Selective Androgen Receptor Modulators (SARMs) can imitate testosterone reactions in the body’s muscle and bone tissues.
When they bind with selective receptors, they can avoid many of the negative side effects caused by steroids. Since SARMs are a better alternative to more severe drugs on the market, the Food and Drug Administration is currently going through some trials to approve the use of SARMs.
After the World Anti-Doping Agency banned this chemical in 2008, only scientists could buy them for research purposes. However, they have proven to be highly beneficial for treating muscle loss in the eldery and people suffering from muscle-related illnesses.
The problem is that these drugs are believed to pose serious health risks, leading to heart attacks, liver toxicity, and strokes. Let’s find out more.
How Do SARMs Work?
When it binds with androgen receptors, the testosterone hormone helps the body to grow facial hair, gain muscle, lose body fat, deepen your voice, etc. The androgen receptors then transform into Dihydrotestosterone (DHT), which converts into estrogen, and binds with the receptors in the cell.
This process continues naturally until old age when the body stops producing as much testosterone. SARMs stimulate the cells to produce androgens so that the muscles can continue to grow.
The drugs worked miracles for elderly people and cancer patients who were dealing with chronic fatigue, osteoporosis, and anemia. Scientists claim that SARMs can help treat obesity, boost appetite, improve bone health, and prevent muscle wastage.
Benefits of SARMs
There are several benefits of SARMs which are:
1. Enhanced Performance
SARMs can help you work out for longer periods without getting tired. Strength training requires stamina, power, and the ability to keep improving over time. Many people may not possess this ability naturally, which is where SARMs come in.
Although adequate nutrition is also essential before and after working out, health supplements, like SARMs, can prevent muscle wasting. Motivation and strength are two important factors when working out and SARMs act as boosters for this.
2. Weight Loss
Losing weight takes determination and hard work. Some fats are stubborn, and they stick to vital organs and muscles. SARMs are good at getting rid of these stubborn fats.
However, despite two people following the same workout routine and diet, one may look better than the other due to his or her reliance to SARMs.
Obese people can greatly benefit from using SARMs. But remember, it’s not advisable to rely only on this supplement without working out and following a healthy diet.
3. Gain Muscle Mass
Aesthetics is not only about losing weight, it’s also about shaping your body adequately by building muscle. Your muscle mass is determined by your nutrition, genetics, history of training, and lifestyle.
Steroids can bulk you up, building both fat and muscle. On the other hand, SARMs only build lean muscles. In this case, SARMs are considered to be healthier and more effective than steroids for gaining muscle mass, because steroids interfere with the liver, kidney, lungs, heart, and other organs.
4. Heal Bones Quickly
There is little evidence to confirm that SARMs can cure tumors. However, the supplements have been proven to heal diseases related to the body’s skeletal system.
Some people have weak bones, brittle bones, poor bone density, fractured bones, or osteoporosis. SARMs supplements can heal and strengthen bones, increase bone density, reduce inflammation, and cure osteoporosis.
5. Prevent Muscle Wasting
SARMs can prevent and undo muscle wasting for good. People who suffer from muscle atrophy can gain lean muscles by taking SARMs.
Muscle wasting may be a hereditary condition or developed over time due to age. The condition can worsen if you don’t treat it properly. What’s more, some people may display noticeable symptoms of this disease, while others may not.
Disadvantages of SARMs
All supplements have side effects, and so do SARMs. Let’s take a look at the disadvantages of using this muscle-building supplement.
1. Not Approved
Despite its popularity, SARMs have not been approved by the Food and Drug Administration and the World Anti-Doping Agency as suitable for human consumption. If they don’t think it’s fit, should you be buying them?
2. Affects Other Organs
Although they’re not as harmful as steroids, SARMs can affect other organs of the body, such as the liver, kidney, heart, etc. The risk of experiencing a stroke increases when you take SARMs.
3. Shortage of Availability
Since it hasn’t been approved by the FDA or WADA, naturally, there is a shortage of SARMs on the market. The supplement is available online, but users may have trouble continuing to use one brand long term.
Different Types of SARMs
This section will talk about the different types of SARMs.
1. Ostarine MK 2866
The most popular SARM is Ostarine. It helps to preserve the muscle you have gained at the gym. It can do this even when you’re on a caloric deficit. On average, you should take 10 to 25 mg of this drug for six to ten weeks.
Ostarine reduces the production of testosterone when used for a long period of time, so you also have to consume SERM PCT. The supplement is known to cause Gynecomastia in some people; hence, having an Aromatase Inhibitors (AI), such as Exemestane is important.
2. Testolone RAD 140
RAD 140 has an anabolic to androgenic ratio of 90:1, which means that users can gain muscle, lose weight, heal skeletal problems, feel stronger, and reduce muscle waste without any side effects.
This supplement needs to be taken twice a day, with doses ranging between 4 to 12 mg for four to six weeks. It also minimizes the effect of testosterone on the prostate, so you must take a Post Cycle Therapy (PCT) at the end of the cycle.
3. Cardarine GW 501516
GW 501516 is more like a PPAR Delta Modulator that regulates the metabolism and development of cells. It creates more muscle tissue by using more glucose.
The dosage should be as low as 7 mg, and no higher than 20 mg. This is a non-hormonal supplement, so it won’t affect your testosterone levels.
It also makes you more energetic, improves muscle mass, and increases endurance. Some people believe that GW 501516 improves the lipid profile and blood pressure.
4. MK 677 (Ibutamoren)
MK 677 is a non-peptide and a secretion-boosting receptor. It promotes IGF-1 levels and the growth hormone by copying the functions of ghrelin. Luckily, it won’t affect your cortisol level.
This supplement has shown that IGF-1 levels can be increased by 60% in just six months, whereas IGF-1 levels can be increased by 72% in 12 months. You should use it for about six months, increasing the dosage every month.
It’s non-hormonal, so you won’t be needing a PCT at the end of the cycle. Tingly hands and feeling numb are the common side effects of MK 677, so be aware.
5. Lingadrol LGD 4033
LGD 4033 is like Ostarine, but more powerful. It suppresses the Hypothalamus-Pituitary-Testes-Axis system; hence, you need to undergo Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulator (SERM) therapy after the completion of the cycle.
6. Andarine S4
Andarine S4 can build muscles very quickly. The dosage is lower than those used in previous SARMs.
However, it’s known to alter vision in users who have been consuming it at 50 mg. Therefore, sticking to a minimum dosage of 10 mg is recommended. At the end of the cycle, you will need PCT.
Are SARMs Safe?
SARMs have not been approved by the FDA and selling this drug for human consumption is illegal in the United States. However, they are sold on the market as research chemicals for scientists.
Taking SARMs will lower your testosterone levels, while Ostarine can lower them only when you take a higher dose.
Testolone will certainly lower your testosterone levels, so taking PCT is recommended. Generally speaking, you don’t always have to take PCT after taking any SARMs – it depends on the dose, the duration of the cycle, and the type of SARMs you’re taking.
Getting your blood tested after the first cycle can give you an idea of how the supplement is affecting your testosterone levels. Then, only take PCT if you feel the symptoms of lower testosterone levels in your body.
By running health tests every month, you’ll be able to keep track of your wellbeing. If you see any changes due to SARMs supplements, talk to your doctor. If in doubt, stop taking the supplement immediately.
SARMs are not necessarily harmful. It all depends on your body type, the dosage you’re taking, and the duration of the cycle.
If you want to be strong, work out longer at the gym, follow a healthy diet, and use SARMs as an added boost. But remember, since SARMs are not regulated for human consumption, you should only buy them from reputable brands.
Don’t forget: get regular health check-ups with your doctor to determine the right dosage and cycle before you start taking SARMs. Good luck!