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Prohormones vs SARMs: What’s Best for Your Fitness Goals?

Table of Contents

Prohormones vs SARMs: What’s Best for Your Fitness Goals?

Experienced bodybuilders and athletes sometimes use stronger supplements to continue improving in their sport, and these can include substances like SARMs and prohormones.

There are different reasons why they do it, it can be to gain more lean muscle mass, improve bone density, reduce fat, enhance performance, or even speed up recovery. Regardless of the purpose, both substances are known to achieve these effects; the main difference lies in how they work in the body as well as their side effects.  

In this article, we will provide a side-by-side comparison of SARMs and prohormones, discussing their benefits, side effects, how they interact with the body, and everything else you need to know before deciding to take either of them. Let’s begin!

Table of Contents

💡Key Summary

  • SARMs Selectively target androgen receptors in muscle and bone tissues while prohormones convert into active hormones like testosterone in the body.
  • SARMs have clinically shown to increase muscle mass and strength; while prohormones enhance are noted for rapid muscle growth and improved recovery.

  • SARMs and prohormones have similar side effects when taken at high dosages, however, prohormones carry heavier risks and severity of side effects. 

  • From a legal standpoint, SARMs are currently not FDA-approved for human consumption and sold as research chemicals. Prohormones, on the other hand, have many formulations illegal under US law; some legal options exist if they don’t meet the definition of anabolic steroids.
  • SARMs are generally safer with fewer risks and easier sourcing compared to prohormones, making them a preferable choice for beginners.

Understanding Performance Enhancers​

Before looking into which performance-enhancing substance is superior, it’s crucial to grasp the role and purpose of performance enhancers.

Firstly, performance enhancers, also termed ergogenic aids, encompass anything that offers a mental or physical edge during exercise or competition.

These aids vary widely, including not only substances such as SARMs, prohormones, and the well-known anabolic steroids, but also more common substances like caffeine and sports drinks.

To delve deeper into their effects and implications, it’s important to consider how each type of enhancer interacts with the body’s physiology and regulatory systems.

Fortunately, we’ll cover this in the next section, particularly for prohormones and SARMs, so keep scrolling down for more information.

Definition and Mechanism of Prohormones
  • Prohormones are supplements that release hormones and stimulants into the body to increase muscle growth and fat loss.
  • They work by stimulating the production of natural hormones in the human body.
  • They can mimic the effects of testosterone, potentially enhancing muscle growth and performance.
Definition and Mechanism of SARMs (Selective Androgen Receptor Modulators)
  • SARMs are a type of supplement that helps build muscle and increase bone density.
  • They work by selectively targeting androgen receptors in the body, making them a safer and more targeted alternative to anabolic steroids.
  • They are popularly known to promote increased muscle mass and strength without affecting other tissues like the prostate. They may also increase natural testosterone levels in the body.

Prohormones and SARMs: How Do They Work ​

Now that we understand how prohormones and SARMs affect the body, here’s a quick summary for better clarity:  

Substance Mechanism of action

SARMs

🎯Selective action: SARMs selectively bind to androgen receptors in muscle and bone tissues.

🧬Tissue specificity
: Unlike steroids, they target specific tissues, minimizing side effects on other organs.+

💥Anabolic effect
: SARMs promote muscle growth by activating androgen receptors in muscle cells.

Prohormones

💪Precursors to hormones: Prohormones are substances that convert into active hormones in the body, typically into testosterone or similar androgenic hormones.

🧬Mimic steroid effects
: They are designed to mimic the effects of anabolic steroids by increasing testosterone levels.

🏋️‍♂️Anabolic effects: Similar to steroids, they enhance protein synthesis in muscles, leading to muscle growth (hypertrophy).

Evidently, prohormones and SARMs operate through distinct mechanisms in enhancing muscle growth and performance. 

SARMs’ selective tissue targeting versus prohormones’ systemic hormone 

elevation—also underscore their distinct profiles in terms of efficacy, potential side effects, and regulatory status which we will further discuss in this article.

Prohormones and SARMS: Efficacy and Benefits ​

Substance Efficacy and Benefits

SARMs

🧪Clinical Studies: Clinical trials have demonstrated the effectiveness in SARMs specifically in increasing muscle mass and strength in humans.

👥Anecdotal Reports: Users also generally express satisfaction with the results achieved from SARMs. Feedback often includes faster muscle gains compared to natural training alone, as well as improved ability to maintain muscle mass during periods of caloric deficit (cutting phases).

Prohormones

🧪Clinical Studies: Prohormones have been studied for their potential to improve athletic performance metrics such as strength, power output, and overall muscle endurance. Some studies suggest that these compounds can aid in recovery between workouts and allow for more intense training sessions as well.

👥Anecdotal Reports: Many bodybuilders and athletes report from prohormone use, including significant gains in muscle mass and strength. Rapid increases in muscle size and improved recovery between workouts are also observed.

While both substances have strong potential to enhance muscle mass, recovery, and overall athletic performance, it’s important to note that their legality is governed by specific regulations, particularly in the United States.

Prohormones are largely illegal under the Anabolic Steroid Control Act, which was amended in 2004. Some formulations remain legal if they do not meet the act’s definition of anabolic steroids.

In contrast, SARMs have not been approved by the FDA for human consumption and are often sold as research chemicals. The FDA has cautioned against their use due to safety concerns, which you should consider before deciding to use them.

Prohormones and SARMS: Side Effects and Risks​

Substance Side Effects

SARMs

🔴Acne 

📈Increased bad cholesterol

😓Oily skin 

😴Sleep disturbances 

⬇️Testosterone suppression

Prohormones

🔴Acne 

🤕Headaches

💫Dizziness

💧Water retention

🍆Low libido

🎭Mood swings

♂️ Gynecomastia

🩸High blood pressure

When using SARMs at low to moderate doses, you can expect to experience generally fewer side effects compared to higher doses, which resemble natural testosterone levels.

However, improper or excessive use of SARMs can lead to side effects similar to those of prohormones, such as low libido, gynecomastia (enlargement of male breast), water retention, among other things. 

Prohormones, in contrast, still carry a higher risk of side effects compared to SARMs, even when taken at lower doses or administered properly.

Therefore, it’s crucial to incorporate cycle support to maintain overall health, including blood pressure, lipid levels, and antioxidant protection.

Safety and Legal Considerations​

Legal Status of Prohormones and SARMs
  • Prohormones are illegal in many countries, including the US and Australia, and are considered a controlled substance.
  • SARMs are not cleared for human consumption and are considered research chemicals, but are legal to purchase and use in some countries.
  • SARMs are a better option for beginners, as they are considered safer and have fewer side effects.
  • Prohormones can be more effective for muscle building, but require more experience and caution.
Responsible Use and Safety Precautions
  • It’s essential to consult with a doctor before taking any supplement, especially if you have any underlying health conditions.
  • Always follow recommended cycle lengths and dosages, and consider post-cycle therapy to minimize side effects.

The Final Verdict

Both SARMs and Prohormones can be effective for building muscle and losing fat, but SARMs are considered safer, especially for beginners, and a more targeted alternative. It also provides easier sourcing, and thus is the better option. 

Popular types such as Ostarine, RAD140, Ligandrol, Andarine, and other SARMs are available through credible manufacturers such as Swiss Chems in the United States. 

However, If you’re leaning towards using prohormones, some popular choices include 1-Andro (1-Androsterone), 4-Andro (4-androstenediol), and 19-Nor-Andro (19-Nor-DHEA). We suggest that you exercise extra caution as they are known to carry higher risks of serious side effects.

If you’re new to both these substances, start with a low effective dose and gradually increase it over time to minimize potential issues. Understand that both SARMs and prohormones have their own set of side effects. Additionally, there are different types of each, making it difficult to generalize their effects due to variations in quality and usage.

SARMs have drawn scrutiny from regulatory bodies due to their potential misuse in sports and fitness industries, raising concerns about their long-term safety and legal status.

On the other hand, prohormones face stricter regulations and are often classified as controlled substances in many countries due to their association with anabolic steroid use and associated health risks.

Overall, choosing between SARMs and prohormones is subjective. While we recommend considering SARMs, it’s essential to carefully evaluate the benefits and risks of each option based on your own fitness goals and health status before making a decision.

For more information on SARMs and prohormones, click here. Goodluck!

FAQ's

Frequently Asked Questions

Steroids imitate testosterone, whereas prohormones supply the body with the essential components to stimulate its own testosterone production naturally. Unlike steroids, which are synthetic forms of testosterone and can disrupt hormonal balance, prohormones support the body’s natural processes.

Yes, athletes and bodybuilders frequently use prohormones to bolster muscle growth and boost strength. Prohormones aid in stimulating protein synthesis, which contributes to greater muscle mass and enhanced athletic capabilities.

No, prohormones carry substantial health risks such as liver toxicity, hormonal imbalances, and heightened chances of cardiovascular diseases. In contrast, testosterone boosters, while not entirely risk-free, typically pose fewer side effects, which can range from mild concerns like acne to occasional mood swings.

Opting for a SARMs cycle is often advisable for being a safer option. SARMs carry lower risks compared to prohormones, are more readily available from reliable sources than steroids, and offer similar anabolic benefits, albeit typically at a slower rate than the other substances.

Prohormones are precursors to hormones like testosterone. While they can temporarily increase testosterone levels, prolonged use can disrupt natural hormone production, leading to suppression. This occurs because the body may sense higher hormone levels and reduce its own production accordingly.

Yes, selective Androgen Receptor Modulators (SARMs) lose fat by selectively binding to androgen receptors in the muscle tissue and bone tissue. This can enhance fat metabolism, gain lean muscle, and improve body composition overall.

Certain SARMs, particularly those with more androgenic effects, can potentially cause hair loss. Androgenic effects can influence hair follicles, leading to hair thinning or loss in individuals predisposed to male pattern baldness.

Yes, Selective Androgen Receptor Modulators (SARMs) have shown potential in treating muscle wasting conditions by promoting muscle gains and preventing muscle loss selectively. Research suggests they can improve muscle strength and quality of life in conditions like cancer-related muscle wasting, but their medical use is still investigational and not yet approved widely.

After using prohormones, which can suppress natural testosterone production, post cycle therapy (PCT) aims to restore hormone levels. It typically involves using medications like SERMs (Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulators) to stimulate the body’s own testosterone production. This helps prevent issues like low libido, fatigue, and muscle loss that can occur after stopping prohormone use. PCT protocols can vary depending on the specific prohormone and individual response.

In bodybuilding, popular SARMs include Ostarine (MK-2866) for preserving muscle during cutting phases, Ligandrol (LGD-4033) for bulking cycles, and Andarine (S-4) for enhancing muscle definition. Cardarine (GW-501516) is used for endurance and potential fat loss benefits, while RAD-140 is known for its strong anabolic effects on muscle growth and strength. These compounds selectively target androgen receptors in muscle and bone, offering potential benefits similar to steroids with fewer side effects. However, their use is contentious due to safety concerns and regulatory scrutiny.

DISCLAIMER: The information provided above is not intended to substitute professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek your physician’s advice or another qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have seen or read.We bear no responsibility or liability for your use of any compound. 

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