Where It Comes From
Naturally made by the adrenal glands, ovaries, and testes; also produced synthetically for research and drug manufacturing; formerly sold in “muscle-building” supplements [2][3][5].
How You Are Exposed
Use of performance/body‑building supplements or other anabolic steroids; mislabeled/contaminated products; occupational handling in supplement/pharmaceutical settings [1][2][3].
Why It Matters
Can raise testosterone and estrogen; linked to liver injury, harmful cholesterol changes, cardiovascular risks, infertility, acne, mood changes, masculinizing effects in women, and stunted growth in teens; banned by most sports bodies [1][2][4].
Who Is at Risk
Athletes/bodybuilders using performance enhancers; teenagers; women; people with liver or heart disease; workers who handle hormone powders [1][2].
How to Lower Your Exposure
Avoid products listing androstenedione or “prohormones”; check sports and medical rules; talk with a clinician before any supplement use; follow workplace safety measures and hygiene if you handle steroid materials [2][4].
References
- [1]National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA). Anabolic Steroids. https://nida.nih.gov/research-topics/anabolic-steroids
- [2]U.S. FDA. FDA Announces Actions to Protect Consumers from Andro Products. https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/fda-announces-actions-protect-consumers-andro-products
- [3]PubChem. Androst-4-ene-3,17-dione (CID 6128). https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/Androst-4-ene-3_17-dione
- [4]NIH Office of Dietary Supplements. Exercise & Athletic Performance Fact Sheet (Androstenedione). https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/ExerciseAndAthleticPerformance-Consumer/
- [5]MedlinePlus. Androstenedione Test. https://medlineplus.gov/lab-tests/androstenedione-test/