4-DHEA (4-Androsterone precursor)
A 4-ene DHEA analog that converts through androstenedione/androstenediol to testosterone, marketed as a mild 'bulking' prohormone that mimics low-dose testosterone. Aromatises, so estrogen management matters. DASCA-scheduled in the US.
01 Overview
4-DHEA (4-androstene-3-beta-ol-17-one, also sold as 4-Andro) sits one methyl-group difference from 1-DHEA but converts along the testosterone pathway rather than the 1-testosterone pathway. Its downstream product is testosterone, so it produces 'wet' bulking-type gains and can aromatise to estrogen.
It is often paired with non-aromatising prohormones to provide an estrogenic base. As with the rest of the class, there are no controlled human trials; the profile is inferred from testosterone pharmacology and community use. It is a scheduled anabolic steroid.
02 Mechanism
Converted via 3-beta-HSD and 17-beta-HSD to androstenedione/androstenediol and then testosterone, which can aromatise to estradiol.
03 Dosing
| Tier | Dose | Route | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Community-typical | 300–600 mg/day | Oral | Reported dosing; conversion is inefficient so doses run high. Not medically validated. |
Ester comparison
| Ester | Half-life | Injection freq. | Testosterone by mass |
|---|
04 Effects
| Effect | Magnitude | Evidence | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Testosterone-like bulking gainsReported to give steady 'wet' mass gains like a mild testosterone base. | Modest mass gain with water (reported) | Anecdotal | |
| Libido and wellbeingUsers report improved libido and mood from the estrogenic/androgenic conversion. | Variable | Anecdotal |
05 Side effects
| Effect | Severity | Frequency | Evidence | Countermeasures |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Estrogenic side effectsWater retention and gynecomastia risk from aromatisation. | Moderate | Common | Anecdotal | |
| HPTA suppressionSuppresses natural testosterone production. | Moderate | Near-universal | Anecdotal |