- Prohormones are precursors that the body converts into anabolic steroids. Many are effectively steroids in pill form.
- SARMs aren’t steroids; they bind the androgen receptor directly without converting.
- Many prohormones are 17-alpha-alkylated, making them hard on the liver.
- In Canada, anabolic steroids and their derivatives are Schedule IV, and that can include prohormones.
Prohormones and SARMs are often sold side by side as alternatives to steroids, especially for cutting. They work very differently. This guide explains how, what each does to your body, and where they stand legally in Canada.
What are prohormones?
A prohormone is a compound the body converts into an active hormone. In the supplement world, the term covers precursors to testosterone and other anabolic steroids, such as androstenedione and 1-androstenedione, and later “designer” compounds sold in the 2000s, such as methyldrostanolone (Superdrol). The US banned many of them under its anabolic steroid laws in 2004 and 2014.
In practice, many products sold as prohormones are oral anabolic steroids, often 17-alpha-alkylated, with the same liver, cholesterol and suppression effects.
What are SARMs?
SARMs are non-steroidal drugs that bind the androgen receptor directly. They were designed for selectivity: more effect on muscle and bone, less on prostate and skin. See our SARMs guide.
Compared
| Prohormones | SARMs | |
|---|---|---|
| Chemistry | Steroid precursors or steroids | Non-steroidal |
| How they work | Converted to active steroids | Bind androgen receptor directly |
| Liver | Often harsh (methylated) | Injury cases reported |
| Estrogen effects | Depends; some convert to estrogen | Usually few |
| Suppression | Yes | Yes |
| Cholesterol | HDL falls | HDL falls |
Prohormones for cutting
Several prohormones were marketed for cutting because they don’t convert to estrogen and cause little water retention, similar to DHT-derived steroids such as Winstrol and Anavar. Their effects on HDL cholesterol and the liver are similar too. Calorie deficit, not the compound, determines fat loss; see our bulking vs cutting guide.
Legal status in Canada
Canada’s Schedule IV of the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act covers anabolic steroids and their derivatives broadly, and some prohormones fall within it. DHEA, sold over the counter in the US, is a controlled substance in Canada. SARMs aren’t approved by Health Canada and aren’t listed in the CDSA; Health Canada has warned about unauthorized SARM products. Both are prohibited in sport.
Safety bottom line
Neither is a safe shortcut. Prohormones carry the liver and cholesterol costs of oral steroids, often with less information on the label. SARMs suppress hormones and lower HDL with little long-term research. If you use either, get bloodwork, including liver enzymes and a lipid panel.
Frequently asked questions
Are prohormones steroids?
Many are steroid precursors or oral steroids themselves, with the same side effects.
Are prohormones legal in Canada?
Some fall under Schedule IV of the CDSA as anabolic steroids or derivatives; DHEA is controlled in Canada.
Which is safer, prohormones or SARMs?
Neither is clearly safe. Methylated prohormones are hard on the liver; SARMs suppress hormones with limited research.
Do prohormones need PCT?
They suppress natural testosterone like steroids, so recovery needs time and bloodwork.
This article is general information for adults in Canada, not medical advice. Talk to a doctor or pharmacist before using any prescription drug, anabolic steroid or research compound, and get bloodwork done. If you’re in crisis, call or text 9-8-8 (Suicide Crisis Helpline) any time.
