Prohormone Ingredient Breakdown: Top Choices for 2021

Prohormones are a powerful type of muscle growth supplement that amplify hormones such as testosterone to help you build faster. Through their anabolic effect they not only help with muscle cell growth, but also in burning fat in the body. While there's sometimes a stigma around prohormones, they have milder effects than steroids and work by amplifying existing hormones in the body instead of directly altering hormone levels. Let's look at how prohormones work, what the science says about them and warnings you should know about.

What Are Prohormones?

Prohormones are fitness training supplements that have an anabolic effect in the body. That means they promote anabolism, or cell growth. In a natural enzymatic process that happens in the liver, prohormones convert to testosterone and then release back into the bloodstream. Since higher testosterone levels help enhance muscle growth, prohormones help you burn more fat and achieve a "cut" look. By elevating testosterone prohormones boost protein synthesis in the body, allowing you to develop more muscle mass after workouts. 

There are different ingredients that go into a prohormone supplement formula, and each works a little bit differently.

Most Popular Prohormone Ingredients

The best prohormone ingredients are 1-Andro and 4-Andro and they work in similar ways.

1-Andro

1-Andro, also called 1-DHEA or 1-Androsterone, is a known as an androgen prohormone. It converts to 1-testosterone in the body, which is a chemical designed to mimic testosterone. Usually 1-Andro is taken at a dose between 100 and 200 mg per day. Our most popular product with 1-Andro is Blackstone Labs Chosen1.

4-Andro

Short for 4-Androstenediol, 4-Andro is a compound that converts to testosterone in the bloodstream at a conversion rate of about 16%. Since it becomes testosterone, it's able to elevate testosterone levels. Compared to 1-Andro, there's more of a risk for estrogenic effects such as water retention [source].

Most Popular Natural Hormone Production Ingredients

Some prohormones are naturally sourced as opposed to lab synthesized. 

DHEA

DHEA, or Dehydroepiandrosterone, is already the most abundant steroid that circulates the human bloodstream [source]. DHEA supplements are derived from natural sources such as wild yams. In the bloodstream, DHEA converts to testosterone and estradiol, which is a type of estrogen [source]. In this way DHEA is less disruptive to sex hormone balance compared to some other prohormones, as well as traditional steroids. A popular and cost-effective choice for a pure DHEA supplement at Tiger Fitness is Nutrakey's DHEA Capsules.

Laxogenin

Laxogenin is a plant hormone, or brassinosteroid, which is a compound that promotes growth in plants. In lab studies it has been shown to promote muscle growth and repair in animals by having an anabolic effect [source]. Animal studies also showed it enhances exercise performance [source]. Unlike most anabolic steroid alternatives, laxogenin has no known adverse side effects.

Tribulus

Tribulus terrestris is a small leafy flowering plant with a long history of use in traditional medicine. Recent studies have suggested tribulus supplementation boosts testosterone levels and stimulates libido [source]. Prohormones can potentially lead to a rise in estrogen that causes water retention. However, tribulus acts as a diuretic and prevents your body's retention of excess water, making it a good natural option for stacking with other prohormones.

Post Cycle Therapy

In order for prohormones to work, they need to be supplemented with post cycle therapy, which are supplements that boost testosterone production more directly. Post cycle therapy supplements also help minimize the risks and side effects associated with taking prohormone supplements. They work by promoting hormonal balance after prohormone use. Using prohormones without post cycle therapy supplements can cause hypogonadism, where your body responds to elevated testosterone levels by increasing estrogen levels [source]. By reducing estrogen production, they help you stabilize higher levels of testosterone and reap the benefits of prohormone supplements. You will want to pick up a PCT supplement like Blackstone Labs PCT-V or Hi-Tech Pharmaceuticals Arimiplex.

Supplementing with Prohormones: Risks and Warnings

Like many supplements, prohormones are processed through your liver. Over time, the conversion of prohormones into testosterone via the liver could lead to liver damage and even liver diseases when used incorrectly. Follow the directions and listen to your body when using prohormones to prevent, eliminate, or lessen the potential side effects. Prohormones effects can sometimes include hair loss, anxiety, increased heart rate, nausea, enlarged breast tissue, acne, and other symptoms.

Who Are Prohormones For?

Prohormones are designed for bodybuilders and athletes who want to speed up their muscle gains with frequent resistance training. They help professional athletes enhance their performance and make faster improvements from training sessions.

Who Should Avoid Prohormones?

Are prohormones safe for you? Due to limited clinical research on effects and safety, pregnant and lactating women should avoid prohormones. Anyone with an existing medical condition should always consult with their doctor before trying any new supplement.

What Can You Stack with Prohormones?

If you're putting a high demand on your muscles and looking for the fastest growth, stacking is ideal. You can stack different prohormones together, which means taking them at the same time, to maximize their effects. 1-Andro and 4-Andro are often stacked as a standard prohormone formula. However, you can stack any combination of the prohormones. Some examples of a supplements that are stacks include Chosen 1 and Brutal 4ce from Blackstone Labs.

Instead of stacking prohormones together, you can also take one at a time, switching them out in four to six week cycles. You will definitely want to stack your prohormone supplements with a reliable post cycle therapy supplement such as Blackstone Labs PCT-V or Hi-Tech Pharmaceuticals Arimiplex.

Prohormones 2021 Top Ingredients