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Oral Andro-Related Prohormone Supplementation: Do the Potential Risks Outweigh the Benefits?
- Source :
- Canadian Journal of Applied Physiology. 28:102-116
- Publication Year :
- 2003
- Publisher :
- Canadian Science Publishing, 2003.
-
Abstract
- Androstenedione, 4-androstenediol, 5-androstenediol, 19-norandrostenediol and 19-norandrostenedione are commonly referred to as "Andro" prohormones. Over the last few years, supplementation using these prohormones has been aggressively marketed to the general public. Supplement manufacturers often claim that Andro use improves serum testosterone concentrations, increases muscular strength and muscle mass, helps to reduce body fatness, enhances mood, and improves sexual performance. However, to date, most studies contradict these claims. In contrast, several studies using oral Andro related prohormones show that Andro use can abnormally elevate estrogen related hormones as well as alterations in hormonal markers (i.e., abnormal elevations in serum estrogen) thought to increase a person's risk for developing prostate or pancreatic cancers. In addition, most studies also indicate that significant declines in high-density lipoproteins occur leading to an increased cardiovascular disease risk. Thus, to date, the current research base suggests that Andro prohormone use does not support manufacturer claims. But it does suggest there should be strong concerns regarding long-term oral Andro prohormone use, especially regarding its effects on blood lipids and estrogen hormone profiles. Key words: resistance exercise, androstenedione, androstenediol, anti-aging
- Subjects :
- Androstenediol
Male
Physiology
medicine.drug_class
Sexual Behavior
Prohormone
Blood lipids
chemistry.chemical_compound
Risk Factors
Oral administration
Androstenediols
medicine
Humans
Testosterone
Orthopedics and Sports Medicine
Androstenedione
Risk factor
Muscle, Skeletal
business.industry
Prostatic Neoplasms
Estrogens
chemistry
Estrogen
Dietary Supplements
Lipoproteins, HDL
business
Hormone
medicine.drug
Subjects
Details
- ISSN :
- 10667814
- Volume :
- 28
- Database :
- OpenAIRE
- Journal :
- Canadian Journal of Applied Physiology
- Accession number :
- edsair.doi.dedup.....e7cdff30866974cb1361cbb6704dc029
- Full Text :
- https://doi.org/10.1139/h03-009