Prohormones in sport - important information and facts

In competitive and fitness sports, athletes are always looking for ways to optimize their performance and maximize their muscles. Prohormones have come into focus as they are seen as possible supplements that can support the body in building muscle. But what exactly are prohormones and how do they affect the body?

Prohormones are chemical precursors that can be converted into hormones to promote various physiological processes in the body. These substances are often used by athletes to build muscle mass, increase performance and improve endurance. While some athletes rave about the benefits, there are also critical voices pointing out possible side effects and risks.

In this article, we will introduce you to the world of prohormones and tell you about different prohormones and their uses.

Introduction to the world of prohormones

Prohormones are a fascinating class of compounds that have become increasingly popular in the fitness and bodybuilding scene. These precursors to hormones are converted into active steroid hormones in the body, which explains their appeal to athletes looking for a performance boost. Unlike injectable steroids, prohormones do not contain direct hormones, but they offer the body the opportunity to stimulate hormone production naturally. However, proper use and management of potential risks require careful consideration and consultation with a professional to understand legal and health issues.

What are prohormones?

Prohormones act as starting materials or "designer steroids" that are designed to promote endogenous hormone production. They do not intervene directly in physiological processes, but participate in hormone synthesis by being enzymatically converted into active substances by the body. Their mild hormonal effect makes them particularly popular in the bodybuilding and fitness scene, as they can support physical performance without the need for direct hormone intake. This concept allows the body to produce hormones such as testosterone naturally and adapts the hormonal effect to the body's current needs.

How do prohormones work in the body?

The effect of prohormones in the body is closely linked to their metabolism. Taking prohormones can increase testosterone levels in the body as they are converted into hormones that are further converted into testosterone. For example, around 5-6 mg of testosterone can be produced from 100 mg of androstenedione. These compounds act as androgen agonists and can have significant effects similar to those of anabolic steroids via their effects on the androgen receptor.

Prohormones accelerate the metabolism and promote muscle building at the same time. This is particularly beneficial for bodybuilders who want to make rapid progress in muscle mass and strength. Within a few weeks, they can deliver visible results in the form of muscle gains and increased muscle strength, conveniently in capsule form, without the need for injections.

Prohormones are so popular because they can be taken orally via capsules or drops. This means that no injections are necessary, which is why these active ingredients are so popular.

Advantages of prohormones

Prohormones offer several benefits that make them a popular choice among bodybuilders and competitive athletes. One of the biggest benefits is the significant increase in muscle size and strength, with muscle gains of 5 to 6 kg possible in one course. Compared to anabolic steroids, prohormones have fewer side effects, although more research is needed to fully understand all the potential effects. Prohormones are also less expensive than full steroids and are easy to take orally. These factors make them an attractive option, especially for athletes looking to achieve fast and effective short-term results.

Support for muscle building

Prohormones are known for their strong anabolic and androgenic effects on the body, which can effectively support muscle growth. They have a targeted effect on muscle growth and reduce cortisol levels, which simultaneously creates better conditions for muscle growth. The use of prohormones leads to extremely rapid muscle growth, so that athletes see significant progress in a short time. They also increase testosterone levels, which directly contributes to improved muscle mass and performance. Prohormones also accelerate recovery after training - a crucial factor for continuous progress in muscle building.

Improving athletic performance

Various prohormones, such as Halodrol and Epistane, increase protein synthesis and promote the development of lean muscles. These properties lead to a significant improvement in athletic performance. Epistane is particularly popular with bodybuilders and strength athletes, as it enables a faster increase in lean body mass and strength gains. 1-Testosterone™ provides a favorable anabolic to androgenic ratio and provides dramatic increases in strength and rapid muscle gains. Prohormones also regulate the concentration of steroid hormones in the body, which leads to a stronger hormonal effect, and accelerate the metabolism. These factors are particularly beneficial for bodybuilders to build up more muscle mass in a short period of time.

Increase strength and endurance

Prohormones have the ability to significantly increase both muscle strength and muscle size. Strong androgens act as prohormones and promote strength gains by stimulating the central nervous system (CNS). Users of prohormones often report increased pump and better vascularity, indicating increased red blood cell production. One of the strongest representatives, Superdrol, enables dry, hard muscle gains without estrogen-related side effects. Taking prohormones can also lead to a dramatic increase in libido, which can serve as a positive influence on training motivation.

Different types and examples of prohormones

Epistane

Epistane is a popular prohormone among bodybuilders and strength athletes, especially newcomers to the prohormone field. It promotes a significant improvement in lean body mass and increases muscle strength. A notable benefit of Epistane is the gain of dry, hard muscle without bloating or water retention. It also accelerates muscle and skeletal repair, improving recovery after exercise. Epistane helps to lower estrogen levels, but offers significant benefits, including a visible increase in muscle mass throughout the body. Post-Cycle Therapy (PCT) and also a small amount of liver protection is recommended to restore hormone balance and protect the liver from the stress of ingestion.

• Increase in lean body mass: Users can expect a significant increase in dry and hard muscle without bloating or water retention.
• Improved training performance: Taking Epistane leads to a visible increase in muscle mass and muscle strength, which significantly improves training performance.
• Faster recovery: It promotes muscle and skeletal repair, which contributes to faster recovery after exercise.
• Lowering estrogen levels: Epistane can lower estrogen levels, which is beneficial for many users.

Halodrol

Halodrol, also known as chlorodehydromethylandrostenediol, is a well-known designer prohormone with proven properties. It promotes the development of lean muscle mass and increases vascularity, which is particularly appealing to bodybuilders. The increased protein synthesis leads to significant muscle gains in a short period of time. Users report increased strength development and long-lasting pumps. The combination with other substances, known as "stacking", can lead to particularly effective results. Halodrol is often used for muscle building and especially for increasing strength (mass building). Since it has a be

• Increase in strength values: Halodrol has a significant effect on strength development.
• Improved training performance: Taking Halodrol leads to a visible increase in muscle mass and muscle strength, which significantly improves training performance.

Androsterone

Androsterone, also known as 1-DHEA or 1-Andro, is a powerful prohormone for building lean muscle mass and strength. It increases vascularity and may help burn excess fat. One advantage of androsterone is its non-methylated form, which makes it safer as it puts less strain on the body. Acute oral intake can significantly increase testosterone concentrations, and at higher doses for up to 12 weeks it shows significant effects on body composition and performance.

Trenavar

Trenavar, also known as Trendion, converts in the body into the potent trenbolone. It is known for its strong effect and high conversion rate. Primarily used to burn fat, it also improves lean muscle mass and training performance. Despite its mild effects, its reputation as one of the strongest dieting agents makes it particularly attractive to beginners. It promotes both muscle gains and strength development.

• Increasing muscle hardness: One of the clear strengths of Trenavar is the visible muscle hardness.
• Fat loss: Taking Halodrol leads to a visible increase in muscle mass and muscle strength, which significantly increases training performance.

Epiandrosterone

Epiandrosterone, or 3B-hydroxyethioallocholan-17-one, is converted to testosterone in the body and exhibits muscle-building effects similar to testosterone-based anabolic steroids. Activation of the enzyme 5-alpha-reductase can lead to the conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT), which can significantly increase muscle strength and size. While the exact side effects of epiandrosterone have not yet been fully researched, supplements containing this substance could potentially put a strain on the liver and kidneys.

Possible side effects

Research into the side effects of prohormones has so far been limited, as these chemical precursors of hormones are rarely used in medicine. Nevertheless, there are indications that they can be potentially harmful to the kidneys and liver, especially at high doses, which are often taken by strength athletes to achieve physiologically relevant concentrations in the blood.

Main concerns when taking prohormones:

• Liver burden: The first-pass effect in the liver can strongly influence the effect of absorbed substances. Some newer preparations attempt to circumvent this problem, but sufficient data is lacking here too.
• Kidney damage: Due to the high doses required for the desired anabolic effect, there is a risk of kidney damage.
• Insufficient research: To date, there is no comprehensive data on bioavailability and absorption rates with oral intake of various prohormones.

Overall, there is a lack of scientific data on long-term effects and risks, which makes taking these substances hazardous to health. The combination of insufficiently researched effects and the pursuit of rapid muscle building poses a high risk to health.

Important information on intake

Prohormones are inactive precursors of hormones that are converted into their active form in the body after ingestion. This conversion can improve the intensity of training sessions and promote muscle regeneration. Before taking such supplements, it is essential to obtain comprehensive information about the possible risks and current legal regulations. The advice of a specialist can help to make informed decisions. The instructions on the product packaging should always be followed, as prohormones can contain complex ingredients. In particular, acute oral intake of androstenedione or androstenediol can significantly increase serum testosterone concentrations in men. Anyone using higher doses over a period of up to 12 weeks must consider the significant effects on body composition and performance.

Importance of expertise and advice

It is highly advisable to always plan the intake of prohormones under medical supervision. Regular blood tests can provide valuable insights into the health effects and help to identify potential risks and side effects at an early stage. A detailed discussion with your GP will help to assess the safety and dangers associated with taking steroids. Everyone reacts differently to the effects of prohormones, which is why a solid level of knowledge and sound advice is essential. Beginners to strength training and supplementation should first establish a strong foundation in training, nutrition and recovery before considering stronger substances. This will ensure safer and more effective use of prohormones.

Recommendations for safe intake

Before taking prohormones, it is crucial to consult a doctor to clarify individual risks and health requirements. This helps to avoid possible health complications in advance. Regular blood tests are also advisable, as they can identify potential side effects at an early stage.

Prohormones should only be considered if you are in good health and understand and follow the basic principles of strength training, nutrition and recovery. Post Cycle Therapy (PCT) is recommended after taking prohormones to stabilize the results gained and minimize any health risks.

Caution is advised for beginners: It is important not to become too dependent on supplements, as they often do not yet have sufficient experience and knowledge of strength training and nutrition.

Summary of advantages and disadvantages

There are a number of advantages and disadvantages to taking prohormones. One of the main benefits is the promotion of increased red blood cell production, leading to increased pumping capacity and vascularity. This can also lead to a significant increase in muscle strength and muscle mass, with gains of up to 5 to 6 kg possible.

Another advantage is that prohormones tend to have fewer side effects compared to anabolic steroids, making them a potentially safer alternative. They also tend to be less expensive than full steroids, making them a more economical option for individuals seeking muscle growth.

However, there are also disadvantages. The side effects of prohormones have not yet been fully researched. Known risks include damage to the kidneys and liver as well as the loss of some of the active ingredient in the digestive tract.

Summary of advantages and disadvantages

Summary of the advantages and disadvantages of prohormones

Prohormones are known as precursors of hormones and promote the production of red blood cells. This leads to increased pumping capacity and vascularity in users. A major benefit of prohormones is their ability to significantly increase muscle strength and muscle mass - with gains of up to 5 to 6 kg.

Compared to anabolic steroids, prohormones often have fewer side effects, making them a potentially safer alternative. Another plus point is their cost-effectiveness: prohormones are generally cheaper than full-fledged steroids, making them the more economical choice for many.

Possible disadvantages:

• Limited research on side effects
• Risks for kidneys and liver
• Loss of active ingredients in the digestive tract

The following table clearly shows the advantages and disadvantages:

The decision for or against taking prohormones should always be weighed up carefully and preferably discussed with a doctor.