Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 16, 2026
06:24
Establishment of Rat Models Mimicking Gender-affirming Hormone Therapies
Published on: January 10, 2025
Dietary androgen 'supplements': separating substance from hype.
1Division of Epidemiology and Clinical Applications, Cooper Institute, Dallas, TX, 75230, USA. cearnest@cooperinst.org.
The Physician and Sportsmedicine
|January 21, 2010
Summary
Androgen prohormone supplements, marketed as alternatives to steroids, do not improve athletic performance or health. Current research indicates these supplements offer no benefits for athletes seeking enhanced results.
Area of Science:
- Nutritional science
- Sports medicine
- Endocrinology
Background:
- Athletic performance enhancement is a significant market for nutritional supplements.
- Creatine's success drives the search for new performance-boosting products.
- Androgen prohormones are emerging supplements mimicking steroids, perceived by users as safer alternatives.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of androgen prohormone supplements.
- To determine if these supplements enhance athletic performance, body composition, or health parameters.
Main Methods:
- Review of current scientific literature on androgen prohormone supplements.
- Analysis of studies testing the effects of these supplements on athletes.
Main Results:
- Existing research shows androgen prohormones do not enhance athletic performance.
- No improvements in body composition were observed with androgen prohormone use.
- These supplements did not positively affect various health parameters.
Conclusions:
- Current androgen prohormone supplements lack demonstrated efficacy for athletic enhancement.
- Scientific evidence does not support the use of these supplements for performance or health benefits.
- Further research may be needed, but current data suggests caution.
Related Concept Videos
01:26Testosterone: Functions and Regulation
The intricate hormonal interplay essential for male reproductive health begins with the release of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) by the hypothalamus. This hormone prompts the pituitary gland to secrete follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH). LH targets the Leydig cells in the testes, stimulating them to produce and release testosterone. In concert with testosterone, FSH acts on the Sertoli cells within the seminiferous tubules to facilitate the release of...
01:31Hormones of the Adrenal Glands
Adrenal hormones play a pivotal role in maintaining the body's electrolyte balance and orchestrating responses to stress, showcasing the intricate functions of the adrenal cortex and medulla.
The adrenal cortex, a powerhouse of hormone synthesis, generates over two dozen corticosteroid hormones. The zona glomerulosa produces mineralocorticoids, exemplified by aldosterone, influencing the electrolyte composition of body fluids. The synthesis of glucocorticoids such as cortisol and corticosterone...
The adrenal cortex, a powerhouse of hormone synthesis, generates over two dozen corticosteroid hormones. The zona glomerulosa produces mineralocorticoids, exemplified by aldosterone, influencing the electrolyte composition of body fluids. The synthesis of glucocorticoids such as cortisol and corticosterone...
01:20Disorders of the Male Reproductive System
Men's health issues are increasingly recognized as significant, with several conditions posing common threats. Among these, testicular cancer is especially prevalent in younger men, particularly those aged 20 to 35 years. The disease often manifests as a painless mass in the testicles, sometimes accompanied by a sensation of heaviness or a dull ache.
Prostate disorders are another major concern. These conditions can impair urinary flow due to the prostate's location around the urethra. Symptoms...
Prostate disorders are another major concern. These conditions can impair urinary flow due to the prostate's location around the urethra. Symptoms...
01:17Hormones and Bone Tissue
The endocrine system produces and secretes hormones, which interact with the skeletal system. These hormones control bone growth, maintain bone once it is formed, and remodel it.
Hormones That Influence Osteoblasts and/or Maintain the Matrix
Several hormones are necessary for controlling bone growth and maintaining the bone matrix. The pituitary gland secretes growth hormone (GH), which, as its name implies, controls bone growth. This happens in several ways: first, it triggers chondrocyte...
Hormones That Influence Osteoblasts and/or Maintain the Matrix
Several hormones are necessary for controlling bone growth and maintaining the bone matrix. The pituitary gland secretes growth hormone (GH), which, as its name implies, controls bone growth. This happens in several ways: first, it triggers chondrocyte...
01:40Hormonal Regulation
Hormones regulate a significant portion of digestion through activation of the neuroendocrine system. The neuroendocrine system of digestion contains many different hormones all with multiple functions that are both, directly and indirectly, involved in digestion.
01:33Hormonal Regulation
The renin-aldosterone system is an endocrine system which guides the renal absorption of water and electrolytes, thus managing blood pressure and osmoregulation. Activation of the system begins in the kidneys with a small cluster of cells adjacent to the afferent and efferent blood vessels of the renal corpuscle. As the nephrons are filtering blood, juxtaglomerular cells monitor blood pressure. If they detect a decrease in pressure, they release the hormone renin into the bloodstream.