Aromatase inhibitors: Can Military Service Members use them?

Aromatase inhibitors (AI), which prevent testosterone from being converted to estrogen, are used in bodybuilding products to supposedly maintain testosterone levels and thus help increase muscle mass. Arimistane (androsta-3,5-diene-7,17-dione), ATD (3,17-keto-etiochol-triene), 4-androstene-3,6,17 trione (6-oxo), and Androsta-1,4,6-triene-3,17-dione (androstatrienedione) are examples of AIs. At this time, AIs are considered drugs (used primarily in the treatment of breast and ovarian cancer). As a result, dietary supplement products should not contain AIs as ingredients. Aromatase inhibitors should not show up on a routine military drug test, but they are included in the DoD Prohibited Dietary Supplement Ingredients list and are prohibited for use in sport by WADA (the World Anti-Doping Agency). In addition, there are concerns about serious side effects associated with their use.

Updated 25 April 2022