Cholesterol is the the building blocks of a family of hormones known as the "STEROIDS" All steroidal compounds are synthesized from a cholesterol backbone (thus stressing the importance of some dietary cholesterol in the diet). The following is the correct sequence for the synthesis of the anabolic hormone Testosterone:

CHART 1:

CHOLESTEROL»»PREGNENOLONE»»PROGESTERONEà DHEA»»ANDROSTENEDIONE»» »»TESTOSTERONE

After cholesterol is converted to pregnenolone, every compound that follows is technically a steroidal hormone; however, the correct question to ask is: "At what step do these steroidal compounds become truly anabolic?" The DEA (or Drug Enforcement Agency) says it is illegal to sell steroidal compounds that possess muscle building (or anabolic) properties. If these "prohormones" (or precursors to testosterone), do actually cause or exhibit anabolic properties, then they can technically be banned by the government (DEA). In the following paragraphs, I will explain what each compound does and I will explain how and why certain of these prohormones are more effective than others. And ultimately, I will convince you why indeed you better stock up on the most potent of these compounds before the government comes in and pulls them off the shelves- something that WILL be occurring in the very near future.

ANDROSTENEDIONE
Structurally known as 4-Androstene-3,17-dione, Androstenedione is a metabolite of DHEA (see above CHART 1) that serves as a direct precursor in the biosynthesis of testosterone via the enzyme 17-Beta-Hydroxysteroid Dehydrogenase. A German patent showed an oral 100 mg. dose of Androstenedione raised serum testosterone from 217 to 237% above normal levels; however, more recent date have shown that the majority of androstenedione actually converts to the hormone estrogen (see CHART 2, below)-- not a desireable fate for muscle conscious bodybuilders.

ALTERNATIVE FATE (CHART 2):

ANDROSTENDIONE»»ESTROGEN or CORTISONE or TESTOSTERONE

4-ANDROSTENEDIOL
Structurally known as 4-Androstene-3,17-diol. 4- Androstenediol is both a direct precursor and metabolite of testosterone (see CHART 3, below). 4-Androstenediol's conversion to testosterone occurs in the liver via the enzyme 3-Beta Hydroxysteroid. This conversion appears to be much more efficient than Androstenedione's conversion. Another benefit of 4-Androstenediol over Androstenedione is its inability to directly convert to estrogen. This compound may indeed be the most anabolic of the available pro-hormones.

CHART 3:

4-ANDROSTENEDIOL»»TESTOSTERONE»»4-ANDROSTENEDIOL

5-ANDROSTENEDIOL
Structurally known as 5-Androstene-3,17-diol. 5- Androstenediol (5-AD) has been shown to be effective in regulating systemic resistance to infection (i.e. It has been suggested that an individual may strengthen their immune system with the use of 5-AD). It has also been claimed that 5-AD may induce a synergistic effect when stacked with other pro-hormones by 2 separate mechanisms. First off, 5-AD has been found to have actions similar to the anabolic steroid, METHANDRIOL DIPROPIONATE, in that it can displace bound testosterone from its blood bound binding proteins thus freeing up more testosterone to build and repair muscle tissue. Secondly, 5-AD, possibly due to its mild estrogenic properties, can sensitize androgen receptors so that anabolic steroids may bind more easily and more tightly (again resulting in more muscle growth and repair). 5-AD is the only pro-hormone that can act directly (without converting to another compound) as an anabolic agent.

19-NORANDROSTENEDIONE
Structurally known as 19 Nor 4-Androstene-3,17 dione. 19-Norandrostenedione serves as a precursor to 19-Nortestosterone (Nandrolone) using the enzyme 3-Beta-Hydroxysteroid (CHART 4). Though structurally very similar to Androstendione, it does not convert to testosterone, but instead to a more effective anabolic molecule (NANDROLONE) that is thought to bind to receptor sites for longer periods. This pro-hormone uses the same enzyme system as Androstendione. Additionally, since 19-norandrostenedione has no ability to convert to estrogen or cortisone (only nortestosterone), I would classify it as the first purely anabolic pro-hormone.

CHART 4:

19-NORANDROSTENEDIONE»»19-NORTESTOSTERONE (also known as NANDROLONE)

19-NOR 4-ANDROSTENEDIOL
Structurally known as 19 Nor 4-Androstene-3B,17- diol. 19-Nor 4-Androstenediol is yet another addition to the pro-hormone world. 19-Norandrostenediol, much like 19-Norandrostendione, can also serve as a precursor to 19-Nortestosterone (nandrolone). It uses the enzyme 3-Beta Hydroxysteroid for it's conversion to the active hormone which appears to be considerably more efficient than the system used by 19 Norandrostenedione. When stacked with 19 Norandrostenedione, the two convert to nortestosterone, through differing pathways, to ultimately achieve maximal blood levels of Nandrolone.

In summation, it is pretty readily apparent that the most efficient and effective of the pro-hormones, bearing the least side effects, would undoubtably be a combination "product" containing equal amounts of 19-norandrostenedione and 19-norandrostenediol. My advice to you is GET IT WHILE YOU STILL CAN LEGALLY……and BUY AS MUCH AS YOU CAN AFFORD!!!