Acetadrol (4-androstene-3,6,17-trione)

What is Acetadrol (4-androstene-3,6,17-trione)?

4-androstene-3,6,17-trione (also known as 6-OXO or Acetadrol) is a synthetic steroid that is classified as a potent and irreversible aromatase inhibitor. Aromatase is an enzyme in the body that is responsible for converting testosterone to estradiol (a form of estrogen). By inhibiting this enzyme, the drug prevents the conversion of testosterone into estrogen, leading to a higher testosterone-to-estrogen ratio.

The goal of using this compound is to increase the body's natural testosterone levels, which can lead to anabolic effects like increased muscle mass. However, despite this proposed mechanism, there is no consistent scientific evidence from human or animal studies to prove that it produces an anabolic effect or improves body composition. It is often used by individuals in the bodybuilding community, particularly during "post-cycle therapy" to counteract the increased estrogen levels caused by the use of other anabolic steroids.

Side Effects and Benefits

Benefits:

• Increased Testosterone-to-Estrogen Ratio: The primary benefit is its ability to inhibit aromatase, which can lead to an increase in free testosterone and a decrease in estradiol levels.

• Potential for Increased Testosterone: Some studies have shown a significant increase in free testosterone levels, and some supplement marketers claim it can dramatically increase testosterone.

• Counteracting Estrogen-Related Side Effects: It can be used to minimize side effects like gynecomastia (enlarged breast tissue in males) that can result from other anabolic steroid use.

Side Effects:

• Potential for Serious Health Risks: Due to its ability to alter hormone levels, it may lead to serious side effects, including liver problems, heart problems, and an increased risk of certain cancers, particularly in individuals with pre-existing conditions like prostate cancer.

• Acne: A potential side effect noted in some contexts is acne, which is a common side effect of altered hormone levels.

• Blood Clotting: Health Canada has issued a warning about a potential health risk related to blood clotting.

• Liver Disease: Individuals with liver disease should avoid this compound as increased testosterone is associated with liver problems.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Aromatase Inhibition: It is a known and effective aromatase inhibitor.

• May Increase Testosterone: It has been shown to increase testosterone levels, which is desirable for those seeking to enhance muscle mass or performance.

Cons:

• Banned Substance: It is a banned substance by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) and other major sports organizations.

• Lack of Proven Anabolic Effect: While it increases testosterone, studies have not consistently demonstrated an effect on body composition.

• Safety Concerns: There are serious safety concerns associated with its use, including potential risks to the liver, heart, and an increased risk of cancer.

• Legal Status: In the United States, it is considered an adulterated product under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act.

Dosage and Frequency

There is no scientifically established appropriate dosage or frequency for 4-androstene-3,6,17-trione. The limited studies that have been conducted used dosages of 300 mg or 600 mg per day. The appropriate dose is dependent on a variety of factors, and due to a lack of scientific information, there is no reliable dosing information available.

Half-Life and Detection Time

The half-life of 4-androstene-3,6,17-trione is not widely reported. However, its detection time in urine is known. The parent drug and one of its metabolites, androst-4-ene-6α,17β-diol-3-one, can be detected in urine for up to 24 hours after administration. Another metabolite, androst-4-ene-6α-ol-3,17-dione, can be detected for up to 37 hours.

Sterogenic, Progestogenic, and Prolactin Effects

• Sterogenic Effects: The primary effect of this compound is to increase the ratio of testosterone to estrogen. By inhibiting aromatase, it effectively "stimulates endogenous testosterone production."

• Progestogenic Effects: The available information does not indicate that this compound has progestogenic activity.

• Prolactin Effects: Research is limited, but there is some information suggesting that other related steroids can be a stimulus for prolactin secretion, but there is no clear data on 4-androstene-3,6,17-trione's specific effect on prolactin.

Anabolic-Androgenic Ratio

The anabolic-androgenic ratio is a measure used to compare the anabolic (muscle-building) effects of a steroid to its androgenic (masculinizing) effects. Since 4-androstene-3,6,17-trione is primarily an aromatase inhibitor and not a direct anabolic steroid, its anabolic-androgenic ratio is not a standard or relevant measure. Its effect is indirect—it elevates endogenous testosterone, which has its own anabolic-androgenic ratio of 100:100.