If you've read our Prohormones
article, you'll know that Androstenedione is just 'one step
away' from testosterone - it's missing a hydrogen atom in the
17th position, and when the liver processes Androstenedione, a
hydrogen is added to convert it into testosterone. When Andro
came out, it replaced DHEA as it's only 1 step away from testosterone,
whereas DHEA is first converted to Androstenedione or Androstenediol,
and then testosterone (2 steps away).
Androstenedione Study and Details
Andro was first discovered in the 1930's and
was not cleared for supplementation until the late 1990's. It's
considered a natural supplement since it's found in Scotch pine
tree bark. Androstenedione has provided much debated results.
Early studies did not find any effect on testosterone levels,
however, later studies using higher doses proved Androstenedione
does increase testosterone. Read our Androstenedione
research update article here.
Being the first generation of prohormones developed,
Androstenedione is one of the weaker hormones compared to what's
available now. It's also androgenic and can also cause side effects.
Read about Andro side effects
here. On average, Androstenedione has a conversion rate of
about 5.6%, which means of the amount you take in, about 5.6%
is converted into testosterone.
Androstenediol Review and Information
Soon after Androstenedione, came Androstenediol,
which most agree is one of the best pro hormones. Androstenediol,
also referred to as 4-AD, is also a precursor to testosterone.
Like -dione, it's also just one step away from testosterone. So
what's the diff you ask? Androstenediol lacks a 3-keto functional
group with is important in the aromatization process, which just
means that -diol can't directly convert to estrogen.
Androstenediol is also more androgenic, meaning
has more male characteristic enhancing properties. Of course,
this is something all males want, however, the potential for side
effects in this area is also greater for -diol than -dione,
such as prostate enlargement, and acne.
There are several reasons why Androstenediol
is better than Androstenedione.
- One of which we already said is that Androstenediol
can't directly convert to estrogen. Because of this, Androstenediol
significantly reduces your risk of excessive estrogen formation.
- Androstenediol also has a conversion rate
of 15.76%, which is almost triple that of Androstenedione, making
it the most anabolic (muscle building) prohormone.
- Androstenediol doesn't directly convert to
DHT (Dihydrotestosterone), which if you didn't know, is the
most potent androgen and is associated with baldness.
Between Androstenedione and Androstenediol, you'll probably experience
more gains in strength and muscle with Androstenediol, for the
very reasons listed above. I hope our series of articles on Andro
and prohormones cleared up a lot of the confusing stuff for you.
If you're considering using prohormones, understand
as much as you can and also fully understand the
side effects of andro (click here). Finally, Ergopharm 1-AD
is an optimal choice for prohormones.
Ergopharm 1 AD and AST 4-diol-250 are two popular
prohormones.
Click
here for available products
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