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Related Experiment Videos

Testosterone prohormone supplements.

Gregory A Brown1, Matthew Vukovich, Douglas S King

  • 1Human Performance Laboratory, University of Nebraska at Kearney, HPERLS Department, Kearney, NE, USA.

Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise
|August 5, 2006
PubMed
Summary

Testosterone prohormone supplements do not enhance muscle building or athletic performance in men. Research indicates these supplements offer no anabolic or ergogenic benefits and may pose health risks.

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Area of Science:

  • Sports Medicine
  • Nutritional Biochemistry
  • Endocrinology

Background:

  • Testosterone prohormones like androstenedione and dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) were widely marketed for muscle growth.
  • Safety concerns led to regulatory actions, including the Anabolic Steroid Control Act of 2004.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the scientific evidence on the efficacy and safety of prohormone supplementation in humans.
  • To evaluate claims of testosterone enhancement and muscle-building effects.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of scientific studies on prohormone supplementation.
  • Focus on androstenedione, DHEA, androstenediol, and their 19-nor derivatives.

Main Results:

  • Prohormone supplements (DHEA, androstenedione, androstenediol) show no anabolic or ergogenic effects in men.

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  • Evidence does not support marketing claims of testosterone enhancement or muscle building.

    • Conclusions:

    • Prohormone supplementation is ineffective for improving athletic performance or muscle mass.
    • Supplement use may increase the risk of adverse health outcomes.