Used primarily as an intermediate in the synthesis of anabolic steroids and other steroid-based pharmaceuticals. Its structure allows for further chemical modifications, making it valuable in the development of performance-enhancing drugs and hormone therapies. Commonly found in research settings for exploring androgen receptor activity and metabolic pathways. Due to its role in steroid chemistry, it is also monitored in anti-doping laboratories as a potential precursor in the illicit production of banned substances.