Review

SARMS REVIEWED AND EXPLAINED

The words SARMS stands for Selective Androgen Modulator, they can either block, or stimulate, the same nuclear hormone receptors under different conditions. Consequently, if it can block or stimulate a receptor in a tissue selective manner, it may be able to mimic the beneficial effects in one tissue. And, at the same time, minimize the unwanted effects of the synthetic steroidal hormones in other tissues. Since SARMS are a class of androgens , they can bind to cellular androgen receptors. As a result, the androgen receptors will trigger a complex signal transduction pathway that will lead to a greater expression of specific genes.

​SARMS VS. ANABOLIC STEROIDS

In fact, anabolic androgenic steroids (AAS) and prohormones also bind to the androgen receptors, resulting in muscle growth. However, SARMS possess full anabolic activity in muscle and bone. Yet they have a minimal effect on the prostate as opposed to AAS, which can be very harmful to this gland. As an additional advantage, they are orally available and require no injections. In spite of being oral compounds, SARMS are not methylated, so they are not liver toxic.

Due to the fact that SARMS are very specific to the androgen receptors, they can be extremely useful for safe muscle building. All in all, they have an abundance of qualities. They are highly beneficial to bones, muscle tissues, and sexual function without the conversion of androgens into estrogens seen with steroids or prohormones.

Hence, SARMS offer the benefits of anabolic steroids, but they do not cause the side effects commonly associated with AAS. This quality makes them extremely desirable and intriguing to any class of users.

​HISTORY OF SARM

The development of steroidal SARMs started in the 1940’s with modifications made to the testosterone molecule. Since then, pharmaceutical companies have been testing them for a variety of health benefits, which range from anti-obesity and bone health promotion, to fighting different diseases and counteracting muscle wasting.​

​WHERE DO SARMS COME FROM AND WHY WERE THEY DEVELOPED?

Steroids are generally prescribed by medical practitioners for two common reasons. The first, to treat muscle wasting diseases which usually take place with such conditions as cancer and osteoporosis. The other scenario takes place when steroids are prescribed for Hormonal or Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT). However, the main problem with steroids is that they often cause many unwanted effects. And they have pharmokinetic properties that are not desirable.

Meanwhile, SARMS’ ability to stimulate a receptor in a tissue selective manner allows them to mimic the beneficial effects of androgen activation in muscles. At the same time the side effects of natural steroidal hormones can be minimized. In simple terms, SARMS are able to selectively induce muscle growth, avoiding the unwanted side effects.

​HOW MANY SARMS ARE THERE?

SARMS are constantly being studied and developed. What’s more, there are many compounds associated with them, but by definition they are not actual SARMS. For instance, some of the mainstream compounds wrongly associated with SARMS are Cardarine (GW-501516) and Nutrobal

(MK-677). The more mainstream ones that most know of are Ostarine – also known as Ostabolic – (MK-2866), Anabolicum (LGD-4033), Stenabolic (SR9009) and Testolone (RAD-140).

Thus, SARMS are a much safer option to steroids because the selective stimulation of the androgen receptors only in bone and muscle tissue will prevent many, if not all, of the side effects listed above. Besides, they also have the advantages of oral dosing, which testosterone and some steroids do not have.

​WHO CAN USE SARMS?

SARMs’ benefits could be extremely convenient to someone who is out of shape and/or overweight, and wants to use performance enhancing drugs (PED). If these individuals were to jump on steroids, they would experience major organ strain, estrogen related side effects (gynecomastia and high blood pressure for instance), and other major health problems that accompany AAS use. For them, it would be advantageous to use these research chemicals instead, as they are much safer and do not have those types of side effects.

Furthermore, SARMs could be very useful for someone who has taken a long time off from the gym, or who is totally new to androgens, since they are a good starting point in comparison to taking the plunge with extremely powerful and potentially risky anabolic steroids.

Interestingly, the experienced lifters can use certain SARMs during post cycle therapy and bridging, which is not possible with anabolic steroids due to their suppressive nature. As a matter of fact, they can also help heal injuries, while anabolic steroids can make injuries worse. Actually, an example of injuries getting worse with AAS use would be joint issues that occur when cycling winstrol, masteron, or other dry compounds. However, certain SARMs will strengthen your joints and bones.

Finally, most SARMs have the advantage of not converting to estrogen, not being liver toxic, and not being screened for during some fitness related competitions.

​HOW SARMS APPLY TO BODYBUILDERS

SARMS can be used by bodybuilders, gym users, fitness enthusiasts, or athletes either in conjunction with, or as a replacement for, traditional anabolic steroids for the following purposes:​

• Lean muscle growth

• Prevention of muscle loss during cutting/weight loss

• Injury rehabilitation

• PCT use after AAS cycles

• ​Oral route of administration (no injections needed)

• Similar effects to testosterone (libido, strength gains, fat loss, muscle growth, etc.)

• No conversion to DHT (dihydrotestosterone – no problems with body hair growth, and hair loss on the head)

• Without conversion to estrogen

• None of the liver toxicity that is usually seen with methylated compounds, such as prohormones and oral steroids

• No inhibition of your HPTA to the large extent of steroids (minimal reduction in LH or FSH)

• Legal to buy and use for research

• Undetectable (certain SARMS)

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BENEFITS OF SARMS

UTILIZING SARMS:  There are several possible ways to implement SARMS in you cycle, as they have a place and benefit in any situation. For example, they became popular as a “bridge” in-between anabolic steroid cycles. Using them in this manner allows the user to have a much easier time keeping and/or adding to gains made on previous cycles. This can be done without having to worry about the side effects and drastic suppression one would experience with AAS use.

​SARMS CYCLES: SARMS can be cycled for any type of goal – cutting, recomposition or bulking. Over the years, SARMS have proven to be extremely versatile and have the capability to achieve any type of goal.

Generally, these compounds have an area where they truly shine, but when ran in a stack, the synergy between them allows maximum results. For instance, Testolone (RAD-140) and Anabolicum (LGD-4033) are best used in a bulking type of cycle, while Ostabolic (MK-2866) is best suited for a recomposition. On the other hand, for a cutting cycle one should opt Cardarine (GW-501516) and Stenabolic (SR9009). At the same time, Nutrobal (MK677) will fit in any cycle, as it has the ability to cut fat and add great size at the same time. Hence, if chosen properly, SARMS can help you achieve any goal you desire.

Usually, SARMS cycles tend to range from 12 to 16 weeks, depending upon the choice of the chemical. After the cycle completion, a mini post cycle therapy (mini pct) is all that is needed, as recovery from them is much easier than with anabolic steroids. A small protocol of clomid and Cardarine during 4 weeks is more than enough. Then, a small rest period of 2-3 weeks is necessary before beginning again. In fact, Cardarine (GW) and Stenabolic (SR) require no PCT at all if ran alone. This is another characteristic that makes these compounds an optimal choice over AAS and PH use.