Pro Hormones VS SARMs 2024

Jul 8, 2024 Talib Ahmad Supplement Expert 3578 Views

In the pursuit of better fitness and enhanced athletic performance, many people explore various supplements and compounds. Two popular options that have gained attention are prohormones and SARMs (Selective Androgen Receptor Modulators). Understanding the differences between these two can help you decide which might be best for your goals.

As these compounds become more popular, it’s important to know how they work, what benefits they offer, and what risks they might pose. In this blog, we’ll explore the world of prohormones and SARMs, looking at their differences, benefits, and potential risks. Whether you’re an experienced athlete or just starting your fitness journey, this guide will help you understand these supplements and make the best choice for your needs.

What Are Prohormones?

Prohormones are compounds that the body converts into active hormones. When you take a prohormone, it goes through a process in your body to become an anabolic hormone, like testosterone. This helps increase muscle growth, strength, and overall athletic performance. Prohormones gained popularity in the late 1990s and early 2000s as a legal alternative to anabolic steroids, offering similar benefits without the legal issues.† For a more in-depth overview of prohormones you can check out our guide, here.

How Prohormones Work:

Prohormones work by boosting the levels of specific hormones in your body. After you take them, enzymes convert these compounds into active hormones that then bind to receptors in your muscles. This action stimulates protein synthesis, which is essential for muscle growth and repair. It also helps with nitrogen retention, improving muscle strength and recovery.†

Common Types of Prohormones:

There are several types of prohormones, each with different effects. Some common ones include:

1-Androstenedione (1-Andro): Known for building muscle and reducing fat, 1-Andro converts into 1-testosterone, a potent anabolic hormone.†
4-Androstenedione (4-Andro): This converts directly into testosterone, helping to increase muscle mass and strength.†
19-Norandrostenedione (19-Nor): Converts into nandrolone, which helps build muscle and repair joints.†

Benefits:

The benefits of pro hormones will vary depending on you and the prohormone you take. The different compounds work better for different goals, such as bulking or cutting. The more common benefits you may see throughout compounds include:

Increased Muscle Mass†
Decreased Fat Mass†
Increased Endurance†
Decreased Recovery Time†
Increased Strength.†

Side Effects:

Like how the benefits vary, so will the side effects. Some pro hormones convert to estrogen and thus have a different set of side effects to look out for. But, all pro hormones will have androgenic effects to some level, so these side effects will carry over.

Some of these side effects include:

Acne
Hair Loss
High Blood Pressure
Low Libido
Lethargy
Water Retention
Gynecomastia (for estrogenic pro hormones)

Because of these potential risks, it’s important to talk to a healthcare professional before using prohormones. Research thoroughly, and follow proper dosing, cycling, and post-cycle therapy (PCT) to minimize side effects and maintain overall health.

What Are SARMs?

SARMs, or Selective Androgen Receptor Modulators, are a class of compounds designed to mimic the effects of anabolic steroids but with greater specificity. Unlike steroids, which can affect many body parts, SARMs selectively target androgen receptors in muscle and bone tissues. This selectivity aims to provide the muscle-building benefits of steroids without many of the unwanted side effects.†

How SARMs Work:

SARMs work by binding to androgen receptors in muscle and bone tissues. This selective action stimulates muscle growth and bone density without significantly affecting other tissues like the liver, prostate, or sebaceous glands. Because of this targeted approach, SARMs are believed to offer a safer alternative to traditional anabolic steroids.†

Common Types of SARMs:

There are several types of SARMs, each developed to achieve specific effects. Some of the most common ones include:

Ostarine (MK-2866): Known for its ability to build muscle and improve strength, Ostarine is popular among bodybuilders and athletes.†
Ligandrol (LGD-4033): This SARM is common for increasing muscle mass and strength and is often used during bulking cycles.†
Andarine (S4): Andarine can help with muscle growth and fat loss, making it a favorite for cutting cycles.†

Benefits of Using SARMs:

Many people use SARMs because they can:

Promote muscle growth and strength†
Enhance bone density†
Aid in fat loss†

Potential Side Effects and Risks:

While SARMs are considered safer than anabolic steroids, they are not without potential risks and side effects. These may include:

Hormonal imbalances: Prolonged use of SARMs can still affect hormone levels, leading to imbalances.†
Liver toxicity: Although less common than with steroids, some SARMs can still pose a risk to liver health.†
Vision issues: Certain SARMs, like Andarine, have been reported to cause vision disturbances in some users.†
Suppression of natural testosterone: SARMs can suppress the body’s natural testosterone production, necessitating post-cycle therapy (PCT) to restore normal levels.†

Given these potential risks, it’s important to use SARMs responsibly. Consulting with a healthcare professional, following proper dosing guidelines, and incorporating post-cycle therapy (PCT) are essential steps to minimize side effects and maintain overall health

Key Differences Between Prohormones and SARMs:

When deciding between prohormones and SARMs, it’s important to understand how they differ in terms of their mechanisms, effects, and safety profiles. Here’s a breakdown of the key differences:

Mechanism of Action:

Prohormones: These compounds are precursors to hormones. Once ingested, they are converted by the body into active anabolic hormones, such as testosterone. This conversion increases hormone levels, which then promote muscle growth and strength.†
SARMs: These compounds selectively bind to androgen receptors in muscle and bone tissues. This selective action stimulates muscle growth and bone density while minimizing effects on other body parts, such as the liver and prostate.†

Efficacy and Results:

Prohormones: Users often report significant muscle gains and strength improvements. However, the results can vary widely depending on the specific prohormone and individual response.†
SARMs: While SARMs may not provide as dramatic results as some prohormones, they may help build lean muscle mass, improve strength, and aid in fat loss.†

Legal Status and Availability:

Prohormones: In the United States, prohormones are legal and available from companies like Hi-Tech Pharmaceuticals and Blackstone Labs. However, it’s important to check local regulations as the legal status may vary in different regions.†
SARMs: SARMs are classified as research chemicals and are not legal as dietary supplements in the United States. This classification means they are not approved for human consumption and are typically sold for research purposes only.†

What is Osta-Plex?

Osta-Plex® from Hi-Tech Pharmaceuticals is a cutting-edge supplement that combines steroidal and nonsteroidal SARMs (Selective Androgen Receptor Modulators) to deliver impressive muscle gains. This product selectively targets androgen receptors in muscle tissue, enhancing muscle growth and strength without affecting other tissues and organs.†

The Science Behind Osta-Plex®:

The development of steroidal SARMs dates back to the 1940s, based on modifications of the testosterone molecule. In recent years, research has focused on creating SARMs that improve physical function and bone health without adverse effects on the prostate and cardiovascular systems. Osta-Plex® embodies this extensive research and development, offering a unique muscle-building product with a selective mechanism of action.†

Osta-Plex® Ingredients:

19-nor- androst-4- ene-17- one Enanthate: This compound is a legal and highly effective SARM that increases lean body mass and size by selectively binding to androgen receptors in muscle tissue. Unlike traditional hormones, it doesn’t affect the prostate or other organs, minimizing side effects.†
Eucommia Ulmoides: This herb activates androgen receptors in the body, unlike other testosterone boosters. Hi-Tech uses a patented extract called EU 80® from Eucommia ulmoides, which provides compounds that interact directly with androgen receptors, promoting muscle growth without the negative effects associated with traditional androgens.†
7-methoxy-8-(3-methyl-2-butenyl)-2H-1-benzopyran-2-one (Osthole): This phytochemical mimics the effects of androgens on muscle mass, strength, and bone growth without negatively affecting blood lipids or blood pressure. It boosts the production of natural muscle-building agents like testosterone and growth hormone while increasing nitric oxide activity for better blood flow and androgen receptor activation.†

Benefits of Osta-Plex®:

Selective Action: Osta-Plex® targets androgen receptors in muscle tissue, enhancing anabolic activity and muscle growth without affecting other organs.†
Legal Status: Unlike many SARMs classified as research chemicals, Osta-Plex® is legal in the United States, offering a potent and compliant option for muscle building.†
Advanced Formulation: Combining steroidal and nonsteroidal SARMs with unique herbal extracts, Osta-Plex® provides a comprehensive approach to muscle growth and performance enhancement.†

Hi-Tech Pharmaceuticals claims that Osta-Plex® surpasses the effectiveness of previous SARMs, providing substantial muscle-building effects and transforming the bodybuilding community.†

What Can You Expect?

When using Osta-Plex, you can anticipate noticeable increases in muscle mass and strength, along with a boost in libido. Osta-Plex is particularly effective for cutting cycles or for those aiming to enhance their strength.†

Due to the presence of 19-Nor-DHEA in Osta-Plex, it’s recommended to follow up with Post Cycle Therapy (PCT) to help restore your natural testosterone levels. It’s important to remember that testosterone and estrogen levels in your body are interconnected. If one increases, so does the other. Therefore, when you finish your cycle, your natural testosterone might lag, leaving you with higher estrogen levels.†

For optimal results and to minimize side effects, it’s advised to limit your Osta-Plex cycle to six weeks. After this period, a four-week PCT is recommended to support the recovery of your natural testosterone production and maintain hormonal balance.†

Wrapping Up!

If your goal is to increase muscle mass and strength, prohormones have more established research backing their effectiveness. However, for those interested in exploring SARMs, Osta-Plex is considered a safer option. While SARMs generally have fewer reported side effects, there is still limited research comparing their effectiveness against prohormones. If you prefer a cycle with greater confidence based on current knowledge, sticking with prohormones may be preferable.†

As always, it’s crucial to undergo blood work before starting any cycle. This establishes a baseline of your natural hormone levels and helps monitor how prohormones or SARMs affect you individually. Everyone reacts differently to these compounds, so consulting with a physician or endocrinologist before beginning a cycle is essential. Skipping this step is not advisable due to the potential long-term risks associated with hormonal supplements.†

This marks the end of our blog on Prohormones VS SARMs. Thank you for reading! And as always, if there is something that isn’t clear, another question you might have, or if you have another idea for a blog, email us!

Meanwhile, if you are looking for more to read, check out some of our other blogs!

Warnings And Side Effects:

Discuss with your physician before taking if you have a medical condition or are taking any prescription medications. Stop using it and discuss it with your physician if any negative effects occur. Do not exceed the suggested dose. Do not take it if pregnant or lactating. Must be 18 years old to use this product.

Keep away from children. Do not use if the seal has been tampered with. Store in a cool, dry place.

This product may contain ingredients that are banned by some sports organizations and/or increase the risk of false positives on a drug test. Please consult with your sports organization or physician before taking this product.

Disclaimer:

†Please note the intention of the information provided is for reference only. Furthermore, we are in no way providing medical advice or instruction. Instead, the information provided in this guide/blog utilizes anecdotal information and available studies/reviews. While we aim to maintain and display accurate information, we can’t guarantee it represents the latest product formula or information. Therefore, please visit the manufacturer’s website if you have any concerns. Also, the information above does not represent our views here at Same Day Supplements. Instead, these are the manufacturers’ and users’ views and information. Additionally, the Food and Drug Administration has not evaluated these statements. Finally, these products aim not to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent disease or illness.