Description
Following the passage of the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act (DSHEA) of 1994, a number of putative anabolic substances, including 19-norandrostenedione, began to be marketed as dietary supplements. In March 2004, Senators Joseph Biden and Orrin Hatch co-authored and introduced a bill known as the Anabolic Steroid Control Act of 2004. The Act revised the term ""anabolic steroid'' to mean any drug or hormonal substance chemically and pharmacologically related to testosterone (other than estrogens, progestins, corticosteroids, and dehydroepiandrosterone [DHEA]). The list attached to the bill contained 59 specific substances, 26 of which were added to the existing 1990 list of steroids that are classified as schedule III controlled substances. The two isomers of 19-norandrostenedione—19-nor-4-androstene-3, 17-dione and 19-nor-5-androstene-3, 17-dione—were included in the list. The bill passed the Senate by unanimous consent on October 6, 2004, passed the House of Representatives two days later and was signed by President George W. Bush on October 22, 2004. It went into effect on January 20, 2005.
19-norandrostenedione refers to two steroid isomers that had been marketed as dietary supplements and mainly used by body builders. The difference between the two 19-norandrostenedione isomers is in the position of the double bond in the cyclopentanoperhydrophenanthrene ring structure. The delta4 isomer has a double bond between carbons 4 and 5; the delta5 isomer has a double bond between carbons 5 and 6.
The delta4 isomer is also known as 19-nor-4-androstene-3, 17-dione. The delta5 isomer is also known as 19-nor-5-androstene-3, 17-dione. The delta4 isomer is sometimes referred to as 19-nor and is the more popular of the two substances. The term ""nor'' refers to the absence of a 19 methyl group on the steroid ring structure. 19-norandrostenedione is synthesized in the adrenal gland and gonads from androstenedione. It is metabolized by the aromatase complex to estrone. The delta4, as well as delta5, 19-norandrostenedione may also be metabolized by the enzyme 17 beta-hydroxy steroid dehydrogenase to 19-nortestosterone, also known as nandrolone. In this monograph, 19-norandrostenedione will generally be used in the singular to refer to both the delta4 and delta5 isomers.
Actions & Pharmacology
Actions
Supplemental 19-norandrostenedione is a putative anabolic substance.
Mechanism of Action
19-norandrostenedione may be metabolized to 19-nortestosterone in both men and women. 19-Norandrostenedione, also known as nandrolone, is the basic substance of some very popular injectable anabolic steroids. 19-Norandrostenedione is not metabolized to testosterone. Whether increases in 19-nortestosterone levels that may be produced by taking oral 19-norandrostenedione would be sustained long enough to show increase in nitrogen retention and muscle strength and mass is unknown.
Pharmacokinetics
There is scant human pharmacokinetic data on 19-norandrostenedione. Absorption appears variable, but some absorption does occur. Following ingestion of 19-norandrostenedione, metabolites, including 19-norandrosterone and 19-noretiocholanolone, appear in the urine. 19-norandrostenedione and 19-noretiocholanolone are detectable in the urine for seven to 10 days after a single 50-mg oral dose. Specific metabolites of 19-nor-5-androstene-3, 17-dione are 19-nordehydroandrosterone and 19-nordehydroepiandrosterone. In the later stages of excretion, higher levels of 19-noretiocholanolone relative to 19-norandrosterone indicate intake of 19-nor delta5 steroids.
Indications & Usage
The claim that supplemental 19-norandrostenedione has anabolic effects is unsubstantiated. The use of this substance may pose serious health risks in some.
Overdosage
No reports of overdosage.
Dosage
19-norandrostenedione is illegal to use or possess except if enrolled in an FDA-allowed clinical trial or if prescribed by a qualified physician.
Literature
Anabolic Steroid Control Act of 2004. http://frwebgate.access.gpo.gov/cgi-bin/getdoc.cgi?dbname=108_cong_public_laws&docID=f:publ358.108.pdf. Accessed September 22, 2008.Uralets VP, Gillette PA. Over-the-counter anabolic steroids 4-androsten-3, 17-dione; 4-androsten-3beta, 17beta-diol; and 19-nor-4-androstene-3, 17-dione: excretion studies in men. J Anal Toxicol. 1999;23:357-366.Uralets VP, Gillette PA. Over-the-counter delta5 anabolic steroids 5-androsten-3, 17-dione, 5-androsten-3beta, 17 beta-diol; dehydroxyepiandrosterone; and 19-nor-5-androstene-3, 17-dione: excretion studies in men. J Anal Toxicol. 2000;24:188-193.Warning
Research & Summary
There is no research showing that either oral or injectable 19-norandrostenedione has significant anabolic effects.
Contraindications, Precautions & Adverse Reactions
Contraindications
19-norandrostenedione is contraindicated in those with prostate, breast, ovarian and uterine cancer and those at risk for these cancers. 19-norandrostenedione is also contraindicated in those who are hypersensitive to any component of a 19-norandrostenedione-containing preparation.
Precautions
19-norandrostenedione is illegal to use or possess except if enrolled in an FDA-allowed clinical trial or if prescribed by a qualified physician.
Adverse Reactions
No data are available on the long-term safety of taking supplemental 19-norandrostenedione. Adverse effects of exogenous testosterone in men include acne, testicular atrophy, gynecomastia, behavioral changes and possibly an increased risk of prostate cancer. Adverse effects of exogenous testosterone in women include hirsutism, deepening of the voice, acne, clitoral hypertrophy, amenorrhea, male-pattern baldness and coarsening of the skin. In adolescents, exogenous testosterone can lead to early closing of bone growth plates and decreased adult height. Other adverse effects of testosterone include hepatic failure and increased platelet aggregation.
Many, if not all, of the above adverse reactions may occur with long-term use of 19-norandrostenedione.
Interactions
No drug, nutritional supplement, food or herb interactions have yet been reported.
There are no reports of overdosage.
Natural Standard Inc. (www.naturalstandard.com)
