Androstenedione supplement use in women:
Androstenedione is produced by the ovaries and is converted in the body to both estrogen (estradiol), and testosterone. Kicman, AT et al found that a single 100 mg dose of androstenedione increased testosterone concentrations in women significantly to beyond normal range (26). The risks of both short and long term use of androstenedione by women clearly outweigh the benefits. The adverse effects of androstenedione are similar to testosterone. These adverse effects include hirsuitism (undesirable hair growth in women) and acne when taken for under 6 months (20). When taken for over 6 months the long term safety is unknown.