6-OXO Structure
6-OXO aka 4-Androstene-3,6,17-trione is the active ingredient in testosterone boosters and other sports supplements that increase the testosterone-estrogen ratio, but has no proven effects on muscle mass or strength performance. 6-OXO can be detected in the urine after use. [1]
Mechanism of Action.
6-OXO is a potent and irreversible inhibitor of aromatase, the enzyme that produces the conversion of testosterone to estrogens. [2] By blocking aromatase in the body, the synthesis of female sex hormones is reduced and the proportion of testosterone as well as luteinizing hormone increases, which in turn stimulates the production of testosterone. Because testosterone is able to accelerate muscle growth and estrogens are not, there can be an increase in muscle mass. However, there are currently no animal or human studies confirming the anabolic effects of 6-OXO.
Studies show that while taking 6-OXO, estrogen levels are decreased by 11% and testosterone levels are increased by 88%. In this study, the subjects used only 6-OXO at a dose of 300 mg per day. However, in the final analysis, the researchers concluded that 6-OXO had no effect on body quality. [3] The lack of effect on muscle mass could be explained by the fact that those who took the supplement did not exercise.
Purpose
ErgoPharm 6-OXO
6-OXO can be used during the steroid and prohormone cycle to prevent feminization (gynecomastia).
6-OXO can be included in the PCT
6-OXO can be used as a standalone testosterone booster, although its anabolic ability is negligible. It is recommended for use in people with overdeveloped subcutaneous fatty tissue.
Dosing regimen and doses
Average doses of 6-OXO are 200 to 600 mg orally, in the evening before bedtime, over a 4- to 6-week cycle.
Baylor University conducted an eight-week study in which subjects took both 300 and 600 mg of 6-OXO. In the group which took 300 mg of 6-OXO testosterone levels increased by 90% and in the group which took 600 mg of 6-OXO testosterone levels increased by 84%. It follows that the 600 mg dose is even less effective than the 300 mg dose. "Warning" It should be noted that in this study the supplement had no effect on body composition in either group. In this study, the subjects were training with weights.
Side Effects and Harms
6-OXO is a fairly safe supplement that has virtually no side effects.
On June 18, 2008, Health Canada published a warning that 6-OXO had a risk associated with blood clots and recommended stopping taking it. However, that warning was based on a single case where a person with unknown predisposing factors and comorbidities was hospitalized.
