Are you looking for a faster way to achieve your fitness goals?
Americans are showing a renewed interest in maintaining their physical health. As of today, there are over 64.1 million Americans with a gym or health club membership. Everyone has a reason for going to the gym, whether it’s being more active or achieving their ideal body.
If you’re a long-time gym goer, you may have already heard about supplements to boost your progress. One of the most popular varieties is SARMs. But first, what are SARMs, and are they right for you?
This article covers everything you need to know about using SARMs. Read on to find out more!
1. What Are SARMs?
First off, what are SARMs? SARMs stands for Selective Androgen Receptor Modulators. These supplements consist of certain compounds that are similar to anabolic steroids.
SARMs claim to encourage the growth of muscle and bone density like steroids but without the crazy side effects. During its early life, SARMs were supposed to help the elderly and frail build their strength. Researchers have conducted other studies on the potential medical use of SARMs for:
- Muscular dystrophy
- Cachexia
- Benign prostate enlargement
- Osteoporosis and osteopenia
- Hypogonadism
- Alzheimer’s disease
Despite this, SARMs have not yet been fully researched. However, many people have been using SARMs to enhance their performance at the gym.
2. Types of SARMs
SARMs have long been a dietary supplement for gym-goers. However, did you know that there are different types? SARMs can differ depending on which androgen receptors they attach to.
SARMs can either inhibit or activate those receptors for various needs.
LGD 4033
LGD 4033 is by far the most popular among athletes and bodybuilders. This variant is able to increase the user’s strength and encourage muscle growth. Some studies suggest that it can also help with diseases that deteriorate muscles, like HIV, AIDS, and cancer.
LGD 4033 is better known as ligandrol. Animal studies show that it can encourage muscle growth due to its high selectivity. Some human studies suggest that it can help with joint pain and even enhance bone density.
LGD 4033 can come as an oral supplement or an injection. Experts recommend taking 5-10 mg every day but use it with caution as it is a powerful supplement.
RAD140
The compounds in RAD140 bear the closest resemblance to an anabolic androgenic steroid. Recent reports show that RAD140 can aid in treating low testosterone. The composition helps reduce body fat while increasing muscle mass.
This SARM also has Ligandrol, which enhances a person’s endurance. RAD140 is best taken orally with water at least once a day.
GW 501516
GW 501516, otherwise known as cardarine, can burn fat and boost your energy levels. This SARM targets receptors that can improve performance and energy expenditure.
YK11
Though it promotes strength and muscle building, YK11 is unlike most SARMs. This variant can inhibit and stimulate receptors, which increases its potential in both medical and gym settings. People who take SARMs like RAD140 stack YK11 on top of it to maximize their results.
3. How Do SARMs Work?
Based on the name itself, SARMs can bind themselves to specific androgen receptors in the body. Through selectivity, it can stimulate or inhibit receptors to get the desired results. This means it can target receptors to trigger muscle growth and avoid the side effects commonly seen with steroids.
Once bonded to androgen receptors, they trigger anabolic signals. Most SARMs help with increasing strength and body mass, but the effects may differ depending on the type of SARM used. As mentioned above, some SARMs can promote fat loss and boost your energy.
However, SARMs are far from perfect. These supplements are not 100% selective, so their consistency is up for debate.
4. Side Effects of Taking SARMs
One of the driving factors for the popularity of SARMs was the lack of unwanted side effects. However, this couldn’t be further from the truth. The higher the potency, the worse the side effects will be.
RAD140, for example, has moderate side effects. Some may argue that the side effects you get from SARMs aren’t as bad as anabolic steroids. Regardless, it’s still worth taking note of if you want to put your health first.
Liver Toxicity
SARMs contain compounds that can harm liver cells. Like anabolic steroids, they can cause hepatocellular-cholestatic liver injury. Fortunately, it’s not as common in users who take frequent breaks and moderate dosages.
SARM users are more prone to injury if they take SARMs with other hepatotoxic medications. People who take huge doses over a long period without breaks are also more prone to damaging their liver cells. If you have a liver problem, to begin with, SARMs may not be right for you.
Even if the damage is minor, the injury could lead to other severe medical conditions. This includes elevated liver enzymes and jaundice.
Can Cause Hair Loss in Males
Due to the nature of SARMs, they can interact with the natural production of hormones in your body. SARMs can influence hormonal changes that can lead to hair loss. Overdosing on SARMs over an extended period can put you at a higher risk of hair loss.
Can Cause Gynecomastia
Gynecomastia is the enlargement of breast tissue in males. SARMs take up space in your androgen receptors. Testosterone also needs receptors to bind to. Without them, they can convert to DHT or estrogen.
This is what causes gynecomastia or breast development in males. Unbound testosterone is more common in higher SARMs doses.
Suppresses Natural Testosterone Production
Your body receives an influx of androgen once you start taking SARMs. Because of this, your body will stop producing natural androgens. In turn, your body will think that it also has to stop producing testosterone.
Low testosterone can manifest as different symptoms, like insomnia or depression. Some may have a lower sex drive and sperm count or have difficulty getting or maintaining an erection.
Affects Women’s Menstrual Cycle
The excess amount of androgen hormones in the body can affect women, too. Women may start experiencing irregular periods. In worse cases, they can develop hormonal disorders.
Women may also experience more frequent mood swings due to hormonal imbalances.
Pain and Swelling in Women
Everyone’s experience with SARMs is different. People of both genders may experience pain regardless of what they take or how often. However, women who consume SARMs are more prone to pain and swelling.
This happens due to the rapid rate of muscle build-up and water retention. Pain and swelling should not persist as long as the user stays consistent with their intake of SARMs.
Unwanted Body Hair Growth
Due to the increase of androgens in the body, women may start growing body hair like men. This often occurs in the chest, back, and face.
5. Are SARMs Dangerous?
SARMs, like any other drug, can be dangerous if you take too much. There’s a reason why SARMs have not yet been legally approved for human consumption. There’s a lot of anecdotal evidence that points toward the benefits of SARMs.
However, there are also plenty of reports of unwanted side effects. SARMs can have different effects on people, for better or worse. So, if a person decides to take SARMs, it is up to them to take care of their physical health.
Remember, fitness supplements are not a shortcut to achieving your fitness goals. Don’t take a larger dose than recommended in hopes that it will give you faster results. It also helps to get a blood test to get the right compound.
6. Is It Legal?
The US has one of the largest markets for SARMs. You’ll find plenty of vendors online, and you won’t have to worry about restrictions.
However, keep in mind that SARMs are not approved by the FDA. The FDA has warned against the use of SARMs due to their dangerous potential.
SARMs are also banned in all sports at all times. If you are a competing athlete, taking SARMs will not help you achieve your goals.
7. SARMs for Fat Loss
Some types of SARMs can help people who want to target weight loss. Some increase your metabolism, while others increase lipase production.
MK 677 and cardarine are the most popular SARMs that help in losing fat. They can also enhance physical function, so you can squeeze in a few more sets.
8. SARMs for Muscle Building
YK 11 is the best SARM for building lean muscle mass so far. However, as mentioned prior, this is one of the most potent SARMs on the market. That means a higher risk of acquiring unwanted side effects.
RAD140 and ligandrol are more forgiving. These SARMs will help you achieve that muscle definition without too high of an impact on your body’s natural testosterone production.
Of course, going to the gym is more than growing muscles and toning your body. You may find that hard work and dedication is more rewarding.
9. Are SARMs Addictive?
SARMs do not contain any narcotic compounds, so they are not inherently addictive. However, some people who take SARMs are amazed by the effects. This is often what leads to a dependence on SARMs and similar steroids.
The extra boost in confidence, strength, and energy is often what gets people hooked on SARMs.
10. SARMs vs. Anabolic Steroids
SARMs and anabolic steroids work toward the same goal. The only difference is that anabolic steroids have more harmful side effects. Many athletes and gym enthusiasts found themselves in emergency rooms due to the abuse of steroids.
Of course, we already mentioned the potential side effects that SARMs can cause. Anecdotal evidence tells us that SARMs are less dangerous. However, that doesn’t mean they aren’t dangerous at all.
11. Safest SARMs
Taking SARMs has the potential to be a safe and rewarding endeavor as long as the user is responsible. Many SARMs enthusiasts will advise you not to hop on YK 11 due to its need for post-cycle therapy. The maintenance can be tedious, and it’s not a good fit for people who don’t have that kind of time to spare.
Ligandrol and MK677 are much safer alternatives. MK677 has fewer reported side effects and can encourage fat loss.
Currently, ostarine is the safest and mildest SARM available in US markets. Ostarine has gone through numerous testing and is awaiting approval from the FDA.
12. How to Find the Best SARMs
While SARMs are pretty easy to find online, they aren’t always the best quality. If you want to buy SARMs, talk to a gym buddy who also takes them. Word-of-mouth is always the best way to find quality products.
Your friend can also tell you about their personal experience with SARMs. It also helps to look at reviews and see what other customers are saying.
Authentic companies will feature a verification certificate to prove their products have undergone testing. Don’t be afraid to look at other products and see what else they have to offer. Reputable companies often have a wide range of products.
Everything You Need to Know About SARMs
So, what are SARMs? SARMs are fitness supplements that can bring you a step closer to your fitness goals. Whether it’s losing weight or building muscle, the right SARM can put you on the right track.
The most important thing to remember about taking SARMs is to not overdo it. SARMs can help you achieve your ideal body, but they also have plenty of side effects that can be detrimental to your health. Consider checking out our other blog posts to learn more fitness tips!