Prohormones

Prohormones are used by many different individuals for varying purposes. Some desire an increase in athletic performance, whilst others seek an improved appearance. Prohormones are hormonal supplements which convert to anabolic enzymes via a natural enzymatic process. The anabolic compounds which they convert to can lead to significant increases in strength, power and muscle growth. As a dietary supplement, a prohormone requires naturally occurring enzymes to generate positive performance and appearance outcomes. This is what differentiates prohormones from illegal anabolic steroids and reduces the risk of harmful side effects.

Prohormones increase strength and size by increasing the level of anabolic hormones in the body which stimulates the androgen receptors. This also leads to an increase in the utilization of nutrients consumed for building muscle, thus, leads to a decreased capacity for nutrients to be stored as fats.

In terms of effectiveness, prohormones are limited by the availability of the enzyme needed to convert its structure to an anabolic compound. This, therefore, suggests that prohormones are only effective to a specific level. As a consequence muscle building and performance enhancing outcomes are restricted, which is why many individuals who use prohormones ‘stack’ different products. A ‘stack’ is a combination of two similar supplements which share a common goal, or, work in coincidence with each other.

Many individuals ‘stack’ prohormones to increase their capacity to reduce side effects and enhance gains. A ‘stack’ may be part of a ‘cycle’ which is utilized in order further reduce the risks associated with prohormones. ‘Cycles’ often last for a duration of two to eight weeks, with the majority of individuals utilizing four week ‘cycles.’ The benefit of using a ‘cycling’ process ensures that the consumer can regulate their hormones whilst maintaining general health. Prohormones are very much regarded as unique to their user, as individuals respond in varying rates to various prohormones. As a means of finding the most effective ‘stack’ or ‘cycle’ it is suggested that individuals need to research and experiment to identify what works specifically for themselves.

Although prohormones are associated with a reduction in the risk of harmful side effects in comparison with illegal anabolic steroids, there are some which need to be considered. These include; acne, breast tissue enlargement, hair loss and swelling of the prostate. However, all of these side effects can be controlled safely with the correct use of cycle support and post-cycle therapy (PCT).

With regards to training whilst using prohormones there are varying opinions. However, it has been suggested that when using a prohormone an individual should decrease weight and increase the volume of their training, preferably doubling in volume in order to rapidly increase muscle mass and strength. For example, if you would normally complete 12 sets of resistance training per session, when taking a prohormone you would increase it to 24. However, when completing post-cycle therapy it is suggested that an individual should decrease volume to half that of normal and increase weight. For example, if you would normally complete 12 sets per session you would now complete 6 sets using an increased weight. A lower level of volume but higher weight is believed to preserve muscle and strength gains whilst reducing levels of cortisol.