u/Forsaken_Case_5821

In the world of supplementation, Andros reign supreme as today's legal prohormones of choice. For those who are unaware of these compounds, the term Andro specifically pertains to the naturally occurring DHEA metabolites known as Epiandrosterone, 1-Androsterone and 4-Androsterone. There are a wide variety of Andros available utilizing different delivery methods, each with claims regarding their bioavailability, compound half-life, and so on. It can be confusing, even overwhelming, when trying to choose a product that meets your needs. So let's try to clear up some of that confusion by reviewing the different delivery methods currently available.

Let's begin with Cyclodextrins. Cyclodextrins use a carbohydrate-enveloping effect with compounds. The idea is that they are complexed in a structure which makes them water soluble. And they are in general designed to be taken sublingually (placed under the tongue to dissolve) with the intention to bypass first pass metabolism (liver breakdown). In 2002 a paper published in the Journal of Applied Physiology showed that a cyclodextrin complex of 4-Androstenediol did indeed result in increases in serum testosterone levels. However 4-Androstenediol, commonly referred to as 4-AD, converts directly to testosterone (1-step conversion) and since been banned in the United States. Now the legal prohormone 4-Androsterone, which converts to 4-Androstenedione and 4-Androstenediol and then convert to Testosterone (2-step conversion), is being seen released in the same manner of delivery along with 1-Androsterone and Epiandrosterone. But there's an issue, they are completely different compounds. The difference between 1-step and 2-step conversion prohormones is significant enough that we cannot assume that the results of a study done on a 1-step conversion prohormone will translate to a 2-step conversion prohormone. There are also claims that because of the limited surface area, the amount of prohormone that can be absorbed at one time sublingually appears to be 25mg or less, which is an extremely low dosage. As of 2015, there are still no studies proving the effectiveness of Cyclodextrins in delivering Andros and causing real-world results in body composition or performance.

So, let's move on to Liposomes. Liposomes act in a similar manner to Cyclodextrins, but instead of using a carbohydrate-enveloping effect it uses a fat-enveloping effect, they fold upon themselves, giving a shell with a water-soluble exterior and an oil soluble interior (somewhat similarly to cyclodextrins). When a liposome is ingested, it passes through the stomach and into the small intestine where it comes into contact with the non-polar intestinal cell lining, merging with it. When this happens, the compound trapped in the interior of the liposome is transferred into the intestinal lining and from there it travels into the portal circulation to the liver. Liposomes and Cyclodextrins work very similarly; you put the compound in a water-soluble shell, and then deposit it in the lipid-like surface of the oral or intestinal mucosa. However, the flux between the cavity of the cyclodextrin molecule and the mucosa is far more efficient and faster than liposomes. A liposome must first merge and dissolve into the mucosal cell membrane before its contents are delivered. In contrast, the cyclodextrin molecule undergoes no such interaction at the mucosal membrane, and does not disintegrate; it simply instantaneously delivers its payload. An industry expert has commented in the past that that single-layered liposomes are great oral products, and may also be effective sublingually (under the tongue) but likely don't work as well as cyclodextrin-complexed products. As of 2015, there are still no studies proving the effectiveness of Liposomes in delivering Andros and causing real-world results in body composition or performance.

Now let's discuss Esters. Adding an ester group to a compound makes it less soluble in water and more soluble in fat. The main claimed benefit of adding such an ester is potential lymphatic delivery (through the small intestine into the lymphatic system and thus bypassing the liver) for overall improved bioavailability. Whether or not this works for Andros has yet to be proven. There are a number of different esters, for example the enanthate ester, which you may see hidden in a compounds nomenclature as "enanthoxy" if the enanthate ester is attached to an oxygen atom. Now it’s worth pointing out that esters varying in their length, and due to this, take up a varying percentage of the compounds weight that is essentially inactive, resulting in less active hormone milligram for milligram. A good way of illustrating how different esters result in different amounts of active compounds is by looking at various esterified testosterone preparations. In this instance, the esters Enanthate, Caprylate and Undecanoate:

-100mg Testosterone Enanthate = 71.99mg Testosterone (28.01mg Enanthate) -100mg Testosterone Caprylate = 69.56mg Testosterone (30.44mg Caprylate) -100mg Testosterone Undecanoate = 65.15mg Testosterone (34.85mg Undecanoate)

As you can see around 1/3rd of the compound is inactive, and though these numbers don't necessarily reflect those of esterified Andros the principal is the same, less Andros by weight. There is also a misconception that orally ingested esterified compounds will match intramuscularly injected esterified compounds in the ability to provide a sustained release, but this is simply not the case. For example, an intramuscular injection of Testosterone Undecanoate provides a sustained release of Testosterone into the bloodstream for up to 10 weeks, but if orally administered it is eliminated from the body in just 3 to 4 hours. To what extent, if any, esterification improves bioavailability or half-life has yet to be proven, while increasing cost and providing lower doses of the active hormone by weight. Just as with Cyclodextrins and Liposomes, as of 2015, there are still no studies proving the effectiveness of Esterification in delivering Andros and causing real-world results in body composition or performance.

And finally, let's talk about free-form Andros. Free-form Andros are unmodified, no cyclodextrin, no liposome, and no ester, not delivered sublingually (under the tongue) but taken orally (swallowed). A paper published by West Texas A&M University, the California Baptist University and the University of Texas at Austin looked at the effects of 330mg free-form 1-Androsterone given daily for 4 weeks to 9 males with an average of 5 years of experience in resistance training and an average body fat of 13%. During the following 4 weeks, the subjects participated in 16 sessions of structured resistance-training. The results showed that the 9 males had gained an average of 10.4lbs (4.7kg) lean mass, lost over 4.4lbs (2kg) fat, and had a total load strength increase of 161lbs (73.2kg). No conflicts of interest, financial or otherwise, were declared by the author(s), and the research was supported by the West Texas A&M University Kilgore Research Center. Thus it can be extrapolated that this unbiased paper shows free-form 1-Androsterone to be a highly effective precursor to its target hormone 1-Testosterone, and is capable of eliciting highly favorable changes in body composition. As of 2015, it is still the only study proving the effectiveness of Andros in causing real-world results in body composition and performance, and this study specifically used high dosage Free-Form in delivering Andros, thus being the most logical choice when choosing a method of delivery.

So when choosing an Andro product to help you reach your goals, ask yourself, do you want a product that is backed my theories and hypotheticals, or by science? Does it look good on paper, with no real-world proof to convince you one way or another, or is it scientifically backed to give you the results you're looking for?

1-ANDRO

1-Andro 1-Andro, also known as 1-Androsterone, 1-DHEA, 1Dehydroepiandrosterone, 1-Androstene-3b-ol,17-one and 3bHydroxy-Androst-1ene-17one is a naturally occurring metabolite of DHEA in the human body. 1-Androsterone and its metabolites are incapable of aromatizing to estrogen, thus making it a very dry compound with no risk of bloat or dramatic negative effects on blood pressure.

Most notably 1-Androsterone is a non-methylated (non-17a-alkylated) precursor/prohormone to 1-Testosterone (Dihydroboldenone), through a two-step conversion process in vivo by the enzymes 3ß-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (3ß-HSD) and 17ß-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (17ß-HSD). As 1-Androsterone it is inactive and must be converted into 1-Androstenediol, 1-Androstenedione and/or 1-Testosterone to be active. There are two possible pathways of conversion, both requiring two conversion steps each to transition from 1-Androsterone to 1-Testosterone. One conversion pathway for 1-Androsterone is to be converted by 3ß-HSD into 1-Androstenedione (5a-androst-1-en-3,17-dione) and then converted by 17ß-HSD into 1-Testosterone. And another conversion pathway for 1-Androsterone is to be converted by 17ß-HSD into 1-Androstenediol (3a,17ß-dihydroxy-5a-androst-1-ene) and then converted by 3ß-HSD into 1-Testosterone. A paper published in 2011 suggests 1-Androsterone can metabolize to 1-Testosterone quite efficiently. Although it should be noted both the 1-Androstenedione and 1-Androstenediol metabolites are known to have some anabolic and androgenic effects on their own, 1-Testosterone is likely responsible for most anabolic/androgenic effects. 1-Androstenediol, which has potent muscle building and hardening effects in and of itself, is known for producing rapid gains in lean mass with no water retention or bloat. In 2004, an amendment of the Anabolic Steroid Control Act reclassified 1-Androstenediol, 1-Androstenedione and 1-Testosterone as a Schedule III drugs, ending their legal sale as prohormones in the United States.

Despite the one-step conversion precursors no longer being available on the market, 1-Androsterone is still a highly effective precursor. A paper published by West Texas A&M University, the California Baptist University and the University of Texas at Austin looked at the effects of 330mg free-form 1-Androsterone given daily for 4 weeks to 9 males with an average of 5 years of experience in resistance training and an average body fat of 13%. During the following 4 weeks, the subjects participated in 16 sessions of structured resistance-training. The results showed that the 9 males had gained an average of 10.4lbs (4.7kg) lean mass, lost over 4.4lbs (2kg) fat, and had a total load strength increase of 161lbs (73.2kg). No conflicts of interest, financial or otherwise, were declared by the author(s), and the research was supported by the West Texas A&M University Kilgore Research Center. Thus it can be extrapolated that this unbiased paper shows 1-Androsterone to be a highly effective precursor to its target hormone 1-Testosterone, and is capable of eliciting highly favorable changes in body composition.

1-Androsterone's target hormone, 1-Testosterone is an androgen and anabolic steroid that is better described as Dihydroboldenone, the 5-alpha reduced version of the naturally occurring steroid Boldenone. It is similar in structure to Testosterone but differs by having a 1,2-double bond instead of a 4,5-double bond in its A ring. Structurally speaking, the C1-C2 double bond of 1-Testosterone seems to slightly enhance its ability to resist excretion by the liver and is also likely responsible for its high anabolic activity. It binds in a manner that is highly selective to the androgen receptor (AR) and has a high potency to stimulate AR-dependent transactivation. It also cannot aromatize to estrogen either directly or through any of its metabolic products. It was first synthesized nearly 80 years ago in 1938 by Heinz Dannenberg and Adolf Butenandt, whom two years later in 1940 measured the androgenic activity and determined it was less androgenic than Testosterone. Later in 1966 Cekan and Pele reported that 1-Testosterone had an Anabolic:Androgenic ratio of 210:123-135 with Testosterone as the standard.

Though 1-Androsterone has many beneficial effects, it is not without the possibility of side effects. On a positive note, 1-Androsterone is non-methylated (non-17a-alkylated) so there should be little to no concern regarding it negatively affecting the HDL/LDL ratio to the same extent other prohormones can. And since it does not aromatize to estrogen, estrogenic side effects such as water retention, bloating and gynecomastia should not be an issue. However some users experience lethargy and lower libido from 1-Androsterone, though this varies from person to person, with some experiencing little to no lethargy and others needing to lower their dosage or stop their cycle entirely. However, stacking with 4-Androsterone, Epiandrosterone or both typically mitigates any lethargy that might occur while using 1-Androsterone and keeps libido high as well. Other side effects such as oily skin, acne, reduced fertility or increased hair shedding are possible, though considered mild and temporary. It is possible that 1-Androsterone may cause some HPTA suppression, and therefore it is always recommended to run a properly planned Post-Cycle Therapy (PCT) following any supplementation regimen containing 1-Androsterone.

1-Androsterone is an excellent compound regardless of your goals; it can aid in gaining lean body mass and strength, or help maintain muscle and strength when dieting with a caloric deficit. It will stack well with almost any compound, for more dramatic gains in size and strength it is recommended to stack 1-Androsterone with an aromatizing compound such as 4-Androsterone, which will help mitigate any side effects regarding lethargy or low libido. Results generally take several weeks to manifest, but moderate gains of lean muscle mass and strength can be expected, though users should not expect rapid increases in size or weight due to extra-cellular and intra-cellular water retention being minimal to non-existent. This makes the gains from 1-Androsterone fairly easy to maintain post cycle.

So what do we know about 1-Androsterone? Non-Methylated/Non-Liver Toxic (Doesn't require liver support such as TUDCA or NAC) Dry Compound/Non-Aromatizing (Won't convert estrogen nor cause water retention or bloating) Increases Size/Muscle Mass (Increased Nitrogen Retention) Increases Recovery Increases Strength Reduces Body Fat Excellent for Bulking/Recomping/Cutting Excellent Stacker

Conversion Processes: (Two step conversion to 1-Testosterone) 1-Androsterone -> {via 3b-HSD enzyme to} 1-Androstenedione -> {via 17b-HSD enzyme to} 1-Testosterone 1-Androsterone -> {via 17b-HSD enzyme to} 1-Androstenediol -> {via 3b-HSD enzyme to} 1-Testosterone

Though the risk of estrogenic side effects are essentially non-existant while on 1-Andro, we always recommended that you have an AI, such as Exemestane, on hand.

4-ANDRO

4-Andro 4-Andro, also known as 4-Androsterone, 4-DHEA, 4-Dehydroepiandrosterone, 4-Androstene-3b-ol,17-one and 3b-Hydroxy-Androst-4-ene-17-one is a naturally occurring DHEA isomer first artificially synthesized 80 years ago in 1936 by Nobel prize-winning Croatian chemist Leopold Ružicka, who also first successfully synthesized Testosterone. Structurally it closely resembles DHEA, but the double bond in the 4th position rather than the 5th significantly changes its effects, making it less estrogenic by not acting directly upon the estrogen receptor like DHEA is capable of. It can aromatize to estrogen, though it is unlikely to do so at any considerable amount which may cause estrogenic side effects. The mild estrogen conversion can be easily balanced with a non-aromatizing prohormone like Epiandrosterone or 1-Androsterone.

Most notably 4-Androsterone is a non-methylated (non-17a-alkylated) precursor/prohormone to Testosterone, through a two-step conversion process in vivo by the enzymes 3ß-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (3ß-HSD) and 17ß-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (17ß-HSD). There are two possible pathways of conversion, both requiring two conversion steps each to transition from 4-Androsterone to Testosterone. One conversion pathway for 4-Androsterone is to be converted by 3ß-HSD into 4-Androstenedione (androst-4-en-3,17-dione) and then converted by 17ß-HSD into Testosterone. And another conversion pathway for 4-Androsterone is to be converted by 17ß-HSD into 4-Androstenediol (3ß,17ß-dihydroxy-androst-4-ene) and then converted by 3ß-HSD into Testosterone. As with Epiandrosterone, it is quite difficult to calculate percentages for conversion rates regarding 4-Androsterone due to the fact that these conversions are reversible, as 4-Androsterone can convert to Testosterone, and Testosterone can also convert to 4-Androsterone.

One of 4-Androsterone's two main metabolites, 4-Androstenedione, has a conversion rate of about 5.9%, which means that of the amount taken orally, 5.9% is converted to Testosterone. It has been found to possess estrogenic actions, similarly to other DHEA metabolites. The second of 4-Androsterone's main metabolites, 4-Androstenediol, also known as 4-AD, has a conversion rate of about 15.76% to Testosterone, almost triple that of 4-Androstenedione due to utilization of a different enzymatic pathway. There is also some conversion to estrogen, since Testosterone is the metabolic precursor of the estrogens in the male body. Both 4-Androstenediol and 4-Androstenedione have androgenic effects, acting as weak partial agonists of the androgen receptor. However, due to their lower intrinsic activity in comparison, in the presence of full agonists such as Testosterone or Dihydrotestosterone (DHT), they have antagonistic actions, behaving more like anti-androgens. This however does not seem to negatively impact their anabolic abilities.

Both 4-Androstenedione and 4-Androstenediol convert to 4-Androsterone's target hormone, Testosterone. Testosterone is a steroid hormone from the androgen group and is found in humans and other vertebrates, it is the principal male sex hormone and an anabolic steroid. It is one of the most well studied hormones, and is used as the standard by which other androgens are measured against, with an Anabolic:Androgenic ratio of 100:100. Testosterone has a multitude of effects, and is responsible for a large amount of functions in the human body include sexual, psychosexual, and regulation of overall musculature. A non-exhaustive list of positive effects associated with Testosterone includes muscle size, strength, sexual satisfaction, erectile function, libido, vigor, mood, concentration, verbal memory, IGF-1 levels, and so on. Testosterone is capable of converting to Dihydrotestosterone via the 5a-reductase enzyme, as well as aromatizing via the aromatase enzyme to 17b-estradiol.

Though 4-Androsterone has many beneficial effects, it is not without the possibility of side effects. On a positive note, 4-Androsterone is non-methylated (non-17a-alkylated) so there should be little to no concern regarding it negatively affecting the HDL/LDL ratio to the same extent other prohormones can. Because it can aromatize, the possibility of bloating, water retention, or sensitive nipples does exist, however the incidence of these side effects is anecdotally very low. If such side effects occur it is recommended to lower the dose or discontinue use. Other side effects such as oily skin, acne, reduced fertility or increased hair shedding are possible, though considered mild and temporary. It is possible that 4-Androsterone may cause some HPTA suppression, and therefore it is always recommended to run a properly planned Post-Cycle Therapy (PCT) following any supplementation regimen containing 4-Androsterone.

4-Androsterone is an excellent addition to almost any cycle and though it will not elicit identical results to injectable Testosterone, it is the most effective legal precursor to Testosterone currently available on the market. It has tremendous synergy with prohormones like 1-Androsterone as the Testosterone mitigates the lethargy and low libido issues that can occur. Low estrogen levels can be an issue on cycle for many men, and is a well-known factor in lower libido, dry skin and even joint pain. The small amount of estrogen 4-Androsterone can add to your cycle helps keep you functioning at your best, and feeling well. Its conversion percentage to estrogen is highly variable, and though it is highly uncommon, if estrogenic side effects arise the dosage can be lowered to offset. Although infrequently used alone, and most commonly seen in a stack, older men anecdotally report great success running solo 4-Androsterone cycle. The results for 4-Androsterone cycles will be similar to the original “4-AD” which was reclassified as a Schedule III drug in 2004 due to an amendment of the Anabolic Steroid Control Act in the United States. This means it will produce fairly lean gains in muscle mass, cause notable improvements in strength with low incidents of bloat or water retention from estrogen conversion. Any water retention is typically beneficial, manifesting in non-aesthetic ways such as adding to strength and supporting joints.

So what do we know about 4-Androsterone? Non-Methylated/Non-Liver Toxic (Doesn't require liver support such as TUDCA or NAC) Wet Compound Increases Energy/Combats Lethargy Increases IGF-1 & GH Increases Overall Sense of Wellbeing/Mood Increases Recovery Increases Size/Muscle Mass (Increased Nitrogen Retention) Increases Strength Supports Libido Supports Joints Excellent Test Base Excellent for Bulking/Recomping/Cutting Excellent Stacker

Conversion Processes: (Two step conversion to Testosterone) 4-Androsterone -> {via 3b-HSD enzyme to} 4-Androstenedione -> Testosterone 4-Androsterone -> {via 17b-HSD enzyme to} 4-Androstenediol -> Testosterone

Though the risk of estrogenic side effects are very low while on 4-Andro, we always recommended that you have an AI, such as Exemestane, on hand.

EPI-ANDRO

Epi-Andro Epi-Andro, also known as Epiandrosterone, 3ß-androsterone, 3ß-hydroxy-5a-androstan-17-one, 5a-androstan-3ß-ol-17-one and Isoandrosterone, is a steroid hormone with weak androgenic activity. The name Epiandrosterone is due to it being an epimer of Androsterone (3a-hydroxy-5a-androstan-17-one). Epiandrosterone and Androsterone (sometimes referred to as 'R-DHEA') are almost identical in structure, with Epiandrosterone being the 3-beta isomer (thus why it may also be referred to as Isoandrosterone) and Androsterone being the 3-alpha isomer. It is naturally occurring in most mammals, including pigs, and was first artificially synthesized over 80 years ago in 1934 by Nobel prize-winning Croatian chemist Leopold Ružicka, who also first successfully synthesized Testosterone. It was not until four years after being synthesized that in 1938 it would be first identified in humans. It is a naturally produced metabolite of the adrenal hormone Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) by the enzyme 5a-reductase.

Most notably Epiandrosterone is a precursor/prohormone to the androgen Dihydrotestosterone (commonly abbreviated to DHT) through a two-step conversion process in vivo by the enzymes 3ß-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (3ß-HSD) and 17ß-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (17ß-HSD). According to data from Julius Vida when Epiandrosterone is injected it is almost entirely inactive, resulting in only a very mild androgenic effect and must be taken orally to convert to an active hormone. There are two possible pathways of conversion, both requiring two conversion steps each to transition from Epiandrosterone to DHT. One conversion pathway for Epiandrosterone is to be converted by 3ß-HSD into Androstanedione (5a-androstane-3,17-dione) and then converted by 17ß-HSD into DHT. And another conversion pathway for Epiandrosterone is to be converted by 17ß-HSD into Androstanediol (5a-androstane-3b,17b-diol) and then converted by 3ß-HSD into DHT. It is quite difficult to calculate percentages for conversion rates due to the fact that these conversions are reversible, as Epiandrosterone can convert to DHT, and DHT can also convert to Epiandrosterone.

Whichever pathway Epiandrosterone takes in vivo, we arrive at the target hormone Dihydrotestosterone. And this is what makes Epiandrosterone interesting, as DHT is typically synthesized in the prostate, testes, hair follicles, and adrenal glands by the enzyme 5a-reductase which reduces the 4,5 double-bond of the hormone Testosterone. So what is DHT? Dihydrotestosterone (DHT), also referred to as 5a-Dihydrotestosterone (5a-DHT), Androstanolone (5a-androstan-17ß-ol-3-one) or 17ß-hydroxy-5a-androstan-3-one, is a naturally occurring sex steroid and androgen hormone in the human body. It has two to three times greater androgen receptor affinity than Testosterone and 15-30 times greater affinity than adrenal androgens. It plays a significant role in the development of secondary sex characteristics and unlike Testosterone it cannot be converted by the enzyme aromatase to estradiol.

It is more androgenic than it is anabolic, with claims of an anabolic/androgenic ratio of 152/268. In fact, it exhibits relatively little direct anabolic effects on muscle in men, with Testosterone being the primary active androgen in muscle. That is not to say DHT is without any anabolic effect, it does have some anabolic activity in the muscle, but such anabolic activity is significantly weaker than that of an equal amount of Testosterone. This is due to its quick breakdown by an enzyme called 3alpha-hydroxysteroid reductase (3a-HSD) into the weak metabolite 3a-androstanediol (5a-androstane-3a,17ß-diol), thus why it is not an effective anabolic in muscle tissue. But despite the fact that Epiandrosterone's target hormone has little direct anabolic effect on its own, DHT is still very important as it has potent effects on the central nervous system. These effects lead to increased neurological efficiency (increased strength) enabling you to lift more weight, and increased resistance to psychological and physical stress, as well as optimal libido and sexual function such as improved duration of erections and frequency of orgasms. This allows for higher intensity workouts that when paired with a proper diet and exercise program should allow for increased muscle mass.

To illustrate the importance DHT has in the body, there are anecdotal reports of individuals using Finasteride (a 5a-reductase inhibitor which inhibits the conversion of Testosterone to DHT) with Testosterone and noticing a significant reduction in performance enhancement effects as compared to Testosterone alone. This isn't due to the inhibition of the direct anabolic activity of Testosterone on muscle anabolism, as that would not occur. Instead it is likely due to the reduction of androgenic effects in other areas of the body that contribute to the ergogenic effects, specifically the CNS which is stimulated primarily by DHT which leads to increased neural output and thus greater strength and recovery. DHT is also an important androgen in the liver where its inhibition could lead to a reduction in the production of androgen dependent liver growth factors such as IGF-1.

DHT also functions as an antagonist of estrogen, which can be seen with the drug Finasteride which may cause gynecomastia in some men by reducing DHT levels in the body, and thus reducing DHT’s antagonism of estrogen in the body. DHT directly inhibits estrogens activity on tissues, either by acting as a competitive antagonist to the estrogen receptor or by decreasing estrogen-induced RNA transcription at a point subsequent to estrogen receptor binding. It also directly blocks the production of estrogens from androgens by inhibiting the activity of aromatase. Studies done in breast tissue showed that DHT, Androsterone, and 5alpha-Androstandione inhibit the formation of Estrone from Androstenedione.

However, DHT is not without the possibility of side effects. It is thought to be the primary contributing factor in male pattern baldness, and since its precursor Epiandrosterone is already 5a-reduced, the use of 5a-reductase inhibitors such as Finasteride with the intention to prevent or mitigate androgenic side-effects like hair-loss will not work. It may also play a role in the development and exacerbation of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) by enlarging the prostate gland, and may induce male secondary sex characteristics in women, such as a deepened voice and facial hair. Though these side effects are not limited to DHT, and are in fact a possibility with many AAS/PH/DS that exert androgenic effects.

Since many Anabolic Androgenic Steroids (AAS), Prohormones (PH) and Designer Steroids (DS) are incapable of converting to DHT like Testosterone to fulfill the biological demands the body has while also suppressing endogenous Testosterone production and thus DHT production as well, it is extremely common to see reports of lethargy and libido crash while on cycle. This is why it is also common to see recommendations for Epiandrosterone to be used as a 'Test Base', because it helps mitigate lethargy and low libido by fulfilling the body’s biological demands. The only other legal compound capable of this is 4-Androsterone though it does not convert to a significant amount of DHT, which is why you will often see the two 'stacked' together to address the need for both DHT and Testosterone while on a suppressive cycle.

It is possible that Epiandrosterone may cause some HPTA suppression, and therefore it is always recommended to run a properly planned Post-Cycle Therapy (PCT) following any supplementation regimen containing Epiandrosterone.

So what do we know about Epiandrosterone?

Non-Methylated/Non-Liver Toxic (Doesn't require liver support such as TUDCA or NAC) Dry Compound/Non-Aromatizing (Won't convert estrogen nor cause water retention or bloating) Anti-estrogenic Effect Increases Aggression Increases Energy/Combats Lethargy Increases Muscle Hardness and Density Increases Strength via CNS Activation Increases Vascularity Reduces Water Weight (Leading to a drier/tighter appearance) Supports Libido Excellent for Cutting/Recomping Excellent Stacker

Conversion Processes: (Two step conversion to Dihydrotestosterone) Epiandrosterone -> {via 3b-HSD enzyme to} Androstenedione -> {via 17b-HSD enzyme to} Dihydrotestosterone Epiandrosterone -> {via 17b-HSD enzyme to} Androstenediol -> {via 3b-HSD enzyme to} Dihydrotestosterone Though the risk of estrogenic side effects are essentially non-existant while on Epi-Andro, we always recommended that you have an AI, on hand.

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