1) What are prohormones?These are products
that raise the levels of the male hormones testosterone (Androdiol) and
19-nortestosterone (Norandrodiol). They contain metabolic precursors that your
body transforms into the active hormones.
2) What benefits will these
products and prohormones have for me?These male hormones are very capable of
raising your energy and mood levels, your libido, and can aid in the development
of lean body mass and strength.
3) What are the differences
between Nor and Andro products?Andro prohormones products convert to
testosterone; the male hormone responsible for male secondary side effects
including muscle growth. Nor prohormones convert to 19-nortestosterone which is
a hormone that shares the muscle building (anabolic) activity of testosterone,
while having only a fraction of the androgenic (male virilizing) activity. Male
virilizing effects include effects on the prostate and body and scalp hair.
Norandrodiol® will not stimulate the central nervous system like Androdiol.
Furthermore, it will not have the positive effects on libido and aggressiveness
like its Androdiol® counterpart. This does not mean that Androdiol is inferior,
only different. Many athletes have reported positive results from the combined
use of Norandrodiol and Androdiol.
4) How should I take the
"Cyclo" products?The tablets should be taken orally up to four times per
day, dissolved under the tongue. No food or beverage should be consumed for at
least 20 minutes after the lozenge fully dissolves. The doses should be spread
apart as much as possible (i.e. every 4 hours). It may also be advantageous to
take a dose before exercising.
5) What are the risks, if any, from
these products?There are surprisingly few risks from these products,
provided you are a male in relatively good health. A recent peer reviewed
university study has shown that after four weeks of consuming these substances,
there were no negative effects on any biochemical parameters, including no
effects on the bodies own testosterone production. People who should not consume
these products are males under the age of 18, or men with prostate cancer or any
other androgen related disorders.
6) What kind of prohormone
product should I take, how long should I take them for, and how long should I
wait in between cycles?That depends on a lot of factors. If you are
concerned about maintaining your own testosterone production fully then you
should stick to shorter cycles of two to three weeks, with two to three weeks
off time in between cycles. Also, you should stick to fast acting compounds such
as the cyclodextrin formulas and intra-orals.
If you wish to maximize
results, then cycles of 4 to 8 weeks are recommended, followed by 4 to 6 weeks
off. This time is to allow endogenous testosterone production to fully
re-establish. Longer acting preparations such as the topical sprays and
sustained release cyclo (SR) products are also best for maximum
response.
7) How long do the prohormones stay in my
system?That varies widely from formula to formula, and also depends on
the dose taken. It can range from a couple of hours for the shortest acting
preparations, to 24 hours or more for the longest. Since we are unable to give
out exact numbers, we will simply list them from shortest acting to longest
acting.
Short (less than 3 hours)---------------------- Long (greater than
24 hours)
Intraoral, Cyclo Formulas, Oral capsules, Cyclo SR Formulas,
Topical spray
8) What is the best product if I am only
interested in a pre-workout boost?The best products for this purpose
would be the intraoral spray or the cyclo lozenges. These products get into your
system fast, and keep hormones elevated for a length of time that will last
throughout a normal workout.
9) Should a woman take these
products? If so, how would they do so?Women can take the nor prohormones
if they keep their cycles shorter than 4 weeks. The recommended female cycle is
one to three cyclo-nordiol a day for two to four weeks, followed by four to six
weeks off. Women should be aware of any abnormal facial hair growth, clitoral
enlargement, and voice lowering. If these appear to be happening the product
should be discontinued to avoid any lasting androgenic physical changes.
Masculinization is very rare with proper usage of this product, however, it is
best to be cautious and aware just in case. Women usually receive excellent
results with nor prohormones and are often tempted to try more than is
recommended. We strongly urge women to avoid this temptation.
10)
Will these products give me breasts, zits, or a cue ball head?The issue
of side effects has to be addressed in a straightforward manner. The issue of
gynecomastia, or bitch tits, is one that is related to increases in serum
estrogen. Luckily, the diol prohormones do NOT elevate estrogens significantly
(unlike androstenedione), and therefore the risk of “gyno” is quite
low.
Pimples are not a common side effect, although some people report a
slight increase of acne on the back or shoulders that is usually light and
transient. A rare individual who is hypersensitive to androgens and pimples
conceivably might have a more serious reaction.
Male pattern baldness can
be accelerated slightly only in those individuals taking Androdiol® that are
genetically predisposed to it. These individuals can take moderate dosages of
Norandrodiol though and suffer little if any problems.
11) Are
there any problems with liver, prostate or mental effects?There have not
been any public reports of liver problems from blood tests using prohormones,
even at higher dosages. However, it may be wise for one to get blood tests done
if they plan on taking higher dosages for prolonged periods. Also, if one has a
pre-existing liver problem they are advised to avoid prohormones
completely.
People with pre-existing prostate conditions are definitely
contraindicated with prohormones. On the other hand though, there is no
convincing medical evidence that suggests testosterone or prohormones will lead
to the development of benign prostatic hypertrophy or prostate cancer in normal
individuals.
Users often report an increased mental energy and focus on
prohormones. This is usually considered a positive benefit, however in a small
amount of individuals it is associated with some insomnia as well. This is
something the consumer should be aware of.
12) Does using this
product affect normal testosterone production?Proper use of prohormones
will not adversely affect one’s own hormone producing system. The body's
testosterone negative feedback loop (HPTA) will naturally respond to elevations
of testosterone, however it rebounds right back so long as one does not stay on
prohormone products for inordinately long periods of time (> 8 weeks).
As far as which products are safest in regards to endogenous production;
they generally follow along the lines of duration of action. That is, the cyclo
products produce the least down regulation response, while the topical sprays
produce the most. The topical sprays, of course, are generally the most
effective.