Prohormones vs SARMs: Which Is Better for Muscle Building?

Choosing between prohormones and SARMs is one of the most common dilemmas for people looking to accelerate muscle growth beyond natural limits. Both compounds promise enhanced gains, faster recovery, and improved body composition—but they work through fundamentally different mechanisms and carry distinct risk profiles.

This comprehensive comparison breaks down everything you need to know about prohormones vs SARMs. We'll examine how each works, what results you can realistically expect, the side effects you need to prepare for, and help you understand which option might align with your goals.

Understanding Prohormones: How They Work

Prohormones are precursor compounds that your body converts into active anabolic hormones after ingestion. Think of them as raw materials that your liver processes into testosterone, nandrolone, or other muscle-building hormones.

When you take a prohormone like 1-Andro or 4-Andro, enzymes in your body convert these compounds into their active hormonal forms. This conversion process increases your overall hormone levels significantly, creating an anabolic environment that promotes muscle protein synthesis and recovery.

Popular Prohormones and Their Effects

Several prohormones remain available in various markets, each converting to different hormones:

• 1-Andro (1-Androsterone): Converts to 1-testosterone, promoting lean muscle gains with minimal water retention. Does not convert to estrogen, making it popular for cutting cycles.
• 4-Andro (4-Androsterone): Converts directly to testosterone, offering the most "natural" hormonal boost. Can convert to estrogen, potentially causing water retention.
• Epiandrosterone (Epi-Andro): Converts to DHT (dihydrotestosterone), known for hardening effects, increased strength, and improved vascularity. Popular in cutting stacks.
• 19-Nor-Andro: Converts to nandrolone, favored for quality mass gains with joint support benefits.

The conversion process happens primarily in the liver, which explains why liver support supplements are strongly recommended during prohormone cycles.

Understanding SARMs: Selective Action Explained

SARMs (Selective Androgen Receptor Modulators) take a completely different approach. Instead of flooding your body with hormones, they selectively bind to androgen receptors in specific tissues—primarily muscle and bone.

This selectivity is the key selling point of SARMs. They were originally developed to provide the anabolic benefits of testosterone while minimizing effects on the prostate, liver, and other organs that traditional steroids and prohormones affect.

How SARMs Bind to Receptors

When you take a SARM, it travels through your bloodstream and preferentially attaches to androgen receptors in skeletal muscle and bone tissue. Once bound, it triggers the same muscle-building pathways that testosterone activates—increased protein synthesis, enhanced nitrogen retention, and accelerated recovery.

The "selective" part means SARMs theoretically don't activate androgen receptors in the prostate, skin, or scalp to the same degree as testosterone or prohormones. This is why users often report fewer androgenic side effects like acne, hair loss, and prostate issues.

Popular SARMs for Muscle Growth

• RAD-140 (Testolone): Considered the most potent SARM for raw muscle building and strength gains.
• LGD-4033 (Ligandrol): The go-to bulking SARM with solid clinical research backing its muscle-building effects.
• Ostarine (MK-2866): Milder but well-studied, ideal for beginners or preserving muscle during cuts.
• YK-11: Functions as both a SARM and myostatin inhibitor for potentially greater growth.
• S-23: One of the strongest SARMs with results approaching some anabolic steroids.

Effectiveness Comparison: Muscle Building Results

When it comes to building muscle, prohormones and SARMs both deliver results—but the magnitude and speed differ significantly.

Prohormone Results

Prohormones generally produce more aggressive muscle gains because they directly increase hormone levels throughout your entire body. Users commonly report:

• Rapid strength increases within the first 1-2 weeks
• Muscle gains of 10-20 pounds over a 4-6 week cycle
• Noticeable changes in muscle hardness and fullness
• Significant improvements in workout recovery

The tradeoff is that some of these gains include water retention, especially with compounds that convert to estrogen. Real lean tissue gains typically settle at 6-12 pounds after water weight dissipates post-cycle.

SARM Results

SARMs deliver more gradual, controlled results without the dramatic hormonal fluctuations. Typical expectations include:

• Steady strength progression over 4-8 weeks
• Lean muscle gains of 6-12 pounds over an 8-week cycle
• Minimal water retention with most compounds
• Gains that are easier to maintain post-cycle

The gains from SARMs tend to be "cleaner" in that they're largely actual muscle tissue rather than a combination of muscle and water. This makes them easier to retain after the cycle ends.

Side Effects: Prohormones vs SARMs

This is where the two categories diverge most dramatically. Understanding these differences is crucial for making an informed decision.

Prohormone Side Effects

Because prohormones convert to active hormones that affect your entire body, they carry more extensive side effect potential:

Liver toxicity: This is the primary concern with prohormones, especially methylated compounds. Liver enzymes often elevate significantly during cycles, and extended use or high doses can cause lasting damage. Liver support supplements and limiting cycle length help mitigate this risk.

Hormonal disruption: Prohormones cause substantial suppression of natural testosterone production. The more powerful the prohormone, the more severe the shutdown. Post-cycle therapy (PCT) is essentially mandatory.

Estrogen-related effects: Compounds that convert to testosterone can further convert to estrogen via aromatase enzymes. This can cause water retention, bloating, and gynecomastia (male breast tissue development). Many users take aromatase inhibitors to prevent these effects.

Androgenic effects: Increased acne, oily skin, accelerated hair loss (in those predisposed), and mood changes including aggression are common with prohormone use.

Cardiovascular strain: Prohormones typically decrease HDL (good) cholesterol while increasing LDL (bad) cholesterol. Blood pressure often rises, increasing cardiovascular stress.

SARM Side Effects

SARMs were designed to minimize side effects, but they're far from side-effect-free:

Testosterone suppression: Despite their selectivity, SARMs still suppress natural testosterone production—just typically less than prohormones. The degree varies by compound: Ostarine is mildly suppressive, while RAD-140 and S-23 can cause significant suppression requiring PCT.

Liver concerns: While generally less hepatotoxic than prohormones, some SARMs can still elevate liver enzymes. YK-11 and S-23 show more liver stress in user reports compared to Ostarine or LGD-4033.

Cholesterol changes: SARMs can negatively affect lipid profiles, reducing HDL cholesterol and potentially increasing cardiovascular risk during use.

Vision disturbances: Andarine (S-4) is specifically known for causing vision sides, including a yellow tint and difficulty adjusting to light changes. This typically resolves after discontinuation.

Other reported effects: Headaches, fatigue, mood changes, and reduced libido occur in some users, particularly as natural testosterone levels decline during the cycle.

Post-Cycle Therapy Requirements

Both prohormones and SARMs suppress your body's natural testosterone production, making PCT an important consideration.

PCT After Prohormones

Prohormone cycles almost always require comprehensive PCT. Common protocols include:

• Nolvadex (Tamoxifen): 40mg daily for 2 weeks, then 20mg daily for 2 additional weeks
• Clomid (Clomiphene): 50mg daily for 2 weeks, then 25mg daily for 2 additional weeks
• Natural testosterone boosters: Often used alongside SERMs for additional support
• Liver support: Continued for several weeks post-cycle to aid recovery

Without proper PCT, natural testosterone recovery can take months, and you risk losing significant gains during this period.

PCT After SARMs

SARM PCT requirements depend heavily on which compound you used and for how long:

• Mild SARMs (Ostarine at moderate doses): Some users recover without PCT, though a mini-PCT or natural testosterone support is still recommended
• Moderate SARMs (LGD-4033, RAD-140): 4 weeks of Nolvadex at 20-40mg daily is commonly used
• Strong SARMs (S-23, YK-11): Full PCT similar to prohormone protocols

Blood work before and after your cycle gives you the best information about your individual recovery needs.

Quick Comparison Table

For easy reference, here's how prohormones and SARMs stack up across key factors:

• Muscle building speed: Prohormones faster initially, SARMs more gradual
• Typical muscle gains: Prohormones 10-20 lbs (including water), SARMs 6-12 lbs lean
• Liver toxicity risk: Prohormones higher, SARMs lower (but not zero)
• Testosterone suppression: Prohormones severe, SARMs mild to moderate
• Estrogen side effects: Prohormones possible, SARMs minimal to none
• Androgenic sides (acne, hair loss): Prohormones common, SARMs less common
• PCT required: Prohormones always, SARMs usually
• Gains retention post-cycle: Similar with proper PCT for both

Who Should Consider Prohormones?

Prohormones might be a consideration for individuals who:

• Have previous experience with performance-enhancing compounds
• Are prepared for aggressive PCT protocols
• Can commit to liver support and health monitoring
• Want faster, more dramatic results over shorter cycles
• Accept the higher side effect risk for potentially greater gains

Prohormones are not recommended for beginners to performance-enhancing compounds. The hormonal impact and recovery demands make them poorly suited for first cycles.

Who Should Consider SARMs?

SARMs might be worth considering for those who:

• Are newer to performance-enhancing research compounds
• Want a more gradual approach with easier recovery
• Are concerned about liver stress or androgenic side effects
• Prefer predictable, steady gains over dramatic spikes
• Want to preserve more natural hormonal function

SARMs offer a lower barrier to entry, but this doesn't mean they're without risk. They remain research chemicals without FDA approval for human use.

Legal Status and Availability

The legal landscape differs significantly between these compound classes:

Prohormones: Many potent prohormones have been banned in the United States under the Designer Anabolic Steroid Control Act. However, DHEA-derivative prohormones like 1-Andro and 4-Andro remain legal and are sold as supplements. Legal status varies by country.

SARMs: SARMs exist in a legal gray area. They cannot be sold as dietary supplements in the US, but are often marketed as "research chemicals not for human consumption." The FDA has issued warnings against their use and has taken action against companies selling them for bodybuilding purposes.

Both categories are banned by WADA and most athletic organizations, making them prohibited for competitive athletes.

Quality and Purity Concerns

Neither prohormones nor SARMs are regulated as pharmaceuticals, creating significant quality control issues:

• Independent testing has found many products contain less active ingredient than claimed
• Some "SARMs" have been found to contain actual steroids or different compounds entirely
• Contamination with heavy metals or other substances has been documented
• Dosing inconsistency between batches is common

If you choose to use either category, third-party testing and reputable sources become critically important for safety and obtaining actual results.

Conclusion

The prohormones vs SARMs debate ultimately comes down to your priorities and risk tolerance. Prohormones offer potentially faster, more aggressive muscle-building results but come with substantially higher risks—particularly liver toxicity, hormonal disruption, and estrogenic side effects. They require more comprehensive cycle support and PCT.

SARMs provide a more measured approach with generally milder side effects and easier recovery. The gains are more gradual but often easier to maintain. They still suppress testosterone and carry real risks, just at a lower magnitude than prohormones.

Neither category is "safe" in the traditional sense. Both remain research compounds without FDA approval for muscle-building purposes. The decision to use either should involve careful research, health monitoring including blood work, and realistic expectations about both benefits and risks.

If you're new to performance-enhancing compounds, SARMs present a lower-risk starting point. If you have experience and accept the additional risks for potentially greater returns, prohormones may align with your goals. In either case, proper cycle support, PCT, and health monitoring are non-negotiable.

Disclaimer

This article is for educational and informational purposes only. Neither prohormones nor SARMs are approved by the FDA for muscle-building or performance-enhancement purposes. The information provided does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional before starting any new supplement or research compound. The use of these substances may be prohibited in competitive sports and certain jurisdictions.