The Pro Hormone that Could (sort of...)

[WillBrink]

This recent study looked at 3b-hydroxy-5a-androst-1-en-17-one which converts to 1-testosterone, which is potent and fairly toxic stuff. These products are again floating between legal status, "...ignoring FDA laws but they aren't breaking controlled substance laws" according to a well informed source I spoke to about this and similar products.

Frankly, the results of this study seem too good to be true, and I'd suspect possible contamination with undisclosed AAS. Regardless, 1-testosterone is potent and had negative effects on health indicators tested in this study, similar to what I saw regularly with the now banned "designer" products such as 1MT, Superdrol, etc. . I'd also expect it to be highly suppressive of HPTA (shutting down your own T production) , and only confirms by poor opinion of these products and the ilk. I'm reading the full paper now and may do a full write up or vid on this one. My recommendation: AVOID such products.


Prohormone supplement 3b-hydroxy-5a-androst-1-en-17-one enhances resistance training gains but impairs user health

Journal of Applied Physiology December 31, 2013 jap.00616.2013

Abstract

Purpose: Prohormone supplements(PS) are recognized not to impart anabolic or ergogenic effects in men, but the research supporting these conclusions is dated. The Anabolic Steroid Control Act was amended in 2004; the viability of PS have not been evaluated since that time. Methods:17 resistance-trained males(23±1yrs; 13.1±1.5% body fat) were randomly assigned to receive either 330mg/d 3b-hydroxy-5a-androst-1-en-17-one(PROHORMONE; n=9) or sugar(PLACEBO; n=8) p.o. and complete a 4 week(16 session) structured resistance-training program. Body composition, muscular strength, circulating lipids, and markers of liver and kidney dysfunction were assessed at study onset and termination.

Results:PROHORMONE increased lean body mass by 6.3±1.2%, decreased fat body mass by 24.6±7.1%, and increased their back squat 1-RM and competition total by 14.3±1.5% and 12.8±1.1%; respectively. These improvements exceeded(p<0.05) PLACEBO, who increased lean body mass by 0.5±0.8%, reduced fat body mass by 9.5±3.6%, and increased back squat 1-RM and competition total by 5.7±1.7% and 5.9±1.7%; respectively. PROHORMONE also experienced multiple adverse effects. These included a 38.7±4.0% reduction in HDL (p<0.01), a 32.8±15.05% elevation in LDL (p<0.01), and elevations of 120.0±22.6% and 77.4±12.0% in LDL/HDL and C/HDL; respectively(both p<0.01). PROHORMONE also exhibited elevations in serum creatinine (19.6±4.3%;p<0.01) and AST(113.8±61.1%;p=0.05), as well as reductions in serum albumin (5.1±1.9%;p=0.04), ALP(16.4±4.7%;p=0.04), and GFR(18.0±3.3%;p=0.04). None of these values changed(all p>0.05) in PLACEBO.

Conclusion:The oral PS 3b-hydroxy-5a-androst-1-en-17-one improves body composition and muscular strength. However, these changes come at a significant cost. Cardiovascular health and liver function are particularly compromised. Given these findings, we feel the harm associated with this particular PS outweighs any potential benefit.

[Safetyhit]

Interesting information. As someone who's had a degree of success with these types of supplements I haven't taken any in a while because it seems there are too many unknowns. Plus more than once I suddenly became extremely shaky and sweaty due to what I think was a sudden drop in blood sugar. Got so bad a few times that if I didn't have nearly instant access to food I don't want to think what would have happened. An extremely bad feeling to say the least that you can tell had the strong potential not to end well.


While I've yet to try it, seems if your going to use anything to gain and keep size then quality HGH is the safest and most effective way to go. But from what I understand this too carries such a blood sugar imbalance risk.

[WillBrink]

Interesting information. As someone who's had a degree of success with these types of supplements I haven't taken any in a while because it seems there are too many unknowns. Plus more than once I suddenly became extremely shaky and sweaty due to what I think was a sudden drop in blood sugar. Got so bad a few times that if I didn't have nearly instant access to food I don't want to think what would have happened. An extremely bad feeling to say the least that you can tell had the strong potential not to end well.

Did you track the effects of the products effects on your lipids, liver and or kidney function and testosterone production?

While I've yet to try it, seems if your going to use anything to gain and keep size then quality HGH is the safest and most effective way to go. But from what I understand this too carries such a blood sugar imbalance risk.

HGH (real HGH, vs some supplement claiming to be, etc) can cause insulin resistance in some people, usually dose dependent.

[Safetyhit]

Did you track the effects of the products effects on your lipids, liver and or kidney function and testosterone production?

Good question, the answer being sort of. About a month after taking my last pill I had my first blood test taken in years. Liver checked out fine (was a big relief since I drink), not sure about the lipids or kidneys specifically beyond being told there was nothing significant found. My testosterone however was far too low at the time and as expected testicles had decreased in size.

No, I was a hardhead and did not take a post-cycle as recommended, but maybe in the long run it was for the best because I haven't gone the pro hormone route since. Did put on size using them, sometimes a lot of it (15+ lbs), but the gains quickly dissipated for the most part.

Thank-you for the response. Your information is both good and appreciated, need to spend more time in this part of the forum.

[WillBrink]

Good question, the answer being sort of. About a month after taking my last pill I had my first blood test taken in years. Liver checked out fine (was a big relief since I drink), not sure about the lipids or kidneys specifically beyond being told there was nothing significant found. My testosterone however was far too low at the time and as expected testicles had decreased in size.

No, I was a hardhead and did not take a post-cycle as recommended, but maybe in the long run it was for the best because I haven't gone the pro hormone route since. Did put on size using them, sometimes a lot of it (15+ lbs), but the gains quickly dissipated for the most part.

Thank-you for the response. Your information is both good and appreciated, need to spend more time in this part of the forum.

Do you remember what you took? Like any supp or med, they may be in a similar category but have vastly different effects, both +/- and a handful of studies done with other older pro hormones found they did pretty much nadda, both in terms of effects on LBM or indicators of health.

[Safetyhit]

Do you remember what you took? Like any supp or med, they may be in a similar category but have vastly different effects, both +/- and a handful of studies done with other older pro hormones found they did pretty much nadda, both in terms of effects on LBM or indicators of health.

Started with Spawn years ago, then tried a variety after. Seems one kind doesn't last long until they're either banned or supposedly improved upon. Also used Extreme Mass, Extreme Stack, Androbolix 300, DD SOS 500, Extreme DMZ, Generate, DMZ Load, Epi-Drol, Kryptonite, the last ironically I can't remember beyond a white and orange bottle.

Some worked better than others as far as size and strength, some if you didn't eat often produced the unpleasant shaky effect described earlier.

[WillBrink]

Started with Spawn years ago, then tried a variety after. Seems one kind doesn't last long until they're either banned or supposedly improved upon. Also used Extreme Mass, Extreme Stack, Androbolix 300, DD SOS 500, Extreme DMZ, Generate, DMZ Load, Epi-Drol, Kryptonite, the last ironically I can't remember beyond a white and orange bottle.

Some worked better than others as far as size and strength, some if you didn't eat often produced the unpleasant shaky effect described earlier.

You were a veritable kama kazi of pro hormones!

[Abraham]

Why risk your health taking these things?

What's the long term benefit vs. long term harm?

[Safetyhit]

You were a veritable kama kazi of pro hormones!

This would be true Will, however the fellow who owns the store is a friend with a strong background in health and nutrition who also lifts himself. He admits he doesn't have all the answers about them but despite his need to make a profit I don't at all suspect he deceives his customers into thinking something is safe in moderation if it isn't. He has always said, and I firmly believe him, that if it ever came to light that they seriously hurt anyone he would stop selling them.

With that he suggests no alcohol while on, a healthy diet, always a post cycle of testosterone booster and not going far over the recommended dosage. Still could I be in trouble in ten years? Maybe so, but if they haven't effected me yet minus the temporary reduced test levels, which is what also occurs with injectable steroids, odds are probably against.

And yes, I will admit to having injected in the past as well. I did play adult football and was a picked on weakling as a youngster so the motivations were present. Lifting and a little help here and there changed my life dramatically, still yes I took risks. Just being honest.

[WillBrink]

Why risk your health taking these things?

What's the long term benefit vs. long term harm?

Fair and obvious questions, but the answers are not as simple they may seem on the surface. The short answer is, because young men want to get stronger and bigger and are convinced nothing bad can happen to them, and such a product being easy to obtain (some times legal, some times not) they assume it's "only" a supplement and must be safe.

The much longer answer is, prohibition does not work. It didn't work for booze, it doesn't work for drugs, it didn't work for anabolic steroids, and these OTC steroid/pro hormones products - some of which are far more toxic than some anabolic steroids they replaced - came out due to the prohibition on anabolic steroids. If interested, I did an interesting podcast on that with legal expert on steroids Rick Collins HERE.