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Anabolic & Androgenic

1-DHEA (3-Desoxy DHEA)

Oral prohormone that converts to 1-testosterone; gains in lean mass come with lipid, liver and hormonal suppression risks and legal restrictions.

RestrictedEvidence level 3 of 5: Limited human dataAlso: 1-Androsterone, 1-Epiandrosterone, 3β-hydroxy-5α-androst-1-en-17-one, 1-Andro

Overview

1-DHEA is a synthetic steroid prohormone, not a peptide. After ingestion it is converted by liver and tissue enzymes into 1-androstenedione and then 1-testosterone (dihydroboldenone), a potent androgen that does not convert to estrogen. It was marketed as a 'dry' anabolic supplement promising lean mass without water retention. The only controlled human study confirmed muscle and strength gains but also showed sharp falls in HDL cholesterol, rising LDL, and signs of liver and kidney stress. Like any exogenous androgen, it shuts down the body's own testosterone production, so recovery requires post-cycle therapy. Its legal status is restrictive and it is banned in tested sport. It is included here for education and harm-reduction, not as a recommended therapy.

Classification
Designer prohormone (oral steroid precursor) — not a peptide
Route
Oral
Half-life
Not well established

Mechanism of action

Primary targetAndrogen receptor (via conversion to 1-testosterone)
  1. Oral absorptionProhormone absorbed from the gut and passes through the liver first.
  2. Enzymatic conversion3β-HSD and 17β-HSD convert it to 1-androstenedione, then 1-testosterone.
  3. Androgen receptor binding1-testosterone binds the androgen receptor without aromatizing to estrogen.
  4. Anabolic gene expressionReceptor activation increases muscle protein synthesis and nitrogen retention.
  5. HPG feedback suppressionHigh androgen levels suppress hypothalamic GnRH, pituitary LH/FSH, and testicular output.
Downstream effects
  • Lean mass gain
  • Strength increase
  • Natural testosterone suppression
  • Adverse lipid shift

Researched for

  • Lean mass and strength gain
  • Body recomposition
  • Non-aromatizing androgen effects

Research notes

  • Granados et al. (J Appl Physiol, 2014): 17 resistance-trained men; 4 weeks of supplementation with training increased lean mass and strength versus placebo.
  • The same study reported HDL reduction, LDL increase, elevated creatinine and adverse cardiovascular markers — gains came with measurable health costs.
  • No long-term, dose-ranging, or female safety data exist; product purity in the supplement market is inconsistent.
  • Full HPTA suppression is expected; recovery depends on cycle length and post-cycle therapy.

Reported side effects

  • Lethargy and fatigue
  • Elevated blood pressure
  • HDL reduction and LDL elevation
  • Liver enzyme elevation (hepatotoxicity risk)
  • Suppression of natural testosterone
  • Joint dryness, irritability or aggression

Contraindications & cautions

  • Women, adolescents, pregnancy
  • Prostate or breast cancer, or elevated PSA
  • Liver or kidney disease
  • Cardiovascular disease, uncontrolled hypertension or dyslipidemia
  • Competitive athletes subject to drug testing

Lab monitoring

  • CBC with differential
  • CMP with liver enzymes (AST, ALT, ALP, GGT, bilirubin)
  • Fasting lipid panel
  • Total and free testosterone, estradiol (sensitive), LH, FSH, SHBG
  • PSA (men >40)
  • Blood pressure

Dosing and pricing for 1-DHEA (3-Desoxy DHEA)

Dosing references and compound pricing are available to established patients in the secure portal after a medical evaluation.

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