1-Testosterone (17beta-hydroxy-5alpha-androst-1-en-3-one) and 1-AD (1-androstenediol,
1-androstene-3beta, 17beta-diol) are probably the two most effective muscle
building supplements presently on the market. 1-testosterone is a steroid
that is closely chemically related to testosterone; it has a double bond
at the 1 position whereas testosterone has a double bond at the 4 position.
1-AD is a 1-testosterone prohormone that is converted to 1-testosterone by
the enzyme 17beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase. Unlike most other prohormones
which are readily deactivated in the liver, 1-AD has significant oral activity.
The strong anabolic properties of 1-testosterone have been established in
the literature. Research conducted in the 60's found that 1-testosterone
had a myotrophic (anabolic) potency of 200 as compared to 26 for testosterone,
making it over 7 times as anabolic. This was done using the rat levator ani
assay, which is commonly used to test the anabolic potency of steroids. In
addition to this, 1-testosterone and 1-AD are both unable to aromatize to
estrogen. Hence these substances cause very significant increases in muscle
size and strength with about the androgenic potential of testosterone and
almost no estrogenic side effects (water retention, fat gain, gynecomastia).
However, 1-testosterone use is not without side effects. The side effects
that can be primarily expected from 1-testosterone are androgenic, similar
to the side effects of DHT prohormones but not as severe. These include hair
loss, acne, and an increased risk of benign prostate hypertrophy (BPH) (although
there is much debate concerning the latter subject). Finasteride (propecia,
proscar) cannot be expected to reduce these side effects, as 1-testosterone
converts to DHT through a pathway other than 5alpha-reduction. 1-testosterone
causes prostate growth in castrated rats equal to that of testosterone; unfortunately
this is not a good model for BPH. Those wishing to avoid androgenic side
effects should steer clear of 1-AD and 1-testosterone and instead opt for
a 19-nor prohormone.
1-AD is used orally, with a low dose being 200-300 mg daily and 600-900 mg
daily being commonly utilized (women, should they choose to use 1-AD, should
not use a dose higher than 100 mg daily). Dosages as high as 1200-1500 mg
daily are not unheard of. 1-testosterone is not considered to be very effective
when orally administered, and is most commonly used transdermally at 200-400
mg daily with some going as high as 600 mg. Cycle length for both of these
substances is usually 4-8 weeks, although some see good results from 2 week
cycles of 1-testosterone. They are most commonly stacked with 4-AD, which
can reduce or reverse common side effects such as lethargy and reduced libido.
This stack is especially ideal during bulking; during cutting periods, lower
doses of
4-AD should be utilized if this stack
is chosen. 1-testosterone and
1,4-androstenedione
can also be stacked during cutting periods. It is not a good idea to stack
these products with
DHT precursors (to avoid excessive
androgenic side effects) or
19-nor prohormones
(as this would cause a significant reduction in libido).
If you have any questions or comments regarding this article, please email
dvdtlsn@bulknutrition.com.
No part of this article may be reproduced in any form without the permission of David Tolson or Mike McCandless.
