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If you’re new to the world of prohormone fitness supplements, you probably have quite a few questions, starting with “What are prohormones?”

Prohormones, also known as androstenedione or andro, are a type of steroid that helps in combating increased estrogen. Mostly taken by men to build muscle, the supplement has become popular over the years with bodybuilders due to its pure effectiveness when it comes to growing muscle.

In our Prohormones 101 Guide, we’ll be walking you through how prohormones work, how they differ from steroids and much more.

How Do Prohormones Work?

Upon consumption, prohormones go through an enzymatic process where the body converts them into anabolic hormones such as dihydrotestosterone (DHT). The liver then processes the prohormone and eliminates it from the body afterward.

How To Take Prohormones Safely

The number of prohormones you should take will, of course, depend on how long you’ve been consuming the supplement. As a beginner, it’s highly recommended that you take prohormone supplements at a lower dose.

To safely take prohormones while benefiting from them and keeping side effects to a minimum, you should keep your cycle lengths short. In addition to this, you should keep appropriate liver support and estrogen-blocking supplements on hand. The length of a prohormone cycle should fluctuate slightly depending on the following factors:

• Injury status
• Age and medical history
• The prohormone you’re taking
• Your tolerance to potential side effects

Based on these considerations, there are two recommended approaches:

1. Two weeks on and then two weeks off
2. Or two weeks on and then four weeks off

The two-on-two-off approach produces steady gains over time while reducing or eliminating losses during recovery. This method is best for beginners and those concerned about side effects.

The two-on-four-off approach is the most popular. It produces incredible gains but users need to be more cognizant of liver function. Note that both of these methods will require post cycle therapy (PCT).

How Long Do Prohormone Gains Last?

Toward the end of a typical 4-6 week prohormone cycle, you should see considerable muscle mass and strength. But understand that the gains you’ve made will not continue without some work on your part. After a cycle comes to an end, the prohormones will rapidly leave the body within 24 to 48 hours. So, you will no longer be able to rely on them for their anabolic or androgenic effects.

The stronger the prohormone and the longer you remained on it, the higher the degree to which your normal testosterone levels will have been shut down. Because of this, when you come off your cycle, your testosterone levels will be very low, estrogen levels will be high and increased cortisol levels will cause you to gain body fat — not a great place to be in if you’re looking to build muscles and strength. This is why using an ancillary PCT product is so important.

PCT products will help to restore your body’s pre-cycle state while protecting gains made during a prohormone cycle.

What Are the Benefits of Prohormones?

Prohormones offer many benefits to those trying to cut fat and build muscle. The supplement fixes muscle cells while boosting muscle mass and decreasing body fat. Its high popularity is due in part to its inherent ability to boost the body’s overall appearance in a short span of time.

Some additional benefits of prohormones include the following:

• Decreased fat mass
• Increased muscle mass
• Boosted endurance, stamina and strength
• Shorter recovery time

Prohormones vs. Steroids

Prohormone supplements offer an alternative to steroids that carries fewer risks while still building strong muscles and burning body fat. Prohormones convert into a hormone and are often referred to as a steroidal supplement. But in actuality, they are not, in fact, steroids or hormones.

Prohormones are usually the substance of choice for those who don’t like the idea of taking highly synthetic steroids. They, in contrast, allow the body to better regulate the amount of the supplement that is converted into actual hormones. Prohormones are generally considered safer than steroids as they have less harmful side effects. You should always consult a doctor before starting your prohormone cycle.

It’s important to note that prohormone supplements should only be taken by men and women over the age of 21. Also, prohormones are sometimes banned by certain bodybuilding competitions like the Strongman and CrossFit federations. Due to this, it’s crucial that you perform your due diligence and verify compliance before using prohormones.

Shop Icon Supp Store for the Best In Prohormones

Are you trying to gain serious strength and muscle mass but have been consistently plateauing? Now that you understand the benefits of prohormones, browse Icon Supp Store’ massive selection of prohormones to help you shatter your workout goals and make drastic improvements in your overall physique. For the best results, we highly recommend users take a prohormone cycle support supplement during use and a post cycle therapy supplement when finished with their prohormone cycle. Have a question or need more information about our selection of prohormones? Reach out today.