ATD (1,4,6-androstatriene-3,17-dione)

What is ATD (1,4,6-androstatriene-3,17-dione)?

ATD, or 1,4,6-androstatriene-3,17-dione, is a steroidal aromatase inhibitor. It is a synthetic compound that was historically sold in some over-the-counter bodybuilding supplements. Aromatase is an enzyme that converts androgens (like testosterone) into estrogens (like estradiol). ATD works by irreversibly binding to and inactivating the aromatase enzyme, a mechanism known as "suicide inhibition." This action prevents the conversion of testosterone into estrogen.

Side Effects and Benefits

Benefits (Purported)

• Increased Testosterone Levels: By inhibiting the conversion of testosterone to estrogen, ATD can lead to a buildup of testosterone and other androgens in the body. This is the primary reason it was used by some athletes and bodybuilders.

• Reduced Estrogen Levels: Lowering estrogen levels can help with certain conditions in men, such as gynecomastia (the development of male breast tissue).

• Aromatase Inhibition: This is its main pharmacological effect, which has been studied for its potential use in treating estrogen-dependent cancers.

Side Effects

The side effects of ATD are primarily related to its potent suppression of estrogen.

• Low Estrogen Symptoms: Severely low estrogen levels can cause a range of negative effects, including:

  • Joint pain and discomfort

  • Mood swings and depression

  • Decreased bone mineral density and increased risk of osteoporosis

  • Reduced libido and sexual dysfunction

• Other Potential Effects: Some research has suggested that ATD may also have some androgenic effects, though it is generally considered to be non-androgenic. This means it could potentially cause side effects typically associated with anabolic-androgenic steroids, though this is not its primary function.

• Hepatotoxicity: Like many oral supplements, there is a risk of liver damage (hepatotoxicity).

• Cardiovascular Issues: Altered cholesterol profiles and other cardiovascular side effects are a concern with many steroidal compounds.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Potent Aromatase Inhibitor: It is a very effective and irreversible inhibitor of the aromatase enzyme.

• Increase in Androgens: It can lead to a significant increase in the body's natural testosterone and other androgen levels.

Cons

• Illegality and Banned Status: ATD is a prohibited substance in competitive sports and is classified as a controlled substance in many places.

• Side Effects: The potential for severe side effects from estrogen suppression and other unknown long-term health consequences is a major drawback.

• Lack of Regulation: Historically sold as a dietary supplement, these products were not regulated by the FDA, meaning there was no guarantee of purity, dosage, or safety.

• Positive Doping Test: Its use can lead to a positive drug test for banned substances, including boldenone, which is a known metabolite.

Dosage and Frequency

There is no standardized medical dosage for ATD for use as a supplement. Information on dosage and frequency comes from anecdotal reports and studies, often involving animal models. Doses reported in some studies are in the milligram per kilogram range, which is not a common way to dose human supplements. The historical context of its use in bodybuilding supplements means that dosages were highly variable and unregulated.

Half-Life and Detection Time

• Half-life: The elimination half-life of ATD is reported to be around 48 hours.

• Detection Time: Due to its metabolism into other substances, including the anabolic steroid boldenone and other metabolites, ATD and its metabolites can be detected in urine for a significant period. One study found that ATD and its metabolites could be detected for up to 50 hours after administration, but the detection window can vary widely depending on the individual and the dose.

Steroidogenic, Progestogenic, and Prolactin Effects

• Steroidogenic Effects: ATD's primary effect on steroidogenesis is the inhibition of aromatase, which shifts the hormonal balance away from estrogen and towards androgens. This leads to an increase in circulating testosterone and other androgens.

• Progestogenic Effects: There is little evidence to suggest that ATD has significant progestogenic activity.

• Prolactin Effects: Some animal studies have shown that ATD can affect prolactin levels, though the exact mechanism and significance in humans are not well-established. In one study, it was noted that ATD treatment resulted in basal prolactin levels.

Anabolic-Androgenic Ratio

ATD is not an anabolic-androgenic steroid itself. It is an aromatase inhibitor. Its effect on the anabolic-androgenic ratio is indirect; by increasing the body's natural testosterone, it can indirectly enhance the anabolic and androgenic effects. It does not have a defined anabolic-androgenic ratio in the same way as a compound like testosterone or trenbolone. It is considered a non-androgenic compound, which is a key distinction from anabolic steroids.