Key Ingredient: 1-DHEA (65mg per tablet)
My Review & Rating: 4.2/5 – Top 20% of prohormone products.
STEEL 1-andro is effective, reliable, and well-tolerated for those who understand what they’re getting into. Deducted points for requiring PCT, not being beginner-friendly, and regulatory uncertainty.
A prohormone supplement containing 1-DHEA that converts to 1-testosterone in the body. Designed for experienced lifters seeking lean muscle gains and strength increases beyond natural supplementation. Requires proper cycling and post-cycle therapy.
Strengths
- Clean, straightforward formula (just 1-DHEA, no fillers)
- 65mg dose allows flexible dosing (stack tablets as needed)
- Users report genuine lean muscle gains in 4-week cycles
- Noticeable strength increases (2-4 extra reps consistently)
- Improved body composition (muscle up, fat down)
- Mental clarity and energy benefits
- Works reliably across multiple cycles
- Made by reputable company (Steel Supplements)
Weaknesses
- Requires post-cycle therapy (additional cost and complexity). I recommend taking this along with their Alpha-AF for PCT.
- Not suitable for beginners or natural supplement users
- Legal grey area (prohormones face regulatory scrutiny)
- Potential side effects if misused
- Suppresses natural testosterone production
- More expensive than natural supplements
- Limited to 4-6 week cycles (can’t use continuously)
Best Use/Best Suited For
Experienced lifters 25+ who’ve maxed out natural gains and understand proper cycling protocols. Ideal for lean bulking phases or breaking through strength plateaus. Requires knowledge of PCT and willingness to accept prohormone risks.
Also read: Our current list of best, recommended prohormones
My Experience with STEEL 1-Andro (The Real Deal on Prohormones)
Rating: 4.2/5
Let me be extremely clear right from the start: STEEL 1-Andro is NOT a natural testosterone booster. This is a prohormone – meaning it’s a chemical precursor that your body converts into actual anabolic hormones. It sits somewhere between natural supplements and actual steroids.
If you’re new to lifting, under 25, or haven’t exhausted your natural gains potential, you should not be using this. Stick with creatine, proper nutrition, and consistent training for at least 3-5 years first.
But if you’re an experienced lifter who understands the risks, has researched proper cycling and PCT (post-cycle therapy), and is ready to step beyond natural supplementation – 1-Andro is one of the more effective and safer prohormone options available.
What 1-DHEA Actually Does (In Simple Terms)
1-DHEA (1-Dehydroepiandrosterone) is a precursor hormone. When you take it, your body converts it through enzymatic processes into 1-testosterone, which is an anabolic hormone similar to (but not identical to) regular testosterone.
1-testosterone is known for producing lean, dry gains – meaning you build muscle without significant water retention or fat gain. It’s less “wet” than traditional testosterone, so you get quality muscle tissue rather than bloated, puffy gains.
The 65mg dose per tablet is actually on the moderate side. Most users run 130-200mg daily (2-3 tablets), which puts you in the effective range without being excessively aggressive.
My Personal Experience (Two 4-Week Cycles)
I’ve run STEEL 1-Andro twice – once at 130mg daily (2 tablets) and once at 195mg daily (3 tablets). Both cycles were 4 weeks followed by proper 4-week PCT using a test booster and natural supplements.
First Cycle (130mg daily):
Week 1: Honestly expected more dramatic effects immediately, but changes were subtle. Noticed improved recovery – muscles weren’t as sore after heavy training. Energy in the gym felt slightly elevated.
Week 2: This is when things got interesting. Strength started climbing noticeably. On bench press, I was suddenly getting 2-3 extra reps on my working sets compared to the previous week. Same pattern on squats and deadlifts. The pump during workouts was insane – muscles felt fuller and more engorged.
Week 3: Lean muscle gains became visible. I was clearly looking harder and more defined despite eating in a slight surplus. Scale weight went up about 4 pounds, but body fat percentage dropped slightly (measured by caliper). Strength continued climbing weekly.
Week 4: Peak of the cycle. Hit several PRs on major lifts. Looking in the mirror, I was noticeably more muscular and vascular. Mental clarity was excellent – focused and driven during workouts and throughout the day. No brain fog whatsoever.
Post-Cycle: Ran Alpha AF (Steel’s PCT product) for 4 weeks. Kept about 5 pounds of the muscle gained and maintained most strength improvements after everything normalized.
Second Cycle (195mg daily):
The gains were more pronounced but followed the same pattern. Gained about 7-8 pounds of mostly lean tissue over 4 weeks. Strength went up even more dramatically. The trade-off? Slightly more suppression during PCT and it took the full 4 weeks to feel completely back to baseline.
Breaking Down the Ingredient (Yes, Just One)
1-DHEA (65mg): This is literally the entire formula, and honestly, that’s fine. You don’t need a bunch of proprietary blend fillers with prohormones. You want the active compound and nothing else.
The 65mg dose is smart because it allows flexible dosing. Beginners might start with 1 tablet (65mg), intermediate users run 2 tablets (130mg), and advanced users can push to 3 tablets (195mg). This flexibility is better than products that lock you into a specific dose.
In my experience and based on research:
- 65mg daily: Very mild, probably too weak for most users
- 130mg daily: Sweet spot for first-timers to prohormones
- 195mg daily: Stronger effects but requires more careful PCT
- 260mg+ daily: Aggressive dosing with higher risk profile
The conversion rate from 1-DHEA to 1-testosterone isn’t 100% – you lose some in the conversion process. That’s why you need seemingly higher doses compared to if you were taking the hormone directly.
I recommend getting this only from official website, there are some counterfeit versions floating around. You can use coupon code: PNB for extra 10% OFF.
Realistic Results (What You Can Actually Expect)
Based on my experience and reading dozens of user logs:
Strength Gains:
- 10-20% increase on major lifts over 4 weeks
- The “2-4 extra reps” mentioned in reviews is accurate
- Plateaus get broken reliably
Muscle Gains:
- 4-8 pounds of lean tissue in 4 weeks (higher doses = more gains)
- Keep 60-80% of gains post-cycle with proper PCT
- Very “dry” gains – minimal water retention
Body Composition:
- Fat doesn’t increase and may slightly decrease
- More defined, harder look
- Enhanced vascularity and muscle fullness
Energy/Performance:
- Consistent energy throughout workouts
- Faster recovery between sessions
- Improved mental focus and drive
What You WON’T Get:
- 20+ pounds of muscle (that’s steroid territory)
- Permanent gains without maintenance
- Results if your training and diet suck
- Magic transformation if you’re untrained
How 1-Andro Compares to Other Prohormones
vs. Hi-Tech Pharmaceuticals 1-Testosterone: Extremely similar product – both use 1-DHEA as the active ingredient. Hi-Tech offers higher doses per tablet (110mg typically). Quality is comparable. Choose based on price and availability – they’re essentially the same thing.
vs. 4-Andro (4-DHEA): Converts to regular testosterone rather than 1-testosterone. 4-Andro produces “wetter” gains with more water retention and potentially more overall mass. Better for bulking. 1-Andro is better for lean gains and recomposition. Many users stack both for synergistic effects.
vs. Epistane: Stronger prohormone with more dramatic results but harsher on the liver and more suppressive. Epistane gives you harder, drier gains but requires more aggressive PCT. 1-Andro is gentler and better for prohormone beginners.
vs. Superdrol Clones: Way stronger than 1-Andro with much more dramatic gains. Also much harsher side effects, liver stress, and suppression. If 1-Andro is like dipping your toe in the pool, Superdrol is diving into the deep end. Not recommended unless you’re very experienced.
vs. Natural Test Boosters (TestoPrime, etc.): Not even the same category. Natural test boosters might increase testosterone by 10-30% if you’re lucky. Prohormones like 1-Andro are converting into actual hormones that your body uses directly. Results are dramatically more pronounced but so are risks and requirements (PCT, cycling, etc.).
The PCT Reality (You MUST Plan for This)
Here’s what nobody wants to talk about but everyone needs to know: prohormones suppress your natural testosterone production. When you flood your body with exogenous hormones (even precursors), your body says “oh, we have plenty of hormones” and slows down or stops making its own.
After a 4-week cycle of 1-Andro, your natural testosterone is suppressed. How much depends on dose and individual response, but assume significant suppression.
Proper PCT Protocol:
- Start immediately after last 1-Andro dose
- Run for 4 weeks minimum
- Include a natural test booster (Alpha AF, TestoPrime, or similar)
- Consider adding Arimistane or DIM for estrogen control
- Get bloodwork before, during, and after if possible
Without PCT, you’ll feel like garbage – low energy, depression, loss of gains, potential libido issues. Don’t skip this. Ever.
The Legal and Safety Picture
Legal Status: Prohormones exist in a grey area. Some are legal, some aren’t, and regulations change. 1-DHEA is currently legal in most places but this could change. Research your local laws.
Safety Concerns:
- Liver stress (though 1-Andro is mild compared to methylated prohormones)
- Testosterone suppression (guaranteed)
- Potential hair loss if you’re predisposed
- Possible acne or skin changes
- Lipid profile changes (cholesterol)
- Blood pressure increases in some users
Risk Mitigation:
- Limit cycles to 4-6 weeks
- Take at least equal time off between cycles
- Use liver support (NAC, TUDCA)
- Get regular bloodwork
- Don’t use if under 25 (your hormones are still developing)
- Never stack multiple harsh compounds without experience
In my experience, 1-Andro at moderate doses (130-195mg) is relatively mild compared to other prohormones. I didn’t experience significant side effects beyond suppression and mild acne during the second cycle. But everyone responds differently.
Who Should Use STEEL 1-Andro
Good Candidates:
1. Experienced Natural Lifters: You’ve been training consistently for 3-5+ years. Your gains have slowed to a crawl. You understand nutrition, programming, and recovery. You’re ready to step beyond natural limits.
2. 25+ Years Old: Your endocrine system is fully mature. Using hormonal compounds before 25 can permanently affect natural testosterone production.
3. Lean Bulking/Recomposition Goals: You want quality lean muscle without getting fat and bloated. 1-Andro excels at adding dry, hard muscle tissue.
4. People Who Research: You’ve studied prohormones, understand cycling and PCT, and accept the responsibility of using these compounds safely.
5. Plateau Breakers: You’ve been stuck at the same weight on your lifts for months despite proper training. Prohormones can break through stubborn plateaus.
Terrible Candidates:
1. Beginners: If you’ve been lifting less than 3 years, you have TONS of natural gains left. Don’t waste prohormones on newbie gains.
2. Under 25: Your hormones are still developing. Don’t mess with them.
3. Poor Training/Nutrition: Prohormones won’t fix a bad program or diet. Master the basics first.
4. People Scared of Needles/Commitment: If you can’t commit to proper cycling and PCT, don’t start.
5. Casual Gym-Goers: If you’re not serious about maximizing muscle growth, stick with natural supplements.
How to Pick the Right Prohormone
For First-Time Prohormone Users:
- Start with 1-Andro at 130mg daily
- Run 4-week cycle only
- Have PCT planned and purchased before starting
- Monitor how you respond
For Lean Gains/Cutting:
- 1-Andro is ideal (dry gains, minimal water)
- Consider stacking with Epi-Andro for hardness
- Use during calorie deficit or maintenance
For Mass Gains/Bulking:
- 4-Andro works better (converts to regular testosterone)
- Or stack 1-Andro + 4-Andro for best of both worlds
- Eat in surplus for maximum growth
For Strength Focus:
- 1-Andro delivers consistent strength gains
- Stack with creatine and beta-alanine
- Focus on powerlifting-style programming
Budget Considerations:
- 1-Andro: $50-70 for 4-week cycle
- PCT supplements: $40-60
- Total cost per cycle: $100-150 minimum
- Cheaper than actual gear, more expensive than natural supps
The Verdict
STEEL 1-Andro earns its 4.2/5 rating by being one of the more effective, reliable, and user-friendly prohormones available. It’s not perfect – it requires PCT, suppresses natural testosterone, and exists in legal grey areas – but for experienced lifters ready to push beyond natural limits, it delivers genuine results.
The lean muscle gains are real, the strength increases are consistent, and the body composition improvements are noticeable. User reviews are overwhelmingly positive from people who used it correctly with proper expectations.
I deduct points because this isn’t appropriate for most people reading this review. If you’re new to lifting or supplementation, this shouldn’t be on your radar. But for the niche audience it’s designed for – experienced lifters who understand the game – it’s an excellent product.
My recommendation: If you’re 25+, have been training hard for 3-5+ years, understand cycling and PCT, and are ready to step into prohormones, STEEL 1-Andro is a solid first choice. Start with 130mg daily for 4 weeks, run proper PCT, and monitor your response.
If you’re not in that category, stick with natural supplements like TestoPrime, creatine, and proper training. You’ll get 90% of the results with none of the complications.
For those who are ready: 1-Andro works. Just respect it, use it responsibly, and don’t skip PCT.
BrightFutures Staff