What is 6-OXO?
6-OXO is a steroidal aromatase inhibitor known as a suicidal inhibitor as it irreversibly binds to the aromatase enzyme (an enzyme that aromatizes androgens and creates estrogen). Once aromatase is inhibited, it follows that estrogen is minimized, leading to a boost in testosterone.
The ingredient 6-OXO is increasingly more challenging to find and buy due to its strength. Also, 6-OXO must never be used post cycle therapy as it is still considered a steroid. Its steroidal effects can most probably impede the recovery of natural testosterone production.
An eight-week study was conducted at Baylor University to identify the effects of 300 mg or 600 mg of 6-OXO used by resistance-trained men. The course displayed a boost of 90% for 300 mg group and 84% for the 600 mg group. The study determined that the ratio of free testosterone to estradiol increased considerably.
6-OXO or androstenedione is a “natural estrogen blocker” created by Egopharm. It is sold as a dietary supplement in the bodybuilding industry. It lowers estrogen levels in the body and increases testosterone. Wondering how 6-OXO works, what are its pros and cons, and if it is useful as it claims to be? Here’s a review to help you out.
6-OXO Chemical Structure
- Chemical Name: 4-androstane-3,6,17-trione3,6,17-androstenetrione androst-4-ene-3,6,17-trione 6-ketoandrostenedione
- Chemical Formula: C19H24O3
- Molecular Weight: 300
- CAS: NA
- Q Qatio: NA
- Anabolic #: NA
- Androgenic #: NA
- Oral Bioavailability: Estimated at 40%
- AR Binding Affinity: NA
- SHBG Binding Affinity: NA
- Half-Life: 3-6 hours
The ingredient 3, 6, 17-androstenetrione is usually used in testosterone builders and estrogen blockers but have no weight loss or fat loss effects. 4-Androstene-3, 6, 17-trione is a lasting estrogen blocker that can be gauged during urine testing. When estrogen is obstructed, the luteinizing hormone (LH) is released, and testosterone production takes place.
Benefits of 6-OXO
- Stops estrogen production
- Increases testosterone levels
Right Dosing
The suggested dosage for 6-OXO is 300-600 mg per day for eight weeks. Studies show that running 6-OXO for eight weeks is safe, and no adverse side effects will be experienced.
FYI: women should NOT take 6-OXO.
Products Containing 6-OXO
Complete Nutrition Legal Limit Labs 3-Test-OXO, Herbal Testosterone Supplement, Muscle Recovery, Strength Training, Muscle Growth, with Tribulus Terrestris, 90 CapsulesPossible Side Effects of 6-OXO
- Low estrogen levels – can lead to serious side effects in men (e.g., fatigue, joint pain, memory lapses, rise in cholesterol levels, night sweats and decreased libido)
- Hair Loss – increased DHT can lead to alopecia
- Risk of BPH (benign prostatic hyperplasia) – excess DHT can bind to the prostate causing it to swell
- Acne – an increase in testosterone, DHT or changing hormonal levels can lead to acne (especially in the shoulders and back)
- Does not impede estrogen
Note: These side effects are based on prolonged use of 6-OXO (more than eight weeks).
6-OXO Testimonials
For the most part, users of 6-OXO did observe an increase in testosterone and got some good gains from it.
One user said:
“…Nice strength gains, seemed to lean out nicely while actually increasing in strength, a feat in itself if anyone has ever contest dieted!…”
But, some of the users also reported they’d experienced acne, drowsiness, and aggression now and then.
Final Review
6-OXO is one of the rare supplement ingredients that truly worked as promised. Men taking the 6-OXO supplement had seen a boost in testosterone. You might experience steroid-like side effects, so preparing yourself, knowing what the probable side effects are, and starting at the lowest possible dosage can help you make the most of what 6-OXO has to offer!