Prohormone Bans: What You Need to Know

Prohormones were once very popular among people who wanted to build muscle and improve their athletic performance. These substances are similar to steroids but need to be changed into active hormones by the body before they work. Prohormones can help people gain muscle, become stronger, and recover faster after workouts. If you want to know more about what prohormones are, check out our complete guide on prohormones and their effects.

However, prohormones can also cause serious health problems, such as liver damage and hormone imbalances. Because of these health risks, prohormones have been banned in many countries, including the United States and across Europe. In this article, we will explain what prohormones are, why they were banned, their health risks, and what safer alternatives are available.

Table of Contents

Key Takeaways:

Prohormones are substances that help the body produce more hormones like testosterone, which can increase muscle growth and strength.
Many prohormones have been banned because they can cause serious health issues, such as liver damage and hormone problems.
There are safer and legal alternatives that people can use instead of prohormones.

What Are Prohormones?

Definition and Background

Prohormones are chemicals that turn into active hormones inside the body. Once they change into testosterone or other anabolic hormones, they help build muscle and strength. Many people used prohormones because they thought they were a legal and safer choice compared to steroids. Prohormones were first popular in the 1990s and the early 2000s before they were banned.

How Prohormones Work in the Body

Prohormones work by providing ingredients that the body can change into anabolic hormones. These hormones help muscles grow faster and get stronger. They work by increasing protein synthesis in muscles, which helps them grow.

Difference from Steroids: Unlike steroids, which directly add hormones to your body, prohormones need to be converted by the body into active hormones. This made some people think they were safer, even though they still had many risks.

Types of Prohormones

Androstenedione: Also known as “Andro,” it helps boost testosterone levels.
1-Andro and 4-Andro: These prohormones help build muscle and increase strength.
DHEA (Dehydroepiandrosterone): This helps the body naturally increase testosterone, but it also has some health concerns.

Why Were Prohormones Popular?

Key Benefits of Prohormones

Muscle Mass Increase

People used prohormones because they could help build muscle quickly. Unlike natural supplements, prohormones worked more directly by increasing testosterone levels, leading to faster and more significant results.

Strength Gains and Endurance Boost

Prohormones helped users get stronger in a short period. This made them popular among athletes and weightlifters who wanted to lift heavier weights or perform better in sports.

Faster Recovery Times

Prohormones also helped muscles recover faster. This meant that people could work out more often without feeling tired or sore for long periods.

Availability and Lack of Early Regulation

Early Accessibility

Before prohormones were banned, they were easy to find in supplement stores and online. They were marketed as safe and legal, which made people think they were a good option for building muscle.

Marketing Tactics

Prohormones were sold as a “legal and safe alternative” to steroids. Companies focused on the benefits and downplayed the risks, which attracted many people to try them.

The Role of Influencers and Gyms

Fitness influencers and trainers also promoted prohormones, making them more popular. People often heard about them in gyms and from fitness experts, which made prohormones seem like the secret to getting big and strong.

The Rise of Concerns About Prohormones

Health Risks and Medical Concerns

Short-Term Side Effects

Hormonal Imbalances: Prohormones can turn into estrogen as well as testosterone, which can cause problems like gynecomastia (the growth of breast tissue in men). Learn more about what happens when using prohormones without PCT (Post Cycle Therapy) to help manage these issues.
Physical Issues: Common side effects include acne, hair loss, and changes in sex drive. These side effects happen because prohormones change hormone levels in the body.
Suppressed Natural Testosterone: Prohormones can also lower the body’s ability to make its own testosterone, which can take time to recover after stopping use. For athletes and bodybuilders, it is essential to understand how long PCT should last after a prohormone cycle to ensure proper hormonal recovery.

Long-Term Health Concerns

Liver Toxicity: Some prohormones are toxic to the liver, which can lead to liver damage or even liver failure. PCT can play a vital role in liver recovery after using prohormones, helping to avoid serious complications.
Cardiovascular Risks: Prohormones can raise bad cholesterol (LDL) and lower good cholesterol (HDL), increasing the risk of heart disease.
Endocrine Problems and Fertility Issues: Long-term use can damage the body’s ability to produce hormones naturally, which can lead to problems like infertility.

Evidence from Medical Studies

Medical studies showed that using prohormones could be dangerous:

A 2004 study showed that users of prohormones had lower levels of good cholesterol and higher levels of estrogen, which can lead to health issues.
Studies also showed that prohormones increased liver enzymes, which is a sign of liver stress.

Impact on Athletes

Doping Violations

WADA (World Anti-Doping Agency) put prohormones on the banned substance list, which meant that athletes who used them could get in trouble.

Many athletes were caught using prohormones and faced suspensions or were not allowed to compete anymore, which damaged their careers. Read more about the impact of sports doping laws on prohormones and how they affect athletes today.

The Regulatory Response

The Ban and Legislative Action

The Designer Anabolic Steroid Control Act of 2014

In 2014, the Designer Anabolic Steroid Control Act was passed in the United States, making many prohormones illegal. It classified them as controlled substances, meaning that it was illegal to buy or sell them without a prescription.

Prohormone Bans Around the World

European Union: Different countries in Europe banned prohormones to keep supplements safe. For more information, read about the prohormone laws in Europe.
Australia and Other Regions: Australia and New Zealand also banned prohormones early on to protect athletes and the public.

Involvement of Regulatory Bodies

FDA and DEA Actions

The FDA removed prohormones from the market because they were not safe, and the DEA made it illegal to sell or buy them without a prescription.

WADA’s Role

WADA banned prohormones from sports competitions, which meant athletes were not allowed to use them if they wanted to compete professionally.

The Current Legal Status of Prohormones

Legal Status by Country

United States

In the United States, most prohormones are illegal without a prescription. They are considered controlled substances, similar to anabolic steroids.

Europe and Australia

Europe: Each country in Europe has its own rules, but most of them have banned prohormones.
Australia: Australia has also banned prohormones, and anyone caught with them can face serious penalties.

Online Purchases and Legal Risks

Buying prohormones online is risky. Even though some websites still sell them, ordering prohormones can lead to trouble:

Customs Seizure: Packages with prohormones might be seized by customs.
Legal Consequences: People caught buying or having prohormones could get fined or even sent to jail. Learn more about the legal risks of buying prohormones online.

Consequences for Violating Prohormone Laws

Legal Penalties: People who break the law by using or selling prohormones could face big fines or jail time.
Athletic Penalties: Athletes who use banned substances like prohormones could be suspended or banned from competitions.

Health Implications of Using Banned Prohormones

Short-Term Health Effects

Hormonal Changes and Imbalances

Estrogen Spikes: Prohormones can turn into estrogen, causing problems like gynecomastia.
Mood Swings: Hormone changes can lead to feeling angry or sad for no reason.

Liver and Organ Health

Prohormones can hurt your liver. Signs of liver problems include jaundice (yellowing of the skin), stomach pain, and tiredness.

Long-Term Risks and Medical Consequences

Cardiovascular Health

Prohormones can raise bad cholesterol and lower good cholesterol, which increases the risk of heart disease.

Endocrine System Damage

Using prohormones for a long time can damage the body’s hormone system, leading to problems like low testosterone or infertility.

Psychological Effects

Aggression (Roid Rage)

Sudden increases in testosterone from prohormones can make some people more aggressive or even violent.

Depression Post-Cycle

After stopping prohormones, some people feel depressed, tired, or have trouble staying motivated.

Safer Alternatives to Prohormones

Natural Supplements for Muscle Building

Creatine

Creatine is a popular supplement that helps muscles produce more energy during workouts, leading to better performance.

Beta-Alanine and L-Arginine

Beta-Alanine helps delay muscle fatigue, and L-Arginine improves blood flow, helping muscles work longer.

BCAAs and Whey Protein

BCAAs help muscles recover, and whey protein provides the nutrients needed to build new muscle.

Testosterone Boosting Through Natural Means

Herbal Supplements

Tribulus Terrestris: This herb can help boost testosterone naturally.
Ashwagandha: Helps lower stress and may support healthy testosterone levels.

Diet for Testosterone Production

Foods that help increase testosterone levels include:

Oysters: Rich in zinc, which is good for testosterone production.
Egg Yolks: Contain healthy fats and vitamin D that help increase testosterone.

Exercise and Lifestyle Adjustments

Strength Training

Doing compound exercises like squats and deadlifts helps naturally increase testosterone.

Sleep and Stress Management

Getting enough sleep and managing stress are important for keeping hormone levels balanced.

How to Identify Safe Supplements

Understanding Supplement Labels

Label Transparency

Look for supplements that have labels with third-party testing information. This means they have been tested for safety.

Ingredient Lists

Avoid supplements with hidden ingredients or vague descriptions. You should be able to see exactly what is in the product.

Third-Party Testing and Certification

Look for supplements that have been certified by trusted organizations like NSF or Informed Choice to make sure they are safe.

Avoiding High-Risk Sources

Online Marketplaces

Avoid buying supplements from unverified websites. Some may sell unsafe or fake products.

Identifying Reputable Brands

Choose brands that have good reviews and are known for high-quality products.

Consequences of Using Banned Prohormones

Legal Repercussions

Fines and Criminal Charges

Using or selling prohormones can lead to big fines or even criminal charges in many countries.

Health and Safety Dangers

Unregulated Products

Many prohormones that are sold online are not regulated. They can contain hidden ingredients that could be dangerous.

Career and Reputation Consequences

Damage to Athletic Careers

Athletes caught using prohormones can lose sponsorships and be banned from sports, which can ruin their careers.

Practical Advice for Athletes and Fitness Enthusiasts

Avoiding Banned Substances

Research Before Purchasing

Use tools like Global DRO or WADA’s Prohibited List to check if a supplement is banned.

Consult Experts

Talk to a healthcare provider or sports nutritionist before taking any new supplements.

Developing a Safe Supplement Plan

Building a Supplement Stack

Creatine, BCAAs, and protein powder are excellent foundational supplements for muscle building.
Adding a multivitamin helps ensure you get all the essential micronutrients needed for recovery and performance.

Tracking Supplement Use and Monitoring Health

Regular check-ups with a healthcare professional and blood tests can help monitor hormone levels, cholesterol, and liver function to prevent adverse effects.

FAQ

1. What are prohormones, and how do they work?

Prohormones are chemicals that turn into anabolic hormones in the body. They help increase muscle growth and strength by raising testosterone levels.

2. Are prohormones legal to use or purchase?

Most prohormones have been banned in countries like the United States, Europe, and Australia. It is illegal to sell, buy, or use them without a prescription.

3. Why were prohormones banned?

Prohormones were banned because they can cause serious health issues like liver damage, heart problems, and hormone imbalances. They were not well tested before being sold.

4. What are the side effects of using prohormones?

The side effects of prohormones include liver damage, gynecomastia (growth of breast tissue in men), acne, hair loss, and mood swings. Long-term use can lead to problems like low testosterone.

5. What are safer alternatives to prohormones?

Safer alternatives include creatine, beta-alanine, and BCAAs. Eating a good diet and doing strength training can also help you reach your fitness goals safely.