androstenedione peptide FAQ

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.