If you’re serious about weightlifting and building muscle mass, you’ve probably tried a few different things from protein powder to supplements. Short of illegal and potentially dangerous anabolic steroids, not much out there will build muscle faster than prohormones.

Prohormones are a legal alternative to steroids that have fewer negative side effects and potentially powerful results. Many of the most powerful bodybuilders have used prohormones to get where they are today. They can be purchased over the counter, but it’s important to consult with your health care provider and learn all you can about prohormones before consuming them.

What Are Prohormones?

At the basic level, a prohormone is something that enters your body and is converted into a hormone once it’s metabolized.

Prohormones essentially increase levels of testosterone or DHT in the body. You can buy a variety of prohormones, and each one does something a little different. Some, like Blackstone Labs Abnormal, is designed to push maximum muscle growth and increased testosterone production.

Others, like Metha Quad Extreme, uses four ingredients to boost muscle growth: androsterone, 1 androstene-3b-old,17-one, 4 androstene-3b-old,17-one, and Arimistane. These four ingredients work together, but Arimistane is the most powerful. Its job is to block enzymes so that estrogen is converted into testosterone. It’s used by serious bodybuilders who want quick results.

Selling some prohormones and steroids are illegal, but many are legal. Many companies sell items that can create hormones once they’ve been ingested, skirting the laws against prohormones. It’s important to note, however, that these supplements are usually not approved or denied by the FDA.

Carefully evaluate all the available options for prohormones before choosing the right one for you. Consult with a medical provider or a fitness expert to help you make your choice.

The Side Effects of Prohormones

Many types of prohormones are considered safe, which is why they can be sold over the counter. However, some might still have side effects. Thoroughly read the warning label to understand the side effects before consuming them.

Side effects for prohormones primarily arise when you’re not taking the supplement as directed or you fail to take cycle supports. Cycle supports are added supplements of natural components that can boost your health and protect your body from absorbing the risks.

Because each prohormone does something a little different, the side effects may vary, but here are a few of the most common:

Slight Hair Loss: This side effect is found most commonly with prohormones that convert to DHT. It does not occur in everyone, but if you’re predisposed to hair loss for genetics or other reasons, you may experience more rapid losses.

Testicular Shrinkage: This side effect sounds pretty bad, but it only happens if you misuse the prohormones as directed. Some prohormones direct you to use a supplement such as Rise and Swell to prevent this problem. After you stop taking prohormones, the shrinkage should vanish.

Potential Liver Damage: Prohormones, like steroids, can do a number on your liver. They may also hurt your lipid panel, so if you’re not in prime health, you might want to avoid prohormones. Cycle support supplements such as milk thistle can help to protect your liver so that you can take prohormones without permanent damage.

Potential Health Risks: Along with liver damage, those on prohormones also have an increased risk of high bad cholesterol levels, hypertension, dizziness, chronic headaches, and other health risks. Again, taking cycle supports like celery seed, hawthorn berries, or red yeast rice supplements can protect your body from the negative side effects.

After you’ve finished taking prohormones, it’s also important to undergo a cycle of post-therapy. You can experience a variety of side effects after prohormone use if you don’t continue taking supplements to flush the prohormone out of your system.