Natural Testosterone Boosters vs. Prohormones: Which Makes Sense For You?

Walk into any supplement shop or browse any fitness forum and you'll quickly discover many of the most popular supplements out there for men are testosterone boosters and prohormones. 

At first glance both are commonly associated with increased testosterone, improved strength, libido, energy, recovery and an improved physique. How they work inside the body however is dramatically different. 

Many guys of all ages find themselves trying to decide whether to stick with natural non-hormonal natural test boosters like Tongkat Ali, Fadogia, Fenegreek and other supplements containing these blends, or whether to take the deep diver into the world of prohormones. 

Neither route is right or wrong, it depends on your goals, health, budget and other factors. While prohormones are going to provide more dramatic and faster results, they're more expensive, are a bit more complicated to take, require the use of post cycle therapy and additional products and typically are more likely to cause side effects.

Natural test boosters on the other hand are cheaper, simpler to take, and are generally more well tolerated, but aren't going to deliver as dramatic results and are going to take longer to see effects. In today's post we're going to break down the differences in an effort to help you decide which route is right for you.

Understanding Natural Testosterone Boosters

Natural testosterone boosters or test boosters are supplements designed to support your body's own testosterone production. Instead of supplying hormones directly, natural test boosters typically contain vitamins, minerals, herbs, and other non-hormonal compounds to help optimize your body's natural hormonal environment. 

Many men experience less than optimal testosterone levels due to factors such as poor sleep, chronic stress, nutrient deficiencies, excess body fat, genetics, or simply just getting older. Natural test boosters aim to address some of these factors and help the body function more efficiently. Natural test boosters are typically going to work better and provide more dramatic results for guys on the lower end of their test scores and it's not uncommon to see a guy jump a few hundred points just from a natural testosterone booster or a few simple ingredients like Tongkat Ali, Boron, or others.

Common ingredients in natural testosterone support formulas have historically included things like Fenegreek, Tribulus Terrestris, Vitamin D, D-Aspartic Acid, Zinc and Magnesium, though more modern formulas tend to focus on ingredients like Tongkat Ali, Fadogia Aggrestris, Shilajit, and Ashwagandha.  These ingredients have some clinical studies which have shown they have the potential to support healthy testosterone levels, improved libido, reduced stress, enhanced recovery, and overall well-being. 

What Kind of Results Can You Expect From Natural Test Boosters

One of the biggest misconceptions is that natural testosterone boosters can create steroid like results, the reality is they don't. Instead most users report benefits such as improved energy levels, improved gym performance, enhanced recovery, increased libido, improved mood and motivation and support for healthy testosterone levels. 

For men who have low testosterone due to lifestyle factors, the improvements can be quite noticeable, however those expecting to gain 15 pounds of muscle in a month will likely be disappointed. That's not to say it can't deliver those type of results, higher testosterone levels typically mean it's easier to put on muscle, lose fat, and maintain a healthy body composition, but have realistic expectations. Natural test boosters work as a long term health and performance tool rather than a shortcut to muscle growth. 

What Are Prohormones?

Prohormones operate in a completely different category. Unlike natural testosterone boosters, prohormones are compounds that convert into anabolic hormones after being processed through the body. Once converted these can interact with androgen receptors and create effects that are closer to anabolic steroids than traditional test boosting supplements. These compounds include things like 1-Andro, 4-Andro, Epiandrosterone, and 19-Nor derivatives, however 4-Andro Prohormones like Andriol and others are the best to compare to natural testosterone boosters as 4-Andro Prohormones convert directly to testosterone in the body. 

Why Prohormones Produce Faster Results

Muscle growth comes down to creating an environment that supports protein synthesis and recovery. Natural testosterone boosters attempt to improve that environment indirectly where as prohormones increase anabolic activity much more aggressively by converting into active horones that directly influence muscle building pathways. Because of these prohormone users will generally experience rapid strength increases, improved muscle fullness, greater workout intensity, faster recovery, enhanced muscle hardness and increased lean muscle gains.

The Tradeoff Prohormones vs Natty Test Boosters

The stronger effects of prohormones come with additional considerations. Because prohormones impact hormone levels directly they can suppress the body's natural testosterone production during use. They may also affect cholesterol levels, raise blood pressure and increase liver enzymes, though these side effects aren't common. This is why prohormone users will often incorporate on cycle support supplements, liver support supplements, cardiovascular support supplements and a Post Cycle Therapy regiment. 

While prohormones will deliver more dramatic and quicker results, it comes at an additional expense, the use requires additional knowledge and research, and you are affecting your body's natural hormone balance. 

Natural test boosters on the other hand don't provide as fast or dramatic results but are generally more affordable, more well tolerated without any side effects, and you aren't affecting your body's natural hormone levels which some users prefer. 

Comparing The Two

Natural Test Boosters

Best For:

• Men looking to optimize health and wellness
• Beginners getting into supplements
• Men over 30 seeking hormonal support
• Athletes wanting legal long term testosterone support

Pros:

• Generally very safe with few to no side effects
• No hormonal shutdown or suppression
• No post cycle therapy or on cycle support required
• Supports overall health and vitality

Cons:

• Results are more gradual
• Limited muscle building potential
• Effectiveness varies based on individual hormone levels

Prohormones

Best For:

• Experienced lifters
• Advanced physique athletes
• Individuals looking for aggressive muscle building results
• Users familiar with prohormones and cycle support protocols

Pros:

• Noticeable strength and size increases
• Significant lean muscle gains
• Faster body composition changes
• Enhanced training performance. 

Cons: 

• Requires proper cycle planning
• Potential hormone suppression
• Additional support supplements needed at additional cost
• Not appropriate for beginners

Who Should Start With a Testosterone Booster?

For most men a natural test booster is the logical starting point. Before considering advanced hormonal supplementation at additional cost and with additional potential side effects why not give something natural a try. We've talked to many men who have seen 200 plus bumps in testosterone levels just from taking natural compounds like Tongkat Ali, Vitamin D, Zinc and Boron. 

Before considering taking prohormones make sure your already doing consistent resistance training, getting quality sleep, intaking enough protein, managing stres and maintaining healthy body weight. If those areas are not optimized event he most advanced supplement wont' deliver its full potential. 

One other element is age, if you're under 30 years old a natural test booster may be the best option for you. For guys 30-50 and up a prohormone like Andriol may not be a bad option as after 30 years of age our testosterone levels begin to decline. 

When Prohormones May Be Worth Considering

Prohormones are typically better suited for individuals who have spent years building their training, nutrition and recovery habits. If you've already established a foundation and are seeing a more aggressive approach to strength or muscle development prohormones may offer a level of performance enhancement that natural supplements simply cannot match. It's important to note however that prohormones should never be viewed as a substitute for proper training and nutrition. 

Can Prohormones & Natural Test Boosters Be Used Together?

Prohormones and natural test boosters can be used together and many of Hi-Tech Pharmaceuticals Prohormones contain both prohormones and natural test boosting ingredients like Fenegreek, Fadogia and others. 

That said unless you're taking a blend like USP Labs Pink Magic that already contains this combination of ingredients, I wouldn't go out of my way to buy a bottle of Testosterone 21 to take alongside say Andriol for example. Reason being Andriol is going to convert into testosterone in the body and while something like Testosterone 21 may provide a small boost in test levels, I just don't think it's worth the money and would save the Testosterone 21 to take with my post cycle supplements or on breaks between taking prohormones. 

Final Thoughts

Choosing between natural testosterone boosters and a prohormone ultimately comes down to your goals, experience level and willingness to manage responsibilities and expenses that come with hormonal supplementation. 

Natural testosterone boosters can offer a safer, sustainable path towards improved performance, recovery, testosterone levels and wellbeing at a lower cost and with less strain on the body.

Prohormones however provide a much stronger anabolic effect and can produce dramatic improvements however those benefits come with additional cost, education and greater risks, though prohormones in general are still considered very safe and well tolerated. 

For many lifters, the smartest approach is to master the fundamentals and lifestyle first, then optimize for natural testosterone production, and if you're still looking for a boost, then consider more advanced options like prohormones after building a solid foundation of training, nutrition and consistency.