Prohormones are chemical compounds that are either orally ingested or directly injected inside the body to specifically stimulate and enhance the release of certain hormones to promote muscle size, volume, and strength. It is mainly used by bodybuilders and athletes for its significant benefits on training performance, in addition to the resulting aesthetic value.
Prohormones are considered inactive hormones due to the need for enzymes to convert its molecular structure into that of anabolic hormones. This is how it differentiates itself from the already active anabolic steroids, making most types of prohormones legally approved by numerous food and drug administrations. The only limitation to this chemical substance is that it is limited by the amount of enzymes present in the body to metabolize it, unlike steroids, which does not need the help of enzymes to activate its effects.
These substances provide an increase in the lean mass of muscles, which in turn provides higher metabolism rate for fatty tissues to burn faster. In addition, the capacity of muscles to endure workout surpasses the average muscle performance through a faster rate of recovery.
However, there are a number of known side effects that proceeds its usage. These include, but is not limited to: mild to severe acne, decrease in sexual drive, body hair loss, bloating, and liver toxicity. In addition, gynecomastia or breast enlargement may occur due to the imbalance ratio of androgenic and estrogenic hormones as a result of the entry of hormone inducing substances.
The two types of tissues that comprise the anatomy of breasts are glandular and fatty tissues. The glandular tissue is a dense mass found on the inner part the breasts, while the fatty tissue is of a softer quality and is more commonly felt upon physical examination. Excessive production of either or both tissues characterize men with breast enlargement.
Most men are concerned about having gynecomastia due to the ingestion of prohormones resulting in a visible feminization of the chest area. But it is not commonly known to many that there are three physiologic stages of gynecomastia that commonly occur among men, which are simultaneous to the peaks of increased natural hormonal changes in the male body. The first stage happens during infancy, when high levels of estrogen manufactured from the mother’s placenta during pregnancy is passed on to the newborn. The second stage occurs during adolescence. The third stage is brought about by male senility.
While these short term effects are commonly reported by prohormone users, the long term effects are still unkown, but reports state that its stunting effect on the users’ offsprings and its permanent alteration of sexual development is not yet fully validated.
To counter the short term effects, experts strictly recommend a tailored cycle support. It is a term used to describe rigorous training and diet routine that should accompany prohormone intake, as well as a post-cycle therapy to aid the body in adjusting to chemical processes and to reduce the level of toxicity brought about by these foregin substances. If symptoms persist, an endocrinologist is usually consulted to evaluate the hormonal imbalance inside the body.
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