4-Androstenediol is a prohormone that converts to testosterone in the body through enzymatic processes. It was one of the original ‘legal steroids’ sold as dietary supplements before being classified as an anabolic steroid.
Unlike direct testosterone administration, prohormones like 4-AD must be converted to active hormones by the body’s enzymes, making their effects somewhat unpredictable and generally weaker than direct hormone use. The compound can provide mild anabolic effects with less dramatic side effects than traditional steroids.
However, 4-AD still suppresses natural testosterone production and can cause similar side effects to testosterone, including estrogen-related issues since it converts to testosterone which then aromatizes. The compound is often stacked with other prohormones or used by those seeking milder alternatives to traditional steroids.
As a prohormone, 4-AD places additional stress on the liver due to the conversion process, despite not being 17-alpha-alkylated like oral steroids. Users should still consider liver support and proper PCT protocols.