Over-the-counter delta5 anabolic steroids 5-androsen-3,17-dione; 5-androsten-3beta, 17beta-diol; dehydroepiandrosterone; and 19-nor-5-androsten-3,17-dione: excretion studies in men

Studies of urinary steroids were performed in males after oral administration of 5-androsten-3,17-dione; 5-androsten-3beta,17beta-diol; dehydroepiandrosterone; and 19-nor-5-androsten-3,17-dione. 5-Androsten-3,17-dione; 5-androsten-3beta,17beta-diol; and dehydroepiandrosterone amplify most endogenous steroids, but to a lesser extent than their delta4 analogues do. Especially affected are androsterone, etiocholanolone, dehydroandrosterone, dehydroepiandrosterone, and isomeric 5-androstendiols. 5-Androsten-3,17-dione; 5-androsten-3beta,17beta-diol; and dehydroepiandrosterone elevate the urinary testosterone to epitestosterone (T/E) ratio by a factor of 2-3 a few hours after administration. This may cause a positive T/E test (> 6) for individuals with normal T/E ratios higher than 2. Most of the steroids return to their original concentrations in less than 24 h. Etiocholanolone and 5beta-androstan-3alpha,17beta-diol remain elevated for several days. A reduced androsterone to etiocholanolone (A/E) ratio may be an indication of delta5 steroids abuse. 19-Nor-5-androsten-3,17-dione has a similar effect, except that all metabolites in urine are 19-nor exogenous steroids. Identification criteria for 19-nor-5-androsten-3,17-dione may be the same as nandrolone, that is, detection of 19-norandrosterone and 19-noretiocholanolone. Specific abundant metabolites of 19-nor-5-androsten-3,17-dione are 19-nordehydroandrosterone and 19-nordehydroepiandrosterone. In the later stages of excretion, higher concentration of 1 9-noreticholanolone relative to 19-norandrosterone specifically indicates administration of 19-nor delta5 steroids.