Herb & supplement monograph

4-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 4-androsterone interacts with medications. The heart of this page is the interaction list — every drug 4-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 4-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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Reviewed by licensed pharmacists Sourced from Natural Medicines

On this page

4-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 4-androsterone drug interaction appears low for most people, though anyone taking hormone medicines should be more careful. None of the listed interactions are rated major, and the concerns that exist are theoretical rather than confirmed in human studies.

Interactions deserving the most attention

The combination that deserves the most attention is with testosterone and similar androgen medicines. Because 4-androsterone is claimed to convert into testosterone in the body, stacking it with prescribed testosterone could, in theory, add to hormone-related side effects such as mood changes or strain on the heart, kidneys, or liver. We have not seen well-controlled human studies confirming this, but the biological reasoning is sound enough that we treat it as a real caution.

What the rest of the list means

The rest of the interaction profile is modest, covering only a small group of medications, all rated moderate. These concerns rest on the supplement's supposed hormonal activity rather than on documented harm in people, so a listed interaction does not mean the combination has been shown to cause problems.

Check your medications against 4-androsterone

Based on HelloPharmacist’s 4-androsterone interaction data and reviewed under our editorial standards.

Interaction report

Drugs that interact with 4-androsterone

8 medications have a known interaction with 4-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 4-androsterone using our pharmacist-reviewed interaction data.

AI summaries are generated from our 4-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 4-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 4-androsterone affects

Every type of medication (drug category) 4-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 4-androsterone interacts with

Testosterone

4-Androsterone is purportedly converted to testosterone and other androgens upon ingestion. Theoretically, taking 4-androsterone with testosterone may increase the risk for additive adverse effects such as mood disturbances and cardiovascular, kidney, or liver problems.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D

Monograph

4-androsterone: Uses, Safety & Side Effects

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

The bottom line

4-Androsterone (sometimes called 4-DHEA) is a lab-made prohormone marketed to bodybuilders as a way to raise testosterone and build muscle, but human studies are very limited and it carries real risks like liver strain, hormone imbalance, and cholesterol changes. Its legal status is uncertain in many places, and it may cause a positive result on drug tests. We do not recommend it without close medical supervision, and it should be avoided in pregnancy and breastfeeding.

Part used: Synthetic steroidal compound (not a plant part)
Common forms: Capsules, tablets, transdermal gels or creams, liquid drops

People commonly use it for

Muscle building
Strength and athletic performance
Boosting testosterone
Bodybuilding cycles

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

Safety at a glance

OverallUse caution

Prohormones can disrupt hormones, strain the liver, and affect cholesterol; safety is not well studied.

PregnancyInsufficient reliable information

Insufficient information available; avoid use.

Read the full pregnancy detail

BreastfeedingInsufficient reliable information

Insufficient information available; avoid use.

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

4-Androsterone, also marketed as 4-DHEA, is a man-made steroidal compound sold as a dietary supplement, mostly in the fitness and bodybuilding world. It is not an herb or a plant extract. Instead, it is a so-called prohormone — a substance the body can convert into active hormones such as testosterone.

People typically take it in cycles to try to increase muscle size, strength, and recovery. It is often found in capsules, tablets, or skin gels and is sometimes combined with other prohormones in “stacks.”

It is important to know that supplements like this are not tightly regulated, and the actual contents and purity of a product can vary widely from what the label claims.

How it works

4-Androsterone is described as a prohormone, meaning the body may convert it through enzyme steps into testosterone or related androgens. Higher androgen levels could, in theory, support muscle protein building and recovery.

However, the body tightly controls its own hormone levels. Taking extra androgens from outside can throw off this balance and may cause the body to slow its own natural testosterone production. The exact amount that actually converts into active hormones in humans is not well established.

Much of the reasoning behind these compounds comes from how steroids work in general rather than from detailed studies of 4-androsterone itself.

Effectiveness

Does 4-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 4-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

Although there has been interest in using oral 4-andosterone for athletic performance, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of 4-andosterone 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

Prohormones like 4-androsterone are not well studied for safety, and they can affect the body the same way anabolic steroids do. Possible concerns include liver strain, unhealthy changes in cholesterol, raised blood pressure, and disruption of natural hormone balance.

People with liver disease, heart disease, high cholesterol, hormone-sensitive conditions, or a history of prostate problems should avoid it. Teenagers and anyone under 18 should not use it because of the risk to growth and hormones.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding: Avoid 4-androsterone completely. Androgenic hormones can harm a developing baby, and the effects on a nursing infant are unknown but potentially serious.

Athletes should also be aware that prohormones are banned by most sports organizations and can cause a failed drug test. Legal status varies, and some prohormones are restricted or banned in certain countries. Always talk with a pharmacist or doctor before considering a product like this.

Side effects

Reported and expected side effects from androgenic prohormones include:

Acne and oily skin
Hair loss or unwanted hair growth
Mood swings, irritability, or aggression
Lowered natural testosterone after a cycle
Breast tissue growth in men (gynecomastia)
Changes in cholesterol and possible heart strain

Rare but more serious risks may include liver damage and harmful cardiovascular effects. Women may experience deepening of the voice and other masculinizing changes that can be permanent. Stop use and seek medical care if you notice yellowing of the skin or eyes, dark urine, severe abdominal pain, or chest pain.

4-androsterone: Reported Adverse Effects

Documented safety reports on 4-androsterone from the evidence-graded Natural Medicines (TRC Healthcare) database, shown word-for-word from the licensed record.

There is insufficient information available about adverse effects associated with 4-androsterone. It is purported that 4-androsterone is metabolized to anabolic compounds. Therefore, in theory, there is concern that it might cause serious anabolic steroid-like side effects including stroke, kidney failure, and liver injury.

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, medically recommended dose for 4-androsterone. Doses used in bodybuilding come from product labels and informal community advice, not from rigorous clinical research.

Because purity and strength can vary between products and the risks are significant, we cannot recommend a specific amount. If you are considering it despite the risks, follow the product label exactly and speak with a pharmacist or doctor first. Never assume that a higher dose is safer or more effective.

Pregnancy & Breastfeeding

4-androsterone & Pregnancy

Insufficient reliable information

Insufficient information available; avoid use.

4-androsterone & Breastfeeding

Insufficient reliable information

Insufficient information available; avoid use.

Pregnancy & lactation ratings: Natural Medicines, Therapeutic Research Center

References & further reading

The 3 sources that drive our 4-androsterone monograph — publicly available pages from reputable medical and government organizations. Every link was verified to work before publishing.

Anabolic Steroids and Other Appearance and Performance Enhancing Drugs (APEDs) — NIH National Institute on Drug Abuse Source
Dietary Supplements for Exercise and Athletic Performance — NIH Office of Dietary Supplements Source
DHEA — MedlinePlus Source

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.

Brand directory

Brands that make products with 4-androsterone

19 brands in our database make a supplement containing 4-androsterone.

Anabolic Warfare Savage Series 2 products Blackstone Labs 83 products BMM Supplements 3 products Chaos and Pain 9 products Chaotic-Labz 37 products Enhanced Nutrition 4 products Gaspari Nutrition 284 products Hard Rock Supplements 14 products Hi-Tech Pharmaceuticals 106 products HTP Hi-Tech Pharmaceuticals 15 products IML IronMag Labs 17 products Innovative 2 products IronMagLabs 37 products LG Sciences 27 products Liquid Labs 10 products Primeval Labs 11 products Redcon1 100 products Vaxxen Labs 12 products Vintage Muscle 11 products

Product directory

Supplement products with 4-androsterone

23 products in our database contain 4-androsterone. Open any to see its full ingredient list and every drug interaction we check.

Pharmacist Counseling Corner

4-androsterone: Common Questions

What is 4-androsterone used for, and does it work?

People use 4-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 4-androsterone interact with prescription medications?

Yes. We list 8 medications with a known interaction with 4-androsterone. Use the checker above to see how 4-androsterone interacts with a specific drug.

How are 4-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 4-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 4-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 4-androsterone used for?

It is mostly used by bodybuilders and athletes as a prohormone to try to raise testosterone, build muscle, and improve strength. These are popular uses, not proven benefits.

Is 4-androsterone safe?

Its safety has not been well studied, and like other androgenic prohormones it can strain the liver, raise blood pressure, hurt cholesterol, and disrupt natural hormone balance. It should only be considered with medical supervision, if at all.

Can I take 4-androsterone during pregnancy or breastfeeding?

No. Androgenic hormones can harm a developing baby and the effects on a nursing infant are unknown, so it should be avoided during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

Will 4-androsterone cause a failed drug test?

Likely yes. Prohormones are banned by most sports organizations and can lead to a positive test for anabolic agents, so competitive athletes should avoid them.

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

Keep exploring

Products that contain 4-androsterone

A rotating sample of real supplements in our database that list 4-androsterone — open any to see its full ingredients and every drug interaction we check.

See all 23 products with 4-androsterone →

Where next

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

Your Choice:

4-androsterone Drug Interactions: The Bottom Line

Drugs that interact with 4-androsterone

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

What Severity, Likelihood & Evidence Mean

Severity — How Serious It Can Be

Likelihood — How Well It’s Documented

Where This Data Comes From

The kinds of drugs 4-androsterone affects

4-androsterone: Uses, Safety & Side Effects

Overview

How it works

Does 4-androsterone work?

Safety & precautions

Side effects

4-androsterone: Reported Adverse Effects

Dosing

4-androsterone & Pregnancy

4-androsterone & Breastfeeding

References & further reading

Brands that make products with 4-androsterone

Supplement products with 4-androsterone

4-androsterone: Common Questions

Related supplements & herbs

Products that contain 4-androsterone

Have a question about 4-androsterone?