Natural Testosterone Boosters vs DHEA-Based Prohormones: What’s Better for Gains?

If you’re grinding in the gym, chasing bigger lifts and better pumps, chances are you’ve come across two popular supplement categories: natural testosterone boosters and DHEA-based prohormones. Both claim to enhance performance, increase muscle mass, and give you that alpha edge — but which one actually delivers?

Here at Supplement Warehouse, we get this question quite a bit. "Should I use a natural testosterone booster or a prohormone?" And alot of this depends on your goals.

What are Natural Testosterone Boosters?

Natural test boosters work by enhancing the body’s own ability to produce testosterone. They act primarily on the hypothalamic–pituitary–gonadal (HPG) axis, encouraging your body to release more luteinizing hormone (LH), which then signals the testes to increase testosterone output.

Some examples of natural testosterone boosters:

• Fadogia
• Shilajit
• Tribulus
• Zinc
• Ashwagandha

These ingredients are non-hormonal and are normally legal in all sports. They’re a great option for beginners, men over 30, or anyone looking to support long-term hormonal health, libido, or recovery — without the side effects of anabolic compounds.

Benefits of Natural Testosterone Boosters

• Naturally boosts testosterone (mildly)

• Improves mood, libido, and recovery

• Safe for long-term use

• No PCT required

Downsides:

• Gains are slower and often minimal

• Not ideal for advanced lifters chasing size fast

What are Prohormones?

DHEA-based prohormones work completely differently. These are synthetic precursors to anabolic hormones. When taken, your body metabolizes them into active steroidal hormones, increasing the levels of muscle-building androgens independently of your natural testosterone production.

Some popular examples of prohormones:

• 1-Andro (1-DHEA) > 1-Testosterone

• 4-Andro (4-DHEA) > Testosterone

• 19-Nor-Andro (19-NorDHEA) > Nandralone

• Epi-Andro > Dihydrotestosterone

• Androsterone > Dihydrotestosterone

• 6-OXO > Pregnenolone

• Prasterone > Testosterone

These prohormones are designed to mimic the effects of anabolic steroids, boosting muscle growth, strength, aggression, and recovery, often within weeks. Most are non-methylated, meaning they’re easier on the liver but still require post cycle therapy (PCT) to restore natural hormone levels.

Benefits of Prohormones

• Rapid muscle and strength gains

• Great for bulking or cutting cycles

• Legal alternatives to banned steroids

Downsides:

• Can suppress natural testosterone

• Requires PCT and liver support

• Not ideal for beginners

Which One if Right For You?

If you're new to the gym, over 30, or just looking to stay healthy and optimize your natural hormone levels, stick with a natural testosterone booster. It's safe, affordable, and great for long-term use.

But if you're an experienced lifter, already dialed in on training, diet, and recovery — and you're chasing faster size and strength gains — DHEA-based prohormones can take your results to the next level. Just be ready to commit to proper cycling, liver support, and post-cycle therapy.

Author

Jeff has been in the fitness and supplement industry for almost 20 years. He is an avid bodybuilder and helps others with lifting techniques, as well as the best vitamins and supplements they should take for the goals they have. You can find him on LinkedIn and Youtube.

Jeff Moriarty