SARMs (Selective Androgen Receptor Modulators) are one of the most fascinating modern performance enhancing compounds available today. Although none are FDA (federal drug administration) approved yet, several are in trials and the hope is that one day they will be used in modern medicine to replace harsher drugs and hormones. In the meantime, athletes of all stripes have tapped into the amazing benefits, utilizing them to their advantage. In this article, we will dig deeper and uncover the facts, myths, and benefits to SARM’s (Selective Androgen Receptor Modulators).
History
SARMs (Selective Androgen Receptor Modulators) have been researched for the past 75 years by playing around with hormonal molecules. Research has expanded over the past 20-25 years and drug companies hope that they can approve the use of these compounds for hormonal replacement, bone health, joint health, muscle wasting, and appetite increases.
The problem with anabolic steroids
There was a time where anabolic steroids were prescribed for many ailments, and to this day Testosterone is being given to those who need a boost to their hormones. The problem is steroids cause some very harsh side effects including:
- Virilization issues
- Estrogen problems
- Androgenic side effects
- Heart strain
- Insomnia
- Prostate issues
- Head hair loss
- Acne
- Hormonal ups and downs
- Destruction of joint and ligament health
- Permanent reproductive dysfunction
As you can see by this list that is quite a lot of problems, so the goal is SARMs (Selective Androgen Receptor Modulators) would be a much safer alternative. Are they as strong as anabolic steroids? Of course not. But you will still get good results using them and accomplish your goals at a much slower and safer pace.
Selective
SARMs (Selective Androgen Receptor Modulators) have a keyword I want to explain. That word is SELECTIVE, and this is an important one so that you can understand what these compounds are all about.
Imagine you have bugs in your house and you want to get rid of them. You can solve the problem the safe, economical and steady way by putting out bait traps under the sink, surround your house with Borax, seal off entry points, put food away, and spray vinegar around. This is SARMs (Selective Androgen Receptor Modulators).
The second and more rushed, expensive, and extreme solution is tenting your house and setting pesticide bombs in every room and leaving for 3 days. Expect health problems when you go back to the house and expect to see a lot of your plant life surrounding your house dead. This is anabolic steroid use. You will get a quicker and explosive result from doing this, but you could cause a lot of damage, some permanent.
SARMs (Selective Androgen Receptor Modulators) will and won’t do the following:
- They do not strain your organs
- Do not permanently or severely shut down your Hypothalamus-Pituitary-Testes-Axis (HPTA)
- They won’t cause long-term reproductive damage
- Don’t cause prostate problems
- They are safe for your hair
- Actually good for joints, bones, and ligaments
- They only slightly suppress your Hypothalamus-Pituitary-Testes-Axis (HPTA)
- Don’t cause androgenic sides like aggression or anger
Kinds of SARMs
There are actually a lot of different types of SARMs (Selective Androgen Receptor Modulators), and there are some that are sold as such but are really something else. Sounds confusing but let me explain the main ones that we use in the fitness world.
MK677 Nutrobal- Ibutamoren:
This is not a SARM (Selective Androgen Receptor Modulator) at all, rather it is a growth hormone secretagogue. This means it causes a rise in growth hormone and IGF-1 (insulin growth factor-1) in the body by adding to existing hormones. One of the benefits of this one is the appetite increase and boost in sleep quality. Over time you can expect better recovery, body fat loss, and a rise in lean muscle mass. It is not suppressive so it is completely safe to use it anytime. Dosage is usually 12.5-50mgs per day.
GW501516-Cardarine and SR9009-Stenabolic:
Neither are SARMs (Selective Androgen Receptor Modulators) but they are popularly stacked with them. Both are incredible with boosting endurance and helping with fat loss. They are also safe to use any time since neither are hormonal.
These data demonstrate that GW501516 promotes fatty acid oxidation mainly in the skeletal muscle, but not in the liver. [PubMed]
GW501516-Cardarine is a Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR) agonist and is ran at 10-20mgs per day. SR9009-Stenabolic is an agonist of Rev-ErbA and is ran at 5-20mgs 1-2 hours pre-exercise.
The next group is actually SARMs (Selective Androgen Receptor Modulators) and they are:
S-4-Andarine:
Drug companies had hoped it would be able to treat prostate issues. It is now used in the fitness industry for fat loss, lean muscle mass, and an increase in strength. Normal dosage ranges from 25-100mgs per day.
LGD4033-Anabolicum-Ligandrol:
Drug companies currently have this one in clinical testing and it is wonderful for the prevention of muscle wasting. It also is great for soft tissues, joints, and bone health. Athletes love it for lean muscle mass gains with a dosage of 5-20mgs per day.
MK2866-Ostarine-Ostabolic:
Currently in clinical testing for bone health and muscle wasting. Athletes use it to build mean muscle, increase strength, and for its joint help. Dosages range from 20-50mgs per day.
RAD140-Testolone:
The hope was this one would replace anabolic hormones for replacement therapy. It is considered the strongest of the group and is great for lean muscle mass, strength, and bone health. Dosage is typically at 10-20mgs per day.
RAD140 has excellent pharmacokinetics and is a potent anabolic in nonhuman primates as well. We believe the overall preclinical profile of RAD140 is very good, and the compound has completed preclinical toxicology in both rats and monkeys. We are currently preparing RAD140 for phase I clinical studies in patients suffering from severe weight loss due to cancer cachexia. – [PubMed]
Female use
SARMs (Selective Androgen Receptor Modulators) are most certainly safe for females to use. The most popular stack for females is GW501516-Cardarine with LGD4033-Anabolicum. It will give women fat loss, lean muscle and strength, and also help with soft tissues.
Where to buy and legality
You often find fake SARMs (Selective Androgen Receptor Modulators) because some sellers sourced powder from the China black market. It is very important to only buy from places that you can trust. Please check our forums at evolutionary.org and elitefitness.com for an approved source.
Legally SARMs (Selective Androgen Receptor Modulators) are in a gray area. Credit processors and online auction sites like eBay and Amazon have banned their sale. Congress is expected to strengthen the laws against them in the coming year or two.