A major review of testosterone prohormone supplements like DHEA and androstenedione done by US researchers determined that they can be harmful to your health and do not perform as marketed.

Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), androstenedione, androstenediol and a range of similar chemical compounds are commonly promoted as prohormone supplements nutritional supplements. These are also referred to as ‘”andro” supplements. Supporters claim that the supplements are transformed into testosterone or testosterone analogues and enhance an athlete’s ability to increase resistance training and consequently build muscle using these prohormone supplements.

The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) and the US Food and Drug Administration have banned the sale of androstenedione and 17 similar products - basically prohormone supplements.  While the main reason for this ban has been cited as being the anabolic effect these supplements are purported to have, a variety of research has shown that andro supplements do not produce anabolic or ergogenic effects in men using prohormone supplements

The research indicates that these prohormone supplements to not enhance muscle size or strength.  Also, the supplements can cause drastic changes in hormone levels, leading to heart disease and cancer.

Given these potential dangers and the lack of demonstrable benefits, it hardly seems worth it for athletes to take the risk of failing a drug test. ‘…the recent classification of androstenedione and related compounds as anabolic steroids may give the impression that testosterone precursor supplements are indeed anabolic, with the unintentional consequence of encouraging [their] use, ’ the researchers point out - prohormone supplements