Best Transdermal for raising DHT?
- Thread starter Lumalux
- Start date
LeanEngineer
Legend
I'd definitely recommend looking into Iconic Formulations Alpha Seven!
Great transdermal with a lot of positive reviews on here.
Great transdermal with a lot of positive reviews on here.
Shadowblaze
Active member
Arimahex by Apex alchemy is probably your best bet.
pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
This study shows a 265% increase in dht.
Effects of eight weeks of an alleged aromatase inhibiting nutritional supplement 6-OXO (androst-4-ene-3,6,17-trione) on serum hormone profiles and clinical safety markers in resistance-trained, eugonadal males - PMC
The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of 6-OXO, a purported nutritional aromatase inhibitor, in a dose dependent manner on body composition, serum hormone levels, and clinical safety markers in resistance trained males. Sixteen ...
pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
This study shows a 265% increase in dht.
Lumalux
Member
Thank you for this study.Arimahex by Apex alchemy is probably your best bet.
Effects of eight weeks of an alleged aromatase inhibiting nutritional supplement 6-OXO (androst-4-ene-3,6,17-trione) on serum hormone profiles and clinical safety markers in resistance-trained, eugonadal males - PMC
The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of 6-OXO, a purported nutritional aromatase inhibitor, in a dose dependent manner on body composition, serum hormone levels, and clinical safety markers in resistance trained males. Sixteen ...
This study shows a 265% increase in dht.
6-OXO was all the rage about 20 years ago and then you stopped hearing about it. If it is so effective at increasing T/DHT by preventing aromatization, why is it not still popular?
Shadowblaze
Active member
No idea brother, I know it's a mild AI.
delsolrob
Board Sponsor
I think Nos mentioned he found a loop hole, but I was under the impression 6-OXO was banned like 15 years ago
You've kicked this question around quite a bit.
there are really only two PH's to DHT available - epiandrosterone and androsterone
androsterone is considered more potent, but it's EXPENSIVE to produce.
Ultra Hard is really popular because it combines the effects of both epiandrosterone and androsterone to provide multiple pathways to DHT.
The three products we have available
- Ultra Hard - epiandrosterone + Androsterone - each bottle contains 3.5g androsterone + 10.5g epiandrosterone
- Ultra Epi - epiandrosterone - highest dose of transdermal epiandrosterone available - 12.6g per bottle of epiandrosterone
- Alpha Seven - hefty dose of androsterone - highest dose of androsterone I've seen - there are 5.6g of androsterone per bottle
If you're concerned solely with DHT - there are a number of foods and supplements you may want to research, as they can adversely affect 5ar - this is a common topic for guys suffering from PFS.
Beau
Well-known member
The study is based on oral administration. It would be interesting to see how transdermal application would impact these values.Arimahex by Apex alchemy is probably your best bet.
Effects of eight weeks of an alleged aromatase inhibiting nutritional supplement 6-OXO (androst-4-ene-3,6,17-trione) on serum hormone profiles and clinical safety markers in resistance-trained, eugonadal males - PMC
The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of 6-OXO, a purported nutritional aromatase inhibitor, in a dose dependent manner on body composition, serum hormone levels, and clinical safety markers in resistance trained males. Sixteen ...
This study shows a 265% increase in dht.
Lumalux
Member
This is very helpful information. Thank you for the analysis.
baldwanus
Well-known member
My imaginary internet law degree leads me to believe that its one of those gray area things where: The FDA hasn't specifically banned 6-OXO by name like they did with all the other PH/DS's back in 2014... but they have also said that it can't be sold as a supplement. And then you'd probably know better, but 'transdermals' aren't technically considered 'supplements', right?
delsolrob
Board Sponsor
my memory may have failed me, but I think he mentioned they botched the nomenclature in the ban..it's not something I've researched specifically and he would know way better than me
baldwanus
Well-known member
Ol' Grok says:
'
As of April 2, 2025, the legal status of 6-OXO (also known as 4-Androstene-3,6,17-trione or 4-AT) in the United States remains complex and somewhat ambiguous due to its classification as a dietary supplement and its interaction with federal regulations.
6-OXO is a compound marketed as a testosterone booster and aromatase inhibitor, which reduces the conversion of testosterone to estrogen. It gained attention in the early 2000s as a supplement but has faced scrutiny from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). In 2006, the FDA issued a warning letter to a company marketing 6-OXO, asserting that it was an unapproved new drug under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FD&C Act). The FDA argued that 6-OXO’s claims about increasing testosterone and its pharmacological effects meant it did not qualify as a dietary supplement, rendering it "adulterated" by legal definition and thus illegal to market without approval as a drug.
However, there has been no explicit nationwide ban or scheduling of 6-OXO as a controlled substance under the Controlled Substances Act (CSA) as of this date. The Anabolic Steroid Control Act of 2004, which expanded the list of banned anabolic steroids, did not specifically include 6-OXO, though it targeted similar compounds. Its status hinges on whether it is deemed a "new dietary ingredient" requiring pre-market notification to the FDA under the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act (DSHEA) of 1994. Since 6-OXO was marketed before DSHEA’s cutoff date of October 15, 1994, some argue it could be grandfathered in as a legal supplement, but this is contested due to insufficient evidence of its pre-1994 use and safety.
Currently, 6-OXO is not explicitly listed as a prohibited substance by the FDA or the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), but its sale and distribution are effectively restricted because manufacturers must prove it meets safety standards for dietary supplements—a burden that has not been consistently met. As a result, it is not widely available through legitimate commercial channels in the U.S., and companies risk FDA enforcement actions (e.g., seizures or injunctions) if they market it without approval. Some online or niche retailers may still offer it, but this operates in a legal gray area, often relying on lax enforcement or loopholes.
In summary, 6-OXO is not outright illegal to possess for personal use in the United States as of April 2, 2025, but its marketing and sale as a dietary supplement are heavily restricted and likely unlawful without FDA approval as a drug. Its status could shift with new regulations or enforcement actions, so staying updated with FDA announcements is advisable.'
Renew1
Legend
A couple of solid board members took it upon themselves to test before and after/during, and the results were pretty remarkable.
They purchased the product themselves, and were just wondering what the real world results would be.
It's been a while, and I haven't referred to it in a good while ....
I'll see if I can dig them up.... Since the board changed formats (somewhat) a couple of years ago, the search feature doesn't work as well for me.
If they see this, perhaps they'll chime in ... Or perhaps @xR1pp3Rx or @nostrum420 may remember who the guys were...
.... And it's definitely still legal to sell, or @nostrum420 wouldn't risk selling it.
I've seen him pull very popular products, before they ever became an issue.
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Rockslide
Member
6-oxo is a great product. It’s a pretty good AI that has some conversion to a weak androgen irrc. Good studies showing it raises test and free test. I believe its ability to raise dht that was posted in a study above is indirect due to reduction in SHBG and allowing more free test to convert while simultaneously blocking free tests conversion into estrogen
Ultrahard by iconic should raise it more directly since it’s a product that is converted directly to DHT as a 2 step conversion. When you account for improved absorption of the transdermal it’s going to be the highest epiandro/androsterone product on the market
Hyperion by Apex is an herbal product that theoretically will raise it. It has 3,4 DVTHF (stinging nettle ) which will reduce shbg. It’s the only topical product to offer this.
Iconic ultra epi
Apex stanogen
^ 2 additional epiandro only products
Ultrahard by iconic should raise it more directly since it’s a product that is converted directly to DHT as a 2 step conversion. When you account for improved absorption of the transdermal it’s going to be the highest epiandro/androsterone product on the market
Hyperion by Apex is an herbal product that theoretically will raise it. It has 3,4 DVTHF (stinging nettle ) which will reduce shbg. It’s the only topical product to offer this.
Iconic ultra epi
Apex stanogen
^ 2 additional epiandro only products
Lumalux
Member
The first time I read about 6-OXO was around 2005 when I started following discussions on bodybuilding.com and really started getting into the use of supplements. I remember buying it a couple of times early in but I can't recall if I got anything out of it. Based on what I've read here, I think it's worth adding to my stack.A couple of solid board members took it upon themselves to test before and after/during, and the results were pretty remarkable.
They purchased the product themselves, and were just wondering what the real world results would be.
It's been a while, and I haven't referred to it in a good while ....
I'll see if I can dig them up.... Since the board changed formats (somewhat) a couple of years ago, the search feature doesn't work as well for me.
If they see this, perhaps they'll chime in ... Or perhaps @xR1pp3Rx or @nostrum420 may remember who the guys were...
.... And it's definitely still legal to sell, or @nostrum420 wouldn't risk selling it.
I've seen him pull very popular products, before they ever became an issue.
Rockslide
Member
In my opinion would be overlap and would crash estrogen . Ultra hard has 2 hormones that convert to dht which I believe will reduce shbg and free up test while simultaneously blocking estrogen to a degree since dht tends to do that.
6-oxo has anti estrogen effects and converts to a weak androgen but should free up some test and allow it convert to dht. I doubt it would do much on top of ultra hard other than dry you out even more. It would shine more in people who have very high shbg and low free test, have high natural estrogen , or who are on TRT but want to decrease estrogen and push more test into free test and dht
Both are probably mildly suppressive and it’s probably dose dependent. The issue with all of the true pros that have to convert into something is that there is always a limit on how much someone can convert .
(Hard to say whether 6-oxo is actually suppressive , it depends on how potent the downstream androgens actually are . Generally lowering estro will increase lh/fsh but if enough androgens build up down stream theoretically could mildly suppress long term. This was greatly debated with formestane which converted to a much stronger downstream androgen than 6-oxo)
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Renew1
Legend
This is a good "scholarly article", and it's incredible results have been duplicated in real-world scenarios and tests.
Effects of eight weeks of an alleged aromatase inhibiting nutritional supplement 6-OXO (androst-4-ene-3,6,17-trione) on serum hormone profiles and clinical safety markers in resistance-trained, eugonadal males - PMC
The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of 6-OXO, a purported nutritional aromatase inhibitor, in a dose dependent manner on body composition, serum hormone levels, and clinical safety markers in resistance trained males. Sixteen ...
pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
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barische
Active member
creatine 10gm+
Sorghum
Butea superba
bulgarian tribulus
Minimize 5ar inhibitors (reishi + all herbal mushrooms except cordyceps), saw palmetto
what gives me raging libido = Fadogia, tongkat + some of above supplements + topical DHEA on balls, androsterone on member at 20:1 ratio.
I have came to this ratio as androsterone seems be very strong AI for me and this combo ratio seems to be perfect. good luck.
Sorghum
Butea superba
bulgarian tribulus
Minimize 5ar inhibitors (reishi + all herbal mushrooms except cordyceps), saw palmetto
what gives me raging libido = Fadogia, tongkat + some of above supplements + topical DHEA on balls, androsterone on member at 20:1 ratio.
I have came to this ratio as androsterone seems be very strong AI for me and this combo ratio seems to be perfect. good luck.
Lumalux
Member
Thank you, buddy. You have always provided lots of information and advice that I trust.
barische
Active member
happy to help. I got a PM regarding 20:1 dosing.. here is my rationale.
doing about 1-2 drops of andro TD on penor: 1-3mg andro and 20-60mg dhea on nutsack.
Andro is aromatase inhibitor. when i was dosing andro high, I was getting dry joints and tendons - I also get this when i dose my tongkat high or take too much of 10% eurycomanone. Also keep in mind that some of the dhea will aromatize to estrogen down the pathways. opinion is that when DHEA is applied to Scrotum, there is higher conversion to DHT.
there is also another reason how I got the androsterone on penor as i been experimenting with size gains. According to raypeat forums. Most the penis development during fetus is driven by androsterone and back door pathway androgens exposure during pregnancy. I was wondering if topical andro application could add some gains there + with Clamping and Pumping..