{"id":2481,"date":"2017-02-06T16:28:51","date_gmt":"2017-02-06T16:28:51","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.nutritionly.com\/?p=2481"},"modified":"2017-02-06T17:55:08","modified_gmt":"2017-02-06T17:55:08","slug":"differences-prohormones-anabolic-steroids","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.nutritionly.com\/supplements\/pro-hormones\/differences-prohormones-anabolic-steroids\/","title":{"rendered":"Differences Between Prohormones and Anabolic Steroids"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"Differences<\/p>\n

The fitness community has had an on\/off, love\/hate relationship with anabolic steroids for many years. There\u2019s no denying the incredible gains steroids can bring, but the side effects and legal issues have caused most athletes to disregard them at this point in time. However, many lifters have found that prohormone supplements are an exciting alternative to anabolic steroids.<\/p>\n

If you\u2019re a fitness enthusiast, you\u2019re probably no stranger to supplements. However, prohormones are still uncharted territory for many people. If you\u2019ve been thinking about getting into prohormones, it\u2019s very important that you do some preliminary research before diving in. <\/span><\/p>\n

In this article, we\u2019ll help you understand the differences between anabolic steroids and prohormone supplements, as well as some of the positives and negatives you can expect when taking them. Let\u2019s get started.<\/span><\/p>\n

Anabolic Steroids vs. Prohormones<\/h3>\n

Steroids and prohormones both get you to the same place, but they take different routes. Anabolic steroids are active synthetic substances, and they\u2019re taken orally, topically, or intravenously. For example, if you\u2019re taking testosterone steroids, you\u2019re actually putting synthetic testosterone hormones directly into your body, which is illegal.<\/span><\/p>\n

On the other hand, prohormone supplements can be viewed as a precursor to steroids. They\u2019re inactive before you take them, but once your body processes the supplements, they turn into those hormones. For instance, you can take a prohormone for testosterone, but it\u2019s not actual real or synthetic testosterone. The prohormone causes your body to produce more testosterone<\/a> naturally.<\/span><\/p>\n

As you can see, both anabolic steroids and prohormones result in the same end goal\u2014boosted testosterone levels. The difference is that one is streamlined\u2014synthetic testosterone goes directly into the body\u2014and the other is a prohormone that facilitates the production of testosterone <\/span>inside<\/span><\/i> the body. That\u2019s why prohormones are legal.<\/span><\/p>\n

Are Prohormones a Safe Alternative to Steroids?<\/h3>\n

It\u2019s important to note that just because prohormones are legal doesn\u2019t mean that they\u2019re safe. Many of the same side effects associated with anabolic steroids do occur when taking prohormones. <\/span><\/p>\n

However, prohormones are a safer alternative because of how they\u2019re manufactured. Unlike synthetic steroids, prohormones are usually produced by legitimate companies and regulated by the FDA.<\/span><\/p>\n

What Do Prohormones Do?<\/b><\/h3>\n

Prohormones provide the same benefits as steroids:<\/span><\/p>\n

    \n
  • Muscle gains<\/span><\/li>\n
  • Improved endurance and stamina<\/span><\/li>\n
  • Boosted sex drive<\/span><\/li>\n
  • Increased body mass<\/span><\/li>\n
  • Faster athletic recovery times<\/span><\/li>\n
  • Increased masculine features such as a lower voice, defined jawline, and increased face and body hair growth<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

    What Are the Side-effects of Prohormones?<\/h3>\n

    There are side effects associated with prohormones, and they can be potentially dangerous.<\/span><\/p>\n

      \n
    • Liver damage<\/span><\/li>\n
    • Nausea and dizziness<\/span><\/li>\n
    • Hair loss<\/span><\/li>\n
    • Swollen prostate<\/span><\/li>\n
    • Rage and difficulty controlling emotions<\/span><\/li>\n
    • Headaches<\/span><\/li>\n
    • Breast enlargement<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

      Always Avoid Alcohol<\/h3>\n

      Because prohormones are so hard on your liver, it\u2019s absolutely essential that you avoid alcohol. Taking both together can cause devastating harm to your liver, and it can even be potentially fatal. Be smart when taking prohormones, and talk to a health care professional immediately if you notice any worrying symptoms.<\/span><\/p>\n

      Shop Smart<\/h3>\n

      As you consider prohormones, it\u2019s so critical that you also consider their source. Not all prohormones are the same, and there are plenty of disreputable companies out there. Make sure you only buy prohormones from established, experienced companies that are trusted by the fitness community. <\/span><\/p>\n

      Spend some time talking to people who have taken prohormones, and ask for advice. Don\u2019t forget that what works for one person isn\u2019t always ideal for another, and results can vary depending on your personal body chemistry.<\/span><\/p>\n

      The Power Is In You<\/h3>\n

      Taking steroids or prohormones isn\u2019t a shortcut to success. While you may be able to increase the productivity of your workout regimen, reaching your fitness goals starts and ends with you and you alone. If you\u2019re not happy with your current gains, start hitting the gym more or seek out a good trainer. <\/span><\/p>\n

      Don\u2019t take prohormones because you\u2019re unhappy. Instead, use them to enhance your current success. Remember that prohormones come with their fair share of pros and cons, and it\u2019s very important that you look at them critically. Increased gains can be a major temptation, but at what cost? Make an informed decision, and know when it\u2019s time to stop.<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

      The fitness community has had an on\/off, love\/hate relationship with anabolic steroids for many years. There\u2019s no denying the incredible gains steroids can bring, but the side effects and legal issues have caused most athletes to disregard them at this point in time. However, many lifters have found that prohormone supplements are an exciting alternative …<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":5,"featured_media":2482,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[14,137],"tags":[7,138],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.nutritionly.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2481"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.nutritionly.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.nutritionly.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.nutritionly.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/5"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.nutritionly.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2481"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.nutritionly.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2481\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.nutritionly.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/2482"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.nutritionly.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2481"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.nutritionly.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=2481"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.nutritionly.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=2481"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}