andro facts / fiction.

[Guest guest]

As a 53 YO Male I am certainly in the low

testosterone age group (statistically). 

Have been curious about the Andro & NorAndros.  Did some reading & came up with some interpretations

of the info.

I am sure there are readers & posters here

that have opinions & facts & more info.

Please comment, tear me up, educate me..educate

all of us.  This seems like it would be

an extremely valuable discussion.

All of

members of the Andro family are converted to testosterone by natural

enzymes in the body. There are three basic types or isomers of Andro;

Androstenedione, 4-Androstendiol and 5-Androstendiol. There are additional

variations but these are the three basic forms. There are alpha and beta

variations.

There

are differences in the physiological effects of the major isomers

variations.

There are individuals and companies that recommend specific

alpha or beta isomers however I feel that this is more of establishing a

market niche than critical physiology.

In

addition to the Andro's there are the Nor-Andros; 19 - NorAndrostenedione

and 19 - NorAndrostenediol. The Nor Andro's are converted to

NorTestosterone/ nandrolone. The NorAndros lack a carbon molecule at the

19th position on the carbon chain. The enzymes that convert the Andro to

testosterone will not add the carbon to the 19th position ( they do add a

hydrogen molecule ) and without that single carbon atom it will not /

cannot become testosterone.

The

difference between the Andro's and the NorAndro's is the conversion to

testosterone or nor testosterone/ nandrolene.

Andro converts to testosterone which is the most important

hormone in the male body for energy, libido, muscle size and strength.

However there are the androgenic (related to the masculine imparting

effects) side effects which include hair loss, testicular shrinkage and

the conversion of testosterone to estrogen. This last effect is the

greatest concern to me personally. Increased levels of estrogen levels

increase body fat, lead to possible heart disease, and impart the

possibility of female physical characteristics such as enlarged breasts

or gynocomastia. Yes, what is known in the gyms as " bitch tits "

is a result of high levels of estrogen, resulting from the natural

conversion of excess testosterone to estrogen. And excess levels of

testosterone will convert to estrogen. The

rate of conversion of testosterone to estrogen increases as we age.

Nortestosterone provides many / most of the anabolic (muscle

building) effects of testosterone without the negative androgenic side

effects. Since the NorAndro isomers do not convert to testosterone many

of the negative side effects of Andro are eliminated. The NorAndro

isomers have many of the same anabolic effects without the androgenic

effects. The nor Andros convert to nor-testosterone which has the

anabolic effects without the androgenic effects. The NorAndros convert to

nortestosterone and nandrolone, which is a marker for the anabolic

steroid Deca Durabolin. The Nor's will aid in training without the side

effects of hair loss, increased libido or bitch tits.

There

are supplements that claim to reduce the conversion of testosterone to

estrogen. However this is an area of much discussion and I have seen no

objective research on this topic. Chrysin is one nutrient that is claimed

to stop the conversion. There are vendors that claim the chrystin on the

market now is of poor quality.

There

are prescription medications that do block the testosterone > estrogen

conversion.

4 androstendiol and 5 androstendiol

4

androstendiol and 5 androstendiol are so close to identical that selecting

one over the other is like flipping a coin.

The

4andro seems to be a little more resistant to the estrogen production. 4

Andro converts much quicker to testosterone than Andro and seem to be superior

in raising free testosterone levels.

The 5

Andro converts to testosterone plus the 5 Andro isomer may have an

anabolic effect on its own, without the conversion to testosterone.

NorAndro

NorAndro

converts to nortestosterone / nandrolone not testosterone.

The

anabolic effects of nandrolone are similar to testosterone. The nandrolone

remains attached to the receptor much longer than testosterone and thus

will have a longer lasting effect. I have read that they will stay on the

receptor site for up to 4 days!

The

NorAndro will not have the androgenic negative side effects of acne,

unusual hair growth or male pattern baldness.

NorAndro will not convert to estrogen.

Ok, tear me up..