4-dehydroepiandrosterone

4-Dehydroepiandrosterone (4-DHEA) is a synthetic 3β-hydroxy steroid and an isomer of the naturally occurring 5-dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA). It is primarily utilized as a prohormone within the dietary supplement industry, where it is marketed for its potential to increase muscle mass and strength. Structurally, 4-DHEA differs from DHEA by the position of its double bond at the 4-position rather than the 5-position. Upon ingestion, 4-DHEA undergoes a two-step enzymatic conversion: it is first converted into androstenedione by 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (3β-HSD) and subsequently into testosterone by 17β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (17β-HSD). While it is widely available as a nutraceutical, it is not an FDA-approved pharmaceutical for any clinical indication and is often subject to regulation or bans by athletic organizations due to its anabolic properties.

Brand names

4-Andro4-Androsterone

Other names

4-DHEA3β-hydroxy-4-androsten-17-one3β-hydroxyandrost-4-en-17-one4-androsten-3β-ol-17-one