The side effects of Androstenedione and related information

Our body makes many kinds of hormones. These hormones are made for the healthier functioning of our body. But often the excess production of these hormones can be harmful for us. The Androstenedione is also known as 4-androstenedione. It is a 19-carbon steroid hormone. The Androstenedione is produced in the adrenal glands. It is also produced in the gonads as an intermediate step. There are biochemical paths which help to produce the androgen testosterone, the estrogens estrone and estradiol. The Androstenedione is said to be a precursor in both male and female bodies.

Androstenedione and its effects on us

The Androstenedione and other similar molecules may cause androgenic or estrogenic effects in humans when they are produced or taken in desired quantities over a period of time. Generally these compounds have very weak intrinsic androgenic activity; they are prohormones for both androgens (testosterone) and estrogens. Children and teenagers are very prone to the irreversible effects of androstenedione. This happens because of the conversion of these hormones to activated sex steroids. Due to these factors there is a stop or change in the normal sexual development. In girls this leads to virilization also.

Hormonal changes due toAndrostenedione

This problem occurs with severe acne, excess growth of body and facial hair, the voice deepens and becomes thicker, there is a permanent enlargement of the clitoris, irregular menstrual cycle and related problems and in many cases infertility. This conversion of hormones to estrogens can also lead to physical features in boys becoming more feminine, there is great chance of breast enlargement and testicular atrophy.  For girls the risk of this excessive production of estrogens can also lead to breast and uterine cancer in the long run. The combined effects of these changes and conversions of hormones, in boys and girls, may lead premature puberty; the growth of the plates of long bones may also stop which will eventually lead to significant compromising in the growth of adult stature.

Problems caused byAndrostenedione

The excess production or intake of Androstenedione through medicines can create problems for both men and women. These problems are-

The skin gets prone to acne and becomes excess oily. This change in the hormonal imbalance leads to this problem. There is also excess growth of hair on the faces and body of the girls which is related to the male pattern of hair growth. In male members it can also led to a certain amount of baldness. The female’s voice becomes deep and hoarse. There is also a large amount of weight gain related to this. There is also a loss of female body contour. There is a change in the menstrual cycle pattern. There is also an increase in the libido in the women. There is also a change in the testicular atrophy. There is reduced a HDL-C which can result in the increased risk of diseases like atherosclerosis. There are various changes in coagulation.

Another problem that occurs because of this is Edema. This problem results in the swelling of soft tissues to an extreme because of the abnormal retention of fluid. Another problem that happens is Erythrocytosis. This results in the increased red cell production and the blood becomes thicker. There is obstructive sleep apnea which results in gradual slowing of breathing while sleep. There is also a risk of heart and lung diseases. There are also increased chances of liver diseases. There is also an increased risk of aggressive behavior at times.

Medicines andAndrostenedione

The increased production of Androstenedione is generally because of the intake of medicines which may contain hormones that react with the same. Medicines related to hormonal problems should always be consulted with a doctor before. There are various hormone medicines which are not related to Androstenedione but they affect the overall functioning of the body. However when taken by prescription or in limited amounts these doses have anabolic effects. These are normally taken by athletes for body training and related purposes. There are often steroids given to increase the sexual activities of the person that may have adverse effects on the human being. The side effects of the hormonal changes are due to over production. These changes may be irreversible at times leading to permanent problems in women, men and children also.