It is unlikely that you are a bodybuilder and have never heard of the term “prohormones”. Prohormones are known as one of the most popular sports supplements in the world of bodybuilding. This supplement is made from specific chemical compounds which, according to manufacturers, have a significant effect on increasing muscle volume and fat burning.
In this article, we will examine everything about prohormones so that bodybuilders can make an informed decision about using this sports supplement. If you are a bodybuilder who cares about your health, reading this article will provide you with useful information about prohormones.
In simple terms, prohormones are substances that are converted into anabolic hormones in the body through enzymatic processes. In fact, prohormones exist to create anabolic hormones in the body. Anabolic hormones, in turn, help with protein synthesis and stimulate muscle growth. Prohormones only become hormones when they are identified by enzymes inside the body. Prohormones are found in some types of bodybuilding supplements.
Many athletes use prohormones to speed up the effects of their workouts and achieve their ideal physique in the shortest possible time. Bodybuilders can increase muscle volume and decrease body fat percentage by using prohormone supplements. For this reason, many of them turn to prohormones before sports competitions and championships. It should be noted that the effect of prohormones is short-term and comes with irreparable costs for the consumer.
Prohormones come in different types, each of which stimulates the production of a specific growth hormone in the body. It’s not the case that one prohormone increases the level of all hormones in the body. Some types of prohormones increase the level of growth hormone, some increase insulin levels, and some increase the level of male hormone (testosterone) in the body.
The types of prohormones that lead to an increase in male hormones have the most supporters and consumers among bodybuilders. These types of prohormone supplements are also known as proandrogens. Some of the types of prohormones that convert to testosterone in the body include:
DHEA prohormone is the most abundant steroid in the bloodstream and is produced by the adrenal gland. This prohormone is used as a raw material for the production of testosterone in the body. With age, the production of DHEA decreases, and consequently, the level of testosterone in the body decreases. Therefore, many athletes use prohormones to prevent the decrease of male hormone and have larger muscles.
Due to the side effects of prohormones, some individuals use other supplements such as creatine to increase muscle mass, strength, and physical endurance.
Prohormones are known as effective supplements for increasing muscle volume and fat burning in the body. Due to the possible side effects of excessive use of prohormones, this supplement should be used with the advice of a physician or professional trainer. According to the opinion of many experienced individuals, the best time to use prohormones is before consuming a protein meal and after exercise. To see the results of using prohormones, you should use this type of supplement for at least 8 weeks. The method of using prohormones is the same as other powdered supplements and there is no difference; you can mix it with the appropriate amount of water or milk and consume it.
In addition to prohormones, another commonly used type of sports supplement is glutamine. Glutamine supplement is used to prevent muscle tissue destruction and increase body metabolism.