Androstenedione Review - Guide to Andro Supplements For Building Lean Muscle Mass

Androstenedione or Andro was the first prohormone to actually break into the sports supplement industry. It is a direct precursor to the hormone testosterone and is converted by a process from the enzyme 17-beta hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase.

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Because andro is synthesized into testosterone, the androgenic properties are most wanted by bodybuilders such as increased energy, strength, muscle development, and decreased recovery time from workouts.

Androstenedione Brief Review

Even though andro was discovered in 1935, its original anabolic effects were not utilized until the early 1950's. However it wasn't marketed as a sports enhancement supplement until the 1990s. Because it is naturally produced in your body, and is found in Scotch pine trees this simple fact categorizes it as a dietary supplement.

Androstenedione, like DHEA, can have awesome effects on muscle building and athletic performance. It is presumably better at converting to test than DHEA because it is two steps away. This means that there are more enzymes involved in the process. Andro however is only one-step away. See the conversion process for the production of testosterone below.

Pregnenolone > DHEA > Androstenedione > Testosterone

Therefore, andro by itself is not a muscle builder. Nevertheless, after the liver converts it to testosterone is when you will begin to notice some muscle gains. Additionally, some studies that have been conducted indicate that when taken orally, it produces significantly more testosterone than either a placebo or DHEA.

In fact, East German athletes have used it to improve their athletic performance in the Olympics since 1980. According to German records, their athletes experienced raises in test levels as significant as 140% to 183% of normal with 50 mg and incredibly 211% to 237% of normal with 100 mg.

These boosts have lead many athletes to improving their performance and lean muscle mass. This has lead many to believe that it may even work well as a libido booster.

Andro Effects & Possible Deficiency

Those who would benefit most from supplementation are those who are into bodybuilding, weight training, and demanding sports. Due to its incredible testosterone producing effects (only one step away), it has emerged as an important almost magical supplement. Since it is not an essential nutrient, it is not associated with a deficiency.

Some andro effects reported are acne, a decrease in HDL (good cholesterol), and prostate hypertrophy. Anyone with heart problems should consult a doctor before using it. So, it’s actually quite safe and doesn't pose a threat to the liver or kidneys, which is a good thing. However, it is not recommended for women to take this supplement as it could lead to facial hair, acne, and a deeper voice. Women with beards are not exactly a turn on to us men.

Andro Stacks & Recommended Supplements

Promatrix Primobolan Acetate - Here is the evolution of a compound never introduced before. Primobolan inhibits estrogen while simultaneously stimulating free and total testosterone while not relying on any conversion in the liver.

SciFit 19-Nor Androstack II - 19 Nor Androstack II features the powerful prohormone precursors of the original 19 Nor Androstack but at higher dosages, the anti-estrogenic benefits of Saw Palmetto and Chrysin, and is enhanced with a full 100mg per serving of 19 Nor 4 Androstenediol! 19 Nor Androstack has been designed for the serious athlete.

MedLean AndroBlast - For those interested in enhancing their physical, mental and sexual energy. AndroBlast is a rapidly-absorbing cyclodextrin aerosol spray that delivers 'andro' prohormones along with several important neuronutrients which are essential for healthy hormonal function.

Suggested Prohormone Dosage

How much should be taken? Most specialist suggest supplementing with doses between 100 to 300 mg in the morning or 60 minutes before working out because that is when your testosterone levels peak the most.

Experts also advise that the best way to take androstenedione is by cycling it. The proper cycle is 6 weeks on followed by 2 weeks off.

More Prohormone Reviews

 
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