11-Keto-DHEA (11-Oxo-DHEA)
An 11-oxygenated DHEA analog positioned as a precursor to 11-keto androgens (the 11-oxyandrogen pathway now recognised as clinically relevant). Marketed as a mild recomposition prohormone with limited human data and an uncertain regulatory footing.
01 Overview
11-Keto-DHEA (11-oxo-dehydroepiandrosterone) is an 11-oxygenated steroid tied to the 11-oxyandrogen pathway, a class of adrenal-derived androgens (such as 11-ketotestosterone) that has drawn recent clinical attention for its contribution to total androgen activity, particularly in conditions like PCOS and congenital adrenal hyperplasia.
As a supplement it is promoted as a precursor to 11-keto androgens for lean recomposition with supposedly low aromatisation. Direct human data on supplementation are minimal, and its status as a lawful ingredient is unsettled; structurally related 11-oxo compounds have been treated as controlled anabolic agents.
02 Mechanism
Positioned as a precursor within the 11-oxyandrogen pathway, potentially yielding 11-keto androgens such as 11-ketotestosterone via 17-beta-HSD/11-HSD steps; low aromatisation expected.
03 Dosing
| Tier | Dose | Route | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Label-typical | 50–150 mg/day | Oral | Reported supplement dosing; efficacy unproven. |
Ester comparison
| Ester | Half-life | Injection freq. | Testosterone by mass |
|---|
04 Effects
| Effect | Magnitude | Evidence | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 11-keto androgen support (claimed)Proposed to raise 11-oxyandrogen activity; 11-ketotestosterone is a bona fide active androgen, but supplement conversion in humans is unstudied. | Unquantified in humans | Preclinical | |
| Low aromatisation11-oxygenated androgens aromatise poorly, limiting estrogenic effects. | Minimal estrogen conversion | Preclinical |
05 Side effects
| Effect | Severity | Frequency | Evidence | Countermeasures |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Androgenic effectsAcne or oily skin if meaningful androgen conversion occurs. | Mild | Uncommon | Anecdotal | |
| Possible HPTA suppressionSuppression plausible if androgen conversion is significant, but unquantified. | Mild | Unknown | Unconfirmed |