4-androsten-3β-ol-17-one
Also known as: androstenolone, androstenediol, 4-androstenediol, 4-androsten-3β-ol-17-one
Overview
4-androsten-3β-ol-17-one is a naturally occurring steroid intermediate found endogenously in the human body, playing a role in the biosynthesis of androgens like testosterone. It can also be synthetically produced for use as a supplement. It is primarily marketed as a prohormone, or precursor, with the theoretical aim of increasing endogenous testosterone levels, which could lead to gains in muscle mass and strength. This compound is classified as an anabolic-androgenic steroid (AAS) precursor, meaning it is a weak androgenic steroid precursor that can be enzymatically converted into more potent androgens, including testosterone. Direct clinical research specifically on 4-androsten-3β-ol-17-one is limited, with most evidence being extrapolated from studies on testosterone and other related anabolic steroids.
Benefits
The primary theoretical benefit of 4-androsten-3β-ol-17-one supplementation is an increase in testosterone levels, which could lead to gains in lean muscle mass and strength. However, direct clinical evidence specifically supporting these benefits for 4-androsten-3β-ol-17-one is currently lacking. Secondary effects, such as improvements in body composition and physical performance, are also hypothesized if sufficient conversion to testosterone occurs. While testosterone replacement therapies have shown significant lean mass gains in populations like elderly men with low testosterone, these findings cannot be directly attributed to 4-androsten-3β-ol-17-one due to the absence of direct trials. The strength of evidence for these benefits is considered low, as it relies heavily on extrapolation from other compounds rather than direct research on this specific precursor.
How it works
4-androsten-3β-ol-17-one functions as a steroid hormone precursor. Once introduced into the body, it is enzymatically converted into more potent androgens, primarily testosterone and dihydrotestosterone (DHT), through the action of enzymes such as 17β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase. This conversion allows the compound to influence androgen receptor activation, which in turn promotes anabolic effects in muscle tissue and other androgen-sensitive body systems. The oral bioavailability of prohormones like 4-androsten-3β-ol-17-one can vary, as they often undergo enzymatic conversion in the liver and peripheral tissues, impacting the efficiency of their transformation into active hormones.
Side effects
The overall safety profile of 4-androsten-3β-ol-17-one is not well-established due to limited direct safety data. However, as an anabolic-androgenic steroid precursor, it carries potential risks associated with hormonal imbalance, liver toxicity, and endocrine disruption, similar to other anabolic steroids. Common side effects may include estrogenic effects such as gynecomastia (breast tissue development in males) and water retention, which can occur due to the aromatization of converted testosterone into estrogen. Androgenic side effects like acne and hair loss are also possible. Hormonal suppression of natural testosterone production is another concern. While less common, liver enzyme elevations and mood changes have been reported with related compounds. Severe hepatotoxicity, cardiovascular risks, and endocrine disorders are rare but serious side effects associated with anabolic steroids in general, though not specifically well-documented for 4-androsten-3β-ol-17-one. This compound may interact with estrogenic drugs and other hormone therapies. It is contraindicated in individuals with hormone-sensitive cancers, liver disease, cardiovascular disease, and during pregnancy. Use in adolescents, women without medical indication, or elderly/hypogonadal men should be medically supervised.
Dosage
The minimum effective dose and optimal dosage ranges for 4-androsten-3β-ol-17-one are not well-established due to the lack of clinical trials. In the supplement market, prohormones are often dosed in ranges of 100-300 mg per day, but the efficacy and safety at these specific doses remain unproven. A maximum safe dose has not been defined, and it is understood that higher doses would likely increase the risk of adverse effects. If effective, consistent daily dosing over several weeks to months would likely be required to observe any potential effects. Oral formulations are common, but their bioavailability and the efficiency of conversion to active hormones can vary significantly. First-pass metabolism may reduce the amount of active compound, and co-administration with enzyme modulators could potentially influence outcomes, though no specific cofactors are identified as required.
FAQs
Does 4-androsten-3β-ol-17-one increase testosterone?
It is a precursor to testosterone, so it theoretically could increase levels. However, direct clinical evidence specifically for this compound is currently lacking.
Is 4-androsten-3β-ol-17-one safe to use?
The safety profile is uncertain due to limited research. Risks similar to anabolic steroids, including hormonal imbalances and potential liver issues, may apply.
How long does it take to see results from 4-androsten-3β-ol-17-one?
If the compound is effective in increasing testosterone, any potential results, such as muscle gain, would likely manifest over weeks to months of consistent use.
Is 4-androsten-3β-ol-17-one legal?
This compound is often regulated as a controlled substance in many regions and is typically banned in professional sports due to its classification as an anabolic-androgenic steroid precursor.
Can 4-androsten-3β-ol-17-one cause liver damage?
While the risk is generally considered lower than for 17α-alkylated steroids, the potential for liver enzyme elevation and damage exists, though it is not well-studied for this specific compound.
Research Sources
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4312307/ – This meta-analysis reviewed multiple randomized controlled trials on testosterone therapy in elderly men. It concluded that testosterone therapy can increase lean mass, with the effect influenced by administration method and duration. However, it did not directly study 4-androsten-3β-ol-17-one, making its relevance to this specific compound indirect.
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9837614/ – This narrative review focused on anabolic-androgenic steroids (AAS) broadly, discussing their effects including liver toxicity. It noted that liver damage is mainly associated with 17α-alkylation in AAS, and clinical liver damage is rare in controlled trials. While relevant for understanding the safety context of steroid precursors, it did not specifically address 4-androsten-3β-ol-17-one.
- https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-780/androstenedione – This WebMD summary on androstenedione, a related but chemically distinct compound, indicated that it does not improve muscle strength and has been linked to an increased risk of cancer and elevated estrogen levels. While providing some context on related prohormones, it is not a peer-reviewed study and its findings cannot be directly extrapolated to 4-androsten-3β-ol-17-one without caution.
