Suggested dosing of androstenedione
Improving muscle strength & size
50-150 mg PO BId
Suggested uses of androstenedione
Improve strength, athletic performance
Efficacy
Demonstrated to increase endogenous testosterone production, but no conclusive effects on muscle mass
androstenedione adverse (side) effects
Expected to be similar to exogenous testosterone:
Men: acne, decreased endogenous testosterone, testicular atrophy, gynecomastia, increased risk of prostate cancer
Women: clitoral hypertrophy, hirsutism, acne, amenorrhea
Adolescents: early closing of growth plates, decreased adult height
Warnings
Contraindications
N/A
Pregnancy and lactation
Pregnancy category: N/A
Lactation: N/A
Pregnancy categories
A: Generally acceptable. Controlled studies in pregnant women show no evidence of fetal risk.
B: May be acceptable. Either animal studies show no risk but human studies not available or animal studies showed minor risks and human studies done and showed no risk.
C: Use with caution if benefits outweigh risks. Animal studies show risk and human studies not available or neither animal nor human studies done.
D: Use in LIFE-THREATENING emergencies when no safer drug available. Positive evidence of human fetal risk.
X: Do not use in pregnancy. Risks involved outweigh potential benefits. Safer alternatives exist.
NA: Information not available.
Pharmacology of androstenedione
Metabolism: N/A
Excretion: N/A
Mechanism of action
Precursor of estrone and testosterone
