When we say 3-AD (Dehydroandrosterol) is 44% as androgenic as testosterone, it means that it has direct androgenic activity, but it does not convert into testosterone. This makes it fundamentally different from traditional prohormones, which work by converting into active androgens like testosterone or DHT.
How Can 3-AD Be Androgenic Without Converting to Testosterone?
• Androgenic Activity Comes from Direct Receptor Binding
• 3-AD binds to androgen receptors in muscle and tissue.
• Even though it does not convert into testosterone, it still activates androgenic pathways, leading to increased muscle density, protein synthesis, and anti-catabolic effects.
• Mimics Androgen Effects Without Steroid Conversion
• 44% androgenic potency means that 3-AD can exert nearly half the anabolic effects of testosterone.
• However, since it doesn’t convert into testosterone or DHT, it avoids many of the side effects linked to traditional prohormones, such as:
• Estrogen conversion (aromatization)
• DHT-related hair loss or prostate issues
• Suppression of natural testosterone production (though minor suppression is still possible)
• Similar to Mild Androgens like Androsterone
• Androsterone is another non-converting androgen that binds to androgen receptors without converting into testosterone.
• 3-AD operates in a similar way, making it more like an active androgen rather than a precursor (prohormone).
How Does 3-AD Function as a “Prohormone” if It Doesn’t Convert?
The term “prohormone” traditionally refers to compounds that convert into testosterone or another anabolic hormone.
• However, 3-AD acts as a functional prohormone because it provides androgenic effects without requiring conversion.
• In simpler terms, it skips the conversion process and directly activates androgen receptors, making it faster-acting and more stable than traditional prohormones.
Why This Matters:
✅ Androgenic activity without conversion → Legal DSHEA compliance
✅ Less risk of suppression compared to testosterone-boosting prohormones
✅ No direct estrogen conversion → Lower risk of estrogenic side effects
✅ Faster onset of effects because conversion is not needed
Final Verdict: 3-AD is More Like a “Direct-Acting Androgen” Than a Prohormone
• Instead of being a traditional prohormone that converts into testosterone, 3-AD is an active androgen itself.
• This means it bypasses conversion, allowing for controlled androgenic effects without many of the risks associated with testosterone-derived prohormones.
• Users can experience androgenic benefits like increased strength, lean muscle, and anti-catabolic effects—without direct testosterone conversion.
