Developed Resources has compiled some information to assist you in making informed decisions. The following table of Contents will direct to various topics of interest. Also, be sure to check out our Glossary.

History of Bodybuilding
Developed Resources defines bodybuilding as a lifestyle that is conducive to "increasing (building) ones potential (body)," not attempting to be a professional bodybuilder. It is Developed Resources' opinion that anyone can use a bodybuilding (as "defined" by us) lifestyle to dramatically change their physical appearance and self confidence. This can be done by following a proper nutritional program; exercising smart, to increase LBM; and taking "legal" supplements. Unfortunately, we feel that bodybuilding as a sport is turning itself into a downward spiral. Professional bodybuilding has succumbed to such extreme hormonal manipulation, it is beyond people's reasoning.

If you do not agree with our speculation, read The Most Shocking Bodybuilding Interview Ever (IRONMAN, February '97) and see what we mean. After reading this article you can see the problems associated with professional level bodybuilding (BB). This would not be a problem if it was only at the "professional" level. Amateur BB is or can be a "stepping stone" to the professional level. Spectators and judges see the "standard" that professional level BB sets for the sport and expect to see it at the amateur level.

Developed Resources does not make a value statement regarding hormonal manipulation in bodybuilding. This manipulation did not seem to get "out-of-hand" until the mid to late 1980s. We do not condone or promote the use of illegal steroids, human growth hormone, or any other illegal substance. If you are considering use of such products, we feel you should exhaust all "natural" options and obtain as much non-partial information before taking that big leap.

Information and some of the best pricing on prohormones is provided through this site. Since these product's effectiveness utilize the same pathways as steroids, much of the same information regarding steroids can apply to prohormones. Again, we encourage you to gather as much information you can before beginning experimentation with either of these products.

Prohormones
Prohormones are precursors to steroids. They appear to be the best, legal, and most effective supplements for increasing LBM. There is a lot of unknown information regarding prohormones. Information at this site is from research compiled as of October 1998. Research and testing on prohormones is currently being conducted and we will attempt to keep this page updated. Please e-mail us if you are privy to updated information.

We will attempt to use "simple" lay terms for describing prohormones. Pat Arnold is the man responsible for popularizing prohormones in the U.S. bodybuilding arena beginning with Androstenedione. He has already answered many questions regarding prohormones through his column at Mesomorphosis Bodybuilding. Please check out his questions which were answered and archived at Ask Patrick Arnold.

There appears to be major differences between the different "types" of prohormones. You need to be careful and check to see which specific type you are considering to purchase. Prohormone names get truncated and there is no regulation or consistency in a "name." If the product is not clearly labeled and your supplier cannot "quickly" tell you specifically which one it is, I would suggest finding another source. The following is a list of prohormones (truncated names, as generic chemistry names are very long with more numbers). Click on any of the names for an excerpted description:

• DHEA (Dehydroepiandrosterone)
• 4-Androstenedione (4-dione)
• 4-Androstenediol (4-diol)
• 5-Androstenediol (5-diol)
• 19-Nor-4-Androstenedione
• 19-Nor-4-Androstenediol
• 19-Nor-5-Androstenediol

The human body and its chemistry balance is different in every body. Some males have testosterone easily "aromatize" in their bodies. Educate yourself before using prohormones and understand possible side effects to catch them before they escalate.

Glossary

4-Androstenedione is also referred to as "4-dione." This was the first of the prohormones available and was introduced to the U.S. bodybuilding arena by Pat Arnold. It is basically one step shy of being testosterone. Some 4-dione combines with an enzyme that is fairly abundant in our body to convert into testosterone. This is a highly androgenic substance and should be avoided by woman for its virilizing effects. Some 4-dione can convert directly to estrogen and testosterone can aromatize into estrogen. Testosterone can also convert into DHT. It has been speculated (at best) that conversion rate is around 5%.

4-Androstenediol is also referred to as "4-diol." This substance uses a different enzyme (than 4-dione) that is fairly abundant in our body to convert into testosterone. It is basically one step shy of being testosterone. This is a highly androgenic substance and should be avoided by woman for its virilizing effects. Some 4-diol can convert directly to estrogen and testosterone can aromatize into estrogen. Testosterone can also convert into DHT. It has been speculated (at best) that conversion rate is around 15%.

5-Androstenediol is also referred to as "5-diol." The conversion of 5-diol to testosterone has not been conclusively proven. It has some purported health improving qualities. It may exert estrogenic qualities but that has also yet to be conclusively proven. This substance is probably not a good choice for a testosterone precursor.

4-Androstenedione is also referred to as "4-dione." This was the first of the prohormones available and was introduced to the U.S. bodybuilding arena by Pat Arnold. It is basically one step shy of being testosterone. Some 4-dione combines with an enzyme that is fairly abundant in our body to convert into testosterone. This is a highly androgenic substance and should be avoided by woman for its virilizing effects. Some 4-dione can convert directly to estrogen and testosterone can aromatize into estrogen. Testosterone can also convert into DHT. It has been speculated (at best) that conversion rate is around 5%.

4-Androstenediol is also referred to as "4-diol." This substance uses a different enzyme (than 4-dione) that is fairly abundant in our body to convert into testosterone. It is basically one step shy of being testosterone. This is a highly androgenic substance and should be avoided by woman for its virilizing effects. Some 4-diol can convert directly to estrogen and testosterone can aromatize into estrogen. Testosterone can also convert into DHT. It has been speculated (at best) that conversion rate is around 15%.

5-Androstenediol is also referred to as "5-diol." The conversion of 5-diol to testosterone has not been conclusively proven. It has some purported health improving qualities. It may exert estrogenic qualities but that has also yet to be conclusively proven. This substance is probably not a good choice for a testosterone precursor.

19-Nor-4-Androstenedione is a substance that is basically one step shy of being nortestosterone. Some 19-Nor-4-dione combines with an enzyme that is fairly abundant in our body to convert into nortestosterone. Nortestosterone was synthesized into a steroid called Nandrolone. Nandrolone is a generic name for a well known steroid called Durabolin. A refined version of Durabolin is (was?) Deca Durabolin, considered the premier steroid by bodybuilders. We find it hard to draw an analogy of 19-Nor-4-dione to Deca. This would be like drawing the same conclusion that hamburger is just like prime rib. 19-Nor-4-dione is purported to have less androgenic and more anabolic effects. It it also said to be less likely to convert into estrogen. Next to 19-Nor-4-diol, it is considered by many to be the most favorable prohormone available. We feel it is in your best interest to take anti-estrogen precautions with all prohormones (including 19-Nor products, just to be safe). It has been speculated (at best) that conversion rate is around 5%.

19-Nor-4-Androstenediol is also a substance that is basically one step shy of being nortestosterone. Some 19-Nor-4-diol combines with an enzyme (different than for 19-Nor-4-dione) that is fairly abundant in our body to convert into nortestosterone. Nortestosterone was synthesized into a steroid called Nandrolone. Nandrolone is a generic name for a well known steroid called Durabolin. A refined version of Durabolin is (was?) Deca Durabolin, considered the premier steroid by bodybuilders. We find it hard to draw an analogy of 19-Nor-4-diol to Deca. This would be like drawing the same conclusion that hamburger is just like prime rib. 19-Nor-4-diol is purported to have less androgenic and more anabolic effects. It it also said to be less likely to convert into estrogen. 19-Nor-4-diol is considered by many to be the most favorable prohormone available. We feel it is in your best interest to take anti-estrogen precautions with all prohormones (including 19-Nor products, just to be safe). It has been speculated (at best) that conversion rate is around 15%.

19-Nor-5-Androstenediol is probably not a good choice for a nortestosterone precursor. This would be for same reasons, such as same purported estrogenic qualities as 5-diol.

Androgenic properties are both beneficial and detrimental. The muscle building properties are what everybody seek. Increase in facial and body hair, acne, deepening of voice, and enlarged clitoris in women are results nobody wants.

DHEA, Dehydroepiandrosterone is two steps away from being converted into testosterone. DHEA is not a good testosterone precursor because of this conversion factor.

DHT is a compound that can increase male-pattern baldness and cause prostate enlargement in men. This compound is a byproduct of testosterone. Saw Palmetto extract is a purported deterrent for prostate enlargement due to DHT. It has been reported that finisteride or Propecia reduces male pattern baldness associated with DHT.

Estrogen is female hormones. Estrone is one of these female sex hormones. Estrone is so similar in molecular structure to testosterone. Estrone is one chemical step via an aromatase enzyme from converting muscle-building testosterone into a fat-depositing estrogen (process is referred to as aromatize). The two common receptor sites for certain estrogen in males are the breasts and testes. An increase of this estrogen in male breasts can cause enlargement (commonly referred to as "bitch tit"). An increase of estrogen in the testes causes them to noticeably shrink. Bitch tit must be surgically removed, it will not go away when steroid or prohormone therapy ceases. The testes should regain their normal size after steroid or prohormone therapy ceases.

Testosterone is a male hormone. It has anabolic (protein building) and androgenic (masculinizing) properties. Testosterone has been synthesized into a 17-carbon chemical structure called steroids. The androgenic effects of endogenous testosterone are the development of male reproductive system and secondary sexual characteristics. The anabolic effects include growth and epiphyses closure of long bones during puberty, enlargement of larynx and vocal cords, improvement of red celnumberber, reduce body fat, and improve corporal mass (muscle).

	NOTICE - This web-site provides information intended to be general guidelines and may not be applicable to your particular condition. There is no adequate substitution for a personal consultation with your physician whenever undertaking a new training, nutritional or supplementation program. Neither Developed Resources, any of their affiliates, or any contributors shall have any liability for the content or any errors or omissions in information provided by this web-site.
PrevNext Supplements | Training | Nutrition | Case Study Online Magazines | Computer Info | Resources | Home
Copyright © 1999-2002 Developed Resources All rights reserved