What is androstenediol (Sold as OSMO Androdiol)? Androstenediol (4-AD) is a natural occurring androgen metabolite, found in all animals (meat), and is a direct precursor and metabolite to testosterone. It is a very obscure compound that is not widely discussed in the literature like other androgens are. In all mammals, 4-AD is produced in the gonads and adrenal glands. The oral form of 4-AD is metabolized in the liver to become testosterone via an enzymatic pathway. What does Androdiol do? While 4-AD doesn't have commonly known functions like testosterone does, supplementation with 4-AD supplies the body with the immediate precursor and metabolite to testosterone for optimal natural production of the body's own testosterone. Remember that testosterone is a hormone that is crucially necessary for healthy muscle mass, strength, and energy. Optimal levels of the body's own natural testosterone help keep red blood cells healthy, sex drive vital, protein production rapid, and immune system operations in balance. 4-AD supplementation can help the body be robust and hardy, by supporting optimal natrual testosterone production. 4-AD converts to testosterone much more efficiently than Androstene via a different enzyme. The limiting factor in converting both Androstene and Androdiol to testosterone, is the prevalence and ability of the body to replenish the enzymes. Thus, Androstene and Androdiol when utilized together, produce an additive increase in testosterone. So, it just makes sense to "STACK" the two, which ensures availability of the enzyme to do its job. 4-AD, when taken orally, may increase blood levels of both 4-AD and testosterone significantly. Secondary to these improvements, possible effects are feelings of increased energy, and enhanced recovery and repair after exercise. Some individuals report feelings of heightened sexual arousal, as well as a greater sense of well being. Is Androdiol like anabolic steroids? No. 4-AD occurs naturally in the human body and feeds natural healthy testosterone production safely. Anabolic steroids are synthetic derivatives of testosterone, which over time, can have a strong negative impact on your endocrine system and down regulate the production of your own natural testosterone. 4-AD, used according to label instructions, is natural, safe, and legal, while anabolic steroids are illegal and may over time cause some permanent inhibition of the body's natural healthy production. 4-AD is the single best "food" available to support the natural healthy production of your body's own testosterone. Is there any reason not to take Androdiol? Men who have prostate problems and women who may have a predisposition towards breast cancer should only take Androdiol under the care of their doctor. Therefore, we advise you to tell your doctor that you are supplementing with 4-AD and because 4-AD supplementation may increase the body's natural production of these hormones, have your doctor monitor your levels of testosterone and estrogen when taking 4-AD for any changes. Because 4-AD is an androgen (male hormone), women should watch for signs of masculinization, such as increased growth of facial hair, and if this occurs, decrease supplementation of 4-AD. How do I take Androdiol? Males should take one 100 milligram capsule once or twice daily, 1 hour prior to strenuous physical activity, like weightlifting. Females may take one capsule 1 hour before exercise. Taken this way, blood levels of 4-AD are raised during exercise, at a time when blood flow to muscles is optimized. This is the best time to make sure that your body has a ready supply of Androdiol, the most efficient building block for robust testosterone production. Men may also take one 4-AD capsule three times a day to support more consistent natural daily production of testosterone. Women should take one 4-AD capsule no more than once per day.