Is 1 Andro a Prohormone? Facts, Safety & Legal Status

In the world of fitness and bodybuilding, 1-Andro, 1-DHEA, and 1-Androsterone are popular terms for compounds marketed as legal anabolic alternatives. They are claimed to enhance lean muscle mass and strength by converting into active androgens in the body.

But the question remains: Is 1-Andro truly a prohormone, or is it just another overhyped supplement?

Before diving in, here’s a relevant internal link for reference:
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What Is 1-Andro (1-DHEA / 1-Androsterone)?

1-Androsterone, also known as 1-Andro or 1-DHEA, is a synthetic derivative of DHEA (dehydroepiandrosterone). Its full chemical name is 5α-androst-1-en-3β-ol-17-one.

It’s a positional isomer of DHEA — meaning it shares the same chemical formula but differs in the placement of a double bond. This small structural change gives it unique properties that allow the body to potentially convert it into 1-Testosterone (Δ¹-testosterone), a powerful anabolic hormone.

(Source: Wikipedia – 1-Androsterone)

What Is a Prohormone?

A prohormone is an inactive (or weakly active) precursor that the body can enzymatically convert into an active hormone.

In the context of muscle enhancement:

• Androgen prohormones convert into testosterone or similar anabolic hormones.

• Common examples include DHEA, androstenedione, and androstenediol.

• The Anabolic Steroid Control Act of 2004 in the U.S. reclassified many of these as controlled substances due to their steroid-like activity.

To qualify as a true prohormone, a compound should:

1. Be converted into an active hormone in vivo

2. Produce measurable anabolic effects

3. Have limited activity before conversion

(Source: Wikipedia – Androgen Prohormone)

How Does 1-Andro Work?

Proposed Metabolic Pathway

When consumed, 1-Andro is believed to undergo the following conversions:

1. 1-Androsterone → 1-Androstenedione

2. 1-Androstenedione → 1-Testosterone

The resulting 1-Testosterone then binds to androgen receptors in muscle tissue, enhancing protein synthesis, nitrogen retention, and muscle growth.

Because 1-Testosterone cannot aromatize to estrogen, it is often called a “dry” compound — meaning users report harder, leaner muscle gains with minimal water retention.

Conversion Efficiency

While this pathway is biochemically plausible, human data confirming efficient conversion are limited. Enzymes like 3β-HSD and 17β-HSD are necessary for the conversion, and their activity varies significantly between individuals.

Scientific Evidence and Research

There are very few direct studies on 1-Andro itself. Most of what is known comes from research on related andro prohormones.

• JAMA (2003): A clinical study found androstenedione supplementation did not increase muscle mass or strength but caused hormonal imbalances, including elevated estrogen levels.
  https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12902363/

• Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition (2006): Found minimal evidence that testosterone prohormones improved performance, but noted adverse effects on lipids and hormone balance.
  https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16888459/

• Clinical Chemistry (2003): Reported decreased HDL (“good”) cholesterol and increased liver stress markers following use of oral andro precursors.
  https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12671199/

In summary: While 1-Andro’s conversion to 1-Testosterone is chemically possible, there is no robust human data confirming meaningful anabolic effects or long-term safety.

Side Effects and Health Risks

Like other anabolic precursors, 1-Andro may carry risks:

• Hormonal Suppression: May decrease natural testosterone during use.

• Liver Toxicity: Oral forms can elevate liver enzymes due to first-pass metabolism.

• Cholesterol Changes: Reduced HDL and increased LDL have been noted with similar compounds.

• Estrogenic Effects: Some conversion to estrogenic metabolites is possible.

• Cardiovascular Risk: May increase blood pressure and cardiovascular strain.

(Source: WebMD – 1-Androsterone)

Because of these potential side effects, users often employ post-cycle therapy (PCT) to help restore natural hormone production after a 1-Andro cycle.

Legality and Doping Status

The Anabolic Steroid Control Act of 2004 classified many testosterone-related compounds as Schedule III controlled substances.

While some 1-Andro formulations are still legally sold as dietary supplements, sports organizations treat it as a banned substance.

• The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) lists 1-Andro and its metabolites under “anabolic agents” on its Prohibited List.
  https://www.wada-ama.org/

Athletes subject to drug testing should avoid 1-Andro, as it may trigger a positive result for anabolic steroids.

Typical Use and Cycle Information (For Educational Purposes Only)

⚠️ Always consult a medical professional before using any hormonal or anabolic supplement.

Final Verdict: Is 1-Andro a True Prohormone?

✅ Chemically: Yes — it’s a DHEA derivative that can convert into 1-Testosterone.
⚗️ Physiologically: Possibly — conversion occurs, but efficiency is uncertain.
🧪 Clinically: Unproven — there’s limited human data confirming significant anabolic effects.

Conclusion:

1-Andro qualifies as a putative prohormone — a compound designed to act as a testosterone precursor.
However, due to limited human research and potential risks, it should be treated as a serious androgenic substance, not a simple “test booster.”

References

1. JAMA. 2003;290(5):679–688. “Effects of androstenedione supplementation on serum hormones and muscle strength.”
   https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12902363/

2. Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition. 2006;3(2):118–126. “Prohormone supplements and testosterone precursors.”
   https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16888459/

3. Clinical Chemistry. 2003;49(7):1203–1210. “Adverse effects of androstenedione and similar precursors on lipids and hormones.”
   https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12671199/

4. WebMD – 1-Androsterone.
   https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-1543/1-androsterone

5. Wikipedia – 1-Androsterone.
   https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1-Androsterone

6. Wikipedia – Androgen Prohormone.
   https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Androgen_prohormone

7. World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) – Prohibited List.
   https://www.wada-ama.org/