Illegal anabolic steroids & side effects

Androstenedione

• Produced in small quantities by the adrenal glands, ovaries and testes
• Naturally found in some plants
• Gained popularity in 1998 when Mark McGuire used it during his MLB season, however, it has been around since the 1930s

• It is considered a natural alternative to steroids because as a prohormone to testosterone, super supplementation may increase testosterone level

• Possible increases in testosterone, muscle strength and muscle mass when high doses are taken

• Increases in testosterone are not found at moderate doses

• If abnormal levels of testosterone are obtained a side-effect profile would be similar to anabolic steroids. However, because in research only small increases in testosterone are seen, these are thought to be rare.

• Banned by FDA
• Banned by major sports organizations such as IOC, NCAA, NFL, USOC