy section for more details.

What should I know about androstenedione before using it?

The FDA considers androstenedione to be an unapproved drug, which means it cannot be legally sold as a dietary supplement. However, androstenedione products may still be available for purchase in many places. These products are not regulated and have not been tested to confirm that they contain the ingredients stated on their labels. Keep androstenedione out of the reach of children. Androstenedione is prohibited by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) for use by athletes, whether they are in or out of competition. Learn more about the WADA Prohibited List here. Products that increase testosterone levels, such as androstenedione, may make it hard for you to get your partner pregnant (infertility). It is possible that this may continue even after stopping androstenedione. If this is a concern for you, talk to your health care provider before taking androstenedione. Some dietary supplements that contain androstenedione may be labeled as “testosterone boosters.” But the effects of androstenedione on testosterone levels may be unpredictable. If you are concerned about your testosterone levels, speak to your health care provider about the available tests and treatment options. Some dietary supplements that are marketed for athletic performance have been found to contain unapproved ingredients. Use caution when buying any products marketed for athletic performance because they may contain harmful ingredients that are not listed on the label. Find a list of potentially harmful products from the FDA here.

What should I tell my health care provider before using androstenedione?

Tell your health care provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and supplements you are using. In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following. Current and Past Health Conditions. Tell your health care provider if you have any of the following.

• Cancer
• High blood pressure
• Heart problems
• Kidney or liver problems
• Lung problems, such as asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
• Mental health problems, including mood changes, hallucinations, paranoia, or psychosis
• Prostate problems, including an enlarged prostate or benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH)
• Sleep apnea

Other Medicines and Supplements. Androstenedione may interact with other medicines and supplements. Before taking androstenedione, tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and supplements you are using. See the Interactions section for more details.

Pregnancy. Androstenedione may cause harm to a fetus. Tell your health care provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

Breastfeeding. It is not known if androstenedione passes into breast milk. Tell your health care provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed.

Interactions

Does androstenedione interact with foods or drinks?

There are no known interactions between androstenedione and foods or drinks. It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect androstenedione. But your risk of liver damage may be higher if you drink alcohol while taking androstenedione.

Does androstenedione interact with medicines (drug interactions)?

Always tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and supplements you are using. In particular, make sure that you discuss if you are using any of the following before taking androstenedione.

• A blood thinner, which is a medicine used to treat or prevent blood clots
• A medicine that may increase blood pressure, such as some medicines to treat pain or cold symptoms
• Estrogen or progesterone, which is a hormone found in certain forms of birth control or hormone replacement therapy
• Testosterone, which is a hormone used to treat low testosterone levels caused by certain conditions
• Any other medicine that contains hormones

The interactions between androstenedione and medicines are not fully understood. As with most unapproved drugs, the research on drug interactions with androstenedione is incomplete. Always check with your health care provider before taking androstenedione with any medicines.

Overdose/Missed Dose

What should I do if I accidentally use too much androstenedione?

If you or someone else has used too much androstenedione, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222. Androstenedione cannot be legally sold as a dietary supplement in the U.S. However, it may be sold online or found in some products marketed for athletic performance, even if it is not listed on the label. Androstenedione may cause serious side effects in some people. Speak to a health care provider before taking androstenedione for any reason.