1. What is it and where does it come from?
5-andro is an anabolic testosterone precursor much like androstenedione. An
enzyme in the liver (17-beta hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase) converts it to testosterone,
so its basically one step away. Its technical name is 5-androstene-3-beta,17-beta-diol.
2. What does it do and what scientific studies give evidence to support this?
5-androstenediol has the incredible ability to magnify muscle growth, increase
energy, and speed recovery times. It compliments the effects of 19-norandrostenedione
and androstenedione. Except for one thing--it works three times better!!! Studies
show that it converts to testosterone at a rate of 15.76%, compared to the 5.61%
of andro and 19-norandro. A highly effective, highly recommended stack is 5-androstenediol,
androstenedione, and tribulus terrestris. Tribulus terrestris works to maintain
the production of natural luteinizing hormone. This, in turn, works to add to
an excellent testosterone-producing stack.
It seems to work a little better than 4-Androstenediol. The benefit to 5-Androstenediol
is it may exert anabolic effects in its unconverted state. This means that it
might not have to be converted into testosterone to have an anabolic effect
on muscle tissue. This is very significant because a large portion of all pro-hormone
substrates go unconverted in the body. With 5-Androstenediol, this unconverted
portion may be anabolic in muscle tissue.
3. Who needs it and what are some symptoms of deficiency?
All bodybuilders, muscle men, and weight trainers who would like to improve
the efficiency of their bodies can benefit from supplementation of 5-androstenediol.
Caution: HUGE gains, BIG bodies, and ULTIMATE power may result! The symptoms
generally associated with a deficiency do not apply to 5-androstenediol because
it is not an essential nutrient.
4. How much should be taken? Are there any side effects?
Recommended doses of 5-androstenediol are between 100 mg and 200 mg per day.
Do not exceed 200 mg. Many muscle builders supplement with 100 mg twice per
day. Because 5-androstenediol converts directly to testosterone, it has some
of the same anabolic side effects as testosterone. These include, deepening
of the voice, hair growth, acne, and male pattern baldness. Since 5-androstenediol
must be converted, the effects are generally not as pronounced when compared
to direct testosterone (illegal steroids). Because of its androgenic properties,
it is not a recommended supplement for women.