Androstenedione bổ sung sẽ làm tăng testosterone trong huyết tương trong thời gian ngắn, nhưng tác động tích cực về lưu giữ nitơ và gia tăng khối lượng cơ bắp và sức mạnh sau khi sử dụng các chất bổ sung chế độ ăn uống không được chứng minh [153-156]. | 804 JUDGE EISENGA Androstenedione supplementation will increase plasma testosterone for short periods but a positive effect on nitrogen retention and increased muscle mass and strength after use of these dietary supplements has not been demonstrated 153-156 . Interestingly there appears to be downregulation of endogenous testosterone in men who use androstendione supplementation for at least 4 weeks 157 . Androstenedione produces similar side effects to those caused by anabolic steroids including unfavorable changes in serum lipids aggressive behavior and may cause serious liver problems 154-156 . DHEA DHEA is a naturally occurring hormone produced principally in the adrenal cortex. DHEA and its sulfated metabolite DHEAS have weak androgenic activity. DHEA production decreases with age and levels of DHEAS are typically low in chronic disease states such as cancer and AIDS. DHEA does not have significant ergogenic effects because only minute amounts are metabolized to androstendione therefore use by athletes is limited. Oral DHEA administration will cause increases in serum levels of DHEA and DHEAS however long-term daily administration to men has shown no changes in serum lutenizing hormone levels follicle stimulating hormone levels or prostate specific antigen 158 . Although DHEA production declines with age many of the studies assessing the efficacy of supplemental DHEA have shown conflicting results 159 . DHEA is believed to have significant anti-inflammatory and anti-aging effects. Because of this DHEA supplementation is believed to be beneficial for use in the elderly. Although DHEA is banned in Canada and the United Kingdom it is available in the United States and there has been an increase in the use of DHEA by the elderly and middle-aged adults. The recommended dose for supplemental DHEA is 25 to 50 mg d but as with androstendione higher doses have also been recommended. DHEA supplementation to perimenopausal women has shown no improvement in severity of .
