DHEA

DHEA (dehydroepiandrosterone) is a hormone that's naturally produced by the adrenal glands. Levels of DHEA naturally drop after age 30. Some people take DHEA supplements in the hopes that DHEA will have health benefits and prevent some illnesses. However, the evidence is mixed.

Why do people take DHEA?

A number of studies have found that DHEA supplements may help people with depression, obesity, lupus, and adrenal insufficiency. DHEA may also improve skin in older people and help treat osteoporosis, vaginal atrophy, erectile dysfunction, and some psychological conditions.

Low DHEA levels are associated with aging and a number of diseases, such as anorexia, type 2 diabetes, and HIV. In older men, having low levels of DHEA is also associated with a higher chance of death. However, it's not clear that using DHEA supplements will help lower the risks of getting any diseases.

DHEA is used by some people who want to "reverse" aging and boost immunity, cognitive function, and muscle strength. For now, studies don't back up these uses. DHEA has been studied as a treatment for other conditions, ranging from cardiovascular disease to menopause to Alzheimer's. The results have been unclear.

How much DHEA should you take?

There is no standard dosage of DHEA. Some studies have used capsules dosed between 25 and 200 milligrams a day, or sometimes even higher, but it depends on the medical conditions being treated. Ask your doctor for advice.

Can you get DHEA naturally from foods?

There are no food sources of DHEA. The body manufactures DHEA naturally in the adrenal glands.

What are the risks of taking DHEA?

Side effects. Most side effects are mild, like headache, fatigue, insomnia, and congestion. Because DHEA affects hormone levels, it can cause other symptoms. Women may have abnormal periods or mood changes. They might also take on masculine characteristics, such as facial hair or a deeper voice. Men might develop more breast tissue, high blood pressure, and other problems.
Risks. Using high doses of DHEA may not be safe. People who have heart problems, liver disease, diabetes, high cholesterol, thyroid problems, polycystic ovary syndrome, and a history of clotting problems should not use DHEA. DHEA may increase the risk of some cancers that are affected by hormones, like cancers of the breast, ovaries, and prostate.
Interactions. If you take any medications regularly, talk to your doctor before you start using DHEA supplements. They could interact with blood thinners, anticonvulsants, hormone therapy, and drugs for diabetes and heart or liver problems.
Because DHEA is a powerful hormone, it is not recommended for children or for women

ashwagandha

The root and berry of the ashwagandha plant are a traditional Ayurvedic medicine in India.  Ashwagandha is used as a tonic (it is sometimes referred to as the “Indian ginseng”) to improve physical and mental health and to treat a number of specific conditions.

Why do people take ashwagandha?

There's some early evidence that ashwagandha affects the immune system and helps reduce swelling. However, the practical benefits and risks for people aren't clear yet.

One study found that a compound containing ashwagandha helped relive osteoarthritis symptoms. It's not clear which of the ingredients had the benefit since ashwaganda is traditionally used in combination with other herbs. Ashwagandha might help lower blood sugar in people with type 2 diabetes and lower high cholesterol. Since ashwagandha has sedative effects, it could help ease anxiety and stress. There is some preliminary research that it may help with epilepsy and memory loss, but these results are too early to say for sure if it could benefit humans.

Some lab tests of cancer cells have found that ashwagandha might slow down their growth. Animal studies have found that ashwagandha could boost the effects of radiation therapy. However, these are early results. It isn't known if ashwagandha will help people with cancer.

People use ashwagandha for other health conditions, including anemia. It is high in iron and has been shown to help increase hemoglobin levels. For many of the other purported uses, there isn't evidence to support ashwaganda’s benefits.

How much ashwagandha should you take?

There is no standard dose of ashwagandha. Some people use between 1 to 6 grams of the whole herb daily. Others mix 3 grams of ashwagandha powder in warm milk. There are also standardized extracts available. Ask your doctor for advice about forms of ashwagandha and doses.

Can you get ashwagandha naturally from foods?

In some parts of the world, people eat ashwagandha shoots, seeds, and fruit. Some make tea by boiling ashwagandha roots for 15 minutes.

What are the risks of taking ashwagandha?

Side effects. Since ashwagandha has not been well-studied, we don't know all of its side effects. Large doses can cause upset stomach, diarrhea, and vomiting. Ashwagandha could cause more serious side effects in some people, including abnormal heart rhythm, breathing problems, sedation, low blood pressure, and kidney damage.
Risks. Talk to a doctor before using ashwagandha if you have any health conditions, like cancer, diabetes, thyroid problems, bleeding disorders, ulcers, lupus, multiple sclerosis, or rheumatoid arthritis. Ashwagandha might interfere with thyroid tests. Stop taking ashwagandha two weeks before surgery.
Interactions. If you take any drugs or supplements regularly, talk to your doctor before you start using ashwagandha supplements. They could interact with sedatives, blood thinners, thyroid supplements, drugs that suppress the immune system, and medicines for anxiety, high blood pressure, and diabetes. Ashwagandha might also interact with supplements that cause sleepiness, like St. John's wort, kava, valerian, and others.
Given the serious risks, women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should not use ashwagandha. 

omega3 fatty acid

Omega-3 fatty acids are key for normal development and growth. Omega-3 supplements have also become one of the most popular supplements in the U.S. They're used to prevent and treat a number of serious diseases. Since the human body cannot make omega-3 fatty acids, we have to get them from our diet. Lack of dietary intake of omega-3 fatty acids and too much intake of omega-6 fatty acids is believed to be a significant contributing factor in many disease states.

Why do people take omega-3 fatty acids?

Studies show strong evidence that omega-3 fatty acids from fish oil can lower blood pressure and triglyceride levels. People who have had a heart attack and are treated with omega-3 fatty acids have a lower risk of having further heart attacks. Omega-3 fatty acids may lower the overall risk of death from heart disease. There's also good evidence that diets high omega-3 fatty acids help with rheumatoid arthritis.

Omega-3 fatty acids have been studied in many other conditions. They include asthma, cancer, depression, psoriasis, and inflammatory bowel diseases such as Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. While some of these studies have been promising, they're still inconclusive.

The different types of omega-3 fatty acids can be confusing. There are the fish oils, which contain docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA.) Then there are the plant sources with alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), which is converted into omega-3 fatty acids in the body.

Studies have generally used fish oils as the source for omega-3 fatty acids. While plant sources with ALA may have the same benefits, less is known about them. For now, fish oils with DHA and EPA have the more established benefit.

How much omega-3 fatty acids should you take?

There are no standard doses for omega-3 fatty acids. The American Heart Association recommends 1 gram per day of EPA+DHA for people with heart disease. Higher doses -- between 2 to 4 grams per day -- are used to lower triglycerides. If you need to take omega-3 fatty acid supplements, ask your doctor what dosage you should use. Children shouldn't use omega-3 fatty acid supplements unless a doctor suggests it.

Can you get omega-3 fatty acids naturally from foods?

Good food sources of omega-3 fatty acids include:

Coldwater fish, like mackerel, tuna, salmon, and sardines
Cod liver
Flaxseed and canola oils
Soybeans and tofu
Walnuts
The American Heart Association recommends that people eat fish at least twice a week to increase their intake of omega-3 fatty acids.

Eating fewer foods with omega-6 fatty acids -- like some meats, eggs, and oils -- can also improve the ratio of omega-3 fatty acids in the blood, effectively raising the concentration or levels in the body. Many people in the U..S eat diets that have 10-25 times as many omega-6 as they do omega-3 fatty acids. This imbalance may play a role in the onset of many diseases. 

alfa lipoic acid

Alpha-lipoic acid is an antioxidant that's in many foods, and it's made naturally in our bodies. For many years, high doses of alpha-lipoic acid supplements have been used in parts of Europe for certain types of nerve damage. Studies suggest that they might also help with type 2 diabetes.

Why do people take alpha-lipoic acid?

We have strong evidence that alpha-lipoic acid supplements help with type 2 diabetes. Several studies have found that they can improve insulin resistance. Studies also found that alpha-lipoic acid supplements can help with neuropathy -- nerve damage -- caused by diabetes or cancer treatment. They seem to reduce symptoms like pain, tingling, and prickling in the feet and legs. It may also help protect the retina from some of the damage that can occur in people with diabetes.

Although these uses are promising, diabetes and cancer obviously need proper medical treatment. So don't treat yourself on your own with supplements. Instead, see your doctor and ask if alpha-lipoic acid might help.

There's some early evidence that long-term use of alpha-lipoic acid might help with the symptoms of dementia. Other studies suggest that an alpha-lipoic acid cream might help skin damage related to aging. However, more research needs to be done.

Alpha-lipoic acid has also been researched as a treatment for many other conditions. These include Amanita mushroom poisoning, glaucoma, kidney disease, migraines, and peripheral arterial disease. So far, the evidence is not clear.

How much alpha-lipoic acid should you take?

Because alpha-lipoic acid is an unproven treatment, there is no established dose. However, studies have used between 600-1,200 milligrams daily for diabetes and neuropathy; one review concluded that the evidence is convincing for the use of 600 milligrams daily for three weeks on symptoms of diabetic neuropathy. Some studies have used intravenous alpha-lipoic acid instead of oral supplements.

Can you get alpha-lipoic acid naturally from foods?

Many foods contain alpha-lipoic acid in very low amounts. They include spinach, broccoli, yams, potatoes, yeast, tomatoes, Brussels sprouts, carrots, beets, and rice bran. Red meat -- and particularly organ meat -- is also a source of alpha-lipoic acid.

What are the risks of taking alpha-lipoic acid?

Side effects. Generally, side effects are uncommon. These supplements could cause nausea, dizziness, or a rash. Topical alpha-lipoic acid can irritate the skin.
Risks. Because alpha-lipoic acid can lower blood sugar, check with a doctor before using it if you have diabetes. Your doctor might want to test your glucose levels regularly while you use alpha-lipoic acid supplements. If you have thyroid problems, a thiamine deficiency, or any other medical issue, talk to your doctor before you start taking alpha-lipoic acid supplements.
Interactions. If you take any medicines or supplements regularly, see your doctor before you start using alpha-lipoic acid. People with diabetes need to be especially careful. Using it along with diabetes drugs could make blood sugar levels drop too low. Alpha-lipoic acid might decrease the effect of chemotherapy drugs. It could also interact with antibiotics, anti-inflammatories, tranquilizers, vasodilators, and drugs for osteoarthritis.
Given the lack of evidence about its safety, alpha-lipoic acid is not recommended for children or for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding.

basic nurrition( carb,protien,fats)

Carbohydrates:

         Carbohydrates are the primary source of natural energy for the human body.   Insulin is produced by the body when the pancreas burn carbs and insulin is elementary for the body since it helps the body in getting the much needed energy.   Insulin breaks carbs into suitable substitutes and stores them either as fat or in the muscles.   The storage is dependent upon how one utilizes the energy derived from carbohydrates.   Insulin also helps in grabbing proteins (amino acids) and helps in storing the amino acids inside the muscle cells.     This not only helps in growth, but also helps in recovery of the fatigued muscles.    Therefore, insulin plays a major role in muscle building and the production of insulin is directly triggered by ingestion of carbohydrates in the body.

         Although carbohydrates are important for insulin production, yet a high carb diet may lead to excess insulin being produced, which in turn leads the body into storing every part of your diet as fat.     More the insulin, more your body tends to get fatter.    Lower insulin levels on the other hand might result in your body not being able to utilize the amino acids for proper growth.   Thus, the right amount of carb intake is elementary for a proportionate body building.

         Carbohydrates are broadly classified into two types- simple carbs and complex carbs.     Complex carbs are relatively more difficult to break down and take time to be broken down thus, giving timed energy.    Simple carbs give immediate energy as they are easier to break down.     Normal meals should mainly consist of complex carbs but breakfast and post-workout meals should have an abundance of simple carbs.      The reason is simple- when the body is depleted of energy (in the morning or post workout), it requires instant energy to rebuild its internal glycogen levels and therefore, you should always stick with simple carbs.     Complex carbs should be thrown out proportionately during the meals in order to give your body a sustained and prolonged energy boost throughout the day.

         Complex carbohydrates include starchy edible stuff like potatoes, rice, wheat flour etc. and some green vegetables.   Simple carbohydrates consist of fruits like apples, bananas and orange.     Mix and match the quantities to suit your body's needs and your workout timings.

Proteins:

         Even if you are a beginner at bodybuilding, you would have definitely heard a lot about proteins and how they are the building blocks of the body.   The fact remains that each and every tissue of the human body is made up of proteins and therefore, if you are looking to increase lean muscle mass- you ought to increase the protein intake in your day to day meals. Having said that, it is not as simple as it sounds.   Proteins and carbs work in tandem.   Carbs give the body the energy to convert protein into muscle while proteins help in the timing of carbs- thus providing all throughout the day.   Besides, having proteins increases the metabolism of the body by up to 15% at a time and this is a very significant figure for those looking to burn fat and increase lean muscle mass.

         The equation for protein consumption is simple.    For every pound of your weight, you should consume 1 to 1.5 grams of protein.     For  instance,  if  you  weight  200  pounds,  you  should consume about 175 grams of protein everyday.     More than that might get converted into fat and lower protein levels will not give optimal results.   Therefore, measuring and timing are the two most important aspects of maintaining a balanced protein diet.   As a thumb rule, you should consume an equitable amount of carbs as well- this aids in protein synthesis.

         Remember- carbs and proteins should always work in tandem rather than contradicting each others' effects on the human body. Eggs, chicken, turkey, fish and bacon are good examples of proteins.     Mix and match with other meat types to get the required amount.


Fats:

         This  is  where it  gets  tricky.     The  main  purpose  of  a bodybuilding  diet  is  to  increase muscle.    Some people have a notion that the best way of doing it is by reducing the fat intake- and this notion, our dear readers, it dangerously convoluted!

         Fats aid in hormonal reactions, they help in keeping the joint lubricated and their absence makes the body look out for fats.    This will results in all of the food you consume to be accumulated as fat, which would hamper testosterone production in the body- thereby hampering the whole process of muscle building.    You might end up loosing weight and this will be counter productive to your over all bodybuilding regimen.    Therefore, in order to have a balanced metabolism running, you should always look towards including healthy fats in your diet.    Fats are broadly classified into three types- saturated, monosaturated and polysaturated.

         Saturated fats are the primary culprits behind heart related diseases, including high cholesterol levels and heart attacks. Saturated fats are found mostly in red meat and hydrogenated vegetable oils- mainly constituting packaged food.    If there is something you really need to avoid when it comes to fats- its saturated fats.

         Polysaturated fats have no effect on body cholesterol levels and are therefore the better of the three types of fats.   These are mostly found in vegetable oils that do no get hydrogenated to saturated fats.   Common examples include sunflower, soybean and cottonseed oil.

         The best of the three fat varieties is monosaturated fats.   These fats help in increasing the levels of �good� cholesterol in the human body.    These might have antioxidant properties as well- something that really aids in establishing a healthy metabolic rate. When combined with protein shakes and carbohydrates (like wheat bread) monosaturated fats can really give your cardiovascular system a positive boost up.   Some common sources of monosaturated fats include fish, flaxseed oil, olive oil and peanut butter.

weight lose drugs

Weight loss i.e. reducing extra fats or body weight is important for living a healthy and controlled life.   The methods used by bodybuilders for achieving their desired weight loss are: dieting, training, steroids and supplements.   All these combined with enormous motivation result in an amazingly built body with no excessive fat.

         Steroids help bodybuilders to maintain weight loss by repartitioning body fats. Various anabolic androgenic steroids aid in reducing excessive weight and increasing lean body mass. These steroids are also useful in building strong muscles and strengthening the stamina.

         Bodybuilders also control their proteins and carbohydrates intake when they're on their weight loss cycle.

         Training is the most important component of weight loss as it's great for burning calories. During bodybuilding training, the body is forced to utilize the stored fat which results in a good weight loss.

         Weightlifting is also very helpful in this regard and bodybuilders can acquire a maintained and desirable physique by weightlifting 4 to 6 times a week. In addition to it, five to six cardio workouts every week for 30 minutes each can be really beneficial for losing excessive fats.

         Cardio workouts include: biking, running and brisk walking etc.

         Various supplements also aid in the phase of weight loss. Bodybuilders require supplements in order to meet their high protein needs. Protein powders are found pretty useful in this regard, as they are effective in attaining sufficient protein levels. There are some controversial supplements too which are not recommended to use as their side effects mostly overcome their benefits.

Clenbuterol

         Clenbuterol drug is prescribed to the asthma patients as a treatment to the disease. More often, it is used to enhance weight loss or as a performance enhancement drug, mostly utilized by athletes and body builders. This drug is identified as sympathomimetics, which implies that it directly affects the nervous system to execute its performance enhancement function.

         Clenbuterol directly affects the beta-2 sympathomimetics receptors along with the beta-1 receptors. These beta-1 receptors directly influence the cardio levels in such a way that it affects the body activity. Clenbuterol performs the same function as performed by epinephrine and generally affects the human body by carrying out the following actions:

�        Stimulates the receptors in such a way that it enhances the aerobic activity of the body.
�        Quickens the Central Nervous System of the human body.
�        Increases the blood flow in the arteries thereby increases the blood pressure
�        The transfer of oxygen is also enhanced
�        Helps in enhancing the Body Mass Index of the body by efficiently increasing the metabolism rate of the body.
�        At the same time it also helps in loosening up of the muscles.

         As mentioned above, it increases metabolism rate thereby blood pressure goes high.  This means that the body mass index is increased and at the same time body fats are burned due to increased blood activity.

The side effects of Clenbuterol includes: hypertension, hypersensitivity, acute myocardial infarction etc. Clenbuterol is banned in many States due to its harmful effects.

Cytomel T3

         Cytomel T3 is a synthetic thyroid hormone, That is especially popular among body builders to burn fat.  Cytomel T3 however is not directly produced by the thyroid; in fact it is converted into T4 hormone to carry out its function.

         Cytomel T3 is a thyroid agent which directly affects the mitochondria, often referred to as the powerhouses of the cells, to perform its activity enhancement function. It stimulates mitochondria to increase the amount of ATP produced which in turn increases the production of energy in the human body.  This means, respiration activity is increased to produce more heat in the body.


         Following are some of the advantages of the drug:

�        Enhances metabolism rate reducing weight effectively
�        Helps in breaking down of proteins more efficiently to produce high energy
�        Keeps a hormonal balance in the body
�        Reduction of Goiter is an apparent affect of this drug

Body builders utilize Cytomel T3 because of its property of eradicating �sticky fats� from the body, thereby helping reduce weight, but not the body mass index, efficiently.

         The starting dosage of Cytomel T3 must be low; 25mcgs per day is enough in the start which can gradually be increased as the days pass by.

Over dosage of this prescription is strictly prohibited.  It should not be taken for more than five weeks after which it will start affecting the thyroid gland.

         As this is an addictive drug, the dosage must be reduced gradually. Side effects of this Cytomel T3 include: headache, insomnia, diarrhea, sudden weight loss, fever, heat sensitivities and nervousness.

Xenical

         Xenical is a drug prescribed to obese people which helps them lose all the extra fat from the body.   This weight losing drug is especially prescribed to people having health issues like diabetes, blood pressure or high cholesterol.

         Xenical is however most popular amongst the body builders who take this drug as a dietary supplement along with their workout routine.

         The main function of this supplement is to absorb the fats and keep away from accumulating inside the body. This drug is basically a gastrointestinal lipase inhibitor which prohibits the fats from settling inside the body, with an absorption rate of thirty percent.

         When taken along with hard core exercise and a low fat routine, this prescription is reported to give the best results.

Before using this drug, it is advised to consult a medical practitioner to avoid any kind of complications. However, as a general pattern, it is taken one hour after the consumption of a meal containing fats. Body builders are advised to take it three times a day as their supplement routine.

         Following are some of the apparent advantages of using Xenical:

�        Reduces weight up to 10% which is the reason why it is one of the most recommended drugs for body builders.
�        Helps in lowering blood pressure and the sugar level.
�        It is perfectly healthy for the digestive system with no side effects on cardiovascular system
�        This drug is non-addictive.
�        Tolerability level of this prescription is also high.

         Xenical comes with many side effects which include: stomach pain, diarrhea, nausea, rectal pain or sometimes loss of appetite. Other complications include fever, chills or even flu. Teeth problems are also expected along with minor skin rashes. Those who are already on other drugs like insulin or Neprol should also consult with the physician to confirm the compatibility of the medications with this drug. Only those who are above 18 are eligible to take Xenical.
Reductil

         Commonly known as sibutramine, reductil is considered highly effective in treating obesity.  This drug works in two productive ways; first it builds a feeling of fullness so that the patient feels satisfied in a flash even after an intake of little portions of meal and it also reduces the frequency of cravings for unhealthy food. Secondly, it aids in restraining the metabolism of the body from slowing down.

         The most active ingredient found in reductil is sibutramine hydrochloride monohydrate which is considered efficacious for reducing weight.  The working of reductil is different from traditional weight loss pills as it operates by obstructing the re-uptake of a neurotransmitter known as serotonin.  It results in the presence of a greater quantity of serotonin in the brain that is linked with smaller appetite.

         Reductil is found in five, ten and fifteen milligrams doses and is only taken orally. It is mostly recommended to people who have tried different weight loss methods but nothing worked and having body mass index BMI of over 30 kg/m2. Not every person using reductil report side effects but some of its common side effects are: nausea, hot flushes, headache, insomnia, constipation, sweaty hands and dry mouth etc. This drug is not considered an addictive medicine as it is licensed to use for long durations for treating obesity.

Sibutramine

         Sibutramine, a medicine which has been withdrawn from the U.S and other regions market from October 2010, was primarily used to assist overweight people in losing weight by adjusting neurotransmitters inside the brain.

         Neurotransmitters are defined as chemicals generated and released through nerves for communicating with other nerves. The neurotransmitters released may stick to other nerves or may be absorbed again by those nerves that usually release them. This processed is called reuptake. Thus, sibutramine used to obstruct reuptake of serotonin, norepinephrine and neurotransmitters dopamine. This obstruction of the reuptake of neurotransmitters alters neurotransmitters balance inside the nerve cells which affects the interaction and function of the nerve.

         Sibutramine belongs to the �appetite suppressants� class of medications that help in reducing the cravings and hunger through alteration in the appetite control centers present in the brain.

         Sibutramine was considered an effective drug for weight loss when taken with a healthy low calorie diet and exercise. It was also recommended for treating obesity related to high cholesterol, diabetes and high blood pressure.

         This medicine was not commonly prescribed and people suffering from anorexia nervosa were not allowed to take it. Bodybuilders who used to take sibutramine were likely to achieve a reduction of 5 to 10% from their weight.

         The reason of its withdrawal was some of its side effects that were found potentially hazardous and life threatening.

Diaretics

         Diaretics also called water pills are medications that expel fluids from the body by increasing urination.  Bodybuilders who need to cut down more weight in a short span of time turn to diaretics as the less fluid they have in their body, the less they will weight, and also more muscle definition.

         There are several categories of diaretics but all of them work more or less differently.  Major over the counter diaretics work on the kidneys for expelling salts and water.  Other water pills increase blood supply to the kidneys and some drugs increase the filtration rate of the kidneys.

         Diaretics is also used for treating conditions such as high blood pressure, kidney diseases, heart failure and liver cyrrohsis, but it is being advertised more as a weight reducing drug to normal users.

         Diaretics is not considered a healthy way to reduce weight, as it is not proven to help in the fat reduction. This drug only aids in reducing the amount of liquid retained in the body. This weight loss is temporary and as soon as a user eats or drinks something, his body starts replacing the lost liquids, which results in a regain in his weight.

         Other than that abusing diaretics may result into life threatening conditions like dehydration and critical potassium deficiencies. Moreover, some users also experience cramping or weakness of muscles, irregular heartbeat, fatigue and nausea.

prohormones and bodybuilding

Prohormone supplements are anabolic precursors that act as anabolic steroids and enhance the growth and development of muscles in the body.   These supplements are generally used by weight trainers or body builders to enhance muscle mass.

         Usually, prohormone supplements lack only one molecule to be equivalent to anabolic steroids.  Once these supplements are digested, and the enzymatic process takes place, the missing molecule is introduced in the body resulting in an increase in the anabolic hormones in the blood stream.  This facilitates a chemical reaction that helps to burn the extra body fat and nutrients and building muscle mass.

         Due to the limited amount of enzymes available in the body, the result of prohormone supplements may be restricted.  When the body gets short of the enzymes used to break down hormones, the performance of the supplements becomes reduced.

         Androstenedione is a prohormone supplement which is an antecedent for testosterone.     Similarly, DHEA or dehydroepiandrosterone is a precursor to many other hormones in the body and is typically used to increase athletic performance, enhance strength, support weight loss and also develop cognitive ability.

         Some people may believe that the usage of prohormone supplements is extremely beneficial without any side effects, however, prolonged usage results is many side effects and various organ complications.

         Excess use or misuse of prohormone supplements may result in liver complications.  Moreover, prolonged use may also lead to renal failure and may also affect fertility in the long run.  Extensive use causes hair loss, acne and baldness as it eventually lowers the production of testosterone in the body with the passage of time.

         In females, the abuse of prohormones may lead to the development of masculine features such as increased facial growth or deepening of voice. This occurs due to the increase in testosterone production in women through the usage of prohormone supplements. Therefore, before taking any type of prohormone supplement, it is recommended to consult a doctor.

         Considering these complications and the misuse of steroids and prohormones by many athletes, some prohormone compounds were banned under the Anabolic Steroid Control Act of 2004.

         Recommended use of prohormones is after the age of thirty. People below twenty one should not even think about using them.

Prohormone Benefits

�        Muscle growth: They help in increasing the muscle mass significantly and make the body look bigger.
�        Muscle strength: Prohormones are popular for enhancing muscle strength.
�        Appetite: Increased appetite is another benefit of using these supplements.
�        Recovery time: In athletes, the use of prohormones enhances the recovery time.

Harmful Effects of Prohormones

         The side effects of using prohormone usually vary with the prohormone used.  There are a number of common harmful effects:

�        Liver function: Prohormones are said to be stressful for the liver.
�        Hair loss: Imbalance of these can result in irrecoverable hair loss.
�        Bad cholesterol: An increase in blood cholesterol level may occur.
�        Acne: This is a side effect common to most steroids and prohormones.
�        High blood pressure: Problems like high blood pressure and hypertension may occur.