Herb & supplement monograph

1-androsterone Drug Interactions, Uses, Effectiveness, Safety & More

Medically reviewed by Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD, BCPS ·Updated July 2026

What is this page for?

First and foremost: how 1-androsterone interacts with medications. The heart of this page is the interaction list — every drug 1-androsterone is known to interact with, and how serious each one is.

But these pages have grown well beyond that into a full monograph — what 1-androsterone is, what people use it for and how strong the evidence is, its safety and side effects, and answers to the questions we’re asked most — written and reviewed by the clinical staff at HelloPharmacist. It’s educational information from our licensed clinical databases, not medical advice, and we don’t sell or endorse products. Our editorial policy

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1-androsterone Drug Interactions: The Bottom Line

From the HelloPharmacist Editorial Team · Updated July 2026

Based on the available evidence, the overall risk of a clinically significant 1-androsterone drug interaction appears low for most people, though anyone using hormone medicines should take a closer look. None of the known interactions are rated major, and the moderate concerns that exist rest on theory rather than on documented cases in people.

Interactions deserving the most attention

The combination that deserves the most attention is testosterone. After you swallow 1-androsterone, the body converts it into 1-testosterone and other androgens, so pairing it with prescribed testosterone could stack hormone effects and add to risks like mood changes or problems affecting the heart, kidneys, or liver. This concern comes from how the compound works in the body rather than from reports of actual harm, but it is the clearest signal in the profile.

What the rest of the list means

The interactions on record here are a small handful, all rated moderate, and all based on what could theoretically happen when an extra androgen is added on top of similar medicines. None have been confirmed to cause meaningful problems in human studies. A listed interaction is a reason for awareness, not proof that the combination will cause trouble.

Check your medications against 1-androsterone

Based on HelloPharmacist’s 1-androsterone interaction data and reviewed under our editorial standards.

Interaction report

Drugs that interact with 1-androsterone

8 medications have a known interaction with 1-androsterone, graded by severity. Select any drug for the full evidence-based detail.

Don’t want to scroll the list? Just ask.

Tell us the medications you take and we’ll check each one against 1-androsterone using our pharmacist-reviewed interaction data.

AI summaries are generated from our 1-androsterone interaction data for education only — always confirm with your pharmacist. How we use AI

2,830 drugs

Read The List Like a Pharmacist

What Severity, Likelihood & Evidence Mean

Severity — How Serious It Can Be

Major. Clinically significant; generally best avoided, or used only under direct professional supervision.
Moderate. May need monitoring, a dose adjustment, or separating the times you take each one.
Minor. Generally not clinically significant, but still worth noting and mentioning to your pharmacist.
No known interaction. Checked against our sources with nothing documented — not the same as proven safety.

Likelihood — How Well It’s Documented

Likely. Well-controlled human studies have demonstrated the likely existence of this interaction
Probable. Interaction has not been documented in well-controlled studies, however, the interaction has been demonstrated in some small human studies or in controlled animal studies in conjunction with multiple case reports.
Possible. Interaction has been documented in animal or in lab research, or the interaction has been documented in humans but is limited to case reports or conflicting clinical research exists
Unlikely. Interaction has been demonstrated in animal or in lab research but has been shown not to occur in humans.

Where This Data Comes From

Interaction records are evidence-graded and sourced from the Natural Medicines database (TRC Healthcare), the same reference used by pharmacists and hospitals.
Each drug listed above links to the full report for that exact 1-androsterone combination — clinical detail, likelihood, evidence level, and citations.
Content is reviewed by licensed HelloPharmacist pharmacists — see our data sources and editorial standards.

The big picture

The kinds of drugs 1-androsterone affects

Every type of medication (drug category) 1-androsterone is known to interact with. Open any category for the detail — or search your exact drug in the checker above.

All 1 drug category 1-androsterone interacts with

Testosterone

Theoretically, taking 1-androsterone with testosterone might increase the risk for additive adverse effects such as mood disturbances and cardiovascular, kidney, or liver problems.
1-Androsterone is converted to 1-testosterone and other androgens upon ingestion.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D

Monograph

1-androsterone: Uses, Safety & Side Effects

Medically reviewed by Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD, BCPS · Reviewed July 2026 ·

The bottom line

1-Androsterone (1-DHEA or 1-Andro) is a synthetic prohormone marketed to bodybuilders for muscle and strength gains, but it has not been proven safe or effective in quality human studies. It can affect hormones and may harm the liver and other organs, so most pharmacists would recommend avoiding it.

Part used: Synthetic compound (not a plant part)
Common forms: Capsules, tablets, sometimes combined with other prohormones

People commonly use it for

Muscle building
Increasing strength
Athletic performance
Body recomposition

Popular and traditional uses — not proof it works. See “Uses & effectiveness” below for the evidence.

Safety at a glance

OverallBest avoided

It is a hormonal compound with real health risks and little safety testing.

PregnancyBest avoided

Hormone-altering prohormones should never be used during pregnancy.

BreastfeedingBest avoided

Avoid while breastfeeding because of unknown hormonal risks to the baby.

Safety guidance is general; always confirm with your pharmacist or doctor for your situation.

Jump to a section

Overview

1-Androsterone is a man-made prohormone, which means it is a compound that the body converts into an active steroid hormone after you swallow it. It is also sold under the names 1-DHEA and 1-Andro. In the body it is changed into 1-testosterone, a steroid that acts much like the male hormone testosterone.

It does not come from a plant or herb. It is produced in a lab and sold as a dietary supplement, usually in capsules or tablets, sometimes mixed with other prohormones in "muscle-building stacks."

People mainly use 1-androsterone to try to build muscle, gain strength, and improve athletic performance. It is popular among some bodybuilders and gym-goers, but its legal status varies by country and it has been the subject of regulatory action in some places.

How it works

1-Androsterone is thought to work as a prohormone. After it is taken, the body converts it through several steps into 1-testosterone, a steroid with anabolic (muscle-building) and androgenic (male-hormone) activity.

By acting like an androgen, it may signal muscle cells to grow and may shift the body toward building muscle. This is the same general idea behind anabolic steroids.

Importantly, taking outside hormones or prohormones can disrupt the body's own hormone balance. The body may slow down its natural testosterone production in response, and the liver has to process these compounds, which is part of why they can be harmful.

Effectiveness

Does 1-androsterone work?

Here’s what the research actually shows for each use — graded by Natural Medicines and reviewed by Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD.

Evidence overview · 1 use evaluated

1 Insufficient evidence

How to read these evidence grades

Natural Medicines’ 7-point scale. We show each rating’s label word-for-word.

1EffectiveStrong, consistent evidence it works.

2Likely EffectiveGood evidence, though not yet conclusive.

3Possibly EffectiveSome evidence suggests a benefit.

4Possibly IneffectiveSome evidence it may not help.

5Likely IneffectiveFairly strong evidence it doesn’t help.

6IneffectiveStrong evidence it doesn’t work.

7Insufficient Reliable Evidence to RateToo little research to say either way.

For 1-androsterone, current evidence isn’t strong enough to rate any specific use. The conditions it has been studied for are listed below.

Also studied for 1 condition — evidence insufficient to rate

Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Athletic performance

Rating & evidence shown verbatim from Natural Medicines

It is unclear if oral 1-androsterone is beneficial for athletic performance.

Source & disclaimer. Effectiveness ratings and evidence summaries are provided by Natural Medicines (Therapeutic Research Center) and shown as licensed. Where Natural Medicines hasn’t rated a use, HelloPharmacist’s pharmacists may add their own reviewed rating and evidence (each such entry is labeled). This is educational information, not medical advice — talk with your pharmacist or doctor before starting, stopping, or changing a supplement.

Safety & precautions

1-Androsterone is a hormone-altering compound, and most health experts treat it with strong caution. It has not gone through the kind of safety testing required for medicines. Because it is sold as a supplement, quality and contents can vary between products.

Who should avoid it: anyone who is pregnant, breastfeeding, under 18, or who has liver disease, heart disease, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or a personal or family history of hormone-related cancers (such as prostate or breast cancer).

Athletes should know that prohormones like 1-androsterone are banned by most sports organizations and can cause a failed drug test. Because of the real risks to your hormones, liver, heart, and cholesterol, talk with a pharmacist or doctor before considering this product.

Side effects

Because it acts like a steroid hormone, 1-androsterone can cause hormone-related side effects. These may include acne, oily skin, hair loss, mood changes, and reduced natural testosterone production. Some users report low energy or low libido after stopping.

It can also lower "good" HDL cholesterol and raise blood pressure, which may strain the heart over time. Prohormones have been linked to liver stress and liver injury; signs include yellowing of the skin or eyes, dark urine, or pain in the upper right belly.

Other possible effects include breast tissue changes in men, menstrual changes and deepening voice in women, and water retention. Seek medical care right away if you notice signs of liver problems or chest pain.

1-androsterone: Reported Adverse Effects

Documented safety reports on 1-androsterone from the evidence-graded Natural Medicines (TRC Healthcare) database, shown word-for-word from the licensed record.

There is currently a limited amount of information on the adverse effects of 1-androsterone. A thorough evaluation of safety outcomes has not been conducted.

Most Common Adverse Effects:

Orally: Dyslipidemia, transaminitis, renal dysfunction.

Reports by condition

Myasthenia gravis Cardiovascular

Significant increases in LDL cholesterol of around 29 mg/dL and significant decreases in HDL cholesterol of around 19 mg/dL have been reported in patients taking 1-androsterone for 4-weeks.

Granados J, Gillum TL, Christmas KM, et al. Prohormone supplement 3b-hydroxy-5a-androst-1-en-17-one enhances resistance training gains but impairs user health. J Appl Physiol (1985). 2014;116(5):560-9.

Myasthenia gravis Renal

Significant increases in serum creatinine of around 0.2 mg/dL and significant decreases in GFR of around 16.4 mL/min/1.72m2 have been reported in patients taking 1-androsterone for 4 weeks. Serum creatinine remained within normal range despite the elevation, GFR dropped below 89 mL/min/1.72m2, which is suggestive of renal impairment.

Granados J, Gillum TL, Christmas KM, et al. Prohormone supplement 3b-hydroxy-5a-androst-1-en-17-one enhances resistance training gains but impairs user health. J Appl Physiol (1985). 2014;116(5):560-9.

DISCLAIMER: This tool is intended for informational purposes only, and should not be interpreted as specific medical advice. Patients should consult with a qualified healthcare provider before making decisions about therapies and/or health conditions.

Adverse-effects data: Natural Medicines, Therapeutic Research Center

Dosing

There is no established safe or standard dose for 1-androsterone, and no medical guideline supports its use. Products vary widely in strength and ingredients.

Because of the health risks involved, the safest choice for most people is not to use it at all. If you are considering it anyway, do not exceed the product label, and speak with a pharmacist or doctor first. Never combine it with other prohormones or hormone products.

References & further reading

The 2 references that drive our 1-androsterone monograph and interaction data, from the evidence-graded Natural Medicines (TRC Healthcare) database. Citations with a link open the study on PubMed or the publisher’s site.

Parr MK, Opfermann G, Geyer H, et al. Seized designer supplement named "1-Androsterone": identification as 3ß-hydroxy-5a-androst-1-en-17-one and its urinary elimination. Steroids 2011;76(6):540-7.
Granados J, Gillum TL, Christmas KM, et al. Prohormone supplement 3b-hydroxy-5a-androst-1-en-17-one enhances resistance training gains but impairs user health. J Appl Physiol (1985). 2014;116(5):560-9.

Keep reading

This information is for education only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always check with your pharmacist or doctor before starting, stopping, or combining supplements and medications.

Parts of this content are provided by the Therapeutic Research Center, LLC.

DISCLAIMER: Currently this does not check for drug-drug interactions. This is not an all-inclusive comprehensive list of potential interactions and is for informational purposes only. Not all interactions are known or well-reported in the scientific literature, and new interactions are continually being reported. Input is needed from a qualified healthcare provider including a pharmacist before starting any therapy. Application of clinical judgment is necessary.

Brand directory

Brands that make products with 1-androsterone

20 brands in our database make a supplement containing 1-androsterone.

AMMO American Muscle Mass Optimization 10 products AMS Advanced Muscle Science 10 products Anabolic Warfare 65 products Anabolic Warfare Savage Series 2 products Blackstone Labs 83 products Chaotic-Labz 37 products Gaspari Nutrition 284 products Hard Rock Supplements 14 products Hi-Tech Pharmaceuticals 106 products HTP Hi-Tech Pharmaceuticals 15 products IronMagLabs 37 products LG Sciences 27 products Liquid Labs 10 products Primeval Labs 11 products Reaction Nutrition 34 products Redcon1 100 products Vaxxen Labs 12 products Vintage Muscle 11 products Warrior Labz 13 products Xcel Sports Nutrition 88 products

Product directory

Supplement products with 1-androsterone

35 products in our database contain 1-androsterone. Open any to see its full ingredient list and every drug interaction we check.

Pharmacist Counseling Corner

1-androsterone: Common Questions

What is 1-androsterone used for, and does it work?

People use 1-androsterone for a range of reasons, but according to the Natural Medicines database the current clinical evidence is insufficient to confirm it works for the specific conditions it has been studied for. See the graded list on this page, and talk to your pharmacist or doctor before relying on it for any condition.

Does 1-androsterone interact with prescription medications?

Yes. We list 8 medications with a known interaction with 1-androsterone. Use the checker above to see how 1-androsterone interacts with a specific drug.

How are 1-androsterone interactions rated?

Each interaction is graded major, moderate, or minor based on how clinically significant it is and the strength of the evidence behind it. Major interactions are the most serious and are best avoided, or used only under close professional supervision.

Is it safe to take 1-androsterone with my medications?

It depends on the specific medication. Some combinations are fine, while others call for monitoring, timing changes, or should be avoided. Check your exact drug above and confirm with your pharmacist or doctor before starting, stopping, or changing anything.

Where does this 1-androsterone interaction information come from?

Our interaction data is built on the Natural Medicines database — an evidence-graded reference for vitamins, herbs, and supplements — and is reviewed by licensed HelloPharmacist pharmacists, who may add clinical context.

What is 1-androsterone used for?

It is a synthetic prohormone that bodybuilders and athletes use to try to build muscle, increase strength, and improve performance. These uses are not well proven, and the product carries real health risks.

Is 1-androsterone safe?

It has not been well tested for safety. Because it changes your hormones and may harm your liver, heart, and cholesterol, most pharmacists recommend avoiding it.

Will 1-androsterone make me fail a drug test?

Yes, prohormones like 1-androsterone are banned by most sports organizations and can cause a positive drug test, so competitive athletes should avoid it.

Can women take 1-androsterone?

It is generally not recommended for women because it acts like a male hormone and can cause side effects such as acne, deepening of the voice, and menstrual changes.

Written and reviewed by the HelloPharmacist editorial staff. Our editorial policy

Keep exploring

Products that contain 1-androsterone

A rotating sample of real supplements in our database that list 1-androsterone — open any to see its full ingredients and every drug interaction we check.

See all 35 products with 1-androsterone →

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