Illegal anabolic steroids & side effects

Androstenedione
Background Information

• 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

Function

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

Desired Effects on the Body

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

Research Evidence

• Increases in testosterone are not found at moderate doses

Potential Side Effects

• 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.

Organizations Banning this Substance

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