Comparing the Side Effects of Prohormones vs SARMs
Prohormones and SARMs (Selective Androgen Receptor Modulators) are two types of supplements that some athletes and bodybuilders use to help build muscle, burn fat, or improve performance. They are both different from steroids but can still have some similar effects. If you want to know more about what they do, you can find detailed information about Prohormones here.
If you are thinking about using these substances, it’s important to know what they are and understand the risks and side effects. In this article, we will explain what prohormones and SARMs are, how they work, and the possible side effects they can cause. This information will help you make a more informed decision about your health.
Key Takeaways
- Prohormones turn into active hormones in the body, which can cause changes to your liver, heart, and hormone levels.
- SARMs are made to target muscle and bone growth, but they still have risks like hormone changes, heart problems, and liver effects.
- Post-Cycle Therapy (PCT) is needed after using both prohormones and SARMs to help the body recover.
What Are Prohormones?
Prohormones are substances that turn into anabolic hormones once they are in the body. They work a lot like steroids but need to be converted by enzymes to become active. Once they are active, they boost testosterone and other hormone levels to help you gain muscle and strength. However, they can also cause serious health problems.
History of Prohormones
Prohormones became popular in the 1990s because they were a legal alternative to steroids. They promised the muscle gains that steroids offered without breaking the law. However, because of the side effects, many prohormones have now been made illegal in most countries.
How Do Prohormones Work?
Prohormones must go through a chemical change in your body to become active. Once activated, they raise hormone levels to help you build muscle, but this can also put a lot of stress on your body.
Types of Prohormones
| Prohormone | Effect | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1-Andro | Increases lean muscle | Converts to testosterone |
| 4-DHEA | Boosts testosterone | Requires PCT after use |
| Epiandrosterone | Muscle hardening | Can cause androgenic effects |
Legal Status
Most prohormones are now illegal because they are risky and can cause serious health issues. In the United States, the Designer Anabolic Steroid Control Act made many prohormones illegal to buy or sell. It’s important to understand the legal status of prohormones and SARMs if you’re considering using them.
What Are SARMs?
SARMs (Selective Androgen Receptor Modulators) are different from prohormones. They were made to help people who have diseases that cause muscle loss or weak bones. SARMs target specific tissues, like muscles and bones, which helps them be less harmful to other parts of the body compared to steroids.
How Do SARMs Work?
SARMs work by binding to androgen receptors in muscle and bone tissues. This helps promote muscle growth without affecting other parts of the body as much. Because of this, SARMs are thought to be safer than steroids, but they still have their own set of side effects. For more on key differences between prohormones and SARMs, you can check out this comparison.
Types of SARMs
| SARM | Common Uses | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Ostarine (MK-2866) | Muscle gain, Cutting | Good for preserving muscle |
| Ligandrol (LGD-4033) | Bulking, Strength | Can suppress natural hormones |
| RAD-140 (Testolone) | Bulking, High Strength | Strong effects on muscles |
Legal Status
SARMs are not approved for human use by the FDA and are banned in many competitive sports. In some countries, they are sold as research chemicals, which makes their legal status confusing.
Common Side Effects of Prohormones
Hormonal Changes
Prohormones can cause a big change in your body’s hormones. This can lead to:
- Low Testosterone: Your body might stop making its own testosterone because it’s getting so much from the prohormones. This can cause problems like low energy, decreased libido, and mood swings.
- High Estrogen: Some prohormones change into estrogen, which can cause gynecomastia (swelling of breast tissue in men) and water retention.
Organ Health
- Liver Damage: Prohormones, especially methylated ones, can cause damage to the liver. This is because they are toxic to the liver, leading to high liver enzyme levels. People using prohormones often take liver support supplements like Milk Thistle for liver detox or NAC.
- Kidney Stress: The use of prohormones can also put stress on the kidneys, leading to potential problems.
Cardiovascular Side Effects
- Cholesterol Issues: Prohormones can lower good cholesterol (HDL) and raise bad cholesterol (LDL). This can lead to heart problems in the future.
- High Blood Pressure: Prohormones may increase blood pressure, adding stress to your heart.
Mental and Physical Effects
- Mood Swings: Many users report feeling more irritable or aggressive when using prohormones, sometimes called “roid rage”.
- Acne and Hair Loss: Since prohormones increase androgen levels, they can cause acne and hair loss in people who are genetically predisposed.
Common Side Effects of SARMs
Testosterone Suppression
Like prohormones, SARMs can also suppress testosterone production, though usually not as severely. Lower testosterone levels can lead to:
- Fatigue and low energy.
- Reduced libido or erectile dysfunction.
Liver Health
Some SARMs, like Ligandrol, can also increase liver enzymes, which shows they are causing stress to the liver, although generally not as much as prohormones.
Heart and Cholesterol
- Cholesterol Effects: SARMs can lower good cholesterol (HDL) and increase bad cholesterol (LDL), leading to potential heart issues.
- Blood Pressure: Some SARMs can raise blood pressure, especially when used for longer periods or at high doses.
Vision Issues
One SARM called Andarine (S4) can cause changes to vision, like seeing a yellow tint or having trouble seeing at night.
Mood Changes
Like prohormones, SARMs can also cause mood swings, leading to increased irritability or feelings of stress.
Comparing Prohormones vs SARMs
Side Effect Severity
- Liver Damage: Prohormones are often more dangerous for the liver compared to SARMs. Methylated prohormones are especially hard on the liver.
- Hormone Suppression: Both can lower natural testosterone, but SARMs tend to have a milder effect on the body.
Recovery After Use
After using prohormones or SARMs, your natural hormones will need help recovering. This is done through Post-Cycle Therapy (PCT):
- Prohormones: Usually need a stronger PCT because they suppress testosterone more.
- SARMs: Often need a PCT too, but it depends on the type of SARM and how long it was used.
For more information on PCT requirements for prohormones and SARMs, see our full guide.
Safety Tips for Users
Before Using
- Consult a Doctor: Always ask a healthcare professional before using prohormones or SARMs, especially if you have other health issues.
- Blood Tests: It’s a good idea to get blood tests to know your hormone levels, liver health, and cholesterol before you start.
During Use
- Monitor Health: Keep checking your liver, blood pressure, and cholesterol levels.
- Supplements: Use supplements to help protect your liver, such as electrolytes for hydration and Fish Oil.
After Use
- Post-Cycle Therapy (PCT): PCT is needed to help your body start making its own testosterone again. PCT might include medications like Clomid or Nolvadex.
- Check Hormone Levels: It is important to have blood tests again after your cycle to make sure your hormones are back to normal.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What Are the Key Differences Between SARMs and Prohormones?
SARMs target specific tissues, like muscles and bones, making them less likely to affect other organs. Prohormones convert into powerful hormones that affect the entire body, which makes their side effects stronger.
Which Has Worse Side Effects: SARMs or Prohormones?
Prohormones generally have more severe side effects, especially for the liver and hormone balance. SARMs can still cause problems, but they are usually less harmful.
Do I Need Post-Cycle Therapy After Using SARMs?
Yes, most of the time you need PCT after using SARMs to help your testosterone return to normal.
Are Prohormones More Dangerous for Long-Term Use?
Yes, using prohormones for a long time can be very dangerous because they can damage the liver and cause heart problems.
Can SARMs Affect My Cholesterol?
Yes, SARMs can reduce good cholesterol (HDL) and increase bad cholesterol (LDL), which can lead to heart problems.
What Are Safe Alternatives to Prohormones and SARMs?
Natural supplements like creatine, beta-alanine, and BCAAs for enhanced recovery can help build muscle and improve performance without the health risks.
Do SARMs and Prohormones Impact Fertility?
Yes, both can reduce sperm production and affect fertility. They lower your body’s natural testosterone, which can harm reproductive health.
How Long Should a Cycle Last?
Most SARMs and prohormone cycles last 4 to 8 weeks. Using them longer than that can increase health risks.
Are These Compounds Detectable in Drug Tests?
Yes, both SARMs and prohormones can be detected in drug tests and are banned in most sports competitions.
Can Women Use SARMs or Prohormones Safely? What Are the Risks?
Women are at risk of developing male traits (like deeper voice or increased body hair) with both SARMs and prohormones. Ostarine is sometimes used, but they still have risks.
