Prohormone Side Effects: What You Need to Know

If you're exploring the world of prohormones, it's important to understand the potential side effects associated with different compounds. While most users report minimal issues, there are still a few things to watch for. This guide walks through the most common side effects associated with popular prohormones including 1-Andro, 4-Andro, Epi-Andro, and 19-Nor varients. 

General Prohormone Side Effects

Across most prohormones, side effects are fairly uncommon. However, some users report minor issues:

• Upset stomach when taken without food
• Skin rashes, potentially due to the cyclodextrin-based delivery system
• Mild allergic reactions to ingredients like 1-Andro or 19-Nor

Increased aggression may also occur in some individuals due to elevated testosterone levels. 

1-Andro (1-Testosterone) Side Effects

1-Andro is typically well-tolerated, but it can suppress your body's natural testosterone production post-cycle. That's why a post cycle therapy (PCT) is essential. PCT helps regulate hormone levels and prevents estrogen spikes that can follow a cycle. 

Although 1-Andro doesn't aromatize (convert to estrogen), you may still experience:

• Mood swings or increased aggression
• Hair loss, particularly if genetically prone
• Mild liver strain, though this is more of a concern with older, methylated prohormones
• Dry joints, especially with dryer compounds

Using a liver support supplement is a good recaution if you're stacking multiple supplements. 

4-Andro Side Effects

Among all the popular prohormones, 4-Andro seems to carry the most potential for side effects - though even then, they're not reported often. 

Key issues to be aware of include:

• Estrogen-related side effects, since 4-Andro aromatizes into testosterone, which may convert to estrogen
• Acne and oily skin due to increased DHT levels
• Aggression
• Natural testosterone suppression
• Elevated blood pressure from water retention and increased red blood cell count
• Libido swings, typically an initial boost followed by a crash post-cycle

Many users combat blood pressure issues by taking Citrus Bergamot supplements, which we have available to purchase on My Supplement Store. As for estrogen control, most users don't take estrogen blockers daily but keep them on hand just in case. 

Epi-Andro Side Effects

Epi-Andro is one of the milder prohormones in terms of side effects. That said, DHT-related symptoms can still show up:

• Hair thinning, especially in those redisposed
• Acne and oily skin
• Dry joints, particularly at high dosages
• Mood changes like irritability or aggression 
• Minor liver strain, especially when stacked with other products

Despite being non-methylated, Epi-Andro can still benefit from a liver support supplement. It also causes the least testosterone suppression, which is why it's sometimes included in PCT blends. Even so, if you're using Epi-Andro on its own, a full PCT is still advised. 

19-Nor Prohormone Side Effects

Compounds in the 19-Nor category, like Decabolin and Trenabol, can introduce different side effects, particularly in longer or higher-dose cycles. 

Some of the more common side effects include:

• Lethargy, especially mid-to late-cycle without a test base
• Mood changes, including low energy or mild depression
• Sex drive crash, while not extremely common, is more likely with 19-Nor than other prohormones
• Testosterone suppression, requiring a robust PCT
• Cardiovascular strain and elevated blood pressure

Again, Citrus Bergamot is a great natural option to support cardiovascular health during a cycle. Some users also add herbs like Horny Goat Weed or Maca to help with libido and energy support.

Final Thoughts on Prohormone Side Effects

While most prohormone users experience minimal or no side effects, being informed about potential issues can help you plan a smarter, safer cycle. Here's what to remember:

• Always include a PCT to recover your natural testosterone levels
• Consider liver support and joint supplements if stacking multiple compounds
• Keep an estrogen blocker nearby when using aromatizing compounds like 4-Andro
• Monitor blood pressure and overall cardiovascular health, especially on longer cycles

If you notice side effects such as mood swings, acne, or low libido, adjustments can be made to your supplement stack to minimize the impact. If you want to know more, watch our YouTube video regarding this topic!