Comparison of Five Thrombin Time Reagents , Michele

androstenedione may be similar. Unfortunately, the majority of publications to date that include data on the disposition of androstenedione do not detail changes in the AUCs of either androstenedione or testosterone as a measure of exposure. Assuming there is no large difference in steroid metabolic pathways between genders, then the difference in plasma androstenedione profiles observed may possibly be rationalized by differences in formulated products, but further investigations are required to support this supposition. In conclusion, the marketing of androstenedione as a dietary supplement should be a cause for concern because even a single administration of 100 mg produced supraphysiologic concentrations of plasma testosterone in healthy women. The exposure to testosterone would be expected to be repeated with daily administration of 100 mg of androstenedione over several weeks, but in our opinion, the risk of virilization precludes testing this hypothesis. Given the concern raised by healthcare professionals regarding the medical consequences of misuse of anabolic steroids, not least that of virilization (16 ), we recommend that drug regulatory authorities consider classifying androstenedione with the same status as testosterone to control its sale.