Prohormones
Most anyone, be it a competitor or an avid gym rat wants to reach the best level of performance possible and more times than not thoughts of anabolics enter the mind. After all, for the competitor the better the performance the higher the reward and for the individual who isn’t competing in any sport at all, the reward of a more pleasing physique is a reward within itself. We’re all aware, in countries such as the U.S. Anabolic steroid use is illegal without a prescription and ignoring this legislation can present a host of legal troubles. Enter the world of prohormones and it is within the world of prohormones many take refuge.
How they Work:
Prohormones are not anabolics but they carry with them similar acting traits. More specifically, prohormones are hormones that when ingested convert to Anabolic process via enzymatic action. In short, they are converted into anabolics, to a degree; the level of naturally occurring Anabolic hormones your body naturally possess will largely determine their efficiency. These naturally occurring hormones are needed for the enzymatic process to take place; without, the prohormones you are taking are useless.
Prohormones & Side-Effects:
What can be said about anabolics in-terms of side-effects can often be said of prohormones; in general. Although we cannot aptly label prohormones anabolics we can note their strong Anabolic affect as well as their Anabolic steroid like qualities; make no mistake, prohormones often belong in the same family as anabolics. Side-effects such as gynecomastia, bloating and liver damage can occur with the use of prohormones; “can” being the operative word. However, there’s no question, the use of prohormones is far more toxic to the liver than most anabolics due to all prohormones being oral steroids. Does this mean these substances are dangerous evil steroids, of course not; Aspirin will kill you if you take too much and this is why responsible use is the ultimate key.
Legal Prohormones:
As they hit the shelves, in most cases all prohormones are legal when you find them for sale at your local steroid store or favorite online shop; however, their “Shelf-Life” so to speak is often short lived. Prohormones fall under the gun of the 2004 steroid Control Act which banned many prohormones and regularly sees new ones added. Fortunately for the athlete, as fast as they are torn from the shelf a new shipment of prohormones is made legally available. Some are fantastic, some are not worth the bottle they’re sold in; in the end it’s often trial and error that determines the true value of a prohormone.
The Bottom Line:
Nothing can replace anabolics; there has never been nor will there ever be a prohormone that can share equal footing with its Anabolic steroid cousins. However, it is within the realm of legality these steroids often find a most welcomed home and for this reason alone you should be thankful they’re considered schedule III.