Herb & supplement monograph

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

Medically reviewed by ·Updated June 2026
What is this page for?

First and foremost: how 1-epiandrosterone interacts with medications. The heart of this page is the interaction list — every drug 1-epiandrosterone 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-epiandrosterone 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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Interaction report

Drugs that interact with 1-epiandrosterone

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

We don’t currently list any known drug interactions for 1-epiandrosterone. This doesn’t guarantee none exist — always confirm with your pharmacist before combining supplements with your medications.

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-epiandrosterone combination — clinical detail, likelihood, evidence level, and citations.
  • Content is reviewed by licensed HelloPharmacist pharmacists — see our data sources and editorial standards.
Monograph

1-epiandrosterone: Uses, Safety & Side Effects

Medically reviewed by · Reviewed June 2026 ·
The bottom line

1-epiandrosterone (often sold as a '1-andro' prohormone) is a steroid-related compound marketed to bodybuilders for muscle and strength gains, but solid human evidence is very limited and the safety profile is poorly understood. Because it can act like an anabolic steroid in the body and may carry liver, hormonal, and cardiovascular risks, most people should avoid it and talk to a pharmacist or doctor first.

1-epiandrosterone
Part used
Not a plant; a synthetic or lab-made steroid compound (prohormone)
Common forms
Capsules, tablets, sometimes part of multi-ingredient bodybuilding 'prohormone' supplements
People commonly use it for
  • Muscle building
  • Athletic performance
  • Improving body composition
  • Strength gains

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

Safety at a glance
OverallBest avoided

It acts like an anabolic steroid and has limited safety data, so caution and medical guidance are strongly advised.

PregnancyPossibly Unsafe

When used orally. Prohormones can be converted to active hormones in the body and cause adverse effects such as menstrual irregularities, infertility,...

Read the full pregnancy detail
BreastfeedingPossibly Unsafe

When used orally. Prohormones can be converted to active hormones in the body and cause adverse effects such as menstrual irregularities, infertility,...

Read the full breastfeeding detail

Pregnancy & breastfeeding ratings are from Natural Medicines (Therapeutic Research Center). Safety guidance is general; always confirm with your pharmacist or doctor for your situation.

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Overview

1-epiandrosterone is a steroid-related compound. A version of it is commonly sold in dietary supplements, often labeled as a "prohormone" or "1-andro," mainly to people who lift weights or want to build muscle.

It is not an herb or a plant. It is a hormone-like molecule related to DHEA (a steroid your body makes naturally) and structurally similar to testosterone. In supplements, it is usually made in a lab and put into capsules or tablets, sometimes combined with other ingredients.

People take it hoping to gain muscle, get stronger, and improve how their body looks. It is important to know that these products are sold for muscle building but are not approved medicines.

How it works

1-epiandrosterone is thought to be a prohormone, meaning the body may convert it into other active steroid compounds. Some of these may have mild androgenic (testosterone-like) effects, which is why it is marketed for muscle growth.

The idea is that, once converted, it could support the body's muscle-building (anabolic) signals. However, much of this is based on its chemical structure and on lab or limited research rather than strong human studies.

Because it can act like a weak anabolic steroid, it may also affect your natural hormone balance and other body systems in ways that are not fully understood.

Effectiveness

Does 1-epiandrosterone work?

Here’s what the research actually shows for each use — graded by Natural Medicines and reviewed by .

Evidence overview · 4 uses evaluated
4 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-epiandrosterone, current evidence isn’t strong enough to rate any specific use. The conditions it has been studied for are listed below.

Also studied for 4 conditions — evidence insufficient to rate
Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Athletic performance
Rating & evidence shown verbatim from Natural Medicines

Although there is interest in using 1-epiandrosterone for athletic performance, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of 1-epiandrosterone for this purpose.

Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Exercise-induced muscle damage
Rating & evidence shown verbatim from Natural Medicines

Although there is interest in using 1-epiandrosterone for muscle recovery after exercise, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of 1-epiandrosterone for this purpose.

Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Muscle strength
Rating & evidence shown verbatim from Natural Medicines

Although there is interest in using 1-epiandrosterone to increase muscle strength, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of 1-epiandrosterone for this purpose.

Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Obesity
Rating & evidence shown verbatim from Natural Medicines

Although there is interest in using 1-epiandrosterone for weight loss, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of 1-epiandrosterone for this purpose.

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

The safety of 1-epiandrosterone has not been well studied in people. Compounds that act like anabolic steroids can affect the liver, cholesterol, blood pressure, and natural hormone levels.

Who should avoid it: teenagers, anyone under 18, people with liver problems, heart disease, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or hormone-sensitive conditions such as certain cancers. Athletes should also know that prohormones are often banned in competitive sports and can cause a failed drug test.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding: avoid it. Hormone-altering compounds can harm a developing baby, and there is no safety data for nursing mothers.

Supplement quality can also be a problem — products may be mislabeled or contain other undisclosed ingredients. Always talk to a pharmacist or doctor before considering a product like this.

Side effects

Because it can act like a steroid, possible side effects may include acne, oily skin, hair loss, mood changes, and changes in sex drive. In men it may suppress natural testosterone, and in women it may cause unwanted male-type features such as a deeper voice or extra body hair.

More serious concerns with steroid-like prohormones can include liver strain or damage, unhealthy changes in cholesterol, and increased cardiovascular risk. Stop using it and seek medical care if you notice yellowing of the skin or eyes, dark urine, severe abdominal pain, or signs of a serious reaction.

Dosing

There is no established safe or effective dose for 1-epiandrosterone. It has not been studied well enough in humans to set reliable dosing guidelines.

If a product contains it, follow the label only as a starting point, and check with a pharmacist or doctor first. Because these products can act like steroids and may carry real risks, do not assume "more is better." The safest choice for most people is to avoid it.

Pregnancy & Breastfeeding

1-epiandrosterone & Pregnancy

Possibly Unsafe

When used orally. Prohormones can be converted to active hormones in the body and cause adverse effects such as menstrual irregularities, infertility, hair loss, and acne. Prohormones have also been associated with hepatotoxicity and increased risk of cardiovascular disease. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration and other regulatory agencies warn that dietary supplements containing prohormones are dangerous. Avoid using.

  1. Joseph JF, Parr MK. Synthetic androgens as designer supplements. Curr Neuropharmacol. 2015;13(1):89-100.

1-epiandrosterone & Breastfeeding

Possibly Unsafe

When used orally. Prohormones can be converted to active hormones in the body and cause adverse effects such as menstrual irregularities, infertility, hair loss, and acne. Prohormones have also been associated with hepatotoxicity and increased risk of cardiovascular disease. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration and other regulatory agencies warn that dietary supplements containing prohormones are dangerous. Avoid using.

  1. Joseph JF, Parr MK. Synthetic androgens as designer supplements. Curr Neuropharmacol. 2015;13(1):89-100.
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.

© 2026 Therapeutic Research Center

Pregnancy & lactation ratings: Natural Medicines, Therapeutic Research Center

References & further reading

The 1 references that drive our 1-epiandrosterone 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.

  1. Joseph JF, Parr MK. Synthetic androgens as designer supplements. Curr Neuropharmacol. 2015;13(1):89-100. PubMed
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.

© 2021 Therapeutic Research Center, LLC

Pharmacist Counseling Corner

1-epiandrosterone: Common Questions

What is 1-epiandrosterone used for, and does it work?
People use 1-epiandrosterone 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-epiandrosterone interact with prescription medications?
We do not currently list any known drug interactions for 1-epiandrosterone. This does not guarantee that none exist, so always confirm with your pharmacist before combining it with your medications.
How are 1-epiandrosterone 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-epiandrosterone 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-epiandrosterone 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-epiandrosterone used for?
It is mainly sold as a 'prohormone' supplement to bodybuilders and athletes who want to build muscle, gain strength, or improve body composition. Strong human evidence that it actually does this safely is lacking.
Is 1-epiandrosterone safe to take?
Its safety is not well studied, and because it can act like a weak anabolic steroid, it may affect your liver, cholesterol, heart, and natural hormones. Most people should avoid it and talk to a pharmacist or doctor first.
Can I take it during pregnancy or while breastfeeding?
No. Hormone-altering compounds can harm a developing baby, and there is no safety data for breastfeeding, so it should be avoided in both situations.
Will it cause me to fail a drug test?
Possibly. Prohormones like this are often banned in competitive sports and can trigger a positive test for anabolic agents, so athletes should be especially cautious.

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

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