What are growth stimulants?
Growth stimulants or prohormones are supplements which, as their name suggests, aim to increase the levels of testosterone and growth hormone in the body from natural substances, promoting the growth of muscle mass and power.
This type of supplements can be used for different purposes. They have a direct influence on athletic performance. The body already contains these substances naturally, the supplements act by promoting the production of these hormones in a way that influences the increase in capacity and rate of growth of muscle mass.
These substances are marketed with the idea of acting directly on the Leydig cells, but without inhibiting the hypothalamic-pituitary axis, among other things because they do not stop the secretion of testosterone itself, but increase the amount of testosterone, stimulating these cells to increase their production.
What are the benefits of growth stimulants?
- It contributes to the maintenance of normal testosterone and growth hormone levels and promotes their increase.
- Helps to improve muscle recovery and maintenance
- They help to increase strength and muscle mass.
- Helps to reduce the onset of tiredness and fatigue.
- Helps to improve and increase the intensity of workouts.
What kind of pro-hormones can we find?
There are various substances that promote the production of growth hormones and testosterone. The most commonly used are the following:
Tribulus: it has a direct relationship with testosterone synthesis, by increasing and stimulating the luteinising hormone, directly influencing muscle growth. It is of vegetable origin. One of its characteristics is that it generates an anabolic environment. It is made up of steroidal saponins, such as dioscin, diosgenin, or protodioscin, which have a molecular structure similar to the hormones present in the human body. It is also used to treat infertility, erectile dysfunction and low libido.
ZMA: This is a complex containing zinc, magnesium aspartate and vitamin B6, also related to hormone secretion, as they are precursors of testosterone. Magnesium is crucial for the supply of oxygen to muscle tissue. Zinc increases muscle strength, endurance and muscle mass growth. Vitamin B6 is involved in the synthesis of nerve transmitters, glycogen and protein metabolism.
DHEA or dihydroepiandrosterone. This hormone is secreted naturally in the adrenal glands and is the source of testosterone production, and while in men its production (of testosterone) is very low compared to the testes (5% versus 95%), in women it represents 60% of circulating testosterone, which would come from the conversion of adrenal androgens.
- Increases vascularisation
- Does not retain fluids.
- Increases strength.
- Muscle hardener.
- Improves performance.
- Non-toxic to the liver.
- Gains lean muscle mass.
Epiandrosterone: Another prohormone that many people have used effectively. It is a metabolite of testosterone and dihydrotestosterone (DHT).
- It is fast acting.
- It is not methylated.
- Increases strength.
- Helps lean muscle gain.
- Increases vascularity.
- Improves physical performance
How to take growth stimulants?
Prohormones are capsules that are swallowed. The general recommendation is to take them with meals, but you should follow the guidance on the product label on how and when to take them.
Follow the manufacturer's recommendations.
What dosage is recommended?
The dosage will depend on the compound used, as there are significant differences from one compound to another. Follow the manufacturer's instructions.
Are there any side effects?
The following may occur, depending on the person. Each case is individual.
- Acne.
- headaches
- Infertility and baldness, both long-term effects.
- breast formation in men
- Localised pain in the prostate glands.
- Mood swings from aggressiveness to depression.
- Decreased libido potentially leading to psychological and social problems.
- Hair loss because it tends to reduce testosterone production in the body for a period of time.
