What are prohormones?

Pro-hormone supplements are ideal for bodybuilders or “weekend warriors” who are looking to gain more muscle mass. While similar in effect, pro-hormones (a precursor to testosterone) should not be confused with AAS, which are illegal. The key difference is that prohormones are missing one molecule, which is later introduced after being exposed to natural enzymes in the body. This reaction transforms the pro-hormones into musclebuilding hormones, which produce the same effect as AAS. These hormones are then used by the body to maximize muscle mass.

Aside from being legal, prohormones are also much safer for body builders than AAS. In addition, prohormones dramatically decrease the time it takes to build significant muscle mass, which has made these supplements very popular in the fitness world.

How do prohormones work?

Pro-hormones begin their work after being digested by natural enzymes found in the body. Once this occurs, the level of anabolic hormones in the blood stream increases. This reaction results in the burning of fat cells and nutrients while simultaneously building muscle mass. The downside to pro-hormones, however, is that once the natural enzymes in the body are depleted, the hormones are no longer broken down and essentially remain dormant. The upside to this though is that pro-hormones cannot be abused like anabolic steroids.

Types of prohormones and their benefits

There are a number of different prohormones found in supplements, these include:

Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) is a very useful hormone in that it can be transformed into many other different hormones in the body. DHEA has been proven to have a wide variety of benefits including: increasing strength in bodybuilders, improving overall athletic performance, counteracting premature aging and sexual problems, aiding weight loss, improving mental focus, enhancing memory and treating depression.

Androstenedione is a pro-hormone that is similar to AAS in that it is a direct precursor to testosterone and estrone as well. The key benefit to this pro-hormone is that it helps to build muscle mass, especially when used in conjunction with other prohormones.

Norandrostenedione is another popular pro-hormone that aids in the development of muscle mass in record time without the side effects that steroid based hormones have such as excess hair growth. This pro-hormone works by converting nortesterone and nandrolone after it has been digested by naturally occurring enzymes in the body. Aside from building muscle mass this process also helps to improve strength and reduce body fat.

1-AD is also a very popular pro-hormone. The most important benefit to 1-AD is that unlike other pro-hormones, there is no risk of developing breast tissue since there is zero conversion of testosterone to esterone or other female hormones.

Finally, there is the pro-hormone called Nor-Diol, which has the benefit of increasing the absorption of nutrients via the cell walls. The result is an increased metabolism, which means fat is burned faster. The rate at which muscles are built is also increased.