1-Androstene-3b-ol,17-one

What It Is 1-Androstene-3b-ol,17-one, commonly known as 1-Andro or 1-DHEA, is a highly potent, legal pre-prohormone. It was developed as a response to the Anabolic Steroid Control Act of 2004 (which took effect in 2005), which banned popular prohormones like 1-testosterone and 1-Androstenediol (1AD). 1-Andro serves as a legal precursor that requires a two-step enzymatic conversion process in the body to eventually become the active, highly anabolic steroid known as 1-testosterone (dihydroboldenone).

The Science of 1-Andro The ultimate goal of taking 1-Andro is to elevate levels of 1-testosterone. 1-testosterone is a 5-alpha reduced (5AR) compound. Because it has already interacted with the 5AR enzyme, it possesses a unique and highly desirable trait for bodybuilders: it cannot convert to estrogen. Furthermore, unlike regular testosterone, it does not convert to dihydrotestosterone (DHT) in the scalp and skin.

This lack of estrogenic conversion means that 1-Andro produces 'dry' gains. Users do not typically experience the water retention, bloating, or gynecomastia associated with other aromatizing compounds.

However, the conversion process from 1-DHEA to 1-testosterone relies on specific liver enzymes. These enzymes have a finite capacity. If you take too much 1-Andro, the enzymes become saturated, and the excess compound is wasted. This is also why stacking 1-Andro with other pre-prohormones like 4-DHEA is a bad idea—they compete for the exact same enzymes, leading to poor conversion for both.

What The Research Says 1-Andro is backed by a legitimate human clinical study on trained males. The researchers found that a daily dose of 330mg of 1-Andro, combined with 150mg of 6,7-dihydroxybergamottin (grapefruit extract to enhance absorption), produced true steroid-like gains. In fact, the researchers noted that the results were comparable to a weekly cycle of 300mg of injectable testosterone enanthate.

While the muscle and strength gains were profound, the study also highlighted the harsh reality of prohormone use. Users experienced temporary increases in liver, kidney, and cardiovascular stress. While these markers returned to baseline after cessation of the supplement, it underscores the absolute necessity of using on-cycle support supplements.

Dosing Guide Dosing 1-Andro depends heavily on your experience level and the specific delivery system of the product. Clinical Standard: The human study utilized 330mg of 1-Andro daily, paired with 150mg of 6,7-dihydroxybergamottin. Beginner Protocol: First-time users should start lower. A common beginner protocol utilizes 1-Andro Decanoate (an ester-bound form). A 75mg dose of 1-Andro Decanoate yields about 47mg of active 1-Andro, which beginners should take twice per day (94mg total daily). The Ceiling Effect: More is not always better. Doses significantly higher than 330mg risk enzyme saturation, meaning you are throwing money away and needlessly increasing organ stress.

When & How To Take It 1-Andro should be taken daily in divided doses to maintain stable blood levels. Because it is a serious hormonal compound, it must be run in strict 'cycles' (typically 4 to 8 weeks), followed immediately by a comprehensive Post Cycle Therapy (PCT).

Stacking Do Stack With: 6,7-dihydroxybergamottin (to enhance absorption) and comprehensive cycle support supplements (to protect the liver, kidneys, and cardiovascular system). Do NOT Stack With: 4-DHEA. Because 1-DHEA and 4-DHEA convert to their parent hormones via the same enzyme, taking both simultaneously will oversaturate the enzyme pathway, leaving you with subpar results.

Who Should Take It 1-Andro is strictly for healthy adult males over the age of 23 (though the official legal recommendation is 21+) who have prior experience with milder anabolic supplements. Due to its aggressive nature, it is not recommended as a first-ever prohormone cycle.

Who Should NOT Take It Women, anyone under the age of 23, and individuals with pre-existing liver, kidney, or cardiovascular conditions must avoid 1-Andro. Furthermore, anyone who is unwilling or unable to acquire a prescription-grade Post Cycle Therapy (PCT) should not use this compound, as natural testosterone production will be suppressed.

The Bottom Line 1-Andro is one of the most potent legal muscle-builders available on the market today. By utilizing a two-step conversion process to become 1-testosterone, it offers massive, dry strength and size gains. However, it demands respect. Proper dosing, cycle support, and a rigorous PCT are mandatory to safely harness its benefits.