Prohormones
Alternate names: Hormone Precursors, Prohormone
Background
Prohormones are chemicals that the body converts into hormones such as testosterone or estrogen. They are often marketed to athletes and bodybuilders.
Prohormones are used to increase testosterone levels, improve athletic performance, increase energy, and for other purposes, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses. Prohormones may also be unsafe.
In the US, prohormones are considered the same as anabolic steroids and are not legally permitted in supplement products. Prohormones are also banned by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA), and some prohormones are banned by the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA).
Prohormones are used to increase testosterone levels, improve athletic performance, increase energy, and for other purposes, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses. Prohormones may also be unsafe.
In the US, prohormones are considered the same as anabolic steroids and are not legally permitted in supplement products. Prohormones are also banned by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA), and some prohormones are banned by the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA).
Safety Safety definitions
When taken by mouth: Prohormones are possibly unsafe. Side effects include liver damage, infertility, behavioral changes, hair loss, and others.
When applied to the skin: Prohormones are possibly unsafe. Side effects include liver damage, infertility, behavioral changes, hair loss, and others.
Hormone-sensitive conditions: Some prohormones are used by the body to make the hormones testosterone and estrogen. People with hormone sensitive conditions should avoid prohormones. Some of these conditions include breast, uterine, ovarian, and prostate cancer; endometriosis; and uterine fibroids.
Liver problems: Prohormones might make liver problems worse. Don't use prohormones if you have liver problems.
Prostate cancer: There is some concern that certain prohormones might increase the chances of developing prostate cancer. Until more is known, avoid prohormones if you are at risk for prostate cancer.
When applied to the skin: Prohormones are possibly unsafe. Side effects include liver damage, infertility, behavioral changes, hair loss, and others.
Special Precautions & Warnings:
Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Prohormones are possibly unsafe when pregnant or breast-feeding. Avoid using.Hormone-sensitive conditions: Some prohormones are used by the body to make the hormones testosterone and estrogen. People with hormone sensitive conditions should avoid prohormones. Some of these conditions include breast, uterine, ovarian, and prostate cancer; endometriosis; and uterine fibroids.
Liver problems: Prohormones might make liver problems worse. Don't use prohormones if you have liver problems.
Prostate cancer: There is some concern that certain prohormones might increase the chances of developing prostate cancer. Until more is known, avoid prohormones if you are at risk for prostate cancer.
Effectiveness
Effective Effectiveness definitions
Prohormones are a group of many different chemicals. See specific topics for effectiveness information.
Dosing & administration
Prohormones are a group of many different chemicals. See specific topics for information on use.
Interactions with pharmaceuticals
Prohormones are a group of many different chemicals. See specific topics for interaction information.
Interactions with herbs & supplements
Prohormones are a group of many different chemicals. See specific topics for interaction information.
Interactions with foods
Prohormones are a group of many different chemicals. See specific topics for interaction information.
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This monograph was last reviewed on 31/05/2023 10:00:00 and last updated on 02/12/2020 21:20:22. Monographs are reviewed and/or updated multiple times per month and at least once per year.
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Natural Medicines rates safety based on scientific evidence according to the following scale: Likely Safe, Possibly Safe, Possibly Unsafe, Likely Unsafe, Unsafe, and Insufficient Evidence to Rate. For more information about Natural Medicines’ Safety Rating System, click here.
The Natural Medicines Effectiveness Ratings are assigned for specific indications. A product might be rated "Possibly Effective" for one condition, but be rated "Likely Ineffective" for another condition, depending on the evidence. For more info click here.
