II. Epidemiology
- Androstenedione banned by IOC, NCAA, NFL
- DHEA banned by IOC
III. Sources
- Androgen synthesized by gonads and Adrenal Gland
- Natural intermediaries in endogenous Testosterone synthesis from Cholesterol
- Used by athletes as performance enhancer
- Available in Europe as nasal preparation
- Available in U.S. as oral tablet
IV. Pharmacokinetics
- Little intrinsic activity
- Direct precursor of estrone and Testosterone
- Increases Nitrogen retention
- Increases strength and Muscle mass
V. Adverse Effects (if sustained Testosterone increase)
- Sustained increase in serum Estrogen
- Sustained increase in serum Luteinizing Hormone
- Decreased HDL Cholesterol
- Priapism has occurred in case reports
VI. Efficacy
- Controlled studies do not show any strength or performance benefit