For those involved in the fitness realm, SARMs are a known entity. Known formally as Selective Androgen Receptor Modulators, these compounds have gained acceptance among the fitness community for the ability—in their eyes—to amplify muscle hypertrophy and improve athletic performance while not producing (or producing far fewer) side effects compared to anabolic steroids. Even so, this is not a well-understood area, and there’s a lot of misinformation out there. Here’s a basic introduction.
Selective androgen receptor modulators, or SARMs, are a class of compounds that act like anabolic steroids—binding to androgen receptors in the body—but with a major difference. Unlike steroids, which produce widespread effects throughout the body, SARMs are selective in their action. They home in on muscle- and bone-related tissues, which is why so many people who use them believe they are too good to be not only true but also legal. SARMs supposedly confer all the benefits of anabolic steroids—like fast muscle growth and impressive fat loss—with none of the nasty side effects that have given steroids a bad name. Make sure you check out this beginner’s guide to SARMs for more indepth research.
How SARMs Work
SARMs selectively work on androgen receptors, and by their selectivity, they should be better and safer than steroids. But are they? SARMs activate androgen receptors that prompt increases in muscle and bone growth. And the SARMs that are most studied have shown effects in those areas without triggering side effects. They are supposed to work in a more targeted way and cause fewer side effects than steroids. But the issue with using SARMs can be boiled down to this: They’re never used in people, and their effects on humans are largely unknown.
Popular SARMs on the Market:
Many SARMs are on the market, each claiming to deliver a unique set of benefits, and their reputations range from the well-deserved to the exaggerated.
- Ostarine (MK-2866): Might have the best reputation of any SARM in terms of its actual effects, which mostly consist of what they’re supposed to do—help build muscle.
- Ligandrol (LGD-4033): Another SARM that’s been around for a while and seems to have a faithful following, particularly among people using it for bulking.
- Andarine (S4): Probably the third most popular SARM, for cutting. It seems to get the job done in that regard—helping with fat loss while preserving lean muscle mass—as much as any SARM we’ve seen in the past, coupled with the warnings about eyesight.
- RAD-140 (Testolone): A potent SARM that might be more popular than other ones with bodybuilders, particularly for its strength effects, although there’s not a huge amount of data on it.
Potential Benefits of SARMs
The attention garnered by SARMs—a class of compounds that includes Ostarine and Cardarine—was likely due to the assertion that people could experience muscle-building effects without the severe side effects that tend to accompany anabolic steroids. One of the most touted benefits was (and still is) seeing people get leaner and more muscular while taking these compounds without most of the “usual” side effects—y’know, effects like acne, hair loss, and the aforementioned liver issues and hormonal imbalances.
- Muscle Gain: Endurance was (again) never an issue while taking steroids but, from what I understand, it was more of a mixed bag with SARMs. Some of them—particularly Cardarine—seem to improve endurance.
- Bone Health: The other side of the coin is that taking SARMs could help improve bone density. This one seems weird, considering how anabolic steroids tend to do the opposite.
Potential Risks and Side Effects
Even though SARMs are frequently advertised as safer substitutes for steroids, they still carry risks.
- Testosterone Suppression: Suppression of natural testosterone production seems to be a common effect, leading to what some users may describe as “steroid-like” side effects.
- Liver Toxicity: Although certain SARMs may not be as hepatotoxic as some oral steroids, they still appear to be risky if used for long periods.
- Cardiovascular Issues: Suppression of HDL (good cholesterol) production is a reported side effect.
Legal Considerations
Many countries have SARMs relegated to a legal grey area. They are sold as research chemicals in some places and are not approved for humans. They are not classified as illegal drugs, yet using SARMs for bodybuilding and fitness purposes could lead to trouble in professional sports and competitions.
- WADA’s Prohibited List: SARMs have been on the World Anti-Doping Agency’s prohibited list since 2008.
- Australian Law: Athletes and bodybuilders using SARMs in Australia should be particularly cautious, as SARMs in that country are classified as a Schedule 4 substance. In other words, they are medicines that can only be obtained with a prescription, which makes it illegal to possess or sell them without one.
Should You Use SARMs?
The decision to use SARMs must be made with consideration of your personal aims and the associated risk factors. Although there are potential benefits—seriously debated and often considered apocryphal—regarding the ability of SARMs to help build muscle, they are largely unregulated. Consequently, we know very little about the potential for long-term harmful health effects that they might pose. It is crucial to consult a doctor before considering their use and also to get a grip on the relevant legal information concerning SARMs.
Bodybuilders who want to stay closer to nature than the path of anabolic steroids have a potential middle ground in SARMs. These agents promise enhanced muscularity and leanness with fewer side effects. But they too come with certain risks. If you’re new to bodybuilding and thinking of trying SARMs, it’s even more critical for you to understand their potential drawbacks and do thorough research. Again, the best route is often the most informed one. Proceed with caution, respect the law, and don’t forget to consult professionals.