SARMs vs Prohormones: Best for Long-Term Use?

This article will explain what SARMs and Prohormones are, how they work, their benefits and risks, and which one might be better for long-term use. By the end, you’ll know which option might be best for your fitness goals and health.

Key Takeaways:

• How They Work: SARMs target specific muscle areas, while Prohormones turn into active hormones in your body.
• Side Effects: SARMs usually have fewer and milder side effects than Prohormones, which can cause serious liver and hormone problems.
• Long-Term Health: Both SARMs and Prohormones can harm your health over time, but Prohormones are usually more dangerous.
• Who Should Use Them: Beginners should avoid both SARMs and Prohormones and focus on natural supplements and training.

Section 1: What Are SARMs?

Definition and Basic Understanding

Selective Androgen Receptor Modulators (SARMs) are chemicals that help build muscle and strengthen bones. They do this by targeting specific areas in your body without affecting others, unlike some steroids that can cause many side effects.

What Does “Selective Androgen Receptor Modulator” Mean?

SARMs are designed to selectively target certain parts of your body, like muscles and bones. This means they try to help you grow muscle without causing too many unwanted side effects in other areas.

Origins of SARMs

Development by the Military and Research Institutions

SARMs were first created by scientists and military researchers. They wanted to help people who lose muscle due to diseases or injuries regain their strength without the bad side effects of traditional steroids.

Scientific Goals: Targeted Muscle Growth with Fewer Side Effects

The main goal was to make a safe way to build muscle and strengthen bones without the harmful effects that come with steroids, like liver damage or unwanted hair growth.

SARMs vs. Anabolic Steroids: A Comparison

Difference in Mechanism

• SARMs: Only target muscle and bone areas.
• Anabolic Steroids: Affect many parts of the body, leading to more side effects.

Targeted vs. Non-Targeted Action

SARMs focus on specific tissues, reducing the chances of side effects. Steroids, on the other hand, can cause problems in many different parts of the body.

How SARMs Work in the Body

Binding to Androgen Receptors

SARMs attach to androgen receptors in your muscles and bones. This helps your body build more muscle and make your bones stronger.

Selective Activation in Specific Tissues

Because SARMs only activate these receptors in certain areas, they help grow muscle and strengthen bones without much impact on other organs like the liver or prostate.

Advantages Over Traditional Anabolic Steroids

• Fewer Side Effects: Less harm to the liver and hormone balance.
• Easy to Take: Usually swallowed as pills, unlike some steroids that need injections.
• No Estrogen Conversion: They don’t turn into estrogen, so there’s less risk of developing female characteristics like breast growth in men.

Popular Types of SARMs

Bulking SARMs

Bulking SARMs help you gain muscle and strength quickly. For best results, users often combine these with proper diets like those in Optimal diet for Prohormone users.

• Ligandrol (LGD-4033)
  • Benefits: Builds a lot of muscle and increases strength.
  • Side Effects: Can lower natural testosterone levels and cause tiredness.
• Testolone (RAD-140)
  • Benefits: Rapid muscle growth and better endurance.
  • Side Effects: May stress the liver and cause mood swings.

Cutting SARMs

Using SARMs while following structured regimens, such as HIIT and Cutting Prohormone Stacks, can enhance fat-burning effects.

• Andarine (S4)
  • Benefits: Helps burn fat and makes your muscles look more defined.
  • Side Effects: Can cause vision problems, like a yellow tint in your vision.
• Cardarine (GW-501516)
  • Benefits: Increases endurance and burns fat.
  • Side Effects: May stress the liver and has long-term safety concerns.

Recomping SARMs

Combining SARMs with guidance from Best Diet for Bulking on Prohormones ensures optimal muscle-to-fat gain ratios.

• Ostarine (MK-2866)
  • Benefits: Keeps muscle lean and strong and helps bones stay healthy.
  • Side Effects: Can slightly lower testosterone and cause joint pain.

Effectiveness of SARMs

Muscle Gain and Fat Loss Potential

SARMs are good at helping you build lean muscle and lose fat. They work well when paired with supplements like Protein Powders to Boost Prohormone Results.

Endurance and Performance Improvements

People using SARMs often feel they have better endurance and can work out harder and longer.

How Quickly Results Appear

You might start seeing results from SARMs in just a few weeks, depending on which SARM you use and how much you take.

Benefits of Using SARMs

• Lean Muscle Mass Growth
• Strength Gains and Better Endurance
• Fewer Side Effects Compared to Steroids
• Fat Loss: Helps reduce fat while keeping muscles strong.

Risks and Side Effects of SARMs

Testosterone Suppression

• How Suppression Occurs: SARMs can lower your body’s natural testosterone levels.
• Recovery Requirements: You might need Post-Cycle Therapy (PCT) to help your body produce testosterone again.

Liver Toxicity

Protect your liver during cycles with Liver Health Protection during a Prohormone Stack.

Cardiovascular Impact

SARMs can affect your cholesterol levels, lowering good HDL cholesterol and raising bad LDL cholesterol.

Mental Health and Mood Changes

Using SARMs can lead to mood swings, aggression, and other mental health issues.

Vision Disturbances (S4)

Andarine (S4) can cause temporary vision problems, like seeing a yellow tint or having trouble adjusting to the dark.

Legality and Availability of SARMs

Are SARMs FDA-Approved?

No, SARMs are not approved by the FDA for human use. They are sold as research chemicals only. You may also want to understand more about Prohormones and Sports Doping Laws.

Global Legal Status of SARMs

• United States: SARMs can be sold for research but are banned for human use in sports.
• Europe: Some countries ban SARMs, while others have different regulations.

SARMs and Sports Bans

SARMs are banned by major sports organizations like the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) and the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA). Using them can get you banned from competitive sports.

Section 2: What Are Prohormones?

Definition of Prohormones

Prohormones are substances that your body turns into active hormones, like testosterone. They help build muscle and increase strength by boosting your hormone levels.

What Does “Prohormone” Mean?

Prohormones are like building blocks that your body uses to make powerful hormones, which then help you grow muscle and get stronger.

History and Evolution of Prohormones

Rise in Popularity

Prohormones became popular in the late 1990s and early 2000s as alternatives to steroids. They were marketed as legal supplements for building muscle.

Regulatory Changes

The 2004 Designer Anabolic Steroid Control Act (DASCA) made many prohormones illegal by classifying them as controlled substances.

How Prohormones Work in the Body

Conversion into Active Hormones

Prohormones turn into active hormones like testosterone or DHT in your body. These hormones bind to androgen receptors and help build muscle.

Effects on Testosterone and Estrogen

• Testosterone Enhancement: Increases muscle growth and strength.
• Estrogen Conversion: Some prohormones turn into estrogen, which can cause side effects like breast growth in men (gynecomastia).

Categories of Prohormones

Bulking Prohormones

Designed to help you gain muscle mass and strength.

• 4-Andro (4-DHEA)
  • Benefits: Increases muscle mass and strength.
  • Common Side Effects: Turns into estrogen, causing acne and hair loss.
• 1-Andro (1-DHEA)
  • Benefits: Helps gain lean muscle and strength.
  • Side Effects: Can cause tiredness and mood changes.

Cutting Prohormones

Aimed at helping you lose fat while keeping your muscles strong.

• Epistane
  • Benefits: Helps build dry muscle and increases strength.
  • Side Effects: Stresses the liver and can cause joint pain.
• Halodrol
  • Benefits: Boosts strength and muscle mass.
  • Side Effects: Can harm your heart and cholesterol levels.

Recomp Prohormones

Help you gain muscle and lose fat at the same time.

Popular Prohormones and Their Effects

• 1-Andro
  • Benefits: Builds lean muscle and increases strength.
  • Side Effects: Can cause tiredness and mood swings.
• 4-Andro
  • Benefits: Boosts testosterone and builds muscle.
  • Side Effects: May turn into estrogen, causing breast growth and water retention.
• Epistane
  • Benefits: Helps build strong muscles and burn fat.
  • Side Effects: Can damage the liver and cause joint pain.
• Halodrol
  • Benefits: Increases strength and muscle mass.
  • Side Effects: Can harm your heart and stress your liver.

How Effective Are Prohormones for Muscle Building?

Immediate Effects

Prohormones can lead to quick muscle growth and strength gains within a few weeks.

Long-Term Muscle Retention

While prohormones are great for short-term gains, keeping the muscle after stopping them requires good training, nutrition, and Post-Cycle Therapy (PCT).

The Risks of Prohormones

Liver Toxicity

Prohormones can harm your liver, leading to serious liver damage if used for a long time.

Testosterone Suppression

Prohormones can lower your body’s natural testosterone levels, causing hormonal imbalances.

Conversion to Estrogen

Some prohormones turn into estrogen, leading to side effects like breast growth in men and water retention.

Cardiovascular Risks

Prohormones can negatively affect your cholesterol levels, increasing the risk of heart disease.

Mental Health and Aggression

Using prohormones can cause mood swings, aggression, and other mental health issues.

Post-Cycle Therapy (PCT) and Its Importance

Why PCT Is Crucial

Post-Cycle Therapy (PCT) helps your body recover its natural hormone levels after using prohormones. Without PCT, you could have long-term hormonal problems.

PCT for Prohormones

• Common Drugs: Clomid (Clomiphene Citrate) and Nolvadex (Tamoxifen) are used to help restore natural testosterone.
• Purpose: Rebuild your body’s natural hormone production and control estrogen levels.

The Legality of Prohormones

Status in the U.S. and Globally

• United States: Prohormones are illegal under the Designer Anabolic Steroid Control Act.
• Global: Many countries have banned or restricted the sale and use of prohormones.

How Prohormones Are Sold Online

Even though many prohormones are illegal, they are still sold online through black markets and some websites, often labeled as supplements to avoid legal issues.

Regulation and Market Confusion

Many products sold as prohormones might not actually contain prohormones or could have other harmful substances, making them even more dangerous.

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Section 3: SARMs vs Prohormones: Key Differences

Mechanism of Action

SARMs: Targeted Receptor Modulation

SARMs specifically attach to androgen receptors in muscles and bones, promoting muscle growth without affecting other parts of the body much.

Prohormones: Hormone Conversion

Prohormones turn into active hormones in your body, leading to widespread effects and more side effects.

Efficacy for Muscle Growth

Which Is Better for Rapid Muscle Gain?

• Prohormones: Typically lead to faster and bigger muscle gains.
• SARMs: Provide moderate muscle growth with fewer side effects.

Long-Term Gains and Sustainability

• SARMs: May offer more sustainable muscle growth with a better safety profile for long-term use.
• Prohormones: Have higher health risks, making long-term use less safe.

Which Has Better Fat-Burning Properties?

• Prohormones: Effective for quick fat loss but come with serious health risks.
• SARMs: Help burn fat moderately with fewer side effects.

Safety and Side Effects

SARMs: Testosterone Suppression and Liver Concerns

While SARMs are generally safer than prohormones, they can still lower your natural testosterone levels and stress your liver if taken in high doses.

Prohormones: Severe Liver and Hormonal Issues

Prohormones can cause serious liver damage and disrupt your hormone balance, leading to long-term health problems.

Mental Health Impacts

Both SARMs and Prohormones can cause mood swings and aggression, but Prohormones might make these issues worse.

Impact on Cardiovascular Health

Prohormones have a bigger negative impact on your cholesterol and heart health compared to SARMs.

Legal Considerations

Prohormones: Controlled Substances

Many prohormones are illegal and classified as controlled substances, making their sale and use against the law.

SARMs: Legal Grey Area

SARMs are in a legal gray area. They are not approved for human use but are often sold as research chemicals.

Are Both Banned by Anti-Doping Agencies?

Yes, both SARMs and Prohormones are banned by major anti-doping organizations like the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) and the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA).

User Demographics

Who Should Use Which?

• Beginners: Should avoid both SARMs and Prohormones and focus on natural supplements and training.
• Intermediates and Advanced Users: If they choose to use these supplements, SARMs are a slightly safer option but should be used with caution and professional guidance.

Health Considerations and Risk Tolerance

People with existing health problems or those who don’t want to take risks should stay away from SARMs and Prohormones.

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Section 4: Long-Term Use Considerations

Long-Term Health Impacts of SARMs

Hormonal Imbalances

Using SARMs for a long time can lead to serious hormonal imbalances, including low testosterone levels.

Impact on Organs (Liver, Kidneys)

Even though SARMs are less harmful than prohormones, long-term use can still damage your liver and kidneys.

Mental Health and Mood Swings

Chronic use of SARMs can cause ongoing mood swings, aggression, and other mental health issues.

Testosterone Suppression and Recovery Time

Long-term use can make it harder for your body to produce testosterone naturally, which might need longer Post-Cycle Therapy (PCT) to recover.

Long-Term Health Impacts of Prohormones

Severe Liver Strain

Prohormones can seriously damage your liver, leading to long-term liver problems and diseases.

Cardiovascular Strain

Using prohormones over a long period can harm your heart and blood vessels by messing with your cholesterol levels.

Endocrine Disruption and Fertility Issues

Prohormones can disrupt your hormone system, leading to fertility problems and other hormonal disorders.

Dependency and Tolerance

Are SARMs Addictive?

SARMs are not considered addictive, but some people might become mentally dependent on them.

Prohormone Dependence

Prohormones can cause both physical and mental dependence, making it hard to stop using them without feeling bad.

How to Mitigate Long-Term Risks

Scheduled Breaks Between Cycles

Taking regular breaks between using SARMs or Prohormones can help prevent your body from getting too used to them and reduce health risks.

Using Supplements to Support Health

• Liver Support: Use supplements like Milk Thistle and N-Acetyl Cysteine (NAC) to protect your liver.
• Estrogen Blockers: Help control the conversion of prohormones into estrogen.

Monitoring Health Markers Regularly

Regular blood tests and health check-ups can help monitor your liver function, hormone levels, and overall health while using these supplements.

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Section 5: Post-Cycle Therapy (PCT) Explained

What Is Post-Cycle Therapy?

Post-Cycle Therapy (PCT) is a process used after a cycle of SARMs or Prohormones. It involves taking specific medications and supplements to help your body recover its natural hormone levels and reduce side effects.

Why It’s Important

Without PCT, you might have long-term hormonal problems, like low testosterone levels and other health issues.

PCT for SARMs

Common Drugs Used

• Clomid (Clomiphene Citrate)
• Nolvadex (Tamoxifen)

Why SARMs Users Need PCT

SARMs can lower your natural testosterone levels. PCT helps bring these levels back to normal.

Best PCT Protocols

Typically, a PCT for SARMs involves taking Clomid and Nolvadex for about 4-6 weeks after stopping the SARMs.

PCT for Prohormones

Stronger and More Extensive PCT

Prohormones have a bigger impact on your hormones, so you need a stronger PCT to recover.

How to Protect Liver and Cardiovascular Health

• Liver Support Supplements: Use Milk Thistle and NAC to protect your liver.
• Cardiovascular Support: Take supplements like Omega-3 fatty acids and Coenzyme Q10 to support heart health.

Supplements to Support PCT

• Natural Testosterone Boosters
  • Tribulus Terrestris
  • D-Aspartic Acid
• Liver Detox Supplements
  • Milk Thistle
  • N-Acetyl Cysteine (NAC)
• Anti-Estrogens
  • Arimidex (Anastrozole)
  • Exemestane

When to Start PCT

How Long After the Cycle Ends Should You Begin?

Start PCT right after your cycle ends, based on the specific SARMs or Prohormones you used and how long they stay in your body.

Signs You Need PCT

• Symptoms of Low Testosterone: Feeling tired, depressed, or having a low sex drive.
• Physical Signs: Losing muscle mass or gaining extra body fat.

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Section 6: Natural Alternatives to SARMs and Prohormones

Overview of Natural Supplements

Creatine

• Benefits: Helps build muscle, improves strength and endurance.
• Effectiveness: Well-researched and proven to be effective for muscle growth and performance.

Beta-Alanine

• Role: Increases muscle carnosine levels, which helps you perform better during workouts.
• Benefits: Boosts endurance and reduces fatigue.

Branched-Chain Amino Acids (BCAAs)

• Function: Help your muscles recover and reduce soreness after workouts.
• Benefits: Support muscle growth and retention.

HMB (Hydroxy Methylbutyrate)

• Purpose: Prevents muscle breakdown and helps your muscles recover.
• Benefits: Keeps muscles strong during intense training.

Diet and Nutrition for Natural Muscle Growth

High-Protein Diets

• Role of Protein: Essential for building and repairing muscles.
• How Much Is Enough?: Usually, 1.6-2.2 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight each day.

Healthy Fats and Carbs

• Supporting Hormonal Balance: Healthy fats help your body produce hormones like testosterone.
• Energy Levels: Carbohydrates give you the energy you need for tough workouts.

Supplements to Support Recovery

• Omega-3s: Help reduce inflammation and support overall health.
• Antioxidants: Fight against the stress your body experiences during intense workouts.

Training Regimens for Natural Gains

Progressive Overload

• Key Principle: Gradually increase the weight, number of reps, or intensity of your workouts to keep building muscle.

High-Intensity Training

• Benefits: Pushes your muscles to grow by making your workouts more challenging.

Recovery and Rest

• Importance: Getting enough sleep and taking rest days help your muscles recover and grow without needing supplements.

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Section 7: Real User Experiences and Testimonials

SARMs Users’ Feedback

Positive Results

• Muscle Gains: Many users see noticeable increases in muscle size and strength.
• Improved Recovery: Users often recover faster between workouts.

Challenges with Side Effects

• Suppression: Some users experience lowered testosterone levels and need PCT.
• Fatigue and Vision Issues: Especially with certain SARMs like Andarine (S4), users may feel tired or have vision problems.

Prohormone Users’ Experiences

Rapid Gains and the Risks

• Fast Results: Users report quick muscle and strength gains within weeks.
• Health Struggles: Some face liver stress, hormonal imbalances, and mood swings.

Health Issues

• Liver Stress: Prohormones can cause serious liver damage.
• Post-Cycle Recovery: Users find it hard to restore natural hormone levels after using prohormones.

Lessons from Experienced Users

Avoiding Common Mistakes

• Inadequate PCT: Not doing proper post-cycle therapy can lead to long-term hormone problems.
• Overuse and Stacking: Using too many SARMs or prohormones together increases the risk of severe side effects.

Advice from Seasoned Athletes

• Prioritize Health: Always talk to a healthcare professional before starting any supplement.
• Focus on Natural Methods: Emphasize training, diet, and safe supplements over risky compounds.

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Conclusion

Final Comparison: SARMs vs Prohormones for Long-Term Use

When deciding between SARMs and Prohormones for long-term use, SARMs are generally safer with fewer and milder side effects. However, both types of supplements carry significant health risks, especially concerning hormone balance, liver health, and heart health.

Who Should Use Which (or None at All)?

• Beginners: Should avoid both SARMs and Prohormones and focus on natural supplements and proper training.
• Experienced Users: If choosing to use these supplements, SARMs are a better option than prohormones, but only with strict medical supervision.

Health Considerations Before Starting a Cycle

• Consult a Healthcare Professional: Make sure you don’t have any health issues that could get worse.
• Understand the Risks: Know the possible side effects and long-term health problems.
• Consider Legal Implications: Make sure you are following local laws and sports rules.

Alternatives to SARMs and Prohormones

Focusing on natural supplements, a good diet, and effective training plans can help you build muscle and improve performance safely without the health risks of SARMs and Prohormones.

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FAQs

Q1: What is safer for long-term use: SARMs or Prohormones?

A1: SARMs are generally considered safer than Prohormones for long-term use because they target specific areas and have fewer severe side effects. However, both can be harmful, and their long-term safety is not fully known.

Q2: Can I use SARMs or Prohormones without PCT?

A2: No, it is highly recommended to use Post-Cycle Therapy (PCT) after any cycle of SARMs or Prohormones to help your body restore its natural hormone levels and reduce potential side effects.

Q3: Which one has a better muscle-building effect, SARMs or Prohormones?

A3: Prohormones usually lead to quicker and bigger muscle gains but come with higher health risks. SARMs offer moderate gains with fewer side effects.

Q4: Are there legal alternatives to SARMs and Prohormones that actually work?

A4: Yes, natural supplements like creatine, Branched-Chain Amino Acids (BCAAs), and beta-alanine can help build muscle without the risks associated with SARMs or Prohormones.

Q5: What are the main side effects of SARMs and Prohormones?

A5: SARMs primarily cause testosterone suppression and possible liver issues, while Prohormones can lead to serious liver toxicity, hormonal imbalances, and heart problems.

Q6: Can SARMs or Prohormones impact fertility?

A6: Yes, both can negatively affect fertility by lowering natural testosterone levels, and long-term use can have lasting effects on reproductive health.

Q7: Which should beginners avoid—SARMs or Prohormones?

A7: Beginners are advised to avoid both SARMs and Prohormones because of their potential risks. Instead, focus on natural training methods and safer supplements to build muscle and strength.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any supplement or hormone regimen.