Prohormones has been in the center of interest among bodybuilders, fitness enthusiasts, and athletes. These anabolic compounds that are often classified as testosterone precursors are designed to enhance muscle growth and strength.
However, prohormone supplementation is not without risks. This comprehensive guide will explore the expected ergogenic effects and transformations of different users.
What Are Prohormones?
Prohormones are dietary supplements that convert into anabolic hormones upon ingestion. These are hormones that are produced naturally inside the body. One example is dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) that is produced in the adrenal glands and helps produce other hormones like estrogen and testosterone. It requires metabolic activation before converting it into active hormones unlike steroids that directly influence muscle tissue. This enzymatic process enhances protein synthesis and stimulates muscle growth and fat loss. Prohormones act as precursors that increase testosterone levels with delayed effects.
Different prohormones are:
- Bulking prohormones – This is ideal for gaining lean body mass as well as strength.
- Cutting prohormones – These prohormones help reduce body fat while maintaining the muscles.
- Strength-focused prohormones – This one enhances power and endurance.
What to Expect Before Taking Prohormones
Physical Condition
First things first, assess your current muscle mass, strength, and body fat percentage. Record all of it so you will have a basis if there are improvements. This should be done before starting a week cycle.
Performance Level
Monitor energy levels, endurance, and workout intensity. Prohormones enhance these characteristics but still need fitness essentials like rest and proper training.
Hormonal Balance
Natural testosterone levels should be checked. Those with hormonal imbalances should avoid andro derivatives like androstenedione.
Diet & Training Readiness
It is important to have a solid foundation before starting a prohormones cycle. A well-structured diet and routine are a must. At the same time, prohormones work alongside nutritional supplements, strength training, and high-protein intake.
The Prohormone Cycle: What Happens During Use?
- ➢ First Few Weeks: You may observe an initial change in strength, pump, and endurance. But, you have to lessen your expectations because you are just starting.
- ➢ Mid-Cycle Effects: During the mid-cycle, you will notice an increase in muscle growth and hardness. Once you hit the gym and have an intense workout, recovery time will also improve. However, there are potential side effects like increased aggression, oily skin, and mood swings.
- ➢ End of Cycle: On average, users gain 5-15 pounds of size during 4-8 weeks. Maximum muscle gains and strength peaks depend upon a lot of factors, though. Based on reddit forums, some of them experienced a shoot up on their libidos. Lifts, cardio, and running felt like a new man.
After the Prohormone Cycle: What to Expect
After the prohormone cycle, you have to continue strength training and optimize dietary supplements to maintain your gains. Expect possible side effects like testosterone suppression and mood swings. Some will also experience mild water retention. That’s why it is important to do a post cycle therapy (PCT) to prevent hormonal imbalance and restore natural testosterone levels. Consider the health of your kidney and liver. There are recommended nutritional supplements like liver support to help mitigate the liver’s side effects.
Find The Best Prices For Prohormones Products
Real Before & After Results: Case Studies
Seventeen resistance trained men were randomly assigned prohormone supplementation and completed a 4 week structured resistance training program. Here are their results: [R]
- ➢ Bulking Cycle Results: Prohormone increased lean body mass by 6.3 +- 1.2 %.
- ➢ Cutting Cycle Results: Fat body mass was decreased by 24.6 +- 7.1 %
- ➢ Strength-Focused Cycle Back Squats are increased one repetition maximum and competition total by 14.3.
Improvements exceeded the placebo which increased the lean body mass by 0.5, reduced fat body mass by 9.5, and increased back squat one repetition maximum and competition total by 5.7.
How to Maximize Your Prohormone Transformation
It’s not possible to get a maximum bulking or cutting result without backing it up with other fitness essentials. To get the best out of it, here are some things you need to follow.
Best Diet & Nutrition Plan for Prohormones
Prohormones are capable of increasing protein synthesis and carbohydrate storage. Increase your calorie intake safely but those who are susceptible to fat gain should not increase calorie intake dramatically. It is recommended to double your protein intake while in cycle to maximize gains. Keep your carbohydrates intake high as well for optimal benefits. Stick to a high carb/high protein diet and low to moderate levels of fat.
Effective Training Routines to Complement the Cycle
While you are on a prohormone cycle, increase the overall volume of training rather than focusing on heavier weights. Increase the number of sets or the frequency of going to the gym to enhance the anabolic effect of your muscle tissue.
Supplement Products to Enhance and Support Results
The first thing we have to remember is, any supplements that are giving ergogenic effects must be stopped. Use supplements that will complement the prohormone cycle as well as those that will offset its side effects. Supplements like TUDCA can help with the liver and may lower blood pressure and normalize cholesterol.
Common Mistakes & How to Avoid Them
- ➢ Taking prohormones without proper training or diet. Focus on training volume like number of sets or reps and frequency of going to the gym rather than heavy weights. Increase calories, protein, and carbohydrates intake.
- ➢ Skipping PCT is a no no. That should be done to counter the side effects of prohormones and wont cause long-term damage to your health.
- ➢ Not monitoring side effects and necessary precautions. Be cautious while using prohormones and carefully observe whatever changes are happening to your body.
Tips on Buying
Make sure that buying prohormones is legal in your country first. Buying it from your local supplements shop might be difficult. However, you could always find that online. Verify all ingredients and do a due diligence to avoid banned compounds under anabolic steroid control act. Purchase from legal and reputable sources and check for their certificates of analysis. Behemothlabz and PureRawz are two companies that adhere to rigorous standards. They have third-party testing, certificates of analysis, and swarming with positive reviews available on their website.
Conclusion
Prohormones can significantly impact body composition by enhancing anabolic properties. It promotes muscle growth and strength that’s why it is well loved by fitness enthusiasts. However, adverse effects and legal considerations must be taken seriously. Follow a structured fitness plan, monitor your health, and complement it with nutritional supplements. In that way, users can optimize the results while minimizing risks. Always approach prohormone supplementation responsibly to maximize the benefits.
FAQs
How long does it take to see results?
The most popular cycle is 2-4 weeks on cycle and then 4-6 weeks off cycle. Most of the users claimed that you will see visible size gains during this cycle.
Will I lose my gains after stopping?
No, it will not. As long as you followed all the recommendations above to keep your gains. Supplement the prohormones with fitness essentials like diet and proper nutrition as well as training routines and food supplements.
Are prohormones safe for beginners?
Yes it is. Follow the 2-2 cycle. 2 weeks on, 2 weeks off. This cycle is beginner friendly and will produce steady and consistent gains while minimizing the side effects.
Can women use prohormones?
Yes. The most effective and safe prohormone for women is 19-Nor Andro or 19-Nor DHEA. These prohormones build lean muscle mass and improve overall strength.
What are the side effects of using prohormones?
The common side effects are acne, hair loss, fatigue, elevated blood pressure, hormonal imbalance and liver toxicity.
