5-androstendiol (abbreviated as 5-diol), commonly referred to simply as , and also known as androst-5-ene-3β,17β-diol, is an endogenous androgen and estrogen steroid hormone and intermediate in the biosynthesis of testosteronefrom dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA).
5-Diol is a direct metabolite of the most abundant steroid produced by the human adrenal cortex, DHEA. It is less androgenicthan the related compound, Δ4-androstenediol, and has been found to stimulate the immune system. When administered to rats, Δ5-diol, in vivo, has approximately 1.4% of the androgenicity of DHEA, 0.54% of the androgenicity of androstenedione, and 0.21% of the androgenicity of testosterone.
Androstenediol used to be available as a dietary supplement. But under the Anabolic Steroid Control Act of 2004, it was reclassified as a schedule III controlled substance. This means androstenediol is available only as a prescription medicine, and physicians have to follow strict rules when prescribing it.
Androstenediol is used to increase the body’s production of testosterone; increase energy; enhance recovery and growth from exercise; heighten sexual arousal and performance; and promote a greater sense of well-being.
The use of androstenediol has been banned by the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA).
