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Prohormones are a form of Anabolic Androgenic Substances (AAS) that are in many countries legally available for human consumption. AAS are synthetic derivatives of the male sex hormones, anabolic encapsulating something that causes muscle growth and androgenic meaning anything that generates masculanizing effects, such as deepening of the voice, increased oiliness of the skin, body and facial hair, etc. Prohormones are a naturally occurring form of AAS that, once ingested, convert via metabolic precursors into active anabolic compounds, also called target hormones. This process requires enzymes found naturally within the body; prohormones require these enzymes to work, and these enzymes are limited in the amount of hormone they can convert within any given period. This conversion process which takes place in the body is what differentiates prohormones from steroids, and allows the former to remain legalthough whether they will remain so is at this very moment the topic of a congressional bill. The downside of this conversion process is that the enzymes required to execute this sequence become saturated at a certain point, necessarily limiting the amount of active hormone that can effectively be used in any given period of time (i.e. 24 hours). Because of this dose ceiling, one cannot endlessly increase prohormone doses for enhanced results. There is a limit to how much can be used effectively. Note: This is not true with 1-Testosterone, which is technically a steroid; it does not require conversion, and is thus not limited by a conversion enzymes.

Once converted into active hormones, prohormones interact with what are called androgen receptors. Located throughout the body, it is the stimulation of androgen receptors that triggers the anabolic cascade that is responsible for the size and strength gains associated with AAS. Prohormones indirectly stimulate muscle and strength gains in other ways as well, such as ADD. Prohormones drastically accelerate the accumulation of strength and lean mass. Furthermore, all AAS are unique in that they significantly alter the manner in which the body utilizes ingested calories, diverting far more of the incoming energy to the addition of lean tissue and away from adipose tissue. AAS are generally lipolytic as well, meaning that they enhance the rate at which fat is used for energy. These positive effects on nutrient partitioning increaseoften considerablythe amount of calories a user can get away with before seeing accumulations in fat mass.

Prohormones are not only useful in ones quest for mass, so too can they be highly effective in ones attempts at becoming leaner. As androgens enhance the partitioning of nutrients toward lean mass, they necessarily reduce the threat of catabolism (muscle wasting) during periods of calorie restriction. Because of this, dieters can get away with a far more drastic calorie restriction than would be possible without AAS. Well touch upon this more in greater detail later on. Suffice it to say that prohormones are not merely useful for mass gain, but equally potent for retainingand sometimes gainingmuscle while dieting.

Prohormones can be used safely, and effectively, so long as one is well educated and proper precautions are taken. As is the case with illegal steroids, prohormones are not without side effects. Because AAS alter male and female hormone levels, they stand to potentially induce side-effects. Typical side effects include, but are not limited to: testicular atrophy (shrinkage), temporary shutdown of natural testosterone production, increase or loss of libido, acne, hair loss, liver stress, swelling of the prostate, increases in cholesterol levels, and gynecomastia (development of breast tissue). These side affects vary greatly from individual to individual, and compound to compound. Certain individuals may be more susceptible to certain side effects than others. For instance, those who experienced bad acne while a teenager are at greater risk for a flare up on-cycle. Along the same lines, those who think themselves disposed to Male Pattern Baldness (MPB) may very well find that the use of androgens accelerates their loss of hair.

Who Should Take Prohormones, and Who Should Not

Prohormones are powerful compounds that manipulate hormone levels to achieve effect. These are serious substances, and should only be used by individuals above the age of 21. Those under the age of 21 potentially put themselves at risk of permanently stunting their growth, as AAS use can cause the premature closure of growth plates. Furthermore, the use of these compounds at a young age can seriously affect the endocrine system, resulting in long-term health problems.

Those wishing to increase strength, add muscle mass, decrease bodyfat, or a combination of the above can use prohormones in pursuit of these goals. Prohormones should not be used by those individuals who have less than one year of training experience under their belt, as said trainees natural growth potential is far from exhausted. Furthermore, said trainee will not have the training and dietary experience to capitalize on the use of AAS.

Other people who should avoid prohormones include: individuals with prostate problems, individuals with heart, liver, or kidney conditions, those who already suffer from gynecomastia, and/or those who or susceptible to male pattern baldness. As with all supplements, it is always wise to seek the advice of a physician before initiating use.

Delivery Methods

There are a number of delivery methods available to prohormone users. Oral delivery, liquid delivery, topical delivery, sublingual (under the tongue) delivery, intranasal application, and direct injection are some of the more common delivery systems. Though each approach has its merit, oral, liquid and transdermal are by far the most commonly used methods, and those that we will discuss today. There is much debate, among users and prohormone manufacturers alike, as to what delivery method is best. The bottom line is that there are benefits and drawbacks to each.