The array of supposed solutions to testosterone deficiencies is enormous. Testosterone is at the core of the stereotypical traits of masculinity such as muscle mass, physical strength and sex drive. The numerous solutions and products all look to tap into this massive market.
I would likely not be wrong to assume that if you have been looking to increase your testosterone levels, chances are you have run into testosterone boosters. Prohormones are much less talked about but they will occasionally pop up in conversations around testosterone-enhancing solutions.
You need to know the difference between prohormones and testosterone boosters if you are going to choose the right solution for you. As always, I’m here to help you out.
What Are Prohormones?
Prohormones are precursors that convert to testosterone after ingestion. Precursors, right? Shouldn’t they be called prehormones then? Anyway, they are building blocks that provide the material required for testosterone synthesis. They amplify the relevant hormone’s impact. In that sense, they are different from anabolic steroids. Steroids mimic testosterone whereas prohormones provide the raw material the body needs to naturally produce its own testosterone.
As synthetic testosterone, steroids can cause hormonal imbalance. Prohormones offer the ingredients and let the body control the actual production which means only as much prohormone as is required is used. Despite their advantages, prohormones can be hazardous if abused and could cause serious harm to long term health. In fact, prohormones are classified as controlled substances in many countries including the United States.
Side effects of prohormones
And what are Testosterone boosters?
Testosterone boosters are supplements made from naturally occurring, testosterone-enhancing ingredients. These ingredients usually comprise herb/plant extracts, amino acids, vitamins and minerals found in common foods. Like prohormones, testosterone boosters look to support the body’s ability to make testosterone. But that core function as far as their similarity goes.
How they achieve it is markedly different. Prohormones take a somewhat direct approach that’s more akin to anabolic steroids hence their prohibition in numerous jurisdictions. Testosterone boosters have a more indirect path of action by providing the body with the nutrients it requires to make testosterone but in larger quantities than are available from food alone.
Aside from this general principle, testosterone boosters are diverse in their ingredient mix. Each product has a unique blend of active elements. Of course, there is a raft of counterfeits out there so on this point, I’m referring to legitimate products.
Side effects of testosterone boosters
This is one area where testosterone boosters really kick ass. And this is not just in comparison to prohormones but virtually every other non-dietary solution to testosterone deficiency including TRT. Since they use natural ingredients, the best testosterone boosters have little to no side effects. You do not need a doctor’s prescription and can purchase them over the counter. Allergen-sensitive persons may experience mild stomach upsets, bloating, flatulence and headaches.
Manner of action
Prohormones provide the body with the building blocks that can be readily converted into testosterone. Testosterone boosters feed the body with common nutrients required for not just natural testosterone production but overall health.
Ingredient type
Prohormones are steroid precursors that directly convert to testosterone. Testosterone boosters are a mixture of herb/plant extracts, amino acids, vitamins and minerals with proven contribution to natural testosterone production.
Speed of results
Prohormones are just a step lower than anabolic steroids and so deliver a sizable testosterone boost in a matter of days or a couple of weeks. Testosterone boosters have a longer curve which is perhaps the price you have to pay for using a much safer product. It can be months of booster use before you see substantial improvements.
Safety
Prohormones are classified as controlled substances. That alone tells you all you need to know about their safety reputation. In contrast, testosterone boosters are safe – so safe that the FDA regulates them in the same way it does food products.
Who should use which?
Use a testosterone booster If:
I’m going to repeat it for as long as necessary so here we go again – prohormones are a prohibited substance. I’m sharing these reasons only on the presumption that you have the legal and medical greenlight to use them. Under those preconditions, use a prohormone only if:
Conclusion
Prohormones would be a reasonable choice if your goal is a rapid increase in testosterone. But they are dangerous and often illegal. Do not use them unless you have a doctor’s clearance and obtained the legal go ahead. Testosterone boosters are slower but sure. You can count on their safety and legality. No worries about battling serious medical conditions over the long term.
I have taken Prohormones & found that they rapidly increase my pec muscles and my stamina .. I’m 77 years.