androstenedione

Introduction

A major precursor in the biosynthesis of androgens & estrogens. It is produced in the adrenals & gonads & serves as a prohormone for testosterone & estrone, especially in postmenopausal women.

Pharmacology

Used as a popular ergogenic agent. However, at doses of 100 mg BID, does NOT increase serum testosterone or maximum strength in weight-training men & results in significantly increased LDL/HDL ratio after 12 weeks of use.

Monitor

liver function tests

More general terms

• androstene
• 17 ketosteroid
• androgen or anabolic steroid
• adrenal cortex hormone; corticosteroid

Additional terms

• androstenedione in serum
• steroid biosynthesis

Database

• PubChem: http://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/summary/summary.cgi?cid=6128
• PubChem: http://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/summary/summary.cgi?cid=2193
• PubChem: http://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/summary/summary.cgi?cid=657377
• PubChem: http://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/summary/summary.cgi?cid=9791