Are Prohormones A Safe Alternative To Anabolic Steroids?
by Rick
Mitchell
zone3
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.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Rick 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.
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