Prohormones – what are they and how do they work?

Prohormones are chemical compounds used as precursors to active hormones, which convert into hormones like testosterone in the body, significantly affecting muscle mass growth and enhancing physical performance. After reading this article, you will learn about various aspects related to prohormones, including their mechanisms of action, use in sports, benefits of use, and potential side effects. We will also present detailed guidelines on their safe use.

Table of Contents

1. What are prohormones?
2. How do prohormones work?
3. Prohormones for athletes
4. Prohormones – usage
5. Prohormones – side effects
6. Prohormones – as doping agents
7. Prohormones – contraindications

What are prohormones?

Prohormones are chemical compounds that can convert into fully functional steroid hormones, such as testosterone, in the human body. They are not active on their own but require enzymatic conversion in tissues like the liver or muscles. It is this ability to transform into hormones that makes prohormones considered an alternative to direct use of anabolic steroids. They are primarily used to increase muscle mass, improve strength and physical performance, and accelerate recovery after intense training.

How do prohormones work?

Prohormones work by increasing the concentration of anabolic hormones in the body, leading to increased protein synthesis and, consequently, muscle growth. This process begins when the prohormone is metabolized by specific enzymes in the liver, enabling its conversion into active hormones like testosterone. This rise in testosterone levels leads to many desirable effects in terms of body building and performance enhancement – from increased muscle mass to improved muscle tissue recovery speed.

Prohormones for athletes

Prohormones are particularly valued among athletes for their ability to increase muscle mass and strength. These substances are popular not only in bodybuilding but also in other sports where endurance and quick recovery are crucial. Prohormones accelerate these processes, allowing athletes to train more intensively and frequently. The most popular prohormones, such as:

• androstenedione,
• 4-androstenediol,
• 5-androstenediol,
• 19-norandrostenedione,
• 19-norandrostenediol.

are used due to their effectiveness in increasing testosterone levels, which is directly related to anabolism and muscle mass growth.

Prohormones can also convert into other hormones such as DHT (dihydrotestosterone) and nandrolone, known for their positive effects on muscle hardness, concentration, and bone growth support. Boldenone, known as a steroid increasing lean muscle mass, stimulates appetite, improves nitrogen balance, and increases protein synthesis in muscles. 1-testosterone, offering 700% greater anabolic power than natural testosterone, significantly speeds up recovery, increases strength, and muscle mass.

Despite numerous benefits, using prohormones carries potential risks, so it is important for athletes to be aware of both the benefits and possible side effects of their use.

Prohormones – usage

Proper use of prohormones is key to maximizing their effectiveness and minimizing the risk of side effects. Prohormones should be used in cycles – usually 2-4 weeks of use, followed by a break of the same length. This strategy helps avoid excessive strain on the body and suppression of natural hormone production. It is also recommended to use prohormones in conjunction with a well-balanced, protein-rich diet and regular strength training, which increases effectiveness and allows for better results in a shorter time.

Prohormones – side effects

Despite many benefits, using prohormones can lead to serious side effects, especially with abuse or improper use. The most common problems are: hormonal imbalances, such as reduced natural testosterone production, which can lead to permanent hormonal health damage. Other side effects include: liver problems – this organ plays a key role in metabolizing prohormones, which can lead to damage with long-term use. Long-term use of prohormones is also associated with the risk of gynecomastia in men, acne, and hair loss.

Prohormones – as doping agents

Prohormones as doping agents gain interest among athletes seeking a competitive edge, despite the risk of potential side effects and legality issues. These substances, which are precursors to active steroid hormones, can be used for doping purposes because their action can significantly impact physical performance, strength, and muscle mass growth. Since prohormones can be converted into active anabolic steroids like testosterone in the body, they are often banned under the anti-doping regulations of many sports organizations. Detection of prohormones is possible through advanced doping tests that can identify both the parent prohormone and its metabolites, providing grounds for disqualification of the athlete. Therefore, using prohormones in regulated sports carries not only health risks but also legal consequences, including suspension or even the end of a sports career.

Prohormones – contraindications

The use of prohormones is not recommended for everyone. They are particularly unsuitable for young people under 25 years old, whose hormonal systems are still developing. Intervening in the natural hormonal balance at such a young age can lead to permanent disorders. Women should also avoid using prohormones due to their strong androgenic effects, which can lead to irreversible changes, such as deepening of the voice or excessive hair growth. People with liver, kidney, or heart problems should also avoid these substances due to their potentially toxic effects on the liver and other organs.

Sources:

https://academic.oup.com/jcem/article/85/11/4074/2852730 (2000, Endocrine Responses to Chronic Androstenedione Intake in 30- to 56-Year-Old Men)

https://cdnsciencepub.com/doi/10.1139/h03-009 (2003, Oral Andro-Related Prohormone Supplementation: Do the Potential Risks Outweigh the Benefits?)

https://meridian.allenpress.com/jat/article/47/5/567/191255/National Athletic Trainers' Association Position Statement: Anabolic-Androgenic Steroids (2012, National Athletic Trainers' Association Position Statement: Anabolic-Androgenic Steroids )

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1279770723019553?via%3Dihub (2009, The effects of supplementation with creatine and protein on muscle strength following a traditional resistance training program in middle-aged and older men)