Androstenedione
(4-androstene-3, 17-dione, andro, androstene)

Increased cancer risk, decrease in HDL cholesterol.

FDA warned 23 companies to stop manufacturing, marketing, and distributing in March 2004. Banned by athletic associations.

(snip)

tia

dfe

I believe the HDL part is correct. But that is with any androgen. Also because of the direct conversion to estrogen, may contribute to male breast cancer and the dht to prostate cancer.

There's a study linking everything to cancer.

Yeah, it's all a matter of degree. If you use steroids your entire life you are probably at a significantly increased risk for some cancers. If you run a few cycles the effect is probably marginal.

The International Program on Chemical Safety
http://www.inchem.org/documents/pims/pharm/pim519.htm

Included was this bit of info about testosterone/steroids/cancer..

7.3 Carcinogenicity

Anabolic steroids may be carcinogenic. They can
stimulate growth of sex-hormone dependent tissue, primarily
the prostate gland in men. Precocious prostatic cancer has
been described after long-term anabolic steroid abuse(Roberts
& Essenhigh, 1986). Cases where hepatic cancers have been
associated with anabolic steroid abuse have been reported
(Overly et al, 1984).

9.4.6.2 Other

Men who take large doses of anabolic
steroids can develop prostatic hypertrophy.
Prostatic carcinoma has been described in
young men who have abused anabolic steroids
(Roberts & Essenhigh, 1986).

Overly WL et al. (1984). Androgens and hepatocellular carcinoma in
an athlete. Ann Int Med 100: 158-159.
Roberts JT, & Essenhigh DM. (1986) Adenocarcinoma of prostate in
40-year old body builder. Lancet 2: 742.