Prohormones (PH) and Designer Anabolics

Category: Pro Hormones

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Introduction to Pro Hormones and Designer Anabolics

This guide is a useful introduction to the world of Prohormones and so-called Designer Anabolics, sometimes known as OTC (over the counter) steroids or OTS (off the shelf) steroids. If you have spent any time investigating physique development, sports training or just male health forums you will almost certainly have come across some of these terms by now. This guide is an attempt to help even beginners understand and plan their entry into this world of supplementation.

What is a prohormone?

In purely technical definition a pro-hormone is a precursor compound that converts in the body to an actual hormone via an enzymatic process (the action of specific enzymes). In medical or biochemical terminology there can be a wide range of these pro-hormones although in general, in terms of products sold to the public and of interest to athletes are those compounds that convert into anabolic, androgenic hormones which have similar effects to AAS (anabolic androgenic steroids). Much like the male sex hormone Testosterone (by no means the only anabolic androgenic steroidal compound but the most well known) these hormones create an environment in the body similar to puberty where muscle tissue is rapidly acquired, along with rises in physical strength and aggression.

In the world of the sports supplement industry pro-hormone may no longer be a truly useful term due to the sheer range of options that were and are available. Some compounds are true pro-hormones and do convert into a hormone through enzymatic process, some have a variant action of their own as well as converting and others yet may be direct converters to steroids or even act in a similar manner to a steroid itself. A direct converter may be described as a pro-steroid, although given the sheer range of medical and chemical terminology abounding, it may be simpler to refer to these as Designer Anabolics. You may often hear the term ‘Designers’ on muscle and fitness forums and this will often encompass this whole range of ‘hormonal’ anabolics.

Basic definitions : Pro Hormones

To help you understand a few of the principles involved there follows a basic explanation of some of the common definitions used in this discussion. This does not attempt to be a full medical article and is aimed at enthusiasts but can generally be used by any level of trainee for further understanding.

The term ‘Anabolic’ simply means tissue accumulation or a substance essential to this process. In terms of pro-hormones or steroids then the term Anabolic simply refers to the hormones tendency to produce tissue (usually muscle tissue built from amino acids, the building blocks of proteins) gains. This is the opposite of ‘Catabolic’ or muscle wasting, which occurs when stresses require the disassembling of tissue structures through hormones such as Cortisol.

The term ‘Androgenic’ refers to the masculinisation or ‘male-characterising’ effects of a hormone. Testosterone as one of the principle male sex hormones is one of the primary distinguishing factors between the sexes, with females primarily more dominant in the estrogen (sometimes spelt oestrogen) and progesterone hormones. Although men and women both produce these hormones, it is the ratios which account for many of the ‘typical’ differences. Androgenic hormones tend to confer a higher and more aggressive sex drive, physical aggression, confidence, larger muscle build, strength and social dominance.

Pro-Hormones and Designer Anabolics do not necessarily work in the identical pathways to the principal sex hormones testosterone or estrogen but they will tend to have a degree of both characteristics, Anabolic and Androgenic.

Both sex hormones can have unwanted side effects due to their conversion and interaction through various pathways in the body. For instance, Androgenic hormones tend to increase skin oil production, DHT conversion in the scalp and aggression. This is one of the principal reasons why boys during puberty exhibit acne and the development of facial and pubic hair across their body. The conversion to DHT can also lead to hair thinning or male pattern baldness (in the presence of certain gene expressions dependant on the individual gene makeup) or prostate enlargement.

Oestrogenic or Progestogenic hormones can often lead to increased feminine characterised fat gain (typically around the hips and buttocks), increased water retention (usually known as bloat) and disrupted sex drive, at least when present in males at unwarranted ratios.

In the early days of steroid design, the more or less 50/50 anabolic/androgenic makeup of male testosterone was considered unimpressive and the synthetic hormones designed by scientists aimed for a ‘pure’ anabolic, a compound that would not have the androgenic propensity to convert into unwanted hormones with accompanying fat gain or have androgenic side effects such as acne etc. Although a whole range of steroids have been designed over the years, it quickly became apparent that producing a near pure anabolic meant that the male body suffered some low androgen side effects, principally virtual collapse of sexual drive and function, depressive mood and lethargy and even joint pain and other discomfort.

Although Pro-Hormones and Designer Anabolics cannot be considered exactly the same as pharmaceutical AA steroids many of these terms and effects will apply in equal measure.

Use of pro-hormones and designer anabolics

Unlike steroids, which can often come in the form of injectables as well as orals, almost all Pro-Hormones and Designers are Oral only, although there are a few compounds designed as transdermals (sprays or gels that enter the bloodstream by passing through the skin). In general this article will deal with the oral delivery method as this is most common.

When one of these PH (prohormone) or DA (Designer Anabolics) is consumed it expresses it’s action through a whole variety of chemical pathways in the human body. However of primary concern to the user is the effect upon the Androgen, Estrogen and Progesterone receptors. These are the pathways through which the primary effects of the hormones will be mediated and expressed.

Note that there is much discussion of various compounds that have a stronger or weaker affinity for the Androgen receptors. You may find these, much like steroids, classed as Type I or Type II (sometimes Class I or Class II - though this sometimes confuses with class or schedule of drug laws). A Type I hormone has a strong affinity for the androgen receptor and much of it’s effect is to do with how it binds to these receptor sites. A Type II has a weaker binding to the androgen receptor and enacts its effects through other pathways. There is much more discussion of this in the chapter entitled ‘Stacking’ when the concurrent use of Type I and Type II PH and DA can elicit greater effects.

The nature of Pro Hormones

The use of Prohormones with a high androgenic nature will generally create a rapid rise in dry, lean muscle acquisition, improved CNS (central nervous stimulation) resulting in improved strength, hardness and definition, concurrent fat loss, increase in the size and duration of ‘pumps’ due to training, increased red blood cell counts - causing increased energy and endurance and speed as well as large rises in libido (sex drive), aggression, confidence and dominant mental attitudes. Androgenic effects can also include increased oil skin production, resulting in acne, increased beard growth, possible thinning or receding hairline, prostate enlargement and blood lipid value alterations.

The use of Pro-Hormones or Designer Anabolics with a noticeably Estrogenic or Progestogenic nature will usually result in rapid gains in overall mass and muscle size but with some additional fat gain and increased water retention. Side effects can include lowered or disrupted sex drive, feminine fat deposits and gynecomastia (development of breast tissue - sometimes referred to as Bitch Tits).

Note there are a whole variety of Pro Hormone and Designer Anabolic profiles that do not neatly fit into the above categories, some showing the effects from both to some degree. It is often important how the compound converts via other pathways, what it can convert into and what other hormones or pro hormones are present in the body at the time to mediate these effects and conversions.

Pro Hormones in your body

Pro Hormone use generally follows the pattern established by synthetic steroid use. We assign the compounds into cycles. A cycle suggests building the compounds (along with other ancillary supplements usually) into a specified length of time to achieve a desired goal. Generally speaking we cannot use pro hormones indefinitely, they should be chosen to enact certain effects for a specified phase before cessation of use and a return to ‘natural’ or ‘un-supported’ training.

When you introduce a synthetic steroid or pro hormone product into your body, assuming it converts into enough of a suitable anabolic hormone, you will allow the compounds to begin binding to receptors and converting into further metabolites, creating a range of beneficial physique effects. You will also cause disruption to your body’s natural hormonal balance. In men this is usually referred to as the HPTA or the Hypothalamic, Pituitary, Testicular Axis. These three organ systems - the Hypothalamus, the Pituitary Gland and the Testes - are responsible for the production, monitoring and regulation of the sex hormone testosterone in the male body. The body tends to remain in a state of homeostasis (it tends to return to a baseline level), this means that after the growth spurts of the teenage and early twenties, most growth ceases to be hormonally charged and is simply a matter of training effect and dietary nutrition. However, the introduction and conversion of a pro hormone radically alters this balance into a positive androgenic state. The body is now in a situation more reminiscent of puberty or adolescence where rapid changes can be made. This is why muscle gains during pro hormone or steroid use can so vastly outweigh those made ‘naturally’ or without such anabolic hormones present.

In the case of some steroids and prohormones the anabolic effect of these modern supplemental hormones can outweigh even that of human testosterone by a factor of hundreds.

The human body however is based around a series of balancing ‘feedback loops’. The body itself cannot ‘see’ hormone alterations, it is more like a series of natural dams. When too much of a substance, such as a hormone, becomes present, the body effectively ‘down-regulates’ the enzymes or production of the hormones in question, attempting to reach a balance. This is what happens during most steroid or pro hormone cycling. The HPTA becomes disrupted and during the cycle the body ‘suppresses’ or downgrades the production of natural endogenous testosterone (endogenous being substances made within the body) often to a near standstill.

During the cycle, if correct dosages are used and combinations chosen wisely, this disruption does not particularly matter as the compounds used will more than compensate and gains will come rapidly. Unfortunately, due to both health and effectiveness reasons (not to mention budget) we cannot remain on these pro hormones or designer anabolics indefinitely and must end the cycle at a stated point. At this stage the body is now devoid of both the exogenous (introduced hormone from outside the body) and the natural testosterone produced and regulated by the HPT Axis. This unfortunate state is known as ‘suppression’, ‘shut-down’ or just ‘post cycle crash’. In this state the body is ill-prepared to retain the new muscle tissue gained or consolidate the fat loss managed. This is where PCT (Post Cycle Therapy) becomes appropriate. PCT is the protocol of using other substances to raise natural testosterone levels back rapidly to baseline levels or above and reduce excess estrogen to protect the gains. For a fuller understanding of both the biology and practical applications of Post Cycle Therapy protocols please see our Physique-IQ guide.

Before we get to this stage however we must assess how pro hormones, pro steroids and AAS actually reach the bloodstream. When we ingest a hormonal substance orally, it digests in the stomach and must pass into the digestive tract and further into the blood stream without being deactivated or flushed from the system. The liver is the primary organ associated with this filtering process. If a hormonal product does not even reach the bloodstream it will have no chance to mediate its effects and will be effectively useless.

The first pro hormone generally sold as a supplement in 1996 was the Patrick Arnold devised androstenedione. More typically known as just ‘andro’. Offering a simple conversion into testosterone this product achieved a great deal of hype and interest in the athletic world as a serious alternative to steroid use, making it’s most infamous news highlight around the career of U.S Baseball player Mark McGwire.

Unfortunately, although this product could theoretically convert into testosterone through an enzymatic conversion process, the product ingested produced so little final result that it became obvious it had what is known as poor oral bio-availability I.e. only a very low percentage of the compound ever actually got converted into the target hormones.

This swiftly altered with the introduction of further pro hormone advances and many later products have excellent bio-availability, often in the region of 15% or better (especially with modern delivery systems and the ingestion of proper fats - easily enough to produce proper anabolic effects). Some people on the internet, most usually those familiar only with underground steroid products, can be found dismissing all pro hormones as ‘useless’ because they do not convert. This is patently false and many pro hormones, particularly 1-AD and 4-AD (currently available as Anabolix-AD and Andromale-AD by Androtech Labs) 19-Nor based compounds (some still available through various supplement manufacturers) and products such as 3-AD by Anabolic Xtreme, have shown excellent conversion. Not all pro hormones convert to testosterone, resultant target anabolic hormones can include nandrolone, boldenone, dihydrotestosterone (DHT) and 1-Testosterone (not to be confused with actual testosterone) amongst others.

Methylation and side effects of Pro Hormones and Designer Anabolics -

One of the earliest technologies applied to oral steroids (as well as a host of other medicinal compounds with poor oral bio-availability) was methylation. This chemical restructuring essentially protected the hormone during the first pass through the liver, ensuring the majority of the compound survived into the bloodstream intact. This also meant that a much smaller amount of the compound was needed.

For various reasons methylation also tended to make oral products stronger, although the reasons for this are still not always clear (often due to the refusal of medical professionals to experiment on steroid-using athletes as an unethical practice).

The next step for both Pro-Hormones, Pro-Steroids and Designer Anabolics was the introduction of methylated compounds. This usually comes in the form of 17AA methylation. This allowed a whole host of new and more powerful compounds that were useless before to now mediate an effect in the body.

Unfortunately methylation does come with possible negative side effects. The liver must constantly filter and detoxify the body against all manner of stresses, alcohol, environmental toxins and pollutants, medicines, poor nutrition etc. Methylation offers a serious extra stress on the liver’s resources and it’s ability to detoxify itself and the body. Hepatic stress (stress on the liver) can have a variety of side effects, including lethargy, altered blood pressure and appetite suppression. Extreme liver damage is generally unlikely as long as products are not abused at excessive doses or beyond cycle guidelines but your health should always be a priority. For this reason methylated compounds should be used with an extra degree of care to avoid excess stress. Increased water intake is useful. Always practice avoidance of alcohol and other liver stressing chemicals at the same time. There are numerous liver support formulas that are available that are particularly useful. Herbal extracts such as milk thistle (Silymarin flavonolignan) and compounds such as N-AcetylCysteine (NAC) are well known for their protective effects and should always be used when cycling methylated compounds.

Contrary to popular belief you can rarely see and certainly do not ‘feel’ liver stress as pain. The effects on blood pressure and possible appetite changes are the usual symptoms with jaundice occurring in the event of extreme damage from abuse. Some people experience ‘back pumps’ a feeling of fullness or aching in the lower back when using very heavy cycle compounds or stacks. This is not a sign of liver stress. In cases of sharp pain it could be kidney related but in general this is simply the side effect of high blood volume and the overuse of the back muscles during most training. However, just because you don’t ‘see’ liver stress doesn’t mean it should be ignored. If you are particularly worried about liver stress or have suffered liver problems in the past you can avoid methylated compounds entirely, although this does cut down on your available choice of cycles.

General side effects & protection based on PH or DS usage -

All of our hormones tend to have primary and secondary functions. Many can be subsequently broken down, metabolised or converted through various pathways into other hormonal compounds, all of which can have secondary effects than the intended ones. Methylation and liver stress is generally considered the principal worrying side effect with oral prohormone use but obviously interference with natural hormone levels can have others.

Much like the natural sex hormones in our body, taking prohormones or designer anabolics can cause similar effects to when these spike in our systems. There are also numerous ways of alleviating or even avoiding these unwanted side effects in many cases.

It is not automatically true that weaker pro hormones have less side effects but this does tend to be the case amongst most products. This is part of choosing what substances are right for you in particular. For instance extremely powerful mass gaining compounds such as 17-T-Alpha (Methyl-1-Test variant) can cause far more mass gain than virtually anything else but the side effects will be far higher than a compound such as Straight 11 Test (Andrenosterone variant) which is very mild but doesn’t cause huge gains in size. There are some odd variants out there though, the Andro stack of Anabolix-AD and Andromale-AD (1-AD and 4-AD variants) for instance are very powerful but have much lower side effects than most compounds, although these sorts of products are generally expensive.

Typical side effects of pro hormone use tend to be similar to that of the target hormones and receptors involved. Typical side effects include:

Acne from pro hormone or designer anabolic application -

Much like testosterone, many prohormones can increase oily skin through the production of sebum. Much like most teenagers and even into adulthood, this can lead to an increased prevalence of acne. The increase in acne varies enormously between individuals, if you have suffered extreme acne in the past then a recurrence is more likely, however it is very unlikely to cause acne if you do not have a genetic tendency to it. Acne from different pro hormones can have slight differences, some compounds tend to cause more acne on the shoulders and back (sometimes nicknamed ‘bacne’ or ‘andro-acne’) while others may affect the face. Compounds that convert to DHT (Dihydrotestosterone) which is very active in both the skin and scalp are the worst offenders in this case, but again there are numerous ways to minimise or avoid this.

Firstly and easiest to manage is nutrition. Although the common myth goes that diet has no part in causing spots this is of course untrue. The foods we eat go a long way to producing the hormones and chemical reactions in our bodies that alter our appearance and function. Diets high in refined sugars - particularly high fructose corn syrup, poor fats, trans-fatty-acids, some dairy and even some fruits can cause increased levels of IGF-1 and other hormonal spikes that lead to increased acne prevalence. A diet that minimises these and concentrates on clean proteins, high fibre grains, vegetables and nutrient dense foods is known to drastically reduce acne in the long term.

Secondly direct washing and hygiene can help. Clothes and bed linens should be washed regularly to prevent skin debris and dirt particles coming into constant skin contact. Although harsh over-washing of the skin can actually worsen the situation, regular use of products containing salicylic acid, glycolic acid and alpha-hydroxy-acids and other natural anti-inflammatory agents can greatly reduce breakouts and minimise spots that already occur. You can find specialised spot treatments at your chemist and supermarkets now that help reduce spots overnight and reduce further eruptions before they occur.

Sunlight exposure, preferably from real daylight, although UV lamps can be acceptable in moderation, help reduce acne significantly. UV radiation kills much of the bacteria in the skin which is responsible for acne as well as increasing vitamin D levels in the body which is a known skin improving formula (amongst many other positive benefits). It is important never to burn in the sun as this causes massive damage to the body, but enough exposure, preferably built up over several weeks to allow adjustment, enough to cause a slight pinkening of the skin will treat many acne cases, even those considered very severe.

Where sun exposure is impractical the supplemental use of Vitamin D is an acceptable alternative. Sources should be extremely high quality and dosed at between 2000 - 10000 I.U.s per day. Please note that Vitamin D is the only known vitamin that can be both consumed and produced by sun exposure in this fashion. Unfortunately too much Vitamin D may be as harmful as too little. For this reason during summer, holidays in sunny countries or if you live in sunny locations with a lot of exposure, reduce your oral intake of this product. In darker conditions such as northern winters or if you receive very little direct sunlight during the summer due to your working conditions for example, you may wish to opt for the higher intakes.

Supplemental use of high quality essential fatty acids reduces the poor fats that can lead to excess sebum production. Various herbal extracts are also known to minimise acne, including bilberry, goldenseal, dandelion, turmeric. Use of Neem oil, a natural cleansing oil, both topically (on the affected skin) and internally (swallowed capsules) is a well documented aid in reducing acne of all severities. The regular use of high quality probiotics may also provide some defence. The use of Zinc, particularly in ZMA (Zinc Magnesium blends) is one of the primary defenders of wound healing and clean skin and should be considered by all prohormone users.

Medical options such as topical benzyl peroxide and tetracycline based antibiotics can be prescribed to directly reduce acne and show excellent results although these treat the symptoms directly and do not reduce the underlying causes in the way that nutrition and supplementation can. The use of Accutaine/Accutane is also sometimes prescribed but this is a highly toxic drug with a whole host of side effects itself and is not recommended without serious discussion with a medical professional first.

Extreme cases of acne, including cystic acne will be present during puberty and have no relation to prohormone use but the advice above can be used by regular acne sufferers and is not limited to prohormone use. In very extreme cases the current advances in laser-skin treatments has shown remarkable results. There are various procedures, some more suitable for certain skin pigmentations and sensitivities than others. These tend to be very expensive and must be used in courses, meaning the costs can mount up, but by applying thermal laser technology, which delves down into the lower dermis areas, large areas of skin can be treated and much acne wiped out. Treatment is usually followed up with some of the above topical treatments, however we recommend altering the diet as well to stop recurrences. The proper increase in healthy omega 3 fatty acids can help prevent both acne and skin dryness caused by laser treatments.

Hypertension through pro hormone or designer anabolic application -

Hypertension or increased blood pressure can be a side effect of some stronger prohormones. In general the effect is not harmful or extreme but for those with a history of very high blood pressure already, it may be worth consulting a medical professional before using a prohormone course, as well as avoiding harsher compounds altogether.

The herbal extract from Hawthorn Berry is known for it’s blood-pressure reducing activity and is very widely used by prohormone experts to minimise this problem.

Regular supplementation with fish oils or other omega-3 containing oils are also known to lower overall blood pressure and help alleviate hypertensive spikes.

Proper hydration and regular water intake can also help in this regard.

If hypertension is due to excessive water/salt bloat from heavily ‘wet’ compounds please see the section on that side effect for further advice.

Hair-thinning/loss with pro hormones or desinger anabolics -

DHT (Dihydrotestosterone) one of the primary sex hormones in men can be very active in the scalp and skin. In the scalp, for those with a genetic predisposition, excess DHT can cause the blocking of hair follicles and some thinning of hair. The receding hair line around the temples is typically found in men and known as Androgen related alopecia or Male Pattern Baldness. This effect is usually found only in men with certain genetic inheritances (the primary gene is inherited from the maternal side of the family, not your paternal side although there may be other gene expressions involved in other forms of hair loss patterns). What this means is that some pro hormones may accelerate the loss of hair, although usually only those that convert greatly to DHT and only in men with a genetic propensity for it.

If you are extremely concerned about hair loss your first and most obvious defence is simply to avoid those compounds which show a major conversion to DHT and have a history of causing this problem. There are still numerous prohormones that are much kinder to your hair and can be used with more safety. Read the product reviews carefully before choosing, or feel free to check with our Physique-IQ.com prohormone team first who will be able to advise you on the best choices.

The use of topical hair treatments such as Nizoral shampoo etc has shown some anecdotal evidence of protecting hair but this may not be scientifically verifiable.

The use of natural DHT-blockers such as Saw Palmetto Oil in men may have some mild protective use. More powerful medical DHT-blockers such as Propecia (prescription medication) may help prevent hair loss more successfully but as a prescription drug you may need to seek a doctors approval or visit a specialist hair loss clinic for these compounds depending on your country of origin.

Currently there are a new wave of enzymatic and stem-cell related treatments for the prevention of hair loss and even natural hair renewal in ongoing studies. These may be years away yet from general availability so please be careful if they are advertised as there are many unscrupulous sellers trying to make fast money off fake procedures. When and if these treatments show proven results and have public accessibility we will of course update all our physique-IQ clients.

Prostate issues with Pro Hormones or Designer Anabolics -

Although not fully understood or proven, it is possible that the high conversion into DHT metabolites may cause irritation or enhanced enlargement of the prostate. Again, much like hair loss this is likely to be mostly reserved to those compounds which show a high degree of conversion to DHT and again in men with a genetic propensity for this problem. It is generally known that men with high testosterone levels and higher sex drives show more prostate problems in later life, although the exact relationship between testosterone to DHT conversion and prostate issues is still unclear. It may be that another factor is at work, as men with higher testosterone tend to be greater risk-taking personalities, which may involve other nutritional, lifestyle or drug use factors.

Much like hair loss the use of natural DHT blockers such as Saw Palmetto Oil are advisable. For those who have experienced prostate problems before or have a male family history of problems may also be prescribed Proscar (a high dose variant of the Propecia hair loss DHT blocker).

Some medical professionals believe prostate enlargement and other problems may have links more to Progestogenic and Oestrogenic converting compounds due to other pathways and as such the use of estrogen blockers may show some benefit.

As ever a healthy diet, with high intake of cruciferous vegetables such as Broccoli, is highly advised.

The avoidance of strongly DHT converting compounds may be advisable for those with prostate issues or concerns. There are many Prohormone and Designer Anabolics to choose from that have little to no direct DHT conversion and Physique-IQ staff can advise you directly before any purchase.

Water/salt retention/bloat whilst using pro hormones or designer anabolics -

The use of some compounds, primarily those with some Estrogenic or Progestogenic conversion tendencies, can show a large increase in bloat. This is where water accumulates under the skin often due to salt/sodium alterations in blood chemistry, causing a ‘puffy’ or smooth look and often causing increased blood pressure (hypertension). This is primarily a problem with those compounds that have direct conversion to an Estrogenic or Progestogenic metabolite and the reason why some compounds are referred to as ‘wet’. The use of compounds that cause ‘wet’ gains are generally used for bulking and sheer mass gain. Although the quality of the gains are not entirely raw, lean, hard muscle (usually referred to as ‘dry’ gains) they generally far outweigh those of dry compounds simply because Estrogen and Progesterone have very positive effects on IGF-1 and other insulin like growth factors which aid rapid weight gain. In some cases during bulking, some water retention may be useful and even helpful as it can cushion the joints, preventing injuries during heavy lifting as strength levels rise rapidly.

Unfortunately the rise in water bloat can look decidedly unattractive, with the face bloating, hands and fingers becoming swollen and hard muscle definition vanishing. Clearly these types of compounds are rarely useful for dieting to a lean physique finish or maximum speed or dynamic performance but they can be very helpful for those who struggle to gain mass or for when absolute mass is needed in a short time.

The increase in sodium/salt retention can also lead to increased blood pressure (hypertension) which can cause headaches, stress, difficulty sleeping and in the worst cases nose bleeds.

There are several ways of treating water/salt retention. First is dietary, with the reduction in treated salt products and added salt. The use of potassium based ingredients can reset this imbalance.

Increased water intake is always advisable for athletes regardless of what products are used but during bulking with converting compounds it is even more important. It may sound counter-intuitive that drinking more water can reduce water retention but the increase can convince the body to flush water from beneath the skin where it is useless and harmful.

The use of diuretics can also help. A diuretic is simply a compound, herbal or pharmaceutical, that increases the removal of excess fluid from the body by urination. There are many different water and fluid relief diuretics in the supplement world, ranging from the very mild which can be used daily, to the extremely potent which should be used for a few days at most. All increase the amount you will go to the toilet to urinate and along with increased water intake, you will generally see and feel some relief from bloating within a day or so.

Category: Diuretics

Compounds that prevent estrogenic conversion may also be stacked on cycle to minimise this problem. Blocking Progestogenic conversion is trickier but can be accomplished. There are separate compounds in the form of anti-estrogen formulas, both supplemental and pharmaceutical that can be employed alongside your prohormone. There are also a number of prohormones themselves that can block some conversion by their own unique form of action and it can be wise to stack one of these alongside a heavy bulking cycle compound to minimise the side effects. Please read up on some popular stacks, check our product files or ask one of our Physique-IQ experts who can advise you on particular combinations that may work best for your needs.

Gynecomastia off Pro Hormones or Designer Anabolics -

Gynecomastia, more commonly referred to as just Gyno or Bitch Tits, refers to the swelling or development of female breast tissue in men. Gynecomastia can occur in men who have a natural hormone imbalance, often caused by stress or poor diet. There are several syndromes that can also lead to this unwanted effect and it can also develop during puberty in some young men. Prohormone and Designer Anabolics much like certain steroids can also instigate or aggravate cases of Gynecomastia if they are the kind that convert into Oestrogen or Progesterone (two hormones generally more central in females).

Gynecomastia usually appears as sore or ‘puffy’ nipples, this progresses to slight bumps under the nipple area and in extreme cases can develop noticeable breast like tissue. This occurs when estrogen or progesterone like compounds bind to their receptors in this area of the male body.

The important thing to remember about Gynecomastia is that prevention is better than cure. Avoiding the development in the first place is far easier than trying to rid yourself of this tissue build up once it becomes established. In the worst cases the only option may be specialist surgery to remove the breast tissue.

Prohormones do not automatically cause Gyno, in fact many do not have much risk at all, but there are numerous compounds where it may be a graduated risk. The risk factor is increased depending upon your natural genetic propensity to this problem, your alcohol intake and overall body fat (higher body fat percentages tend to make estrogen conversion easier) and the types, doses and cycle lengths of prohormones or anabolics used. It is important to check how much of a risk factor gynecomastia might be with the compound(s) you wish to use and to plan accordingly.

Basic prevention techniques involve simple things such as not using high risk prohormones when you are a high body fat, limiting the cycle length and doses of troublesome converting compounds and following a diet rich in natural anti-estrogen foods such as Broccoli and other cruciferous vegetables, which show a built in ability to limit the excess of estrogen metabolites.

There are, of course, numerous supplemental protections you can use alongside a cycle. These may be referred to as ancillaries, anti-estrogens or anti-e supplements. There are natural anti-estrogens as well as more complex synthetic choices.

Anti-Estrogens come in 3 primary forms, all of which reduce or control Estrogen in different ways.

SERM’S – (Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulators.) SERM's represent the earliest and most commonplace form of estrogen control in the medical field. As the name suggests they work by altering and blocking estrogens ability to bind to receptor sites, thus altering their function. They do not eliminate the existence of estrogen precisely but block it from binding or exerting certain effects in various tissues and environments within the body.

Medical prescription SERM’S include Tamoxifen Citrate (commonly called Nolvadex), Clomiphene Citrate (commonly called Clomid) and Toremifene Citrate.

Nolvadex has a long history of use in the treatment of breast cancer as it often reduces Estrogens affect in breast tissue. Clomid has regularly been prescribed as a fertility drug as it shows some ability to enhance the hormone release for pregnancy.
You may certainly have heard of these compounds and they are very well known, however they are prescription medications and are not generally available through supplement stores and may be controlled substances in certain countries.

Natural SERM’S include Resveratrol – a powerful anti-oxidant and anti-toxin which is found in grape skins and red wine amongst other natural sources and which has been shown to increase life-span as well as helping to modulate Estrogenic overload.

Other legal compounds are sometimes touted as natural SERM’S and evidence is mounting in some cases.

Next generation SERMs are becoming available now.

Legalised chemical SERMs are now coming on to the market as well and may represent a much improved option to obtaining black market or non-prescription Nolvadex or Clomid for instance. Our product index can confirm where a product acts as a SERM.

AI’s – (Aromatase Inhibitors) AI’s work by blocking the action of the Aromatase enzyme which is responsible for the conversion of testosterone to estradiol and androstenendione to estrone. This effectively shuts down the over-production of Estrogen which can often be converted from excess male androgens used during the cycle.

Medical AI’s include the drugs anastrozole (Arimidex), letrozole (Femara) and exemestane (Aromasin).

Supplemental AI’s that are commonly sold legally include 4-etioallocholen-3,6,17-trione (6-OXO), 6-Bromoandrostenedione (a variant on the 6-oxo compound) Chrysin and high levels of Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid).


ATD - 1, 4, 6-androstatriene-3, 17-dione is an andro derived product that is relatively new compared to the other Anti-Estrogen regulars. This compound is legally available and seems to work in a similar way to steroidal anti-estrogens which actively cause a natural rise in testosterone conversion and a concurrent drop in Estrogen levels by altering signals in the hypothalamus.

ATD type compounds show a far faster improvement in baseline testosterone levels than most compounds and a more drastic reduction in estrogen, however, due to the way they operate some men notice an odd reduction in sexual drive. This does not affect all men (indeed some anecdotal evidence suggests the opposite) but it may be worth considering complementing ATD compounds with other compounds to maintain sex drive.

In terms of preventing gyno, the most commonly applied anti-estrogens are SERMs although a preference for AI based compounds has come into practice over recent years. Tamoxifen Citrate (Nolvadex) and legal compounds such as PharmaLabs Esto Suppress (legal Nolvadex essentially) are still noted most for the ability to block estrogen in breast tissue and offer more defence directly against Gynecomastia starting or worsening. You may find that many of these compounds are often advised for PCT (Post Cycle Therapy) but they can be used during a cycle as well to help minimise or prevent Gynecomastia as well as to limit other high conversion estrogenic problems, such as excess female fat accumulation and overt water retention.

There is also the use of the prohormone 2, 3a-epithio-17a-methyletioallo cholan-17b-ol, commonly known as Epistane (sold as Straight Epi by Black China Labs for instance and several others). This particular prohormone exhibit’s a very strong anti-estrogenic effect and is particularly noted for it’s ability to combat and, in some cases, even reverse Gynecomastia that already exists. This prohormone can be a very popular choice by itself, or stacked with other compounds to help minimise Gynecomastia risk factors with harsher cycle stacks.

Category: Anti Estrogens

Testicular shrinkage & lowered sperm count on Pro Hormones or Designer Anabolics

As with any disruption to the HPTA (Hypothalamic Pituitary Testicular Axis) the body may express it’s suppression of natural testosterone production in various ways. Once natural testosterone produced in the testes may be minimized by use of an exogenous (from outside the body) hormone or hormones, they can reduce in size as they become unneeded. The use of androgens can also temporarily inhibit sperm production (in fact testosterone analogues have been used as male contraceptives for some time). These affects are generally only temporary and apply only to the time on cycle. Once cycles are completed and proper PCT (post cycle therapy) is used, sperm counts return to normal and the testes return to normal size.

There is no long term affect on fertility from prohormone use, even with repeated use, that has been shown evidentially. The effect appears to be limited to the hormonal change in the male body and once the axis is rebalanced, the state returns to normal. However due to the mild contraceptive effect of prohormones you should avoid cycling on if you are trying for a pregnancy or are donating sperm.

Testicular shrinkage again is not a feature of all prohormones or designer anabolics, but in some cases the harsher the compound or the more compounds are stacked the more noticeable the effect will be. Particularly with compounds that convert readily. It is possible to block the testicular shrinkage of many compounds by the concurrent use of anti-estrogens such as Tamoxifen Citrate (commonly called Nolvadex) Clomiphene Citrate (commonly called Clomid) and legal SERM variants such as the PharmaLabs Esto-Suppress supplement. These compounds minimise the effect and can retain your testicular size during heavy prohormone use.

Sexual function changes on pro hormones or desinger anabolics -

The affect on your sex drive (libido) and sexual function (potency) will vary greatly depending on the compound you are using. Some compounds are fairly neutral with no major changes in either direction. Some may cause a reduction in sex drive and function, especially those with very pure anabolic ratios with low androgenic activity. This problem tends to occur in the later stages of a cycle but can be noticeable into the PCT protocol phase. Some compounds, especially those with an androgenic activity tend to cause a sudden and very rapid rise in libido and potency and you may in fact find it difficult to concentrate on anything else!

There are numerous supplements that can be used alongside a cycle to minimise any disruption to sex drive, but the most common route is to always stack a problematic compound with one that alleviates the problem. For instance a very anabolic prohormone can be stacked with a very androgenic compound to offer an overall balance and avert sexual dysfunction. If sexual function is impaired moving into proper PCT protocol will normally restore it after a short interruption.

Many men rely on prescription drugs such as Viagra and Cialis to maintain sexual function but it is important to remember that these compounds, while impacting function, do not have any pharmacological effect on sex drive or ‘desire’. For this actual androgenic compounds are required. The most powerful androgen utilised here at Physique-IQ still tends to be the Andromale-AD which is the Androtech Labs brand name for 4-AD, this is a precursor to testosterone and offers a very powerful androgen quotient that keeps sex drive, focus and confidence high even when using other more detrimental compounds alongside.

Assessing your pro hormones or desinger anabolic cycle

There are a number of requirements to bear in mind before planning a pro hormone cycle. First, users should be male - the introduction of androgenic hormones into the female body in such quantities can have irreversibly damaging and altering effects and is absolutely not advised. Secondly users should generally be at least 21. Before this age very few athletes will have completed their natural growth and baseline hormone levels should still be relatively high. The use of pro hormones on immature body’s is not only less effective but could potentially limit future natural gains if used too early. As with steroids, pro hormones and designer anabolics work best on a body that already has a base foundation of muscle and some training experience. Muscle tissue that is already developed through training is primed for anabolic hormonal activity - for this reason users should have around 2 years or more decent training experience before considering pro hormone cycles.

When considering a pro hormone cycle you should assess your goals and choose from the four main cycle types. Although these are not always described in the same way they do cover the primary goals of most people.

Bulking - A bulking cycle is primarily focused on new mass gain, weight gain is prioritised over all other considerations. A certain amount of fat accumulation can be considered acceptable. Some water retention may be tolerated as it cushions joints during the extremely heavy lifting used for mass gains. Bulking cycles will often consist of harsher compounds, occasionally stacked together for maximum all out size development.

Cutting - For extreme fat loss restricted calories and increased energy expenditure will be required. Unfortunately this precarious balance can often result in some muscle wasting. However a properly designed Cutting cycle will employ pro hormones that can both preserve muscle even on low calories as well as compounds that show an affinity to reducing fat and hardening muscle for the best looking final physique finish.

Recomposition - This can be considered the half way goal. In a Recomposition cycle the primary goal is to end up at approximately the same overall weight but an overall reduction in body fat with some lean muscle increases to balance this out. Recomposition will generally require a stack of pro hormones that balance each other, with some muscle and strength improvements and concurrent hardening compounds.

Performance - Whether it’s breaking through strength plateaus, increasing athletic ability or enhancing fight abilities pro hormones can also be cycled in order to achieve specific performance related goals. Be aware however of any substance controls employed in organised sports however as some will not allow pro hormone use.

Much like regular training you will generally find your progress is enhanced by choosing a specific goal and working towards it. Although many people say they wish to both add a huge amount of new muscle and get exceedingly lean it’s very rare to be able to accomplish both in one phase. It would require almost total nutritional dedication, near perfect genetics and pro-athlete amounts of time to train hours daily. However vast leaps forward are possible for even ordinary people with regular jobs and time constraints by working in phases. For instance, an extremely skinny individual who, despite excellent training and diet has always struggled to gain size but would like to retain their extreme leanness would probably be best following a bulking cycle first and accepting a little fat gain to add some foundational mass. After recovery from this cycle a Recomposition may help further refine this muscle and reduce the gained body fat. At this stage the individual could decide to follow various routes. To become freakishly lean, a cutting cycle would likely allow model or bodybuilder low levels of body fat with magnificent definition and retained muscle tone. To continue with progress multiple recomposition cycles could be employed or again, if not enough mass has been developed, a further bulking cycle may be well tolerated. For many, repeated Recomposition cycles may offer the best results.

Choosing your pro hormones or stacks

It is extremely difficult, if not futile, to offer broad-stroke advice on which compounds everyone should use. Your genetics, your training style and experience, dedication, nutrition and other supplements and general lifestyle and stresses can have an enormous effect on how compounds may affect you individually.

The sensible option is to first consider your physique state, your goals (both short term and long term) and how much time and money you have to dedicate to reaching these. Here at Physique-IQ you will find an unrivalled resource of information and guides to each pro hormone available that may help you decide what is suitable. With our personalised advice service, honed with years of training clients and ourselves, our team members have some of the most extensive knowledge in the industry and can offer you a more tailored service. Do not automatically assume that the ‘strongest’ compound out there is the best as it may not be suitable for you or your goals. Read as much as you can about the compounds before choosing, don’t simply rely on marketing hype. Also be aware that although other people’s experiences are excellent sources of info you may not react exactly as another person to the same compound. If your friend has a very different build and constitution to you don’t expect that exactly the same compounds and cycles will suit you both.

Wherever possible your first cycle may be best with milder compounds and cycle durations should not exceed 4 weeks.

A typical cycle can last anywhere between 2 and 12 weeks, although 4 weeks (30 days typical) are the most common cycle lengths. 30 days on cycle followed by a 30 day PCT and then a 30 day break from hormonal compounds is a very useful consideration.

Other cycle types include pulse cycling - this is where specific compounds are used in high ‘pulses’ for a set number of days, before a break is taken, then another pulse. This is intended to offer a percentage of the cycle gains but with significantly lower side effects. Proponents of pulse cycling suggest only certain compounds are considered due to the need for fast acting pro hormones or designer anabolics (Straight Epi and other Epistane/Havoc compounds are often suggested here). Pulse cycling also has a lot of detractors. Generally it does require a lot more discipline and experience and may not be suitable for all goals.

Burst cycling or mini-cycling generally refers to 2 week on 2 week off repeating cycles. This involves short 14 day use of pro hormones followed by a 14 day part-PCT. These cycles are most often used with very harsh compounds that are unpleasant to use for extended periods but can offer significant gains with lower side effects in this manner. Compounds such as Methyl-1-Test (M1T, 17-T-Alpha) and Tren Bombs are often run this way.

It is also possible to run the Androstack (Andromale-AD + Anabolix AD, also known as 4-AD plus 1-AD) in this burst cycle format, although it is equally used in longer, more traditional cycles too.

Cycle duration will tend to be slightly longer when slow acting compounds such as 4-chloro-17a-methyl-1,4-diene-3,17 diol (Halodrol, Hemadrol, Super Halo - all manufacturers names for this compound) and 1,4-Androstadiene-3,17-dione (usually known as 1,4AD). These compounds, amongst others, may show more effect in later weeks so a more extended cycle may be advisable.

Longer cycles are also more common for fat loss cycles. However generally minimise the duration of heavy methylated prohormone cycles and only perform longer cycles with less harsh compounds.

In the vast majority of cases a proper PCT (Post Cycle Therapy) will be required. Post Cycle Therapy is the use of ancillary supplements to both restore natural testosterone production, balancing the HPT Axis and the minimisation of runaway estrogen production. Proper PCT is a central part of prohormone cycling and should not be considered an optional extra. Due to the complexity of PCT and please see the Physique-IQ guide to proper PCT Protocols for more detailed information on this process.

The Art of Stacking Pro Hormones or Designer Anabolics

Stacking is a term long used in steroid circles but it can easily apply to the world of prohormones and designer anabolics. Stacking simply refers to the practice of using two or more PH compounds together in a cycle in an effort to achieve a more specific effect.

The human body tends to have a wide blend of hormonal types in reality rather than one dominant above all others, and the use of lower doses of different blends of prohormones more closely mimics this effect in the body and tends to be safer and more effective than using a high dose of a single compound.

In general compounds will tend to be slightly more anabolic (tissue building) or androgenic (masculinising) so it can make sense to stack one of each together to offer a more balanced approach. It is also perfectly possible to stack three or even four different compounds together, especially if a specific effect from each is desired in a particular cycle.

The Physique-IQ.com product database contains stacking recommendations for each prohormone and designer anabolic compound however if you have a specific goal in mind, or would just prefer a more personalised plan, feel free to contact our advice team for a bespoke cycle recommendation, taking into account your budget, goals, current physique and experience and lifestyle and training factors.

Training on Prohormones or Designer Anabolics

Although each cycle type will obviously dictate the types of training that will be most effective (bulking tending towards high volume, heavy lifting for instance, or fat loss towards increased energy systems cardio training and short rest duration deficit training) there are a number of common factors to training considerations whilst on a cycle.

Generally, when training, the ideal goal is to elicit a training effect as often as possible without overtraining and going beyond your body’s recovery capacity. Train too little and the body has too little stimulus to grow and develop new and larger muscle tissues, train too much and the body will enter systemic stress and may actually end up cannibalizing healthy muscle tissue due to catabolic activity. Genetic variations mean we all have differing natural recovery abilities and mean some people can train more than others. Recovery ability also depends on proper rest, sleep, nutrition (especially quality protein) and other supplemental nutrients.

However while using prohormones and designer anabolics, regardless of which they are, your body will have an increased rate of recovery. The stronger the compounds the faster you will recover in general. This means an almost superhuman ability to train longer, harder, with heavier weights, shorter rest periods and more days a week, without hitting your recovery limits. Since you are limited to how much training you can achieve in this hyper-anabolic state by the length of the cycle used, it is generally a good idea to make the most of it.

In general increase both the duration and frequency of training. For all cycle types you should be able to push your maximal lifts up a decent amount in a much shorter period than before, you can handle extra sets and you may be able to increase overall volume in terms of reps or time under tension as well. As a basic rule, regardless of the cycle type chosen (unless you have a very specific sporting training system) you can train more frequently than normal. For instance if you weight train 3 days a week and perform sprint style cardio to keep fat levels low 2 mornings a week, you can safely increase weights to 4 days a week, possibly even 5 and perform sprint cardio up to 5 days a week as well. For muscle increases you may perform approximately double the number of sets you normally use and still recover.

Depending upon the speed with which your chosen cycle becomes effective you may wish to have a short transition up to this increased training level. Perhaps three to five days crossover is often advisable. Remember that your increased training will still require decent rest. Proper post workout and off day stretching is advisable to avoid injuries and imbalances. Especially during bulking or strength specific cycles you will likely be able to lift extra heavy weights and will gain strength very quickly due to both CNS (central nervous stimulation) and overall androgenic aggression and muscle fibre adaptation - for these reasons extra warm up sets may be advisable to ensure that joints are well lubricated before hitting the new weights too hard. Some prohormone and designer anabolic compounds are more suitable for this than others. ‘Wet’ compounds, I.e. those that convert rapidly into estrogen or progesterone and add mass rapidly but often smooth, lower quality bulk, will also tend to add extra joint lubrication and make heavy lifting safer. ‘Dry’ compounds, which are often favoured more in cutting and recomposition cycles can reduce excess water retention and create a leaner looking physique but sometimes at the expense of well lubricated joints. For this reason, you should always prepare carefully for greater than usual lifting and follow proper form to avoid any chance of injury from excess training loads.

Our Physique-IQ.com advice team can also advise you on suitable training regimes for your cycle goals.

Nutrition and Supplementation on Prohormones or Designer Anabolics

Generally your overall nutrition will be determined by the type of cycle and goals that you are aiming for. Bulking will require a calorie excess with more carbohydrates to balance out decent protein and fat levels. Cutting will almost certainly require very low carbohydrate intake with even higher protein to save muscle whilst shedding fat rapidly. Recomposition cycles require a very fine balance between the two. Performance cycles will depend greatly on the sport or achievement you have in mind, although high energy loads will almost certainly play a part.

There are a few extra points to bear in mind whilst using prohormones however. Firstly, although you should already be eating and drinking far more protein than the average person anyway to build and maintain a lean, impressive body that is well trained, whilst you are using anabolics the body can absorb, digest, utilise and process much more protein than normal.

The general guideline for protein is approximately 1 to 1.5 grams of protein per pound of bodyweight (I.e. a 200lb man should be eating 200 to 300 grams of protein every day). During heavy prohormone use, it is advisable to be closer to 2 grams of protein per pound of bodyweight (I.e. a 200lb man on prohormones should be eating closer to 400 grams of protein at least). This much protein may not be useful for natural trainees but with the enhanced anabolic environment you will not waste it. All that new muscle tissue has to come from somewhere.

Most trainees should be utilising healthy essential fatty acids anyway but again their importance is increased during prohormone cycling. At least 6grams a day of high quality fish oils, krill oils or unprocessed seed oils are needed a day. These compounds, especially those rich in Omega-3 fats, work as inflammation reducers, protecting organs and joints against damage as well as improving detoxification of your system.

Most non-methylated prohormones also need a certain amount of fat to digest and convert properly so if not taken with a high fat meal, supplemental oils or fatty acids can be used instead, or in conjunction with foods. Remember these healthy fats do not lead to excess body fat but they will improve the efficiency and conversion of the prohormones into the anabolic hormones that you need. It is fine to take methylated compounds with high fat or supplemented fat meals too. In many cases prohormones taken on an empty stomach can cause some digestive distress or even stomach cramps so we advise always taking just before or with meals for the best effect.

Always increase water intake during a prohormone or designer anabolic cycle. Flushing your system and maintaining proper hydration are essential both to your health as well as your fat loss and muscle development goals. Without proper hydration these will not occur, even with all the prohormones in the world.

There are additional supplements, known as uptake accelerators, that increase the absorption and half life of your prohormones in the blood (Trisorbagen by Anabolic Xtreme for example). Containing a variety of ingredients that not only improve absorption and conversion of anabolic compounds but also help keep them active in your bloodstream longer, to see a greater effect. These are now increasing in popularity and may be a worthwhile addition to your supplement stack on cycle.

Many people wonder if they can use their regular supplements on prohormone cycles and the answer, usually, is yes. Protein shakes, pre workout drinks, post workout recovery proteins, fat burning stimulants, anti-oxidant and joint protection blends, creatine and beta alanine etc. Generally all of these types of products are perfectly acceptable to continue using during a cycle. Obviously the type of cycle will determine which products may be of particular use. However for many people the uptake of creatine etc may actually be enhanced by the anabolic environment seen with prohormone use, so the cycle may be an excellent time to load up on extra supplements for maximum benefits. The only supplements that may not add much use to a cycle are likely to be standard testosterone boosters due to the fact that most prohormones and designer anabolics will have disrupted your HPTA already and so rendered many test boosters unnecessary. However, during the PCT (Post Cycle Therapy) natural testosterone boosters are extremely welcome (see the PCT article on Physique-IQ.com for more details).

Pro Hormone Conclusion

Prohormones and Designer Anabolics represent the cutting edge of sports supplementation. They offer a powerful tool in reaching your ultimate physique and are a valuable alternative to AAS (anabolic, androgenic steroids) and other illegal performance enhancing drugs. Regardless of whether you have experience with steroids or not, you can now see many of the benefits and superhuman gains of these compounds with a much higher degree of safety.

Prohormones are not for everyone and it is certainly possible to build a lean, muscular physique without them but your progress will be greatly speeded up and results can be far more extreme with the sensible and well-guided application of properly cycled prohormone use.

The best of luck with your Physique development goals. We hope this information has been of use to you and we hope to have you as a customer at Physique-IQ.com soon. Please remember that if you require personal advice on cycle construction before you buy do not hesitate to contact our team and we will endeavour to assist you in making the correct choices for your ultimate physique solutions.

For further information on buying sports supplements, refer to our sport supplement guide.

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