Pro Hormones VS SARMs 2019

Pro Hormones VS SARMs

Sometimes gaining lean muscle mass can be difficult. Even with a strict diet and exercise regimen, there are variables you can’t always avoid. So to help combat the struggle there are products like pro hormones and SARMs. But what are these compounds and how can they effect you?

Pro Hormones

Prohormones are precursors to specific hormones. When consumed, the prohormone are converted into hormones by some of the enzymes found in the body. This will increase the levels of anabolic hormones in the body. Thus stimulating muscle growth within a shorter period. For a more in-depth overview of prohormones you can check out our guide, here.

Benefits:

The benefits for pro hormones will vary depending on you and the pro hormone you take. The different compounds work better for different goals, such as bulking or cutting. The more common benefits you may see throughout compounds include:

• Increased Muscle Mass†
• Decreased Fat Mass†
• Increased Endurance†
• Decreased Recovery Time†
• Increased Strength.†

Side Effects:

Like how the benefits vary, so will the side effects. Some pro hormones convert to estrogen and thus have a different set of side effects to look out for. But, all pro hormones will have androgenic effects to some level, so these side effects will carry over.

Some of these side effects include:

• Acne
• Hair Loss
• High Blood Pressure
• Low Libido
• Lethargy
• Water Retention
• Gynecomastia (for estrogenic pro hormones)

SARMs

SARMs (or Selective Androgen Receptor Modulators) are similar to anabolic steroids. This is due to their more direct way of signaling and stimulating androgen receptors. Unlike with pro hormones which go through a two step conversion to become a target hormone. However, it has been noted the potency of SARMs are not as strong as in a pro hormone.

Benefits:

Also unlike with pro hormones, there is not a lot of research to back up the potential benefits or side effects with SARMs. There are different types of SARMs, as well, so the benefits will vary per compound. The claimed benefits include:

• Increased Lean Muscle Mass †
• Decreased Body Fat†
• Increased Strength†
• Decreased Recovery Time†

Some of the more common compounds include:

• MK-677
• LGD-4033 (Ligandrol)
• MK-2866 (Ostarine)
• GSX-007 (Andarine)
• GW-50156 (Cardaine)

Side Effects:

Again because of the lack of research the potential of side effects is indefinite. Though there are side effects that have been anecdotally attributed to SARM use. Some of these side effects include:

• Testicular Atrophy
• Acne/Cysts
• Oily Hair And Skin
• Increased Blood Pressure
• Lowered Sperm Count

SARMs do not appear to convert to estrogen or DHT. So there should not be a concern of gynecomastia or other estrogenic side effects.

Are SARMs legal?

SARMs are only legal to sell as “experimental chemicals” and are not meant for human consumption. This is why there is so little research on SARMs. However, Hi-Tech Pharmaceuticals did release the first legal SARM, Osta-Plex.

What is Osta-Plex?

Osta-Plex contains a combination of steroidal and non-steroidal natural SARMs.

The Break Down:

19-Nor-4-Androstenediol

19-Nor-4-Androstenediol (or 19-Nor-DHEA) is actual considered a pro hormone. 19- Nor-DHEA goes through a two step conversion to convert to Nandrolone (Deca). This compound is great for increasing muscle growth and strength, while accelerating fat loss. Because 19-Nor-DHEA doesn’t convert to estrogen or DHT†, you don’t have to be concerned with major side effects. However we do still recommend following a cycle of Osta-Plex with a PCT.  For more information 19-Nor-DHEA checkout our Pro Hormone guide.

Eucommia Ulmoides

The next ingredient in Osta-Plex is Eucommia Ulmoides. This is going to be our first phyto-SARMs. Phyto-SARMs are compounds that mimic the actions and effects of androgen on lean muscle mass, strength, bone growth, and sexual function, all without negatively affecting blood lipids or blood pressure. Eucommia ulmoides contains over 100 compounds including lignans, fatty acids, iridoids, triterpenoids, and many other active compounds. As it turns out Eucommia ulmoides possesses strong androgenic activity. In an experiment to test this activity, researchers found that when the extract was used with testosterone, the combo activated the androgen receptor to transcribe over twice its normal capacity.

7-methoxy-8-(3-methylbut-2-en-1-yl)-2h-chromen-2-one

The last ingredient 7-methoxy-8-(3-methyl-2-butenyl)-2H-1-benzopyran-2-one (a.k.a. Osthole) is also a phyto-SARM. What really makes Osthole so special is it’s molecule structure. Which shares similarities to testosterone. The similarities in structure enable it to have similar effects in muscle tissue. Osthole increases androgen and gonadotropin activity in the body. This allows for an increased production of naturally occurring muscle building agents like testosterone, growth hormones, and free testosterone.

What Can You Expect ?

With Osta-Plex  you can expect an increase in muscle mass and strength. As well as an increase in libido. We would recommend Osta-Plex for cutting cycles or for people looking to increase strength. Because there is the 19-Nor-DHEA we do recommend taking a PCT to increase your natural testosterone levels. Keep in mind your testosterone and estrogen levels are a ratio, if one goes up the other will too. So when you’re cycle ends, and your natural testosterone hasn’t had a chance to keep up, you’re left with a surplus of estrogen. For cycling purposes we would recommend limiting your cycle length to 6 weeks (due to 19-Nor-DHEA being suppressive of natural testosterone) with a 4 week PCT.

The Take-Away

If you’re looking to increase muscle mass and strength, there is more research to back up pro hormones. However if you want to experiment with SARMs, we would say Osta-plex is the safest option to do so. There is less attributed side effects for SARMs, but there is currently not enough research to say its better. If you want to run a cycle with more confidence we recommend sticking with pro hormones. And as always, you must get your blood work done before starting a cycle.

This will help provide you a baseline of where you are naturally and to help keep track of how the pro hormones/SARMs effect you. Every person’s experience with can and will be different. It’s important to talk to your physician or endocrinologist when you decide to run a cycle to make sure you can benefit from it. A lot of people avoid this and it’s simply not advisable nor is it worth the long-term risk.

WARNING:

NOT FOR USE BY INDIVIDUALS UNDER THE AGE OF 18 YEARS. DO NOT USE IF YOU ARE PREGNANT OR NURSING. THIS PRODUCT CAN RAISE BLOOD PRESSURE AND INTERFERE WITH OTHER DRUGS YOU MAY BE TAKING. TALK TO YOUR DOCTOR ABOUT THIS PRODUCT.

† PLEASE NOTE: †The intention of the information provided is for reference only and we are in no way providing medical advice or instruction. The information provided in this post is based on anecdotal information and available studies/reviews. While it is our goal to maintain and display accurate information, we can’t guarantee it represents the latest formulation of the product or information. Therefore, if you have any concerns, please visit the manufacturer’s website. Also, the information above is not a representation of our views at Same Day Supplements. Rather, these are the views and information provided by manufacturers and users. Also, the Food and Drug Administration has not evaluated these statements. Finally, the intention of these products is not to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease or illness.