4-androsterone
Scientific names: 3beta-hydroxy-androst-4-en-17-one
Alternate names: 3beta-hydroxy-androst-4-ene-17-one, 4-androstene-3beta-ol-17-one, 4-androstene-3beta-ol, 17-one, 4-Dehydroepiandrosterone, 4-DHEA
Background
4-Androsterone is a type of chemical known as a "prohormone." These chemicals are changed by the body to other "muscle-building" hormones such as testosterone. Very little is known about the safety of 4-androsterone. There is concern it might cause serious side effects similar to those caused by other "muscle-building" hormones.
4-Androsterone is included as an ingredient in a variety of supplements marketed to athletes and bodybuilders.
4-Androsterone is included as an ingredient in a variety of supplements marketed to athletes and bodybuilders.
Safety Safety definitions
When taken by mouth: 4-Androsterone is POSSIBLY UNSAFE. 4-Androsterone is changed by the body to other "muscle building" hormones such as testosterone. There is concern 4-androsterone might cause serious side effects similar to those caused by other "muscle-building" hormones. These serious side effects might include liver damage, kidney damage, and also stroke.
Heart disease: 4-Androsterone might worsen heart disease in some patients.
Liver problems: 4-Androsterone might worsen liver problems in some patients.
Special Precautions and Warnings:
Pregnancy and breast-feeding: There is not enough reliable information about the safety of taking 4-androsterone if you are pregnant or breast feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.Heart disease: 4-Androsterone might worsen heart disease in some patients.
Liver problems: 4-Androsterone might worsen liver problems in some patients.
Effectiveness
NatMed Pro rates effectiveness based on scientific evidence according to the following scale: Effective, Likely Effective, Possibly Effective, Possibly Ineffective, Likely Ineffective, Ineffective, and Insufficient Evidence to Rate.
Insufficient evidence Effectiveness definitions
- Athletic performance.
- Other conditions.
Dosing & administration
The appropriate dose of 4-androsterone depends on several factors such as the user's age, health, and several other conditions. At this time there is not enough scientific information to determine an appropriate range of doses for 4-androsterone. Keep in mind that natural products are not always necessarily safe and dosages can be important. Be sure to follow relevant directions on product labels and consult your pharmacist or physician or other healthcare professional before using.
Interactions with pharmaceuticals
Testosterone
Interaction Rating=Moderate Be cautious with this combination.
4-Androsterone might be changed by the body to testosterone and other similar chemicals. Taking 4-androsterone along with other medications that contain testosterone might cause serious side effects such as mood changes and heart, kidney, or liver problems.
Interactions with herbs & supplements
There are no known interactions with herbs and supplements.
Interactions with foods
There are no known interactions with foods.
Action
After 4-androsterone is taken, the body is thought to change it into other chemicals called hormones. Some of these hormones include testosterone. Testosterone can help build muscle, but can also cause dangerous side effects.
vital.ly has licensed monographs from TRC Healthcare.
This monograph was last reviewed on 31/01/2024 11:00:00. Monographs are reviewed and/or updated multiple times per month and at least once per year.
Natural Medicines disclaims any responsibility related to medical consequences of using any medical product. Effort is made to ensure that the information contained in this monograph is accurate at the time it was published. Consumers and medical professionals who consult this monograph are cautioned that any medical or product related decision is the sole responsibility of the consumer and/or the health care professional. A legal License Agreement sets limitations on downloading, storing, or printing content from this Database. No reproduction of this monograph or any content from this Database is permitted without written permission from the publisher. It is unlawful to download, store, or distribute content from this site.
Natural Medicines rates safety based on scientific evidence according to the following scale: Likely Safe, Possibly Safe, Possibly Unsafe, Likely Unsafe, Unsafe, and Insufficient Evidence to Rate. For more information about Natural Medicines’ Safety Rating System, click here.
The Natural Medicines Effectiveness Ratings are assigned for specific indications. A product might be rated "Possibly Effective" for one condition, but be rated "Likely Ineffective" for another condition, depending on the evidence. For more info click here.
