You may remember, and maybe you even used, designer anabolic steroids back in the day. And if so, you probably remember the Designer Anabolic Steroid Control Act of 2014. This bill classified 24 specific compounds as anabolic steroids. In addition, it also made it easy for anything similar in the future to be banned.
That’s the bad news.
The good news is the bill specifically excludes DHEA from the ban. That’s why you will see prohormones such as 1-Andro or 1-DHEA, 4-Andro or 4-DHEA, Epi-Andro, and 19Nor-Andro or 19Nor-DHEA still on the market. These compounds are 100% legal—and are much safer to use.
Everything you need to know to get started with prohormones is below, including:
– What prohormones are
– Who should use prohormones
– How to take prohormones
What is a Prohormone?
A prohormone is a precursor of a hormone which amplifies the effect of an existing hormone. The body naturally produces certain hormones on its own, such as pro-insulin and pro-opiomelanocortin. Unlike designer anabolic steroids, prohormones do not add synthetic hormones to the body. They simply enhance the availability of existing hormones, especially testosterone.
Prohormones provide a variety of exciting benefits, such as:
– Increased muscle mass
– Faster athletic recovery
– Improved sex drive
– Exceptional strength and endurance
– Fat loss during stubborn periods
Prohormones are typically used by athletes and bodybuilders to increase muscle size and strength, while reducing body fat. They can also help you push through a plateau and achieve the results you’re working toward.
Side Effects of Designer Anabolic Steroids vs. Prohormones
Designer anabolic steroids of the past had some serious side effects for users who abused them, including baldness, breast development and mood disorders (a.k.a. roid rage). Fortunately, side effects of using prohormones are almost nonexistent and can be prevented with proper use, which will be discussed later in this article. Side effects of prohormones, although unlikely, can include acne, hair loss and increased estrogen.
People who are predisposed to certain side effects are more likely to develop them when taking prohormones. For example, if hair loss runs in your family you are more likely to experience this side effect while taking a prohormone supplement.
For many people, the benefits of taking prohormones far outweigh the risk of side effects. Plus, the side effects are temporary. Don’t let the fear of possible side effects hold you back from meeting your goals.
Who Should (and Should Not) Use Prohormones
Prohormones are not for everyone. They should only be used by people over 21 years of age. This is very important because taking a testosterone supplement when you’re young can cause your body to stop producing the hormone on your own. So if you have a teenager at home, keep your prohormone supplement in a safe, secure place.
The best candidates for prohormones are:
– Professional bodybuilders
– Intermediate to advanced-level weight lifters
– Athletes
As we get older it can be hard to add lean muscle mass, get rid of fat and keep your energy levels up. Prohormones can help you push through to the finish line—whether it’s a competition, game season or your personal lifting goals.
If you fit into one of these categories, then prohormones may be just what you need. Below, you’ll learn how to properly take prohormone supplements so you can start seeing amazing results.
How to Take Prohormones
Before choosing a prohormone supplement, you need to figure out what your goals are. Some supplements contain one specific compound designed to help you bulk up or trim fat. Others are stacks, which provide a blend of prohormones that do it all. There are dual, triple, and quad stacks available.
One example of an effective prohormone stack is Androbolic 250. Learn more about this supplement in our article What is Androbolic 250?
The Difference Between Dual, Triple, and Quad Stacks
A dual stack would be any prohormone that contains two compounds, triple stack would contain three compounds, and a quad stack would contain four (see how that works?). We only recommend quad stacks and triple stacks for people who have used prohormones in the past. For those who are new or just starting out, single compound or dual stack prohormones can yield just as good of results.
Don’t be confused, though. A stack can also reference a prohormone cycle. In this case a stack would include a prohormone (single, dual, triple, or quad), plus everything else you need to properly cycle a prohormone. For example, on-cycle support and post-cycle therapy.
How Often to Cycle Prohormones
Experienced users can run prohormones for longer or more often than newbies. However, we still do not recommend consistently taking them so your body does not become tolerant. Only use prohormones for cycles of no more than eight continuous weeks. If you go for longer, know that it’s at your own risk.
What is a Post-Cycle Therapy Supplement?
A post-cycle therapy (PCT) is a supplement that provides a combination of a testosterone booster and estrogen blocker, used to help support your body’s natural function after a cycle. Taking a PCT supplement is critical after running any prohormone cycle. When coming off a prohormone, your body will start to produce more estrogen in order to bring down testosterone levels and balance out your hormone levels.
Even though estrogen can be good, too much isn’t so good. Estrogen increases can make your body store more water, creating the bloated/puffy look and can also cause gynecomastia (male breast tissue enlargement). When coming off your prohormone cycle, your testes are not producing as much testosterone, if any. This can cause lethargy and decreases in muscle size and hardness.
With the use of a PCT, you’ll help block estrogen and kick start your body’s natural testosterone production, giving you the ability to maintain more of your gains.
Is a PCT Needed After Taking a Prohormone?
Yes. We highly recommended using a PCT supplement following your cycle because it will help your body restore its natural levels. If a PCT is not used, you are likely to lose most of your gains. Plus, you may suffer one or more of the side effects discussed earlier due to a lack of natural testosterone production, and an increase in estrogen.
Where to Get Prohormone Supplements
Black Diamond Supplements provides a variety of excellent products at competitive prices. Take a look at our prohormone supplements page to find one that suits your needs. In the event you can’t find the one you’re looking for, contact us and we will be glad to assist you in finding the right prohormone to meet your goals.
