SARMs and why they are so popular in fitness and bodybuilding

SARMs

SARMs stand for Selective Androgen Receptor Modulators (SARMs). Not approved for human consumption, they are a class of therapeutic compounds that have similar properties to anabolic agents, but with reduced androgenic properties.

This allows SARMs the advantage of androgen-receptor specificity, tissue selectivity, and the lack of steroid-related side effects. This has made SARMs very popular among athletes and fitness enthusiasts bothered by the possible side effects of steroids.

Some potential side effects of anabolic steroid use include acne, liver damage, breast tissue development, and shrinking of the testicle in males, and deepening of the voice, growth of hair on the face, stomach, upper back, and abnormal menstrual cycles in females.

SARMs have the ability to differentiate between anabolic and androgenic activities, and this provides the potential for therapeutic opportunities in a variety of medical conditions including muscle-wasting diseases, osteoporosis, cancer, and hypogonadism.

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SARMs AS THEY ARE REPRESENTED IN THE FITNESS COMMUNITY

Are SARMs banned from sports?

SARMs have been prohibited by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) since 2008. SARMs cannot be used by any tested athletes for competition purposes. SARMs have the potential to be misused for performance enhancement in sport due to their anabolic properties as well as ability to stimulate androgen receptors in muscle and bone. Because of this they are currently prohibited at-all-times in the category of “other anabolic agents” under section S1.2 of the WADA Prohibited List. Some examples of SARMs are Ostarine, Andarine, Testolone, Ligandrol, and Cardarine.

Can SARMs be purchased as a dietary supplement?

SARMs are not legal ingredients for dietary supplements. SARMs cannot be sold as performance enhancers, or as a bodybuilding or fitness product. There have been instances of products containing SARMs being sold illegally as dietary supplements. These products could pose significant health risks to athletes. Since SARMs are prohibited at-all-times on the WADA Prohibited List, consumption of these SARM infused dietary supplements could also lead to an Anti-Doping Rule Violation (ADRV) in sport. Athletes should be aware that SARMs ingredients could be listed on dietary supplement product labels under various names, and should be cautious when consuming such products.

As an example, in 2014, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a warning letter to a dietary supplement company as one of their products contained an unapproved SARM ingredient, Ostarine. According to the letter, a dietary supplement cannot include a substance that is being investigated as a new drug candidate; in this case, Ostarine.

More companies now sell under the definition of research chemicals. Research chemicals are legal in most countries to buy for research purposes only as of 2020. You will often find “Not for human consumption” on the label, to protect the companies from being persecuted for selling performance enhancing supplements.

How were SARMs invented?

Accidentally created by scientist Professor James T Dalton in the early Nineties, Dalton was working on pioneering treatments for prostate cancer when he identified the molecule andarine – the first SARM. It was of little use in treating prostate cancer, frustrating the scientist, but he found it had a remarkable effect on muscle growth. “It was the opposite of what we were looking for at the time,” he told reporters. “But we turned almost all of our attention to this. We knew we really had something unique.”

Several years later, Dalton went on to create a more refined version, known as ostarine. In clinical trials, elderly men given a 12-week course of the drug increased lean muscle mass and reduced fat, while gaining more than a 15% improvement in stair climb power. But a subsequent trial in cancer patients failed to produce the desired results and the drug’s development halted. Dalton has since tried to curb the companies operating a black market for his discoveries. “We reached out with cease and desist letters to a couple of them, we reached out to the FDA to try shutting them down,” he says. “But it’s rampant and there’s really little that can be done to control it.”

Do SARMs have side effects?

Opinions range all over the place with this question. Most users report positive effects like strength and muscle gain, as well as increased recovery. While others report issues with blood pressure, issues with eye sight (depending on the compound taken) and a massive appetite.

Most report positive side effects without issue, however we really don’t know over time what taking SARMs can do long term as with most drugs legal or not.

Are SARMs available online?

SARMs are available in the most countries by way of ordering online. Some countries may have issues receiving SARMs products due to customs clearance. Some of the counties most affected by customs are, Australia, Canada, Brazil, New Zealand, Singapore, Italy, Netherlands, Finland, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, Hungary, Austria, Slovakia, Czech Republic, Switzerland, Russian Federation, Belarus, and Ukraine.

Most providers know to discretely package the products and thus it may be no issue at all. If available, powder form is most recommended if there is a possible customs issue.

What are the most popular SARMs available online?

Below is a list of popular SARMs compounds and a brief description of what they do.

MK677- Ibutamoren
MK677 is not a SARM it is a oral growth hormone secretagogue. Not only will this compound build lean muscle but is a miracle worker with joint and tendon pain. Expect hunger side effects, however the positive side effects are far greater than the negative. Blood work is encouraged when using this compound.

Positive sides include: Massive increase in strength, joint repair, better sleep, increased recovery, fat loss, and muscle gain.

Typically dosed at: 15 to 30mg per day for Males / 5 to 10mg per day for Females
Athletes generally cycle this compound for 12 weeks to 6 months.

Half Life: 24hrs

See the Wiki page here- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ibutamoren

MK2866- Ostarine
MK2866 is a SARM created to help people with muscle wasting diseases. This Anabolic compound will build muscle and reduce fat. Androgenic effects being very low, this is a good compound for female fitness and bodybuilding enthusiasts. Very non estrogenic, this would be a good compound for someone that has had estrogen issues with anabolic steroids, or looking to avoid estrogen issues. Using this compound may have very small liver level elevation, however this compound is usually very low in liver toxicity. Blood work is encouraged when using this compound.

Typically dosed at: 15 to 30mg per day for Males / 5 to 10mg per day for Females
Athletes generally cycle this compound for 12 weeks

Half Life: 24hrs

See the Wiki page here- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Enobosarm

RAD140- Testolone
RAD140 is a low side effect compound like some of the other SARMs was designed for muscle wasting diseases. This Anabolic compound will build muscle and reduce fat. RAD140 has positive effects on prostate enlargement and can be stacked with a TRT therapy to help with prostate issues.

As with most SRAMs you will not experience hair loss, acne, and prostate enlargement, making these compounds extremely sought after in the fitness and bodybuilding communities.

RAD140 will suppress your testosterone levels however it is very little compared to a compound like testosterone.

With an 80 to 1 ratio. Used by female and male athletes because of its low side effects, this is one of the more popular compounds. Blood work is encouraged when using this compound.

Typically dosed at: 15 to 30mg per day for Males / 5 to 10mg per day for Females
Athletes generally cycle this compound for 12 weeks

Half Life: 24hrs

See the Wiki page here- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/RAD140

GW501516- Cardarine
Not a SARM but sold on SARM sites, GW501516 was developed for various health benefits however it was stopped due to having possible cancer causing side effects. GW501516 is generally used by athletes for fat burning and endurance. GW501516 is also popular for its aid in insulin sensitivity. Blood work is encouraged when using this compound.

Typically dosed at: 20 to 30mg per day for Males / 5 to 10mg per day for Females
Athletes generally cycle this compound for 12 weeks

Half Life: 24hrs

See the Wiki page here- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/GW501516

LGD4033- Ligandrol
LGD4033 is a SARM created to help people with muscle wasting diseases. This Anabolic compound will build muscle, speed recovery, and help with joint repair. Typically considered a bulking SARM, LGD4033 starts working immediately in your system so no “load time” will be needed.

LDG4033 will suppress the testosterone of the individual so a proper PCT will be required unless the user is on TRT. Blood work is encouraged when using this compound.

Typically dosed at: 10mg per day for Males / 5 to 10mg for experienced Females
Athletes generally cycle this compound for 12 weeks

Half Life: 24 to 36hrs

See the Wiki page here- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ligandrol

YK11 a cutting agent known in the SARMs world

YK11
YK11 is a myostatin inhibitor. Myostatin in layman’s terms is a chemical in the body that keeps you muscle from becoming too large. Highly androgenic most females tend to stay away from this compound. This compound will shut down your body’s ability to produce testosterone so a proper PCT may be needed after your cycle. Blood work is encouraged when using this compound.

Typically dosed at: 10mg 2xs per day for Males / 5mg for experienced Females
Athletes generally cycle this compound for 12 weeks

Half Life: 24hrs

See the Wiki page here- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/YK-11

S4-Anadarine
S4 often compared to Winstrol, is often used as a cutting agent used by athletes and fitness enthusiasts. S4 is known for its hard and dry gains. Blood work is encouraged when using this compound.

Typically dosed at: 25 to 75mg per day for Males / 10mg to 20mg per day for experienced Females.
Athletes generally split doses throughout the day, and cycle this compound for 12 weeks

Half Life: 4 to 6hrs

See the Wiki page here- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Andarine