Androstenedione erupted into the news during the summer of
1998. In the midst of Mark McGwire’s pursuit of the home run record, a reporter
spotted a bottle of Andro in the St. Louis Cardinal slugger’s locker.
What did this mean? Was the otherwise clean-cut McGwire cheating by using
dangerous, illegal steroids? Was the home run race a sham? Should McGwire be
thrown out of baseball? Should he be given an asterisk on his record?

The news www. which thrives on scandal and controversy,
trotted out steroid experts to attest to the dangers of
androstenedione and other steroids. Meanwhile, McGwire and other
prominent athletes steadfastly insisted they were doing nothing dangerous, illegal or
immoral; that androstenedione was a legal and natural precursor of the natural anabolic
steroid hormone, testosterone; that they took androstenedione to help build their muscles
and speed the repair of soft tissue injuries; that it was completely safe; and that it
caused none of the adverse effects blamed on synthetic anabolic steroid drugs.

Eventually, the www.furor died down, as it became clear
that McGwire was breaking no rules or laws by taking androstenedione. Many people are
still concerned about important questions regarding androstenedione and other anabolic
(tissue-building) agents: Are they safe? Are they effective? Are users of these substances
cheating?

Meanwhile, the use of androstenedione has continued to
increase. Until now, a reliable source of accurate scientific information about this
little-known hormone precursor has not been available. What does scientific research
actually say about androstenedione and other anabolic steroids? Is androstenedione as safe
and effective as its advocates proclaim?

Now, a new book, The Smart Guide to
Andro, by Lane Lenard,
PhD (Smart Publications, Petaluma CA and available through VRP) gathers together the known
facts about this remarkable dietary supplement. Using a convenient Q&A format, The
Smart Guide to Andro lays out what is actually known about androstenedione. It is a
concise, well-documented (over 100 scientific references) 86-page book that can be read in
a single sitting. Lane Lenard, one of the top scientific writers of the day, explains many
aspects of this somewhat technical subject in language that is readily understandable to
the non-scientist, yet avoids talking down to the reader.

Although the www.spotlight has focused on top athletes
who use androstenedione to bulk up, Dr. Lenard points out that the vast
majority of scientific evidence suggests that the best candidates for androstenedione may
actually be men and women aged 40 and older. It is people in this age group, who are
beginning to notice the effects of declining testosterone output, who may be able to use
androstenedione to help restore their testosterone levels to more youthful levels. To the
extent that androstenedione restores testosterone levels, it may have important health
benefits, resulting in lowered risk of heart disease, osteoporosis and prostate disease,
as well as stronger muscles, increased energy and less depression.

The Smart Guide to Andro is the most complete and
authoritative source available on this important subject. It is highly recommended for
anyone who is currently using or considering using androstenedione.