Which Is Better: Prohormones or SARMs?

If you want to get stronger, grow muscles, or lose fat, you might have heard of prohormones and SARMs. These are two popular types of supplements that some people take to help reach their fitness goals. But which one works better? And which one is safer?

This guide will explain the differences between prohormones and SARMs, talk about how they work, and help you understand which might be the right choice for you. Keep in mind that both of these supplements can have serious side effects and might not be legal in some places.

Table of Contents

Key Points to Remember:

Prohormones can help you grow muscles quickly, but they have serious side effects, like liver problems. To help reduce liver stress, many people take milk thistle for liver detox.
SARMs are safer because they work in a more targeted way, but they can still cause problems like lower testosterone.
You need to think about your fitness goals, health, and any risks before deciding to use either of these supplements.

1. What Are Prohormones?

1.1 What Prohormones Do

Prohormones are supplements that turn into hormones after you take them. When they change in your body, they act like testosterone, which is a hormone that helps you build muscle and gain strength. Many bodybuilders and athletes used prohormones to get bigger and stronger.

1.2 How Prohormones Work

1.2.1 Turning Into Hormones

Prohormones are not active when you first take them. After they are inside your body, they are changed by the liver into active hormones. These new hormones can help you build muscle and get stronger.

1.2.2 Effect on Hormones

When you take prohormones, they make your body have more testosterone. But they also make your body produce estrogen, which is a hormone more common in women. Because of this, some people need other medications, such as aromatase inhibitors, to control how much estrogen they have.

1.3 History of Prohormones

1.3.1 When Prohormones Became Popular

In the 1990s and early 2000s, prohormones were very popular with athletes and bodybuilders. People liked them because they were a way to get bigger without using illegal steroids.

1.3.2 Laws and Rules

In 2004, many prohormones were made illegal because of their risks. Today, there are still some prohormones available, but they are strictly controlled and are illegal in many places.

1.4 Types of Prohormones

1.4.1 Popular Prohormones

1-DHEA: This helps build lean muscle and is less likely to cause problems with estrogen.
4-DHEA: Converts into testosterone, which helps with muscle growth and strength.
19-Nor-DHEA: Converts into another hormone called nandrolone, which is good for gaining muscle without joint pain. If you are taking prohormones like 19-Nor-DHEA, it is important to consider joint health supplements to avoid joint issues.

Prohormone Type	Changes To	Helps With	Main Side Effects
1-DHEA	1-Testosterone	Lean Muscle	Mild estrogen issues
4-DHEA	Testosterone	Bulking	Can cause estrogen effects
19-Nor-DHEA	Nandrolone	Lean Mass Gain	Possible liver damage

1.4.2 Prohormones for Goals

Bulking: If you want to gain a lot of muscle quickly, 4-DHEA might help.
Cutting: Some prohormones help keep muscle while losing fat, but they are not as good for cutting as SARMs.
Strength: Prohormones like 1-DHEA help improve strength without causing a lot of water gain.

1.5 Good and Bad Sides of Prohormones

1.5.1 Benefits

Build Muscle Quickly: Prohormones help you grow muscle fast, sometimes in just 3-4 weeks.
Get Stronger: Prohormones increase strength, helping you lift heavier weights.
Versatile: Can be used for both bulking and cutting, depending on the type.

1.5.2 Drawbacks

Liver Damage: Many prohormones can hurt the liver, especially the ones that are designed to stay active in your body longer.
Hormone Problems: Prohormones can lead to too much estrogen, which may cause breast growth in men, called gynecomastia.
Legality: Most prohormones are now illegal because of the health risks.

2. What Are SARMs?

2.1 What SARMs Are

SARMs are Selective Androgen Receptor Modulators. They are designed to work like steroids, but in a much more focused way. SARMs attach only to muscle and bone receptors, which means they help build muscle without causing as many side effects.

2.2 How SARMs Work

2.2.1 Targeting Muscle and Bones

SARMs attach to androgen receptors in your muscles and bones. This helps your body build more muscle while avoiding problems with other parts of your body, like the liver or heart.

2.2.2 Fewer Side Effects

Because SARMs only target certain receptors, they usually have fewer side effects than steroids or prohormones. This makes SARMs a better choice for people who want muscle gains without major health risks. Some people even combine SARMs with glutamine to improve their recovery.

2.3 History of SARMs

2.3.1 First Uses

SARMs were first made to help people who had muscle-wasting diseases or bone problems like osteoporosis. Scientists wanted a way to help patients without the side effects of steroids.

2.3.2 Becoming Popular in Fitness

SARMs became popular in the fitness world because they help build muscle and burn fat without as many problems as steroids. They are now used by many bodybuilders who want safer results.

2.4 Types of SARMs

2.4.1 Popular SARMs

Ostarine (MK-2866): Good for keeping muscle while losing fat.
Ligandrol (LGD-4033): Great for gaining a lot of muscle.
RAD-140 (Testolone): Very powerful for both strength and muscle growth.
MK-677 (Ibutamoren): Not a true SARM, but helps increase growth hormone, which helps with muscle recovery and growth.

SARM Type	Best For	Main Benefits	Side Effects
Ostarine	Cutting/Lean Gains	Keeps muscle, burns fat	Mild testosterone suppression
Ligandrol	Bulking	Builds muscle	May affect liver
RAD-140	Bulking and Strength	Stronger muscles	Lowers testosterone
MK-677	Recovery & Growth	More growth hormone	Increased appetite

2.4.2 SARMs for Different Goals

Bulking: Ligandrol and RAD-140 are good if you want to gain a lot of muscle.
Cutting: Ostarine is the most popular SARM for losing fat while keeping muscle.
Recomp (Losing Fat and Gaining Muscle): Andarine (S4) helps people do both—lose fat while also building some muscle.

2.5 Good and Bad Sides of SARMs

2.5.1 Advantages

Fewer Side Effects: SARMs only affect muscles and bones, which means they don’t usually cause problems with other parts of your body.
No Liver Damage: SARMs are not as hard on the liver as prohormones.
Lower Risk of Estrogen Problems: SARMs do not turn into estrogen, so they do not cause gynecomastia.

2.5.2 Disadvantages

Can Lower Testosterone: Some SARMs can make your body produce less testosterone, which is a problem if you take them for a long time.
Not Enough Long-Term Studies: We do not know much about the long-term effects of SARMs because they have not been studied for very long.
Heart Health: SARMs might make cholesterol levels worse, which can affect the heart.

3. Prohormones vs. SARMs: Which Works Better?

3.1 Muscle Growth

3.1.1 Muscle Gains with Prohormones

Prohormones can help you gain muscle fast, sometimes in just a few weeks. These fast results are great for people who want quick changes but may come with side effects like water gain.

3.1.2 Muscle Gains with SARMs

SARMs help you gain lean muscle without water retention. The gains are usually more quality muscle compared to prohormones, but they can take a bit longer to see—usually around 4-8 weeks. If you are interested in knowing more about the key differences between prohormones and SARMs, we have a detailed comparison available.

3.2 Strength Gains

3.2.1 Strength Gains with Prohormones

Prohormones often make you stronger faster. Many people feel stronger in the first few weeks of taking them.

3.2.2 Strength Gains with SARMs

With SARMs like RAD-140, the strength gains come a bit more slowly, but they are often steadier and last longer, especially if you keep up with training and nutrition.

3.3 Fat Loss and Muscle Definition

3.3.1 SARMs for Cutting

Ostarine and Cardarine are particularly effective for cutting cycles. They help users lose fat while keeping or even gaining lean muscle tissue.

3.3.2 Prohormones for Fat Loss

Some prohormones can assist in fat loss, but they are generally less targeted compared to SARMs. Many users find it challenging to retain lean muscle while cutting fat with prohormones.

3.4 Which Is Best for Your Goal?

Bulking: If you want fast gains, prohormones can help you bulk up quickly.
Cutting: SARMs like Ostarine are better for cutting because they help you lose fat while keeping muscle.
Recomp: For losing fat while gaining muscle, Andarine or Ligandrol work well.

4. Side Effects and Safety

4.1 Prohormones: Side Effects

4.1.1 Liver Problems

Prohormones can be very harsh on your liver. Some types cause your liver to work too hard, which can lead to damage if you are not careful.

4.1.2 Hormone Imbalance

When taking prohormones, your body makes more testosterone and estrogen. Too much estrogen can lead to gynecomastia (breast growth in men).

4.1.3 Other Common Issues

Acne: Because of the changes in hormones, some people get acne.
Mood Changes: Some users feel more aggressive or irritable.
Hair Loss: If you are prone to baldness, you might lose hair faster when taking prohormones.

4.2 SARMs: Side Effects

4.2.1 Testosterone Suppression

Some SARMs can cause your body to produce less testosterone. This is called suppression, and it can make you feel tired or less strong.

4.2.2 Heart and Cholesterol

SARMs can change your cholesterol levels, which might increase the risk of heart problems.

4.2.3 Unknown Long-Term Effects

Because SARMs are newer, scientists do not know the long-term risks yet. This is why it is important to be careful and only take them for a short time.

4.3 Comparing Safety

Prohormones are generally considered more harmful due to their impact on the liver and hormonal systems.
SARMs are seen as a safer alternative, but long-term safety is still unclear, and responsible use is crucial.

4.4 How to Reduce Risks

Use liver support supplements like milk thistle when taking prohormones.
Do regular blood tests to check liver health, hormone levels, and cholesterol.
Stick to short cycles and always do post-cycle therapy (PCT) after finishing a cycle.

5. Post-Cycle Therapy (PCT)

5.1 Why Do You Need PCT?

5.1.1 Getting Your Hormones Back to Normal

After taking prohormones or SARMs, your body might stop making its own testosterone. PCT helps your body start making it again.

5.1.2 Risks Without PCT

If you don’t do PCT, you could lose the muscle you gained and feel tired or weak. You might also have problems like low energy and depression.

5.2 PCT for Prohormones

SERMs like Nolvadex or Clomid are used in PCT to help your body start making its own hormones again. PCT usually lasts for about 4-6 weeks.

5.3 PCT for SARMs

5.3.1 When You Need PCT

Not all SARMs need PCT, but strong ones like RAD-140 or Ligandrol usually do. You should do PCT to make sure your testosterone levels get back to normal. You can also read more about the differences in post-cycle therapy for prohormones vs. SARMs.

5.4 Common PCT Mistakes

Skipping PCT: Some people skip PCT, which can lead to hormone problems.
Wrong Timing: Start PCT right after your cycle to get the best results.

6. Are Prohormones and SARMs Legal?

6.1 Prohormones: Are They Legal?

Most prohormones are now banned in the United States and Europe. They are considered controlled substances and are illegal in many places.

6.2 SARMs: Are They Legal?

SARMs are not approved for human use. They are often sold as research chemicals to avoid the law. They are also banned by sports organizations like WADA, making them illegal for athletes.

6.3 How to Avoid Dangerous Products

Buy only from places that have lab-tested products.
Avoid buying from unknown websites or marketplaces where the products could be fake or dangerous.

7. How to Choose Between Prohormones and SARMs

7.1 What Are Your Goals?

Want to Gain Muscle Fast? Prohormones are very strong for bulking.
Want to Lose Fat and Keep Muscle? SARMs like Ostarine are great for cutting.

7.2 What Is Your Experience Level?

Beginners should start with SARMs because they are generally safer.
Advanced Bodybuilders who are experienced with PCT might try prohormones.

7.3 Your Health History

If you have health issues like liver problems or heart conditions, neither prohormones nor SARMs are safe options.

8. Practical Tips for Using Prohormones or SARMs

8.1 Before Starting a Cycle

Do Your Research: Learn as much as you can about the supplements.
Get Blood Tests: Know where your health levels are before starting.

8.2 During the Cycle

Stick to Recommended Dosages: Do not take more than the suggested amount.
Watch for Side Effects: Pay attention to how you feel, and stop if anything feels wrong.

8.3 After the Cycle

Do PCT: Always do PCT to help your hormones recover.
Keep Eating Well and Training: Stick to a good diet and keep up with exercise to keep your gains.

9. Natural Alternatives to SARMs and Prohormones

9.1 Safer Supplements

Creatine: Helps with strength and muscle growth.
Protein Powder: Good for muscle recovery after workouts.
BCAAs: Help protect muscles and keep them from breaking down during tough workouts. To enhance recovery, you can also try BCAA for enhanced recovery during cycles.

9.2 Natural Ways to Increase Testosterone

9.2.1 Foods to Eat

Eggs and leafy greens: Help boost testosterone.
Fatty Fish: Rich in Omega-3s, which are good for hormones.

9.2.2 Healthy Habits

Exercise Regularly: Weightlifting helps boost testosterone.
Get Enough Sleep: Lack of sleep can lower testosterone levels.

10. Conclusion

10.1 Which Is Better?

Prohormones work fast for muscle growth, but have more risks.
SARMs are better if you want a safer option, but there is still a lack of long-term research.