subject: Can Prohormone Supplements Give You The Body Building Edge? [print this page] Body builders and other athletes work out hard to build muscle and lose fat and want to see the greatest results from their efforts. The controversies and dangers surrounding the use of anabolic steroids to increase muscle mass and performance has resulted in steroids being banned from all use, however, many are now turning to prohormone supplements to enhance their capacity to build muscle.
A prohormone is not a hormone itself, but a precursor to a hormone that can be converted into an active hormone by the body. Unlike anabolic steroids that contain testosterone, the hormone responsible for enhanced muscle growth, an anabolic prohormone doesn't contain any testosterone. It only contains the substance needed by the body to produce increased testosterone over what it naturally produces. Prohormone supplements affect the body in a similar manner as anabolic steroids though they are less effective since they require the presence of body enzymes to convert them. These enzymes have limited availability in the body, so only a limited amount of hormone will be produced regardless of the amount of prohormone taken. This both lowers the dangers and side effects of anabolic steroids and makes them less effective for muscle building and performance enhancing as compared to anabolic steroids.
The Steroid Control Act of 2004 made the use of anabolic steroids illegal as well as prohormones, though there are some forms of prohormones still legal and available for use. They are used as supplements to increase muscle mass, enhance strength and endurance, shorten recovery time, and diminish body fat levels. Users of prohormones can suffer similar side effects that are seen with anabolic steroids, including hair loss, acne, gynocomastia, or breast tissue enlargement, and swelling of the prostate.
Anabolic prohormone supplements should never be taken by women under any circumstances or by men under the age of 21 since it can result in a number of complications, including a permanent stunting of growth. Endocrine system problems can also result. Those with high cholesterol, high blood pressure, heart conditions, liver or kidney should avoid prohormones, as should those with an enlarged prostate or gynocomastia.
Prohormones can be taken safety with positive results when done correctly and knowledgeably. It is wise to start with lower dose prohormones to assess their effect on your body and performance before deciding to continue with more potent supplements. Note that prohormones can potentially be reactive to drug tests used for sports or competitions, so before using them, check with the sanctioning body of your sport to avoid disqualification.
