4-Andro Guide: Benefits, Side Effects, Cycles & Stacking
If you've spent any time researching prohormones, you've probably come across 4-Andro. It's one of the more popular options for bodybuilders looking to support size, strength, recovery and overall performance during a cycle.
But 4-Andro is also a little different from some other prohormones. It can be used on its own, stacked with compounds such as 1-Andro, or used as the test-base component of a larger prohormone stack.
In this guide, we'll break down what 4-Andro is, what it does, why bodybuilders use it, possible side effects, stacking options, cycle support and PCT.
What is 4-Andro?
4-Andro is a non-methylated prohormone also known as 4-DHEA. Users can take 4-Andro as a cutting or bulking prohormone depending on their diet as well as lifting program.
4-Andro is primarily used by bodybuilders who want to support muscle growth, strength and workout performance. Unlike a stimulant or traditional sports supplement that you might notice for only a few hours, prohormones are generally used as part of a structured cycle alongside consistent training and nutrition.
Whether someone considers 4-Andro part of a bulking or cutting cycle depends heavily on the rest of the program. If you're eating in a calorie surplus and training for size and strength, it can fit into a bulking phase. If calories are controlled and the goal is maintaining muscle and performance while getting leaner, it may be incorporated into a cutting-oriented stack.
What Is 4-Andro Cream?
4-Andro cream is a topical or transdermal version of 4-Andro that is applied directly to the skin instead of being taken orally as a capsule or tablet. The biggest difference is the delivery method: a cream is absorbed through the skin, while oral 4-Andro passes through the digestive system and liver before reaching circulation. Research on DHEA—not specifically bodybuilding doses of 4-DHEA—shows that oral and transdermal administration can produce different absorption and metabolite profiles. For bodybuilders, 4-Andro creams are generally marketed toward the same goals as oral 4-Andro, including supporting testosterone pathways, strength, muscle growth and use as part of a prohormone stack. However, you shouldn't assume that a certain milligram amount of 4-Andro cream is equivalent to the same milligram amount taken orally, since absorption depends heavily on the formulation and delivery system.
What is a Non-Methylated Prohormone?
Non-methylated prohormones are a safer alternative to methylated prohormones because they have fewer side effects and are less taxing on vital organs. If you are a beginner, you should probably start out with a non-methylated prohormone until you get enough experience using prohormones.
The term non-methylated is important. Certain older prohormones and designer compounds were methylated to help them survive oral metabolism. That could also make them considerably harder on the liver.
4-Andro is non-methylated, which is one reason it is commonly considered when building a prohormone stack. However, "non-methylated" should not be confused with "side-effect free." Any hormonal product can potentially affect hormone levels, cholesterol, blood pressure and other health markers.
This is also why experienced users generally pay attention to overall cycle length, stacking, diet and cycle-support supplementation instead of simply focusing on the muscle-building compound itself.
Is 4-Andro Legal?
4-Andro is legal. Supplement Warehouse does not sell any illegal products.
Supplement regulations can change, however, and regulations may also vary outside the United States. Always check the current regulations that apply to where you live before purchasing or using any prohormone product.
Athletes should also understand that "legal to purchase" does not necessarily mean "permitted in tested competition." Competitive athletes should check the rules of their governing or testing organization before using hormonal supplements.
Why Do Bodybuilders Use 4-Andro?
The biggest reason is simple: 4-Andro fits naturally into a muscle-building prohormone cycle.
Bodybuilders generally look at 4-Andro when their goals include:
- Increasing size and strength
- Supporting harder training sessions
- Improving workout pumps
- Supporting recovery between workouts
- Maintaining libido and overall performance during a stack
- Adding a testosterone-oriented component to another prohormone cycle
That last point is particularly important because it explains why you frequently see 4-Andro stacked with 1-Andro rather than every prohormone simply being used individually.
Why is 4-Andro Commonly Used as a Test Base?
One of the most useful roles for 4-Andro is as a test base in a prohormone stack.
When someone uses a suppressive prohormone, their body's natural testosterone production can decrease during the cycle. Low androgen activity can contribute to problems such as reduced libido, low energy, poor mood and lackluster workout performance.
4-Andro is commonly added to a stack because of its androgenic pathway. Rather than having every compound in the stack perform exactly the same job, 4-Andro can provide a complementary hormonal component while another prohormone is selected primarily for muscle or strength goals.
This is one reason the combination of 1-Andro + 4-Andro has become such a common prohormone stack.
What Can I Stack With 4-Andro?
1-Andro & 4-Andro. A great stack of 1 & 4-Andro would be: 1-AD & Brutal 4ce.
1-Andro and 4-Andro are commonly paired because they can play different roles within the same cycle.
Think of it less like taking two copies of the same supplement and more like building a team. 1-Andro is typically selected for lean muscle and strength goals, while 4-Andro can provide the androgenic/test-base side of the stack.
This complementary approach is why you'll frequently find both ingredients included in pre-built prohormone stacks.
Can You Use 4-Andro By Itself?
Yes, 4-Andro can also be used as a standalone product. Beginners may prefer keeping a first cycle simple because it makes it easier to understand how their body responds to a particular compound.
More experienced users are more likely to combine 4-Andro with other compatible compounds to build a cycle around a specific goal.
Does 4-Andro Shut You Down?
The original version of this guide stated: "No, 4-Andro does not shut you down."
A better way to describe this is that 4-Andro should not be assumed to be non-suppressive. Hormonal compounds can reduce the body's natural testosterone production, and the amount of suppression can vary depending on the individual, product, dose, cycle length and other compounds being used.
In fact, testosterone suppression is one of the possible side effects associated with prohormone use.
That is why having a plan for both your cycle and what happens after the cycle is important.
Should I Use a Cycle Support Supplement?
A cycle support supplement should be taken in conjunction with a prohormone.
Cycle support isn't there to build more muscle. Its job is to support the body while you're using the compounds that do.
A comprehensive cycle-support formula may include ingredients designed to support areas such as:
- Liver health
- Cardiovascular health
- Healthy cholesterol levels
- Blood pressure already within a normal range
- Antioxidant protection
- General organ support
Don't make the mistake of thinking cycle support is only important when you're using a methylated product. Non-methylated doesn't mean that the rest of your body suddenly gets the cycle off.
Should I Use a PCT Supplement?
PCT (post cycle therapy) is mandatory for prohormone use.
We recommend Hi-Tech Pharmaceuticals Arimiplex PCT.
PCT stands for Post Cycle Therapy. The goal is to transition from the prohormone cycle back toward normal hormonal function rather than simply ending a cycle without any post-cycle plan.
This becomes especially important with more suppressive compounds or multi-product stacks.
Your PCT strategy should be considered before starting your cycle, not after you've already finished it. You don't want to reach the end of a cycle and suddenly start figuring out what comes next.
What Are the Possible Side Effects of 4-Andro?
Some possible side effects can include acne, aggression and mild testosterone suppression.
Because individuals respond differently to hormonal products, side effects can vary considerably. Potential issues associated with prohormone use may include:
- Acne or oily skin
- Changes in mood or irritability
- Changes in libido
- Testosterone suppression
- Changes in cholesterol
- Changes in blood pressure
- Estrogen-related effects in susceptible users
The possibility of side effects is another reason users shouldn't treat a prohormone like a normal protein powder, creatine product or pre-workout. These are hormonal products and should be approached accordingly.
How Long Should a 4-Andro Cycle Be?
The appropriate cycle length depends on the specific 4-Andro product, its ingredient amount, label directions and what else is being used alongside it.
The original recommendations in this guide were:
Beginners should take 1 capsule in the morning with food and then another capsule at night with food. Use in cycles of 4-6 weeks taking at least 2-4 weeks off in between cycles.
Advanced users should take 2 capsules in the morning with food and then another 2 capsules at night with food. Use in cycles of 4-6 weeks taking at least 2-4 weeks off in between cycles.
Because capsule strength and formulations vary between products, however, don't automatically apply one product's capsule recommendation to every 4-Andro supplement. Always follow the directions for the specific product you're using.
Example 4-Andro Cycle
Here is the example cycle from our original guide:
Weeks 1-4
Brutal 4ce — 2 to 4 capsules per day.
Weeks 1-8
Gear Support — 2 capsules per day for organ and lipid support.
Weeks 5-8
PCT V — 1 capsule per day for post-cycle support.
This is an example rather than a universal cycle for every person or every 4-Andro product. Product formulations change, and different stacks can require different approaches.
What Are the Benefits of 4-Andro?
Benefits include an increase in size & strength, an increase in protein synthesis, increased libido, better pumps, faster recovery, no liver toxicity, & can be used for bulking or cutting.
Those potential benefits explain why 4-Andro has remained popular with bodybuilders. Instead of being limited to one narrow goal, it can fit into several different types of programs.
Muscle Size
For most users, this is the primary reason to look at 4-Andro. Combined with resistance training and sufficient calories and protein, it is generally incorporated into cycles designed around adding muscle.
Strength
Strength and size tend to go hand in hand during a successful bulking phase. Increased training performance can also allow you to progressively overload your muscles over the course of a cycle.
Protein Synthesis
Protein synthesis is part of the muscle-repair and growth process. This is also why diet still matters tremendously while using a prohormone. A hormonal product isn't a replacement for consuming sufficient calories, protein and nutrients.
Better Pumps
Many users report fuller muscles and stronger pumps during their workouts. While a pump isn't the same thing as muscle growth, it can be one of the more noticeable training-related effects users look for during a cycle.
Recovery
Recovery becomes increasingly important as training volume and intensity increase. Supporting recovery can help bodybuilders maintain productive training sessions throughout a muscle-building phase.
Bulking or Cutting
4-Andro isn't necessarily limited to one goal. Your calorie intake, macronutrients, training program and the rest of your stack ultimately determine whether your overall program is designed for gaining mass or getting leaner.
4-Andro vs. 1-Andro: What's the Difference?
This is probably one of the most common questions from people researching their first prohormone stack.
1-Andro is generally selected when lean muscle and strength are the primary goals. 4-Andro is often selected for size, strength and its ability to complement other prohormones as the more androgenic component of a stack.
That doesn't necessarily make one "better" than the other.
For many bodybuilders, the more useful question is:
Why choose between them when the goal of the cycle may benefit from both?
That's exactly why 1-Andro + 4-Andro has become one of the most recognizable prohormone combinations.
Who Should Consider 4-Andro?
4-Andro is generally geared toward experienced adult lifters who already have their training and nutrition in place and are specifically looking into prohormones.
It isn't a shortcut around the fundamentals.
If your calories aren't right, your protein intake is inconsistent and you're training twice one week and five times the next, adding another supplement isn't going to fix the underlying problem.
Get the boring stuff right first. That's the stuff that works.
The Top 4-Andro Supplements
If you're looking for a 4-Andro product, these are several of the options available from Supplement Warehouse:
Blackstone Labs Brutal 4ce
Brutal 4ce is one of the most recognizable standalone 4-Andro products and can be used by itself or incorporated into a larger prohormone stack.
Hi-Tech Pharmaceuticals Andriol
Andriol is another option for users looking for a 4-Andro-based product and is commonly considered for muscle-building and strength-oriented cycles.
Hi-Tech Pharmaceuticals Sustanon 250
Sustanon 250 is geared more toward experienced prohormone users looking for a stronger addition to a structured bodybuilding stack.
4-Andro FAQ
Is 4-Andro a steroid?
4-Andro is marketed as a prohormone rather than an anabolic steroid. It is a hormonal bodybuilding supplement, however, and shouldn't be treated the same way you would treat ordinary sports-nutrition products such as creatine or protein.
Can beginners use 4-Andro?
4-Andro is often one of the compounds people research when considering a first non-methylated prohormone cycle. Beginners should avoid unnecessarily complicated stacks and understand cycle support, possible suppression and PCT before starting.
Can I stack 4-Andro with 1-Andro?
Yes. In fact, 1-Andro + 4-Andro is one of the most common prohormone combinations because the two compounds can play complementary roles within the same muscle-building cycle.
Can 4-Andro be used as a test base?
4-Andro is commonly used as the test-base component of prohormone stacks because of its androgenic pathway. This is particularly relevant when pairing it with compounds selected primarily for lean muscle and strength.
Do I need PCT after 4-Andro?
Because hormonal products can suppress natural testosterone production, users should have an appropriate post-cycle plan in place before beginning a prohormone cycle.
Is 4-Andro only for bulking?
No. 4-Andro can potentially fit into either a bulking or cutting program. Diet, calories, training and the other products included in the stack determine the overall goal of the cycle.
Final Thoughts on 4-Andro
4-Andro has remained popular because it's versatile. It can be used as a standalone prohormone, combined with 1-Andro, or incorporated into a more advanced stack where a testosterone-oriented base is desired.
The big thing to remember is that the cycle is only one piece of the equation. Your training, calorie intake, protein intake, sleep, cycle support and post-cycle plan all matter.
If you're going to research the compounds you're taking, research the entire process—not just the part that promises more muscle.
Shop 4-Andro and other prohormones at Supplement Warehouse.
Prohormones are intended for adults only. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before using hormonal supplements, particularly if you have a medical condition or take medication. Competitive athletes should verify the rules of their governing organization before use.
