Prohormones vs SARMs for Beginners
If you want to get stronger and build muscle, you might hear about prohormones and SARMs. Both are popular with people trying to get more muscles, lose fat, and become stronger. But they work in different ways, and they have different effects on the body.
This article will help you understand what prohormones and SARMs are, how they work, and what the risks are for each one. This way, you can make the best decision for your body if you’re ever thinking about using these substances.
Key Takeaways:
- Prohormones turn into hormones in your body, like testosterone, which helps build muscles.
- SARMs target muscle and bone to help build them up without causing as many problems for the rest of your body.
- Both have health risks, so it’s very important to understand what you’re doing before you use them.
What Are Prohormones?
Definition and Background
Prohormones are substances that turn into hormones after you take them. These hormones, like testosterone, help make your muscles bigger and stronger. Learn more about digestive enzymes to support prohormone nutrition and ensure optimal results when using these substances.
History of Prohormones
- 1990s: Prohormones started getting popular in the 1990s as a legal way to get results similar to steroids. Later, many of these prohormones were banned because they were unsafe.
- Today, most prohormones are illegal without a prescription, but some new types still show up.
How Prohormones Work
Prohormones need your liver to change them into active hormones. When they are active, they work like steroids and help you build muscle and recover faster after working out. Learn about collagen for joint and skin health during prohormones to help manage side effects.
Benefits of Using Prohormones
- Muscle Growth: Prohormones can help you quickly add muscle. People usually see results in 4-8 weeks.
- Strength Gains: Prohormones can make you stronger so you can lift heavier weights.
- Fat Loss: They can also help you lose fat by boosting your metabolism.
Potential Side Effects of Prohormones
Prohormones can cause many side effects, some of which can be very serious.
Short-Term Side Effects
- Acne: Prohormones can cause acne because of changes in hormones.
- Water Retention: Some prohormones cause your body to hold extra water, making you look puffy.
- Mood Changes: Prohormones can lead to mood swings or make you feel angry.
Long-Term Health Risks
- Liver Damage: Because prohormones need your liver to become active, they can cause liver problems. Make sure to read about liver health during prohormones vs SARMs to understand the risks.
- Hormone Imbalance: They can cause too much estrogen, which could lead to gynecomastia (when men grow breast tissue).
- Low Testosterone: Using prohormones can stop your body from making its own testosterone, and it may take time to recover after using them.
Are Prohormones Legal?
In most places, including the United States and Europe, prohormones are illegal without a doctor’s prescription. They are often labeled as “research chemicals,” but this doesn’t make them safe or legal to use. Check out more about the legal status of prohormones vs SARMs in your area before deciding.
What Are SARMs?
Definition and Background
SARMs stands for Selective Androgen Receptor Modulators. They are a group of compounds that work by attaching to androgen receptors in your muscles and bones. This helps grow muscles and strengthen bones.
Why Were SARMs Made?
- SARMs were made to help people with bone diseases or muscle loss. Because they work specifically in muscles and bones, they do not cause as many side effects as steroids.
How SARMs Work in the Body
SARMs attach to androgen receptors in the muscles and bones, which means they help build these areas without affecting other parts of the body, like the liver or heart. SARMs are usually taken by mouth, and they do not need to be changed by your liver to work.
Benefits of SARMs for Beginners
- Muscle Gains: Ostarine (MK-2866) and Ligandrol (LGD-4033) are popular SARMs that help build lean muscle without extra water weight.
- Fat Loss: SARMs help burn fat while keeping muscle, which makes them great for getting a lean look. Find out more about which is better for fat loss: SARMs or prohormones.
- Bone Strength: SARMs can make bones stronger, which is helpful for people who lift weights and want to avoid injuries.
Potential Side Effects of SARMs
Short-Term Side Effects
- Lower Testosterone: SARMs can reduce the amount of testosterone your body makes. After a SARM cycle, you may need a Post Cycle Therapy (PCT) to help your body recover.
- Mood Changes: Some people feel more anxious or moody while using SARMs.
- Vision Issues: Certain SARMs, like Andarine (S4), can cause vision changes like seeing a yellow tint.
Long-Term Risks
- Low Testosterone: SARMs can cause testosterone suppression, which means your body stops making enough testosterone.
- Liver Issues: While not as bad as prohormones, some SARMs can still hurt your liver if taken in high doses.
- Unknown Risks: SARMs are still being studied, so we don’t know all of the possible long-term side effects.
Are SARMs Legal?
In most countries, SARMs are not approved for human use. They are sold as “research chemicals”, which makes buying and using them risky and often illegal.
Key Differences Between Prohormones and SARMs
| Feature | Prohormones | SARMs |
|---|---|---|
| How They Work | Turn into hormones in the liver | Attach to receptors in muscles and bones |
| Side Effects | High risk of liver and hormone problems | Fewer side effects but still risky |
| Legality | Usually illegal without prescription | Sold as “research chemicals” but not approved |
Muscle Growth and Fat Loss
- Muscle Growth: Prohormones can help you gain more muscle faster, but they have more serious risks.
- Fat Loss: SARMs are usually better for losing fat because they help keep muscle while burning fat.
Post Cycle Therapy (PCT)
- Prohormones: PCT is always needed after using prohormones to help get your natural testosterone back to normal. Learn more about Post Cycle Therapy for Prohormones vs SARMs.
- SARMs: Some SARMs need PCT, but it depends on which SARM you use.
Choosing Between Prohormones and SARMs as a Beginner
What Are Your Goals?
- If you want to gain a lot of muscle fast, you might consider prohormones, but you should know that they come with higher risks.
- If you want leaner gains and fewer side effects, SARMs might be a better choice.
Health Risks
- Prohormones: High risk of liver damage and serious hormone issues.
- SARMs: Lower risk, but still can cause testosterone suppression.
Cost
- Prohormones can be costly because you also need liver support and PCT supplements.
- SARMs might cost less in the long term but still require careful use.
Planning Your First Cycle
Start Small and Safe
- Prohormones: A mild prohormone like 1-Andro at 100mg per day is a good start.
- SARMs: Ostarine at 10mg per day for an 8-week cycle is a safe option for beginners.
Cycle Length
- Prohormones: Run a cycle for 4-6 weeks, followed by a PCT.
- SARMs: Run for 8-12 weeks. You may need a short PCT afterward.
Monitoring Health
- Blood Tests: Check liver health and hormone levels during and after your cycle.
- Watch for mood changes, fatigue, or other unusual symptoms. If these happen, consider stopping or reducing the dose.
Natural Alternatives to Prohormones and SARMs
Non-Hormonal Supplements
- Creatine: Helps with strength and muscle size.
- Protein Powders: Useful for getting enough protein to build muscle.
- Beta-Alanine: Helps reduce muscle fatigue during workouts.
Healthy Lifestyle Tips
- Nutrition: Eating a high-protein diet with healthy carbs and fats will help your muscle growth.
- Exercise: Use a strength training plan with compound exercises like squats and bench presses.
- Recovery: Get 8 hours of sleep every night to help your muscles recover and grow.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What Are the Main Risks of Taking Prohormones?
The main risks are liver damage, hormone problems, and gynecomastia (man boobs). You will need a Post Cycle Therapy (PCT) after using them.
Can SARMs Be Used Safely Without Side Effects?
SARMs have fewer side effects than steroids, but they can still cause low testosterone and liver issues. It is important to use them carefully.
Is PCT Needed After SARMs or Prohormones?
Yes, PCT is important to help your body recover its natural hormone levels after using these substances, especially prohormones.
Which Is More Effective for Muscle Gain: SARMs or Prohormones?
Prohormones are more effective for quick gains, but they are also riskier. SARMs work well for steady, lean gains with fewer health risks.
Are There Any Natural Alternatives That Work?
Yes! Creatine, protein, and BCAAs are all good natural options that can help with muscle gains without the risks.
How Long Does It Take to See Results?
Prohormones usually work in 4-6 weeks, while SARMs take about 6-8 weeks to see results.
Can Women Use SARMs or Prohormones?
Women can use some SARMs like Ostarine in low doses, but prohormones are not safe for women because they affect hormones too strongly.
What Is the Best SARM or Prohormone for Cutting?
Cardarine (GW-501516) is popular for cutting because it helps with fat burning without losing muscle.
How Do I Know If I Should Stop a Cycle Early?
Stop if you notice bad side effects like high blood pressure, bad mood changes, or if you feel very tired. Always listen to your body and be safe.
What Supplements Should Be Taken with SARMs or Prohormones?
Take liver support supplements, PCT products, and testosterone boosters to help stay healthy during and after your cycle.
This guide helps beginners understand the differences between prohormones and SARMs. Both can help with muscle growth and fat loss, but each comes with risks that you need to be aware of. Always make health and safety your top priority, and consult a doctor before using any enhancement substances.
