Have you heard of SARMS, aka Selective Androgen Receptor Modulators? They’re being called Steroids 2.0, an alternative with powerful anabolic effects, no steroids or need for post-cycle therapy. Today, I’ll go in-depth on SARMS and give you the 401 with all you need to know. Let’s get into it…
The topic of SARMs (or selective androgen receptor modulators) has been controversial since the early 90s, when they were first introduced in mainstream science.
In the 1940s, steroidal SARMs were used for medical use in multiple diseases, including cancer, hypogonadism, osteoporosis, and other diseases affecting muscle and bone wasting.
These SARMs had a very strong effect on muscle building due to their “high affinity,” which in non-scientific terms meant they had a high attraction to the receptor. This is what makes a chemical reaction in the body more powerful.
Unfortunately, steroidal SARMs came with side effects such as estrogen conversion causing gynecomastia (puffy sensitive nipples in men), decreased libido, and damage to the liver and kidneys (related to its methylation). Another side effect was that steroids can change the DNA of multiple cells, such as the prostate and heart, causing them to enlarge.
Steroidal VS Non-Steroidal SARMs
In the early 1990s, scientists created a non-steroidal version of these SARMs by making them protein-based.
The difference between these two types of SARMs is most easily described as a lock and key system; the cells in the body act as locks, and the binding sites of the cells are the keyholes.
Steroidal SARMs have the ability to act like a master key unlocking every cell to promote protein synthesis and growth, even in cells you don’t want to “unlock.
Nonsteroidal SARMs are designed specifically for one type of lock. Therefore, it will only affect areas of the DNA that prevent muscle and bone wastage while also promoting growth in these areas.
Nonsteroidal SARMs have been used for bodybuilding, powerlifting, and a multitude of other sports since the start of their popularity. Their benefit-to-side effect ratio has been tested since the 1990s with no evidence suggesting harm. This breakthrough in scientific technology continues to suggest that SARMs are the future of anabolics and will eventually replace steroid therapy.
This is not to say that nonsteroidal SARMs answer all our problems. Although protein-based SARMs have very limited side effects with significant benefits for strength and muscle gains, SARMs require a much more extended period of use. They cannot yet compare to the effectiveness of a steroid.
SARMS vs. Prohormones
Prohormones were the first ones introduced to the market. However, these supplements don’t have the muscle growth effects of authentic steroids and cause major side effects that make them unsafe for human use.
SARMS are more of an upgrade to anabolic steroids. It can be administered orally, minimizing the effects on testosterone blood levels. SARMS are also believed to cure various diseases in which steroids and other medicines were treated earlier. It also shows promise to replace androgens which can yield similar desirable results on muscle tissue as steroids.
Studies have shown the ability of SARMs to dramatically increase muscle and bone mass in animals while having no adverse impact on the prostate.
How Do SARMS Work?
As we age, our endurance, power, and skeletal muscle mass deteriorate due to the loss of type 2 muscle fibers. This hinders individuals to function normally.
With SARMS, skeletal muscle mass and strength in androgen-deficient people can be enhanced.
There are two types of administering SARMS – orally or in injectable dosages.
The anabolic effect is expected to be the same as testosterone. Moreover, it’s also said to produce dose-dependent improvements in bone mineral density and motorized strength, apart from decreasing body fat and increasing lean body mass. SARMS link to the same receptors that old steroids such as Dianabol and testosterone would connect to, but minus the drawbacks and side effects of traditional steroids and prohormones.
This is a fresh start in advancing muscle pharmacology, as SARMS can help enhance muscle mass while helping you reduce body fat and boost athletic performance beyond your imagination.
The Most Popular SARMS
There are many SARMS, but here are the four main SARMS that are currently offered and most applicable to athletes, bodybuilders and fitness enthusiasts:
- LGD-4033 – a potent, non-steroidal bodybuilding supplement for enhancing lean muscle mass and reducing body fat
- Ostarine (MK-2866) – selective for anabolic activity at certain ARs, great for maintaining and increasing lean body mass and recomping
- S4 (Andarine) – selective for bone tissue (primarily low virilization), aimed to cure osteoporosis and won’t produce the development of prostate and other secondary sexual organs
- RAD140 – this is probably one of the most exciting SARMs and the most current. Aside from the muscle-building effects seems to look like a possible cure for Alzheimer’s.
Other compounds like GW 501516 (Cardarine) are considered the kind of endurance supplements, and SR9009 are usually grouped with SARMs but are not the same.
Benefits of SARMS
SARMS are believed to be able to employ the benefits of anabolic supplements while reducing the side effects of steroids.
- Non-toxic (won’t cause liver damage)
- Avoids bone loss (direct action of testosterone in bone thru the AR-mediated conduit is critical for its anabolic effects on the bone)
- Decreases the threat of prostate problems in men without muscle mass loss
- Won’t impede your HPTA
- Similar effects with testosterone
- No estrogen and Dihydrotestosterone (a hydrogen hormone) conversion
Most of the time, post-cycle therapy is usually never needed either, which makes them so attractive to athletes over traditional steroids.
You can read many SARM supplement reviews online for more detailed information.
For muscle builders, taking SARMS will give:
- Muscle loss prevention (during the cutting period)
- Lean muscle development
- Improved strength
- Faster injury recovery
- Joint healing abilities
- PCT use following anabolics
Let’s look at a few of these benefits in more detail…
Increased muscle strength
In the Asian Journal of Andrology, subjects increased muscle strength 20x more than those in the placebo group. Subjects continued to gain strength and size in muscle tissue for up to 5 months but significantly decreased effectiveness after the 3rd month (Dalton et al, 2014).
Increased muscle size
So far, evidence suggests subjects will gain between 3 to 15 lbs of muscle tissue over 12 weeks (Dubois et al, 2015). The amount of muscle hypertrophy depends on diet, training, and the characteristics of the SARM.
Tissue selectivity
According to the Oxford Academic Journal of Endocrinology, nonsteroidal SARMs have been designed to attach themselves to an area of the DNA responsible for skeletal muscle protein synthesis.
Unlike other anabolic agents, nonsteroidal SARMs do not affect any other tissues in the body (Dubois et al, 2015).
Inhibits cancer cell division
In an unrelated study on muscle growth performed by the Public Library of Science’s (PLOS) Peer-Reviewed Open Access Journal, nonsteroidal SARMs have been studied for their effects on breast cancer.
Androgen receptors are known to play a pivotal role in the treatment of breast cancer, and due to the inability of nonsteroidal SARMs to convert to estrogen, there is a very narrow probability of negative repercussions. The results have not only confirmed that SARMs cause tumor cells to decrease in weight by 90% but may even inhibit the potential for breast cancer development (Dalton et al, 2014).
Regulation of libido
Recent studies have indicated healthy increases in sexual desire in men and women with nonsteroidal SARMs.
A 2014 article published by the Asian Journal of Andrology stated: “SARM’s [redacted] may one-day challenge testosterone replacement therapy as the gold standard in treating late-onset hypogonadism.? (Dalton et al, 2014).
In the Journal of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Researchers reported positive effects of nonsteroidal SARMs on women with low sexual motivation indicating noticeable increases in sexual desire. (Jones et al, 2010).
Side Effects of SARMS
SARMs have very few side effects, making them very popular and promising for that reason.
In the Oxford Journal of Gerontology Series A: Biological Sciences and Medical Sciences, the popular nonsteroidal SARM LGD 4033 (Ligandrol) has been recently studied for its effectiveness and safety in healthy young men.
Results were favorable, indicated by hormone and lipid levels returning to normal without post-cycle therapy. No dangers were detected throughout the study.
Although there was noticeable suppression in testosterone and HDL cholesterol, it was not significant enough to cause adverse reactions. Because LGD 4033 is considered one of the strongest and most potent nonsteroidal SARMs available, it is not likely that less potent SARMs will produce any harmful effects (Bhasin, 2010).
Be responsible, and in 99.9% of cases, users will not have any side effects from using SARMs. Current research has so far agreed with that conclusion.
Concluding Thoughts
With SARMS showing great promise for selective high anabolic muscle activity and preventing muscle wasting and age-related illnesses without the adverse side effects associated with anabolic steroids and prohormones, SARMS could be the next big thing.
The IOC (International Olympic Committee) is preparing to use SARMS with Olympic athletes. It’s Anabolics 3.0 and the “Universal Soldier Formula” of the future!
What are your thoughts on SARMS? Feel free to leave a comment below.