Brief 2 page essay describing Andro Supplements. cycle, side effects, results, studies, resources as well

Essay by zfan28rjdCollege, Undergraduate April 2004

download word file, 2 pages 3.0

Andro is considered a natural steroid because it is legal and safe but has many of the same positive effects of illegal steroids. Androstendione (pronounced andro-steen-dee-own) is a hormone naturally produced by the adrenal gland.

50mg taken orally can raise testosterone levels 140% to 183%. Many use a 4-6 week cycle and sustain from use for 3-4 weeks before restarting the cycle. It is recommended to take it 60-120 minutes before a workout. This supplement will give considerable increases in muscle mass but has been in controversy for whether or not it should be as easily available as it today. It has many of the same side effects as anabolic steriods. Some side effects can include acne, 12% decrease in HDLs, and prostate hypertrophy. Since it is not an anabolic steroid it does not pose a threat to kidneys or liver.

In March 2004, U.S. Department of Health & Human Services Secretary Tommy Thompson announced that the Food and Drug Administration has requested that andro manufacturers stop distributing andro products.

"Young people, athletes and other consumers should steer clear of andro because there are serious, substantial concern about its safety," said Thompson." Young people should understand that there are no shortcuts to a stronger body, and that the best way to get faster and stronger is through good diet, nutrition and exercise."

Studies concluded that andro actually is inefficient. It has minimal gains of testosterone compared to gains in estrogen. Researchers suspect prolonged use could lead to other problems. Elevated levels of andro in the blood may promote cancer of the pancreas and prostate; men concerned about prostate problems, in particular, should avoid it. Theoretically, andro could also cause bone growth problems in children, premature labor during pregnancy, and masculinization in women, including male-pattern baldness, according to the Natural Medicines...