TEST DETAILS

CYP3A4*22 Variation Test

Learn how fast your body naturally breaks down steroids

detoxificationrisk awarenessdrug half-lifeclearance

What gene we test?

CYP3A4

Scientific name

Cytochrome P450 3A4

What does it do?

CYP3A4 is an enzyme which modifies toxins and drugs in the liver into inactive safer substances for removal from the body. CYP3A4 is the most abundant P450 enzyme in the liver, and it has a strong affinity for steroid substrates. Genetic polymorphisms which make this enzyme less effective or efficient are therefore very likely to reduce detoxification and removal of anabolic steroids from the body, increasing drug half-life and therefore prolonging effect.

Variants overview

1/1 (Wild-type) - May result in regular drug half-lives and faster clearance
1/22 (Reduced-activity) - May result in longer drug half-lives and slower clearance
22/22 (Highly reduced-activity) - May result in significantly longer drug half-lives and significantly slower clearance

Variant Risk Wheel

Detailed Variant Information

CYP3A41/1 (Wild-type) Variant

Frequency

~90-95% (Caucasian)

Effect

The wild-type genotype supports robust CYP3A4 enzyme function, enabling efficient metabolism of steroid compounds in the liver. This leads to standard elimination rates, minimizing accumulation and supporting quicker recovery from steroid exposure.

Simple explanation

Your body breaks down steroids at a normal speed, so they leave your system at a normal speed with normal levels of lingering effects.

What this means

With this common variant, you're likely to experience typical steroid durations, with regular exposure to risks like prolonged side effects or interactions with other substances.

CYP3A41/22 (Reduced-activity) Variant

Frequency

~5-10% (Caucasian)

Effect

The reduced-activity genotype impairs CYP3A4 efficiency, slowing the liver's breakdown of steroids into excretable forms. Consequently, steroids persist longer in circulation, extending their pharmacological window and potential for buildup.

Simple explanation

Your body takes longer to process steroids, so their effects might stick around longer than expected.

What this means

With this more uncommon variant, you're likely to experience longer steroid durations, with increased exposure to risks like prolonged side effects or interactions with other substances.

CYP3A422/22 (Highly reduced-activity) Variant

Frequency

<0.1% (rare)

Effect

The highly reduced-activity genotype severely limits CYP3A4 performance, drastically curtailing steroid detoxification pathways in the liver. This results in markedly prolonged retention of active steroid metabolites, amplifying duration and intensity of effects.

Simple explanation

Your body struggles to clear steroids, leading to much longer-lasting impacts.

What this means

As a rare profile, this signals a heightened need for caution around steroids, as you are highly exposed to risks like amplified side effects or drug interactions that could affect your health long-term.

Included in panels

Starter Panel, Core Panel, Complete Panel