Muscle Building Information

Are Prohormones A Safe Alternative To Anabolic Steroids?


Steroid prohormones such as androstenedione and dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) have become popular in recent years as safer alternatives to anabolic steroids, but two questions need to be answered:

1. Are they effective in stimulating muscle growth?

2. Are they safe to use?

The theory behind prohormones is that they are building blocks for testosterone and are converted into testosterone by the body. Very little definitive scientific research exists to back up the claims of prohormone manufacturers. The difficulty seems to be that the minimum dosage levels recommended by manufacturers appear to be insufficient to stimulate a measurable clinical reaction. Many users point to the effectiveness of prohormones when doses that exceed recommended levels are taken, hence the difficulty for researchers - do you subject human participants to potentially dangerous doses?

Safety concerns are similar to those that relate to steroids. Some studies report that side effects can include acne, production of estrogen, development of breast tissue in males and development of masculine features in females.

At the time of writing some doubts surround the future of prohormones as health authorities may consider selective banning of some products.

Richard Mitchell is the creator of the bodybuildingadvisor.com website that provides guidance and information to athletes at all levels of bodybuilding experience. Go to Bodybuilding Advice to learn more about the issues covered in this article.


MORE RESOURCES:

Balance protein and carbohydrates to build muscle mass
Statesman Journal, OR - Oct 9, 2008
Question: How much protein should I eat if my goal is to gain muscle mass? Answer; That is a very common question and one that many do not know the real ...


How to build a bigger and
SkyNewswire.com (press release), Netherlands - 10 hours ago
5 sets, 8-10 reps per set at 75% of your 1 rep max if your looking to build muscle and gain mass and size, stick to free weight exercises like the ones ...


Is your horse steroid-free?
Daily Racing Form (subscription), NY - Oct 10, 2008
They can also be used to build muscle mass, but to get that effect in a horse - or a person - the drugs have to be administered frequently. ...


In building muscles, seniors are still going strong
Newsday, NY - Oct 11, 2008
A new study from Ball State University found that even people in their 70s can still build muscle, which can help them stay independent. ...


Jefferson West High School Wins National got milk?(R) Refuel Your ...
MarketWatch - Oct 6, 2008
Milk contains nine essential nutrients, including calcium and vitamin D to maintain bone strength, and high-quality protein that helps build muscle when ...


Supplements are like politicians
Ontarian, Canada - Oct 9, 2008
That is, do they build muscle, burn fat, and if so, do they do it in a more efficient way than you could do on your own? If you're going to dip into your ...


Calgary Herald

Consider goals when planning your fitness program
Calgary Herald,  Canada - Oct 9, 2008
Do you want to build muscle, shed body fat, improve your athletic performance, feel better or just be more healthy? By establishing clear objectives you ...


Motivation Monday: Chris opens the Motivation Mailbag
KARE, MN - Oct 6, 2008
I hear all the time that women need to build muscle to increase their metabolism, but I'm afraid of bulking up. Will free weights make me bigger? ...


Nick Nilsson
Men's Fitness - Oct 10, 2008
Exercises that actually build muscle are often difficult and strange-looking to the average gym goer. Inventing your own moves can seem even weirder. ...


Fitness experts: Is 'spot reducing' possible?
Jerusalem Post, Israel - Sep 24, 2008
Can i build muscle even when I'm not eating a lot of calories? And what happens if I overeat protein? Thanks so much. A: Because there is no way to "spot ...

Build-Muscle - Google News

home | site map
© 2006