The fitness community has had an on/off, love/hate relationship with anabolic steroids for many years. There’s no denying the incredible gains steroids can bring, but the side effects and legal issues have caused most athletes to disregard them at this point in time. However, many lifters have found that prohormone supplements are an exciting alternative to anabolic steroids.
If you’re a fitness enthusiast, you’re probably no stranger to supplements. However, prohormones are still uncharted territory for many people. If you’ve been thinking about getting into prohormones, it’s very important that you do some preliminary research before diving in.
In this article, we’ll help you understand the differences between anabolic steroids and prohormone supplements, as well as some of the positives and negatives you can expect when taking them. Let’s get started.
Anabolic Steroids vs. Prohormones
Steroids and prohormones both get you to the same place, but they take different routes. Anabolic steroids are active synthetic substances, and they’re taken orally, topically, or intravenously. For example, if you’re taking testosterone steroids, you’re actually putting synthetic testosterone hormones directly into your body, which is illegal.
On the other hand, prohormone supplements can be viewed as a precursor to steroids. They’re inactive before you take them, but once your body processes the supplements, they turn into those hormones. For instance, you can take a prohormone for testosterone, but it’s not actual real or synthetic testosterone. The prohormone causes your body to produce more testosterone naturally.
As you can see, both anabolic steroids and prohormones result in the same end goal—boosted testosterone levels. The difference is that one is streamlined—synthetic testosterone goes directly into the body—and the other is a prohormone that facilitates the production of testosterone inside the body. That’s why prohormones are legal.
Are Prohormones a Safe Alternative to Steroids?
It’s important to note that just because prohormones are legal doesn’t mean that they’re safe. Many of the same side effects associated with anabolic steroids do occur when taking prohormones.
However, prohormones are a safer alternative because of how they’re manufactured. Unlike synthetic steroids, prohormones are usually produced by legitimate companies and regulated by the FDA.
What Do Prohormones Do?
Prohormones provide the same benefits as steroids:
- Muscle gains
- Improved endurance and stamina
- Boosted sex drive
- Increased body mass
- Faster athletic recovery times
- Increased masculine features such as a lower voice, defined jawline, and increased face and body hair growth
What Are the Downsides?
There are side effects associated with prohormones, and they can be potentially dangerous.
- Liver damage
- Nausea and dizziness
- Hair loss
- Swollen prostate
- Rage and difficulty controlling emotions
- Headaches
- Breast enlargement
Always Avoid Alcohol
Because prohormones are so hard on your liver, it’s absolutely essential that you avoid alcohol. Taking both together can cause devastating harm to your liver, and it can even be potentially fatal. Be smart when taking prohormones, and talk to a health care professional immediately if you notice any worrying symptoms.
Shop Smart
As you consider prohormones, it’s so critical that you also consider their source. Not all prohormones are the same, and there are plenty of disreputable companies out there. Make sure you only buy prohormones from established, experienced companies that are trusted by the fitness community.
Spend some time talking to people who have taken prohormones, and ask for advice. Don’t forget that what works for one person isn’t always ideal for another, and results can vary depending on your personal body chemistry.
The Power Is In You
Taking steroids or prohormones isn’t a shortcut to success. While you may be able to increase the productivity of your workout regimen, reaching your fitness goals starts and ends with you and you alone. If you’re not happy with your current gains, start hitting the gym more or seek out a good trainer.
Don’t take prohormones because you’re unhappy. Instead, use them to enhance your current success. Remember that prohormones come with their fair share of pros and cons, and it’s very important that you look at them critically. Increased gains can be a major temptation, but at what cost? Make an informed decision, and know when it’s time to stop.
