For those new to prohormones, the landscape can be overwhelming. With countless compounds promising rapid muscle growth, increased strength, and accelerated fat loss, it’s crucial to approach prohormone supplementation with clarity, knowledge, and caution. This guide will walk you through the best beginner-friendly prohormones, explain how they work, what side effects to watch out for, and how to run your first cycle safely and effectively.
🔬 What Are Prohormones?
Prohormones are compounds that convert into active anabolic hormones (like testosterone or nandrolone) in the body. Unlike anabolic steroids, which are already active, prohormones are precursors that require enzymatic conversion. This distinction made them easier to obtain legally for many years—although regulations have tightened significantly.
Once ingested, enzymes in your liver or other tissues convert prohormones into their active anabolic form, allowing them to:
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Increase muscle protein synthesis
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Improve nitrogen retention
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Boost strength and endurance
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Promote fat loss (in some cases)
💡 Important: Prohormones are not supplements like creatine or whey protein. They alter your hormonal balance and require PCT (Post Cycle Therapy) and responsible use.
🧬 Best Prohormones for Beginners
💥 1. 1-Andro (1-Androsterone / 1-DHEA)
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Target hormone: 1-Testosterone (via a two-step conversion)
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Anabolic/Androgenic Ratio: ~200/90
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Benefits:
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Dry, lean muscle gains
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Strength improvements
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Non-aromatizing (no estrogen conversion)
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Ideal Cycle Length: 4–6 weeks
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Why it's beginner-friendly: Mild side effects, effective results without excessive water retention
🔗 Related post: Best Prohormones for Bulking
⚡ 2. 4-Andro (4-DHEA)
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Target hormone: Testosterone
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Anabolic/Androgenic Ratio: ~150/95
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Benefits:
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Wet gains (increased water retention)
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Strength and aggression in the gym
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Converts directly to testosterone
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Ideal Cycle Length: 4–6 weeks
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Why it's beginner-friendly: It's literally a testosterone precursor, making it a “natural” feeling compound with great synergy when stacked with 1-Andro.
🔗 Related post: Top Prohormone Stacks
🔥 3. Epiandrosterone (Epi-Andro)
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Target hormone: Dihydrotestosterone (DHT)
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Benefits:
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Increased muscle hardness and vascularity
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Boosts strength and aggression
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Fat burning (due to DHT)
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Ideal Cycle Length: 4–6 weeks
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Why it's beginner-friendly: Non-methylated and non-estrogenic. Excellent for cutting or recomposition.
📊 How to Choose the Right One for You
| Goal | Prohormone | Best Use |
|---|---|---|
| Lean Muscle Growth | 1-Andro | Bulking/Recomp |
| Strength + Test Boost | 4-Andro | Bulking |
| Dry Gains + Hardening | Epiandrosterone | Cutting/Recomp |
⚠️ What to Avoid as a Beginner
While many advanced users swear by powerful compounds, these are not ideal for your first cycle:
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Superdrol (Methasterone) – Extremely liver toxic, harsh side effects
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Methylstenbolone – Powerful, but also carries a high risk-to-reward ratio
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Halodrol – Stronger gains but often too suppressive for beginners
💡 These compounds are best reserved for experienced users who understand PCT, support supplements, and the potential for harsh suppression and toxicity.
📦 Sample Beginner Prohormone Cycle
Here’s an example of a first-time cycle using 1-Andro:
| Week | Supplement | Dose |
|---|---|---|
| 1–4 | 1-Andro | 200–300mg/day |
| 1–4 | Cycle Support (liver + BP support) | As directed |
| 5–8 | PCT (e.g., Arimistane or OTC PCT) | As directed |
Optional stack: Add Epiandro at 200mg/day for harder, drier gains.
🧠 Understanding Post Cycle Therapy (PCT)
Even mild prohormones cause suppression of natural testosterone. Failing to run a proper PCT can lead to:
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Low libido
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Fatigue
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Muscle loss
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Mood swings
🔁 Basic PCT Supplements:
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Arimistane – Estrogen control + mild test boost
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DAA (D-Aspartic Acid) – Stimulates LH & FSH
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ZMA + Fenugreek – Supportive but not standalone
⛔ Avoid starting another cycle without proper recovery!
🛡️ On-Cycle Support Supplements
Even for beginner compounds, protect your liver, blood pressure, and general health. Suggested support products include:
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Milk Thistle or TUDCA – Liver health
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Hawthorn Berry – Blood pressure
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NAC – Antioxidant + detox support
🌍 Legal Status & Accessibility
Most beginner-friendly prohormones are legal as long as they’re not methylated or banned substances. However, laws vary by country. See our complete post on Prohormone Legality by Country.
💼 ProhormoneHQ.com ships discreetly worldwide, including the US, UK, Australia, and Canada.
🧪 Final Tips for Beginners
✅ Start Low, Go Slow: Begin at the lowest effective dose
✅ Support + PCT is Mandatory: Even mild cycles need full support
✅ Wait Between Cycles: Allow at least 6–8 weeks between cycles
✅ Track Your Progress: Keep logs of weight, mood, strength, and recovery
✅ Lab Testing: Consider getting blood work before and after for safety
🧠 Conclusion: Prohormones for Beginners
Starting your first prohormone cycle should feel empowering—not risky. Stick with beginner-friendly compounds like 1-Andro, 4-Andro, and Epiandrosterone. Build your knowledge, run proper support and PCT, and avoid the temptation to jump into harsh compounds too soon.
When used correctly, prohormones can give serious results without putting your health at risk.