What Are Prohormones?
Anabolic steroids are the go-to supplement for bodybuilding; at least 3 out of 4 bodybuilders use them. But the problem with steroids is the massive number of long-term side effects, which doesn’t really make it the ideal choice.
Enter prohormones, the next best option for bodybuilding supplements, with fewer side effects and equally impressive results!
Prohormones have become quite popular in the bodybuilding community and are proven to be less harmful than steroids while producing the same, if not better, results. They can enhance muscle growth, increase strength, and facilitate excellent recovery.
We will explain everything you need to know about prohormones, how they work, and which ones you can use for effective muscle growth. Read ahead to learn more.
Prohormones Explained
You can think of prohormones as precursors for anabolic steroids. Many people confuse steroids with prohormones and classify them in the same group. However, these are two completely different elements with distinct functions.
While steroids pump your body with hormones, prohormones give your body the ability to create hormones naturally, without any external influences.
Steroids are considered to be hormones themselves, but prohormones are enhancers that promote hormone growth in the body. Simply put, they are synthetic strength boosters athletes use to get lean muscle growth.
Another interesting fact about prohormones is that there is only a limited amount available worldwide, as the most effective and robust ones were banned decades ago.
Although prohormones are somewhat less effective than steroids, many prefer them over the latter because of the safety factor. Steroids are seen as all-powerful muscle boosters; however, people are aware of the side effects, most of which can be highly serious and detrimental in the long run. Prohormones are not free from side effects either, but these are primarily non-serious and less harmful to your body.
Prohormones usually come in tablets or capsules, which are supposed to be taken daily. They can sometimes come in liquid form as well, which is equally effective and helpful for bodybuilders. They are great muscle enhancers and strength boosters and can also increase your body’s fat-burning capabilities, making those workout regimens more fruitful.
Is a Prohormone a steroid?
Contrary to popular belief, prohormones are not anabolic steroids. While both facilitate hormone growth in your body, prohormones operate differently from steroids and have a distinct effect on the body when consumed.
Prohormones are categorized as dietary supplements and NOT steroids. Because of this, you don’t need a doctor’s prescription to buy and use prohormones. Also, unlike steroids, the Food and Drug Administration has no jurisdiction over prohormones and cannot impose stringent regulations on them.
What Do Prohormones Do To Your Body?
Prohormones only start to work when they get processed by the liver; otherwise, they remain practically dormant. Enzymes convert prohormones into anabolic hormones or metabolites that can play the part of androgens in your body.
These metabolites then interact with the estrogenic, androgenic, and progestogenic receptors to trigger muscle growth and protein synthesis. As a result, your body can naturally produce the necessary hormones for lean muscle growth and enhanced strength.
If you want to get the most out of your prohormone supplements, we recommend maintaining a well-balanced and healthy diet. And, of course, remember to do those regular workout sessions and lots of cardio!
Prohormones not only boost your overall physique but also enhance certain masculine features in the body.
Other than reducing body fat and carving an athletic body, they can also improve facial hair growth or give you a deeper, heavier voice. Moreover, prohormones can also strengthen your bones, resulting in core strength and endurance development.
One of the lesser-known aspects of prohormones has to do with the enhancement of the male sex hormone.
They will definitely heighten your sex drive and give you an enhanced libido. It’s less effective than a powerful aphrodisiac, but expect some mild to moderate transformations.
Do Bodybuilders Use Prohormones?
Don’t worry; you aren’t the only one considering switching to prohormones. Countless bodybuilders use them to cut fat and grow lean. However, they have their limitations and are not as effective as steroids when it comes to bulking up. That’s why they are most sought after by beginner weightlifters or those who specifically want a lean body shape.
While it’s true that prohormones enhance core strength and muscle growth, a lot of Strongman lifters don’t seem to appreciate its results. This is mainly because they seek an enhancer that gives them significant muscle gain and body mass.
So, if you want to build a body like Arnold Schwarzenegger or Brock Lesnar, you might be disappointed with what prohormones can help you achieve. But on the bright side, they are much safer, more natural, and less likely to give you a heart attack down the line.
What Prohormones Are Best For Muscle Growth?
1-Androsterone
This is probably the most popular prohormone and is widely used by amateur bodybuilders as well as experienced gym jockeys. 1-Andro is a potent androgenic inhibitor that helps boost strength, muscle growth, and overall energy.
Although this artificial prohormone produces lean muscles, you can expect them to be larger, harder, and tighter. This makes it the perfect supplement to help cut fat and shape your body how you want.
Epi-Andro
Epi-Andro is one of the stronger prohormones available in the market and is practically considered secondhand DHEA (1). However, it is nowhere as powerful and overwhelming as a typical anabolic steroid.
While Epi-Andro produces the same effects as steroids, it limits the results to a moderate level. Simply put, you won’t grow into the incredible Hulk after one month of taking Epi-Angro prohormone.
Once consumed, your body will convert Epi-Andro into DHT, which is even more potent than testosterone.
However, your body will only convert it at sensible rates, preventing the metabolite from being overwhelmingly powerful. Either way, it’s a great option for building lean muscle mass and burning fat.
4-Androstenediol
4-Andro is the second most popular prohormone and converts quite close to natural testosterone. Although it is weaker than 1-Andro, you can really build some colossal muscle mass with this 4-Andro and bulk up big time.
One significant downside of 4-Andro is the possibility of having estrogenic side effects.
During the conversion process, this prohormone might turn to estrogen, the female hormone. Although this only happens in rare instances, the possibility alone is enough to ward off most bodybuilders.
