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Advice :: Endocrinology :: Pro-Hormones

Pro-hormones are precursors to active hormones. Pro- and Nor- prefixes indicate that the substance is a precursor; for example nor-testosterone or nor-adrenalin. The one of most concern to us here is Androstenedione.

Androstenedione is a 19-carbon steroid hormone (hence the name common name “19-nor”) produced in the adrenal glands and the ovaries as an intermediate (precursor) step in the biochemical pathway that produces testosterone and the oestrogens; oestrone and oestradiol. Some androstenedione is also secreted into the plasma, and may be converted in tissues to testosterone.

The production of adrenal androstenedione is governed by AdrenoCorticoTropic Hormone (ACTH), not by gonadotropins. ACTH, as its name implies, stimulates the adrenal cortex.

Androstenedione is manufactured as a dietary supplement, often called “andro” for short. The substance has similar effects to anabolic steroids when taken as a supplement, allowing users to build muscle mass. There are many versions (derivatives) of “andro” but most are based on Androstenedione. For example Chemisport's Test-100 THP ether; 5-alpha-androt-1-ene-3-one-17-OLTHP ether and T-Bol 100; 1,4-androstadiene-3, 17-dione/5-alpha-androstane-3, 17-beta diol.