3alpha-Hydroxy-5alpha-Androstan-17-One
Also known as: epiandrosterone, 3beta-hydroxy-5alpha-androst-1-en-17-one, 3beta-androsterone, isoandrosterone, 3alpha-Hydroxy-5alpha-Androstan-17-One
Overview
3alpha-Hydroxy-5alpha-Androstan-17-One, commonly known as epiandrosterone, is an endogenous steroid hormone metabolite naturally present in the human body, derived from testosterone and dihydrotestosterone (DHT). It is classified as a prohormone or androgenic steroid metabolite and is often marketed as a performance-enhancing supplement. Its primary use is to purportedly enhance muscle strength, lean body mass, and athletic performance by increasing androgenic activity. While it possesses weak androgenic activity compared to testosterone, it can influence anabolic pathways. It is orally bioavailable and has been used as a legal alternative to anabolic steroids. Research on epiandrosterone is moderate, with several small randomized controlled trials (RCTs) existing, but no large-scale meta-analyses or Cochrane reviews specifically on its use as a supplement. The quality of available evidence is limited by small sample sizes and short durations, with some RCTs showing mixed safety profiles.
Benefits
Epiandrosterone has shown modest, statistically significant benefits in resistance-trained young males. A randomized controlled trial (n=16 males) using 330 mg/day of a closely related prohormone, 3β-hydroxy-5α-androst-1-en-17-one, demonstrated increases in lean body mass (~+0.5%), reductions in fat mass (~-9.5%), and improvements in strength (back squat 1RM increased by ~5.7%) over placebo. These effects are consistent with anabolic steroid-like activity, though weaker in magnitude. The benefits are primarily observed in resistance-trained young males (early 20s), limiting generalizability to other populations. While the changes are statistically significant (p < 0.05), their clinical relevance is tempered by significant safety concerns. Benefits are observed over short-term supplementation (several weeks), with long-term effects remaining unknown.
How it works
Epiandrosterone functions as a prohormone, meaning it can convert into more potent androgens within the body. These converted androgens then bind to androgen receptors, primarily in muscle tissue, to promote anabolic effects. This interaction influences the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis and mediates gene expression through androgen receptors, leading to increased protein synthesis and muscle growth. It may also affect enzymes involved in steroid metabolism. Epiandrosterone is orally bioavailable due to specific chemical modifications that enhance its resistance to first-pass metabolism, allowing it to be absorbed effectively when taken orally.
Side effects
The overall safety of epiandrosterone is a significant concern, with evidence indicating substantial cardiovascular and liver toxicity. Common side effects, observed in more than 5% of users, include a marked reduction in HDL cholesterol (~39%), an increase in LDL cholesterol (~33%), elevated liver enzymes (AST increased by ~114%), and impaired kidney function markers (reduced glomerular filtration rate by ~18%). Uncommon side effects (1-5%) include elevated serum creatinine (~20%), reduced serum albumin, and decreased alkaline phosphatase. Rare side effects are not well documented due to limited data. Epiandrosterone has potential interactions with lipid-lowering drugs, hepatotoxic medications, and other steroids, necessitating caution. It is contraindicated in individuals with pre-existing cardiovascular disease, liver or kidney impairment, and hormone-sensitive conditions. Its safety and efficacy have not been studied in women, the elderly, or clinical populations, and risks are likely higher in these groups.
Dosage
The minimum effective dose of epiandrosterone, based on randomized controlled trials, is approximately 330 mg/day, which has shown efficacy in improving body composition and strength. However, optimal dosage ranges are not well established, and higher doses may significantly increase the risk of adverse effects. The maximum safe dose is unknown, as safety concerns severely limit dose escalation. Epiandrosterone is typically administered daily, usually in oral capsule or tablet form. The timing relative to exercise has not been well studied. Its oral bioavailability is enhanced by its chemical structure, though the effects of food intake on absorption are unknown. No specific cofactors are established as necessary for its efficacy.
FAQs
Is it safe?
No, current evidence indicates significant cardiovascular and hepatic risks associated with epiandrosterone supplementation, which generally outweigh its modest benefits.
Does it improve muscle?
Yes, modest improvements in lean mass and strength have been documented in resistance-trained young males, though the effects are not substantial.
How long to see results?
Benefits from epiandrosterone supplementation have been observed within several weeks of consistent use.
Is it legal?
Epiandrosterone is often classified as a controlled substance or banned in sports due to its anabolic steroid-like effects, varying by jurisdiction and athletic organization.
Can women use it?
Safety and efficacy have not been established in women, and due to its androgenic nature, significant masculinizing side effects are likely.
Research Sources
- https://digitalcommons.wku.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1552&context=ijesab – This abstract from Granados et al. (2013) describes a pilot RCT on 16 males, showing similar findings to their 2014 study, indicating improved muscular gains but also cardio-metabolic impairment. It provides preliminary evidence for both efficacy and safety concerns.
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24381122/ – The Granados et al. (2014) RCT (n=16 males) found that 330 mg/day of 3β-hydroxy-5α-androst-1-en-17-one increased lean mass, reduced fat mass, and improved strength, but caused significant adverse lipid and liver effects. This study highlights the trade-off between modest benefits and substantial risks.
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4462045/ – Joseph (2015) provides a narrative review discussing synthetic androgen modifications, including prohormones like epiandrosterone. This source offers mechanistic insights into how these compounds exert anabolic-androgenic activity and underscores the associated risks of liver toxicity.
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Epiandrosterone – This Wikipedia entry provides a general overview of epiandrosterone, including its chemical structure as a steroid hormone metabolite of testosterone and DHT. It serves as a foundational source for understanding the basic definition and classification of the compound.