Herb & supplement monograph

Androstenediol Drug Interactions, Uses, Effectiveness, Safety & More

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

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

But these pages have grown well beyond that into a full monograph — what Androstenediol 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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Androstenediol 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 Androstenediol drug interaction appears low for most people, though anyone on hormone therapy should be aware of it. No interactions are rated major, and while the listed medications carry a moderate rating, the concerns come from theory rather than documented problems in people.

Interactions deserving the most attention

The interactions that deserve the most attention involve hormone medicines, specifically estrogens and testosterone. Because the body can convert androstenediol into these hormones, there is a concern it could add to their effects and side effects. That said, this conversion mainly happens when the body's own hormone levels are low, which is usually not the case for someone already taking hormone therapy, so the real-world impact may be smaller than it sounds.

What the rest of the list means

Although the number of medications on the list looks large, they all fall into these two hormone groups, and the concern is theoretical rather than proven. We have not seen human evidence that combining androstenediol with these medicines causes meaningful harm, so the moderate rating reflects caution, not confirmed danger.

Check your medications against Androstenediol

Based on HelloPharmacist’s Androstenediol interaction data and reviewed under our editorial standards.

Interaction report

Drugs that interact with Androstenediol

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

2,830 drugs
Bazedoxifene Acetate, Conjugated EstrogensDuavee› Conjugated EstrogensCenestin, Enjuvia, Premarin, Premarin Vaginal Cream› Conjugated Estrogens, Medroxyprogesterone AcetatePremplus, Prempro› Conjugated Estrogens, MeprobamatePMB 200, PMB 400› Conjugated Estrogens, MethyltestosteronePremarin with Methyltestosterone› Cyproterone Acetate, Ethinyl EstradiolDiane-35, Dianette› Desogestrel, Ethinyl EstradiolDesogen, Marvelon, Marvelon 21, Marvelon 28, Mircette, Ortho-Cept +2 more› Diethylstilbestrol, MethyltestosteroneTylosterone› Drospirenone, EstetrolNextstellis› Drospirenone, Ethinyl EstradiolAngeliq, Gianvi, Yasmin› Esterified EstrogensEstratab, Menest› Esterified Estrogens, MethyltestosteroneEstratest› EstradiolDivigel, Elestrin, Estrace, Estraderm, Estring, Evamist +6 more› Estradiol, MedroxyprogesteroneDivitren› Estradiol, Norethindrone AcetateActivella› Estradiol, NorgestimateOrtho-Prefest› Estradiol, ProgesteroneBijuvanda› EstrogenEstrogen› EstroneOrtho-Est› EstropipateOgen, Ortho EST› Ethiny Estradiol, LevonorgestrelLogynon, Microgynon 30 ED› Ethinyl EstradiolEstinyl› Ethinyl Estradiol, DesogestrelApri, Cesia, Cyclessa, Gedarel, Kariva, Linessa +4 more› Ethinyl Estradiol, DrospirenoneYaz› Ethinyl Estradiol, Ethynodiol DiacetateDemulen 1/35, Demulen 1/50, Demulen Compack, Kelnor 1/35, Zovia, Zovia 1/35 +1 more› Ethinyl Estradiol, LevonorgestrelAlesse, Alesse 21, Alesse 28, Aviane, Enpresse, Jolessa +18 more› Ethinyl Estradiol, NorethindroneAranelle, Brevicon, Brevicon .5/35 21 day, Brevicon .5/35 28 day, Brevicon 1/35 21 day, Brevicon 1/35 28 day +50 more› Ethinyl Estradiol, Norethindrone, Ferrous FumarateEstrostep Fe, Femcon FE, Junel Fe 1.5/30, Loestrin Fe, Loestrin Fe 1.5/30, Loestrin Fe 1/20 +3 more› Ethinyl Estradiol, NorgestimateCilest, Mononessa, Ortho Tri-Cyclen 28, Ortho Tri-Cyclen Lo, Ortho Tri-Cylcen, Ortho-Cyclen +5 more› Ethinyl Estradiol, NorgestrelCryselle, Lo/Ovral, Low-Ogestrel, Ogestrel 0.5/50, Ovral›
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 Androstenediol 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 Androstenediol affects

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

All 2 drug categories Androstenediol interacts with
EstrogensTestosterone
Estrogens

Androstenediol is a precursor to estrogen and can increase levels of estradiol and estrone. There is some concern that taking androstenediol with estrogens might increase estrogenic effects and potential side effects. However, androstenediol is converted to estrogen in low estrogen environments. Patients who are taking supplemental estrogen do not have low estrogen levels. Therefore, androstenediol might not be converted to estrogen in these patients. It is unclear how this might alter the effects and side effects of androstenediol. Until more is known, use with caution or avoid using with estrogen-containing drugs. Some of these drugs include CombiPatch, Estraderm Transdermal, Kestrone, Vivelle Transdermal, and others.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Testosterone

Androstenediol is a precursor to testosterone and can increase levels of testosterone. There is some concern that taking androstenediol with testosterone might increase therapeutic and adverse effects of testosterone. However, androstenediol is converted to testosterone in low testosterone environments. Patients taking supplemental testosterone do not have low testosterone levels. Therefore, androstenediol might not be converted to testosterone in these patients. It is unclear how this might alter the effects and side effects of androstenediol. Until more is known, use with caution or avoid using with testosterone-containing drugs. Some of these drugs include Androderm Transdermal, AndroGel, Depo-Testosterone, Testex, Testoderm, and others.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Monograph

Androstenediol: Uses, Safety & Side Effects

Medically reviewed by · Reviewed July 2026 ·
The bottom line

Androstenediol is a prohormone (a precursor the body can convert into testosterone and other hormones) marketed to raise testosterone and build muscle, but solid human evidence for these benefits is lacking and it carries real hormonal risks. In the United States it is a Schedule III controlled substance and is banned in most competitive sports. Talk with a doctor or pharmacist before considering any product containing it.

Androstenediol
Part used
Not a plant; a steroid hormone (prohormone) made synthetically or naturally in the body
Common forms
Capsules, tablets, sublingual tablets, sprays (sold as 'prohormone' supplements)
People commonly use it for
  • Boosting testosterone
  • Building muscle and strength
  • Enhancing athletic performance
  • Anti-aging / general vitality
  • Bodybuilding cutting or bulking cycles

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

Safety at a glance
OverallBest avoided

It is a controlled anabolic steroid with hormonal risks and is best avoided unless prescribed and supervised.

PregnancyInsufficient reliable information

Insufficient reliable information available; avoid using.

Read the full pregnancy detail
BreastfeedingInsufficient reliable information

Insufficient reliable information available; avoid using.

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.

Jump to a section

Overview

Androstenediol is a steroid hormone that occurs naturally in the human body. It is a prohormone, which means the body can convert it into other hormones such as testosterone. It is not an herb or plant; the versions found in supplements are usually made in a lab.

Androstenediol has been sold as a 'prohormone' or 'testosterone booster' supplement, mostly to athletes and bodybuilders who hope it will raise testosterone, build muscle, or improve performance. Because of its hormonal activity and potential for abuse, the United States classifies it as a Schedule III controlled substance, similar to other anabolic steroids. It is also banned by sports organizations like the NCAA and the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA).

How it works

Androstenediol sits one step away from testosterone in the body's hormone pathway. In theory, taking it gives the body more raw material to make testosterone and other androgens, which could affect muscle building, sex drive, and other testosterone-related functions.

It can also be converted into estrogen-type hormones in some people, which is why side effects can include breast tissue growth in men. Much of what we know is based on hormone chemistry and animal or small human studies rather than large, well-controlled trials, so the real-world effects in people are not well proven.

Effectiveness

Does Androstenediol work?

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

Evidence overview · 1 use evaluated
1 Leans ineffective
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.
Possibly Ineffective Athletic performance
Rating & evidence shown verbatim from Natural Medicines

Androstenediol taken orally, 100 mg twice per day, does not seem to add any significant increase in muscle strength or size when used for 12 weeks in conjunction with high-intensity resistance training.

Sources Ref 1905

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

Androstenediol is best thought of as a mild anabolic steroid, not a gentle supplement. Using it can disturb your body's natural hormone balance.

People who should avoid it include those with hormone-sensitive conditions (such as prostate, breast, or other hormone-related cancers), liver problems, heart disease, or high cholesterol. Teenagers and young adults whose bodies are still developing should not use it.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding: Do not use androstenediol if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Androgen hormones can harm a developing baby, and the effects on a nursing infant are unknown.

Because it is a Schedule III controlled substance in the U.S., possessing or selling it without proper authorization may be illegal. Always check with a doctor or pharmacist first.

Side effects

Side effects are similar to those of other anabolic steroids and androgens. They may include acne, oily skin, hair loss or unwanted hair growth, mood changes or irritability, and changes in cholesterol levels.

In men, it can cause breast tissue enlargement (gynecomastia), shrinking of the testicles, and lowered natural testosterone production over time. In women, it can cause masculinizing effects such as a deeper voice, facial hair, and menstrual changes, some of which may be permanent.

More serious concerns linked to anabolic steroids include liver strain and increased cardiovascular risk. Stop use and seek medical care if you notice worrisome symptoms.

Androstenediol: Reported Adverse Effects

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

Reports by condition
Myasthenia gravis Musculoskeletal

Orally, bilateral Achilles tendon ruptures have been reported in a 35-year-old male patient. Each rupture occurred following the use androstenediol 100 mg orally daily for one month, with approximately 18 months between each use .

  1. Battista, V., Combs, J., and Warme, W. J. Asynchronous bilateral achilles tendon ruptures and androstenediol use. Am J Sports Med 2003;31(6):1007-1009.
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 effective dose of androstenediol, and because it is a controlled substance, it is not a routine over-the-counter supplement. The body of research does not support a recommended amount.

If you are considering any product that contains it, do not rely on label claims. Speak with a doctor or pharmacist first, and never assume a higher dose is safer or more effective.

Pregnancy & Breastfeeding

Androstenediol & Pregnancy

Insufficient reliable information

Insufficient reliable information available; avoid using.

Androstenediol & Breastfeeding

Insufficient reliable information

Insufficient reliable information available; avoid using.

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 3 references that drive our Androstenediol 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. Broeder CE, Quindry J, Brittingham K, et al. The Andro Project: physiological and hormonal influences of androstenedione supplementation in men 35 to 65 years old participating in a high-intensity resistance training program. Arch Intern Med 2000;160:30
  2. Brown GA, Martini ER, Roberts BS, et al. Acute hormonal response to sublingual androstenediol intake in young men. J Appl Physiol 2002;92:142-6. PubMed
  3. Battista, V., Combs, J., and Warme, W. J. Asynchronous bilateral achilles tendon ruptures and androstenediol use. Am J Sports Med 2003;31(6):1007-1009. 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

Androstenediol: Common Questions

What is Androstenediol used for, and does it work?
People use Androstenediol 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 Androstenediol interact with prescription medications?
Yes. We list 47 medications with a known interaction with Androstenediol. Use the checker above to see how Androstenediol interacts with a specific drug.
How are Androstenediol 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 Androstenediol 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 Androstenediol 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.
Is Androstenediol legal to buy?
In the United States, Androstenediol is a Schedule III controlled substance, so it is not freely available as an ordinary supplement and selling or possessing it without authorization may be illegal.
Will Androstenediol boost my testosterone or build muscle?
It is marketed for those reasons, but reliable human evidence is weak, and studies of similar prohormones found little lasting benefit while raising the risk of hormonal side effects.
Can athletes use Androstenediol?
No. It is banned by organizations like the NCAA and WADA, and using it can lead to a positive drug test and serious penalties.
Is Androstenediol safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding?
No. Androgen hormones can harm a developing baby, and effects on a nursing infant are unknown, so it should be avoided in both situations.

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

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