5-Androstenediol traces its roots back to steroid chemistry discoveries of the early 20th century. Chemists, curious about the relationships between cholesterol and steroid hormones, set out to map the journey from the androstane skeleton to more impactful molecules. In the 1930s, the isolation of precursor compounds from adrenal glands set the stage for unraveling how hormones such as testosterone and estrogen developed in the body. 5-Androstenediol stood out as both a key intermediate and a unique compound in its own right. Military and pharmaceutical research teams in the mid-century years explored potential to boost immune function or produce anabolic improvements for recovery, recovery in extreme conditions or even as a possible radioprotective agent. Although interest faded as synthetic alternatives came to market, interest reignited during the 1990s in performance and biomedical settings, drawing scrutiny from both the public and regulatory bodies.
5-Androstenediol falls among the family of androstane steroids. Often marketed and referenced under the name androstenediol, it appears in various over-the-counter supplements targeted at muscle growth and hormone modulation. The supplement craze in the late 90s and early 2000s included it in a wave of prohormones sold under “natural” performance boosters before regulators moved to tighten controls. Researchers use lab-grade 5-Androstenediol in cellular experiments, as it can act as a weak androgen and estrogen precursor, with different commercial grades set aside for supplementation or laboratory work. Packages, bottles, and ingredient lists might describe it as “3β-hydroxyandrost-5-ene-17β-ol” or “androst-5-ene-3β,17β-diol,” trailing a cloud of synonymous names.
This compound holds the molecular formula C19H30O2 and a molecular weight of around 290.44 g/mol. Structurally, it echoes the backbone of other androgens – four fused rings with hydroxyl groups lodged at carbon 3 and carbon 17. A white crystalline powder by sight, 5-Androstenediol barely dissolves in water but does better with organic solvents like ethanol and chloroform. Melting points usually hit the 178–183°C mark. In a chemical sense, the double bond at the 5-position gives a slight twist to its activity profile and conversion pathways, setting it apart from its more famous cousin, testosterone. The presence of two alcohol groups at 3-beta and 17-beta spots means it reacts with a range of oxidizers and can undergo many steroidal transformations.
Pharmaceutical and research supply labels must display the chemical name, batch number, purity (typically no less than 98%), and storage directions. The United States, the European Union, and Japan each enforce their own labeling and shipping resrictions due to its status as a controlled or monitored substance in many jurisdictions. Analytical certificates show spectroscopic and chromatographic profiles – usually HPLC and NMR – to verify identity. Any supplement-grade material requires registration with agencies such as the FDA in the U.S., demanding additional ingredient panels, health warnings, and manufacturer contact information. Labels must never claim to treat, cure, or prevent diseases without specific approval.
Industrial synthesis typically starts from plant sterols such as diosgenin or stigmasterol. Chemical conversion steps proceed with base-catalyzed hydrolysis and oxidation, then careful hydrogenation to fix the double bonds in the right location. The pivotal step involves selective reduction or oxidation to ensure hydroxyls wind up in the beta orientation at carbons 3 and 17. Purification demands column chromatography and/or recrystallization. Analytical validation includes thin-layer chromatography, melting point verification, and, at scale, GC-MS or HPLC to track purity and yield. Any lab considering the synthesis must monitor temperature, pH, and choose their reagents carefully, as yields and byproduct contamination can swing wildly with small mishaps.
5-Androstenediol conveniently serves as a substrate for a swarm of enzyme-catalyzed and chemical reactions thanks to its exposed hydroxyl groups and unsaturated ring. Dehydrogenases in the body can oxidize it to androst-5-ene-3,17-dione, then push on toward testosterone or other downstream steroids. Acetylation modifies solubility, while oxidation alters activity, often nudging the physical or biological properties. Some research teams attach radiolabels or fluorescent tags for tracing metabolism in animal studies. Others transform the molecule in search of analogs with stronger, more selective hormonal effects. This chemical flexibility, though, brings scrutiny in anti-doping labs, which routinely screen athlete samples for metabolites.
In academic and commercial settings, the molecule carries a range of identity tags: 3β-hydroxyandrost-5-ene-17β-ol, 3β,17β-dihydroxyandrost-5-ene, 5-androstene-3β,17β-diol, and simply "Androstenediol." Athletes and supplement companies favored the shorthand “5-AD” or “androdiol” through much of the product's commercial peak. Researchers recognize all of these monikers in the literature, and tracking references often means scrolling through a tangle of synonyms. Regulatory and chemical databases, like PubChem or ChemSpider, cross-link them by their CAS number (521-17-5), which gives a definitive ID in formal documentation.
Working with 5-Androstenediol in a laboratory or manufacturing setting calls for careful standard operating procedures. Even relatively mild androgens demand gloves, eye protection, and lab coats, as steroid dust and vapors can absorb through skin or mucous membranes. Spills and residues get handled with standard detergent solutions -- not just water alone. Storage at room temperature in desiccated, light-shielded containers curbs decomposition and unplanned chemical changes. Handling pharmaceutical-grade product brings compliance checks, access control, and record-keeping. Workers need annual training on chemical hygiene and must follow national regulatory frameworks when disposing of waste or shipping between labs. On the supplement side, reputable manufacturers submit to third-party testing for prohibited doping substances and publish batch analysis reports for transparency.
Researchers across immunology, endocrinology, sports science, and pharmaceutical development pull 5-Androstenediol into their experiments to answer different questions. During the Cold War, military-funded projects investigated whether it could shield bone marrow from radiation in nuclear disaster or therapy settings. In muscle physiology, the molecule draws study for its weak androgenic effects and potential to boost recovery after intense training or injury. Teams examining age-related hormone decline use it as a model compound to study conversion processes and tissue responses. Some supplement users once aimed to elevate testosterone by oral dosing, though oral bioavailability and regulatory risk cut into widespread practical use. Its chemistry serves as a launch point for synthetic analogs, where researchers tinker with the basic molecule to target diseases more efficiently or dodge regulatory pitfalls.
Academic and corporate scientists run studies on 5-Androstenediol to probe immune signaling, bone density, muscle mass, and hormone feedback loops. NIH and military sponsors have underwritten animal and small human trials to map how it modifies white blood cell counts and stress resilience. Some labs play with its ability to prompt mild anabolic changes without tipping into obvious side effects tied to classic steroids. Others look for ways to load it into slow-release carriers or pair it with immune therapies. Tech companies with a focus on anti-aging either eye it cautiously due to regulatory bans or hunt for close chemical relatives that evade bans but keep some biological action.
Toxicity draws careful attention in steroid research, with 5-Androstenediol being no exception. Animal experiments run high and low doses over weeks or months, tracking liver function, cholesterol, blood cell counts, and tumor risk. The molecule’s mild nature, compared to dramatic anabolic steroids, produces a gentler side effect profile. At higher dosages, studies find elevations in cholesterol and minor changes in liver enzymes, reminding researchers that “natural” compounds too can burden the body. Behavioral effects and interactions with other hormones go under the microscope, with some trials noting changes in aggression or mood. No solid evidence pins ordinary exposure to major health risks, but stacking with other compounds or long-term unsupervised use in humans still raises the sort of questions that don't get easy answers from 90-day rodent data alone.
The future story of 5-Androstenediol sits at a crossroads of regulation, innovation, and public scrutiny. The crackdown on dietary supplements containing hormone precursors sends pharmaceutical innovation and academic curiosity back into the lab. More nuanced approaches to hormone therapy, including slow-release implants and chemical analogs, continue to push research into better balance between safety and benefit. Immunologists hope to carve out a use for radioprotection. Anti-aging medicine keeps a watchful eye, ready to pick up where older approaches left off if new studies clear regulatory barriers. In sports, stricter doping controls push performance interest farther underground, but curiosity about the molecule's ability to influence recovery and adaptation stays alive in the fringe. In drug development, synthetic chemistry teams keep mining 5-Androstenediol’s structure for new derivatives that might treat muscle wasting, hormone deficiency, or support aging populations—always circling back to that original androstane backbone that’s busy enough for a dozen new lifetimes of research.
5-Androstenediol often pops up in conversations about bodybuilding, athletic performance, and hormone supplements. On paper, it’s a steroid hormone, one rung below testosterone. Some people call it a prohormone, because the body flips it into other, more active hormones as needed. The headlines might make it sound like a magic bullet for muscle, immune health, or even aging, but the story should go beyond hype and quick gains.
Once it enters the bloodstream, 5-Androstenediol starts a chain reaction. Enzymes turn it into testosterone or estrogen, depending on where and how it travels in the body. Because of this, people once thought it might offer all the benefits of a testosterone boost—bigger muscles, more drive, faster recovery—without as many side effects. In practice, nothing ever comes that easy.
I’ve talked to a few gym folks who tried over-the-counter versions years ago, before supplement laws changed. Some swore their bench press went up. Others noticed nothing but a lighter wallet. Science never found consistent support for dramatic muscle gains. One reason: Each body reacts differently. Enzymes, genetics, and existing hormone levels steer the effects. Even if one guy bulks up quickly, his friend might just get a strange rash or a bad mood swing.
After 9/11, research hinted that 5-Androstenediol could help protect against radiation sickness by giving the immune system a shot in the arm. The U.S. government even ran some early studies, banking on the idea that it might shield first responders during a nuclear event. Animal studies looked promising—immune cells recovered faster. No silver bullet, but interesting enough for a closer look. Later studies moved on. The early good news faded as testing widened: animal results just don’t always match up with real-world outcomes in people.
The hardest part about these supplements is what you can’t see. 5-Androstenediol almost always carries side effects people would rather skip, especially with regular use. Faster hormone changes in either direction often bring acne, hair loss, aggressive mood changes, or even risk of liver strain. Some research ties unbalanced hormone shifts to higher odds for certain cancers.
Anyone can buy a bottle online, but who checks for quality? Supplements in the U.S. face far looser scrutiny than prescription drugs. Labels don’t always match what’s inside. Some pills contain extra hormones, illegal substances, or dangerous additives. A handful of pro athletes lost careers after testing positive, blaming tainted supplements.
The World Anti-Doping Agency bans 5-Androstenediol for athletes. Drug tests pick it up, even from ‘natural’ sources. For the rest of us, a better play starts with considering what actually works long term for health or fitness. Enough sleep, smart food, steady exercise, and stress management still beat shortcuts. Doctors know how to work with hormone imbalances for people who genuinely need help—from menopause, to low testosterone, or immune disorders.
Anyone considering hormone supplements—no matter how natural they sound—deserves honest talk with a doctor. Results change fast, and risks can hang around much longer, even after stopping. That lesson carries a lot more weight than any muscle boost you’ll ever find in a bottle.
People hear so much noise online about fitness boosters and legal hormone products. 5-Androstenediol, or “5-AD,” often pops up in that mix, promising muscle gains or improved recovery. The scientific name sounds intimidating, but the product itself turns heads because of how close it gets to banned substances. I’ve gotten questions from friends at the gym and even young folks at my local high school track about whether it belongs in their supplement plan. Here’s what you need to know from someone who’s watched supplement trends come and go for decades.
5-Androstenediol is a steroid precursor, meaning it jumpstarts the body’s production of testosterone and similar hormones. That’s where the muscle-building hype comes from. Some people think if they can edge up their testosterone, they’ll see the same effects as classic anabolic steroids but with less risk. Others get curious after seeing the supplement at questionable online shops.
You won't find 5-Androstenediol at your local pharmacy or GNC. That’s because the FDA clamped down on most prohormones years ago due to health concerns. It lives in a legal gray area in some countries, but the U.S. treats it as controlled. Even so, that hasn’t stopped sales via overseas websites or mislabeled products.
There’s trust in natural products, but 5-Androstenediol is not what I’d call “nature-derived.” Once you swallow a capsule, your body converts it into actual anabolic steroids. That changes the game. My background working in a pharmacy taught me to be careful. Hormones don’t just bulk you up—they affect the entire body, from your mood to your cholesterol.
Research on 5-Androstenediol in humans is scarce. Most studies looked at it for potential use in radiation sickness, not building biceps. There are no long-term safety numbers for fitness use. We’ve seen people report: hair loss, acne, mood swings, gynecomastia (male breast tissue growth), and sometimes even liver strain. Folks with family histories of heart problems or hormone-driven cancers have extra reason to back away.
It isn’t just the direct side effects. Most of these supplements come in unregulated packaging. Labels mislead. One research team tested dozens of “prohormone” supplements and found that levels of active ingredients often didn’t match what the bottle claimed. Some powders tested positive for illegal or undisclosed steroids. That’s a real risk for anyone worried about their own health or drug testing in sports.
If your goals center on muscle mass and vitality, you see all these shortcuts and get tempted. I get it. After watching a few buddies get hit with kidney problems from similar products, I’d rather push the basics: steady resistance training, protein-rich food, enough sleep. If someone has low testosterone for medical reasons, a doctor’s supervised plan works far better and with much less risk than rolling the dice with gray-market hormone boosters.
A lot of growth supplements are just cleverly marketed risks. Folks looking to get stronger or faster should value the big picture—what habits you build, how you recover, and long-term health. Plenty of us have seen that chasing an extra instant of muscle can lead to months fixing what one sketchy product messed up. If something boosts hormones in a way that skirts legality, chances are it carries some danger that isn’t clearly advertised on the label.
A lot of folks stumble onto 5-Androstenediol because they’re chasing that edge—stronger muscles, faster recovery, a boost in energy. It’s easy to get caught up in the buzz. The label “prohormone” sounds almost scientific and safe, but real-world results rarely go as planned without a catch.
Once you swallow this compound, your body converts it into testosterone and other similar hormones. Your natural gears turn, balancing out any extra hormones introduced from the outside. That shakes things up. I’ve watched friends, tempted by fitness shortcuts, finish cycles of these supplements looking for gains but coming out the other side with acne, anger spikes, and nights spent tossing in bed.
Research links 5-Androstenediol to changes in cholesterol levels. LDL—the kind doctors warn about—goes higher, while HDL, which helps keep arteries clean, drops. Over time, heart disease risk climbs. Even younger people who appear healthy aren’t immune. Anyone who’s watched a friend pile on muscle but struggle with high blood pressure or chest pain knows the trade-off can get real fast.
Extra testosterone from a bottle signals the body to stop making its own. That “engine shut down” might feel invisible at first, but after a stretch, side effects hit hard. Testicles can shrink, fertility might drop, libido takes a nosedive, and mood swings show up uninvited. After the cycle ends, the body sometimes struggles months to bounce back. Doctors call it hypogonadism, and it shows how quickly things unravel.
Looking over studies, 5-Androstenediol shows promise for immune support in very controlled medical conditions, but those are tiny doses. Sports supplements jam in way more. The FDA pulled the plug on over-the-counter sales years ago for a reason—some early research found links to higher cancer risk if hormones run wild long term.
I remember one gym buddy thought he’d found a secret shortcut, but ended up with liver numbers off the charts. Oral prohormones like this stress the liver, especially if used alongside other substances or if there’s any drinking involved. Yellowing eyes aren’t worth a little extra muscle.
The list stretches on: hair loss, deepening voice, breast tissue growth in men, and water retention. Women report irregular periods and unwanted hair growth. Using any hormone-altering supplement clouds up drug testing, risking eligibility for athletes.
If browsing shelves or online shops, making sense of these risks takes honesty. It only takes a few stories from people who pushed their bodies too hard to realize that natural progress—slow as it feels—beats the crash-and-burn cycle. Checking with a doctor and reading real research help sort hype from health. Real gains stick around a lot longer than shortcuts ever do.
5-Androstenediol has popped up everywhere from online forums to supplement shops. Some say it helps boost testosterone, others hope it helps with muscle gains, or immune support. Much of the conversation swirls with opinions and dramatic sales copy, but not much real clarity on how real people should actually use it.
I’ve watched more than one gym buddy try different versions of “prohormones.” Often curiosity beats research, and only after a cycle or some side effects will someone dig deeper. 5-Androstenediol acts like a precursor—sort of a building block—for hormones our bodies already make. Some older studies show it can modestly raise testosterone in men, and some even looked at possible benefits for fighting off radiation sickness. The rest mostly falls under “bro science.”
Companies that sell the stuff like to recommend anywhere from 50 mg to 300 mg per day, usually split into two doses. They claim this hits a “sweet spot” for men aiming for muscle. Thing is, no large, trustworthy studies confirm this, and the side effects list runs longer than most people would expect.
The so-called safe dose depends on your body weight, age, existing medical problems, and any other supplements or medicines hanging around in your system. Some bodybuilders chase instant results by adding stacks of this with other prohormones. Others just try a middle-of-the-road dose, hoping for fewer headaches and acne. High doses start to mess with cholesterol, blood pressure, mood, and can leave your natural testosterone lower than before.
It’s easy for a supplement to make bold promises in a capsule. But our metabolism, genetics, and health goals never fit the same mold. I’ve seen friends chase after “natural testosterone boosters,” only to end up seeing a doctor after a few weeks, not seeing the results they wanted, or not feeling right. Too often, people think a bigger dose will get faster results—but that shortcut doesn’t lead anywhere good.
Doctors rarely hand out 5-Androstenediol prescriptions. In most places, it’s off-limits for athletes and banned by sports governing bodies. The law treats it kind of like steroids. It's important because you might end up with unexpected health risks or even cross the line with anti-doping authorities if you compete.
I once watched a guy at my local gym get flagged at a workplace health check—his hormone levels spiked after using this stuff, and his boss started asking questions. If health and job security matter, it’s worth thinking hard about all the possible side effects before trying it.
Anyone still curious about 5-Androstenediol should talk to an expert. Blood work tells the real story, and a doctor can help you avoid bigger problems that the marketing never mentions. I’ve seen too many people jump in on online advice, only to land themselves in the clinic. No supplement changes a body overnight.
True progress never comes from shortcuts— whether the goal is more muscle or just feeling better. Careful research, medical guidance, and honest conversation beat guesswork and hype every time. Supplements like 5-Androstenediol might get attention, but the safest approach lives in real information and steady habits, not the bottle.
Open up any supplement cabinet from a bodybuilder in the late 1990s or early 2000s and you'll find a few names people barely mention anymore. One of them is 5-Androstenediol, a steroid precursor that your body turns into testosterone and other hormones. Companies marketed this stuff as a shortcut for muscle and recovery, promising faster results without crossing the line into full-blown anabolic steroid territory. Some folks thought of it like “legal gear.” Around gyms, it got tossed around as “andro,” falling in the same family as androstenedione, the supplement that made headlines when Mark McGwire admitted taking it during his home-run streak.
Today, walk into any major sporting event and say the word “prohormone” or 5-Androstenediol, and you’ll see athletes give you a wide berth. The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) lists it as a banned substance. They group it with anabolic agents — chemicals that lead to increased muscle growth and higher testosterone. Anyone caught using it faces a failed drug test and a likely suspension. That ban stretches across the Olympics, pro leagues, and college athletics. The United States Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) also enforces this rule, making it impossible for pros and elite amateurs to use 5-Androstenediol without risking their careers.
Back when I played college football, the NCAA was quick to post warning flyers about any supplement with the word “andro” on the label. One teammate had a bottle of 5-Androstenediol confiscated during a random dorm search. The school counted it the same as steroids — not just a slap on the wrist but a real possibility of getting kicked off the team. It showed me just how seriously people treat these substances.
On paper, 5-Androstenediol sounds like a way to level the playing field. Hormones dictate strength, recovery, and competitiveness, which is a big reason people started reaching for these supplements. In practice, the story turns darker. WADA and other authorities stepped up because evidence suggests prohormones boost more than muscle. They can strain the liver, mess up hormone balances, and sometimes lead to aggressive behavior or heart issues.
Several high-profile investigations found tainted supplements ruining athletes’ reputations. Some took 5-Androstenediol without knowing every ingredient inside the pill. WADA’s testing doesn’t care if someone claims ignorance. If it’s in your body, that’s your responsibility.
Despite sports bans and health warnings, 5-Androstenediol hasn’t disappeared everywhere. Some online sites keep it on digital shelves, usually under murky labels. Laws in the U.S. try to chase down these sellers but new variants keep popping up. Authorities added prohormones like this one to the Controlled Substances Act after years of legal fights. In reality, regulations struggle to keep pace with supplement makers who tweak molecules and claim the new version is different.
Banning products isn’t the only way to fix things. Athletes need real information about what’s in supplements. Better labeling and third-party testing can go a long way. Education means warnings before someone risks their health or career. Doctors and coaches have to create environments where getting stronger doesn’t come at the cost of future health. Old-school training and recovery never look flashy, but they work without wrecking lives.
5-Androstenediol carries a long shadow from the old supplement days. Most athletes leave it on the banned list for a reason. Staying informed means less risk of shattered careers and better odds of everyone competing on their own power.
| Names | |
| Preferred IUPAC name | androst-5-ene-3β,17β-diol |
| Other names |
androst-5-ene-3β,17β-diol 5-androstene-3β,17β-diol hermaphrodiol androstenediol |
| Pronunciation | /ˈfaɪˌæn.drəʊ.stəˈniː.di.ɒl/ |
| Identifiers | |
| CAS Number | 521-17-5 |
| Beilstein Reference | 1232492 |
| ChEBI | CHEBI:28689 |
| ChEMBL | CHEMBL1575 |
| ChemSpider | 7280 |
| DrugBank | DB01536 |
| ECHA InfoCard | 100.209.230 |
| EC Number | 1.1.1.146 |
| Gmelin Reference | 60440 |
| KEGG | C02554 |
| MeSH | D015239 |
| PubChem CID | 91473 |
| RTECS number | CY1400000 |
| UNII | V8590773G9 |
| UN number | UN2811 |
| Properties | |
| Chemical formula | C19H30O2 |
| Molar mass | 290.442 g/mol |
| Appearance | White crystalline powder |
| Odor | Odorless |
| Density | 1.051 g/cm³ |
| Solubility in water | Insoluble |
| log P | 2.97 |
| Vapor pressure | 5.72E-7 mmHg at 25°C |
| Acidity (pKa) | 15.1 |
| Basicity (pKb) | 3.58 |
| Magnetic susceptibility (χ) | -8.8e-6 |
| Refractive index (nD) | 1.581 |
| Viscosity | Oily liquid |
| Dipole moment | 2.33 D |
| Thermochemistry | |
| Std molar entropy (S⦵298) | 385.1 J·mol⁻¹·K⁻¹ |
| Std enthalpy of formation (ΔfH⦵298) | -389 kJ/mol |
| Std enthalpy of combustion (ΔcH⦵298) | -8654 kJ/mol |
| Pharmacology | |
| ATC code | A14AA08 |
| Hazards | |
| Main hazards | May cause cancer. Causes damage to organs through prolonged or repeated exposure. |
| GHS labelling | GHS labelling: "Danger; H302, H315, H319, H335; P261, P305+P351+P338, P405, P501; Exclamation mark |
| Pictograms | GHS05,GHS07 |
| Signal word | Danger |
| Hazard statements | H315, H319, H335 |
| Precautionary statements | P201, P202, P261, P264, P270, P272, P280, P302+P352, P308+P313, P363, P405, P501 |
| NFPA 704 (fire diamond) | 2-1-0 |
| Flash point | 104°C |
| Lethal dose or concentration | LD50 (mouse, oral): >5000 mg/kg |
| LD50 (median dose) | 400 mg/kg (rat, oral) |
| NIOSH | RN=521-10-8 |
| PEL (Permissible) | Not established |
| REL (Recommended) | 50 mg daily |
| Related compounds | |
| Related compounds |
Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) Androstenedione Testosterone Estradiol 5-Androstenedione 4-Androstenediol Epitestosterone |
