Have you been staying up to date on the latest fitness trends?
If yes, you know how diets, supplements, and exercise routines are always changing. One new medication hitting the fitness limelight is SARMs.
Yet, many fitness gurus and active individuals have never heard of SARMs. This leads many people to wonder what they are and ask how do SARMs work?
Are you intrigued by this new popular drug? Here’s everything you need to know about SARMs for fitness, therapy, and more.
What Are SARMS?
SARMs, short for Selective Androgen Receptor Modulators, are a new class of medication offering a wide variety of uses.
The most popular use of SARMs today is for muscle building and strength training. SARMs are similar to steroids as they help build muscle.
Unlike steroids, SARMs target specific muscular tissues rather than your entire body. SARMs can build strength with fewer side effects than steroids.
Besides building muscle, SARMs help build bone strength and prevent your muscles from deteriorating as you age. They help fight the effects of osteoporosis and other degenerative diseases.
There is, however, a major drawback of SARMs. The World Anti-Doping Agency considers SARMs a prohibited substance due to their side effects.
Does this mean SARMs are illegal and you shouldn’t use them? Not necessarily as SARMs are legal in the United States.
SARMs also offer many more uses and benefits other than enhancing your strength performance.
History of SARMs
The most popular use of SARMs is for fitness and muscle enhancement. Many fitness enthusiasts who hit a plateau will use SARMs to boost their performance.
This, however, wasn’t the main intention of SARMs.
In the 1990s, scientist, James T Dalton created the first SARMs by accident. Dalton was looking for a treatment to help cure prostate cancer when he came across a molecule and the first SARM known as andarine.
While andarine proved ineffective for treating cancer growth, it proved to enhance muscle growth.
From this discovery, Dalton focused his attention on andarine’s muscle-building properties. Dalton created a refined version of the molecule known as ostarine.
The following research discovered that ostarine worked well at cutting fat and building lean muscle mass. The downside of this research revealed that the drug didn’t have any of the desired results with cancer patients. This lead to a halt in the research.
Since then, other companies have continued testing and refining SARMs for use as muscle-building agents.
Who Uses SARMs and Why?
The main group of people using SARMs are those in the fitness industry. Most people use SARMs as a recreational drug.
But SARMs have a few more uses than burning fat and building muscle.
SARMs are valuable molecules in scientific research. Some scientists are finding potential uses of SARMs in some cancer-related illnesses. These include breast cancer, mild forms of prostatic hyperplasia, and more.
SARMs affect the natural production of testosterone in the male body. This is leading some researchers to study SARMs potential as a male contraceptive. Other researchers are styling the hair follicle health benefits of SARMs.
More research is necessary before medical professionals can prescribe SARMs for the treatment of cancer or other diseases.
You can find sarms for sale for research and clinical use. Most health professionals don’t recommend SARMs for recreational use due to their lack of research.
How Do SARMs Work?
SARMs work by activating the androgen receptors in your body, mainly those found in your muscle and bone tissues. This activation increases the levels of androgen hormones in your body to boost muscle performance and bone strength. It also promotes red blood cell production and can improve your libido.
Our bodies produce and consist of many different types of hormones. Androgens are the male hormones found in both males and females.
Both men and women have testosterone and androgen hormones in their bodies. Men have higher levels of androgen hormones due to having higher levels of the testosterone hormone.
Testosterone affects the production of androgens in your body and is a key hormone in muscle growth.
Anabolic steroids will activate androgen and testosterone production throughout your entire body. SARMs only target the tissues in your muscle and bones.
By lifting weights and following a healthy diet, anyone using SARMs can enjoy the muscle-enhancing benefits of SARMs.
Are SARMs Safe?
The biggest debate concerning SARMs is their safety. While SARMs have been around for over twenty years, more research on the SARMS impact on the human body is necessary.
SARMs have fewer negative side effects than anabolic steroids, but does this mean they’re safer?
There isn’t enough research regarding SARMs to consider them safe or unsafe. With such little research, no one is certain of the long-term side effects of SARMs.
You must note that SARMs are not approved for recreational use by the FDA or any other reputable organization. They don’t receive the same level of regulation, testing, and quality control as other legal supplements and medications.
While the safety of SARMs isn’t certain, there is some research on their potential side effects.
Side Effects of SARMs
The side effects of SARMs will vary from person to person. Factors influencing SARMs side effects include the amount and frequency you use SARMs.
You can minis the side effects of SARMs by taking small doses. Larger doses will increase your risk of experiencing these potential side effects.
Reduced Natural Testosterone Production
Adding SARMs to your diet will enhance the production of your androgen hormones. Unfortunately, this will stunt the body’s natural production of testosterone.
Studies of the SARMs ostarine and ligandrol revealed major testosterone drops in men between the ages of 21 and 50.
The subjects of this research regularly used SARMs for 21 days to 86 days.
The good news is your natural testosterone production may recover. Those using ligandrol had to wait about five weeks before their natural testosterone production recovered.
Since SARMs cause your androgen hormones to spike, your body reacts by lowering its own production.
Potential Liver Damage
Using SARMs anywhere from two to five weeks can lead to liver toxicity.
Most individuals using SARMs for muscle building and fitness take higher doses of SARMs. High doses will increase your risk of experiencing drug-induced liver damage.
High Blood Pressure
Some users have reported higher blood pressure when using SARMs. SARMs, along with high blood pressure, will increase your risk of heart attack and stroke.
If you have high blood pressure or have a family history of heart attack and stroke, you may want to avoid using SARMs.
Misleading Information
Some SARMs manufacturers make false claims about their products.
To be legal, SARMs are a type of research-based chemical. The only people who should be buying SARMs are scientists for research. The goal of their research should be to find out more about how SARMs work and what other benefits they have to offer.
Most SARMs sales don’t result in additional research. Most purchased SARMs end up in the hands of bodybuilders and fitness aficionados who want to boost their fitness performance.
This causes less reputable companies to:
- Mislabeled products to increase sales and profits
- Cutting manufacturing costs by adding toxic chemicals as fillers
- Mixing SARMs with other (sometimes harmful) substances to increase profits
The USADA or United States Anti-Doping Agency has found many manufacturers make false claims regarding the amount of SARMs in their product. Many contained little to no trace amounts of the labeled SARM. Others consisted of estrogen blockers that weren’t included on the product’s label.
This potential danger and lack of regulation make it difficult to buy safe SARMs from a reliable provider.
This doesn’t mean all manufacturers derate subpar and dangerous products. Since the government doesn’t plan to regulate SARMs soon, you must research the SARMs company you plan to order from.
Other Side Effects
The high risk of false information and mislabeled products has caused more unwanted and dangerous side effects.
These other side effects have caused jaundice, nausea, and anorexia in SARM users. Some experiencing severe weight loss in addition to anorexia. Others have experienced increased fatigue, lethargy, and itchy skin known as pruritus.
Types of SARMs
There are several different types of SARMs on the market, today. Some are more potent than others, increasing your risk of side effects.
Here are a few of the most popular types of SARMs available today.
1. Ligandrol LGD-4033
This is an anabolic SARM ideal for fat and weight loss. This SARM is the most beneficial for those looking to develop lean muscle and lose weight.
2. Cardarine GW-501516
Cardarine is a SARM best suited for boosting your energy levels. It’s great for those needing to boost their energy levels throughout the day including your performance at the gym. Cardarine is the best SARM for improving your stamina and the duration of your workouts.
3. Ostarine MK-2866
Ostarine is the most popular SARM for building muscle and makes it a popular choice for bodybuilders. Ostarine builds muscle while preventing muscle deterioration and improving bone health.
4. Testalone RAD-140
Testalone improves your muscle-building abilities by increasing strength and muscle size. This SARM will improve your ability to focus while allowing you to lift more weight than you could before.
5. Andarine S-4
Like Ostarine, Andarine is a great SARM for building muscle and cutting fat. It offers benefits such as improving the healing abilities of your muscles and bones. Using Andarine will help you recover faster from workouts and injuries.
Andarine is best for those looking to build muscle mass rather than just lean muscle.
Before you start shopping for SARMs, take note that more potent SARM products will increase the risk of side effects. Use small doses of the SARMs best suited for your fitness needs.
Benefits of SARMs
SARMs offer many benefits, depending on your use and the purpose of the SARMs. Those using SARMs for bodybuilding and strength training will notice the most benefits.
An Anabolic Steroid Alternative
The most well-known benefit of SARMs is they’re much safer than traditional anabolic steroids.
Anabolic steroids will activate androgen receptors throughout the entire body. This causes dangerous side effects such as:
- Liver toxicity
- Heart disease
- Hairloss
- Disorders with mood such as aggressive behavior
- Masculinization in women (deeper voice and physical changes)
- Erectile dysfunction and shrinking testicles in men
- Acne
SARMs only target specific tissues in your muscles and bones, eliminating the risk of most of these side effects. SARMs are also a much better muscle-building alternative for women.
Reduce Fat
SARMs help you burn more fat and maintain a healthier leaner body. By lowering your body fat, you’ll enjoy healthy blood pressure levels and reduce the risk of developing Type II diabetes.
Boost Your Strength
The main reason people use SARMs is to increase their strength. SARMs will improve your muscle growth allowing you to complete exercises with greater strength and power.
Improve Muscle Mass
SARMs will prevent your body from retaining excess amounts of water. By cutting water retention, your muscles and body will appear leaner.
Increase Your Physical Performance
By improving your energy and stamina, you can increase your physical performance at the gym. SARMs allow you to enjoy longer or more intense workouts.
How To Use SARMs
How often you take SARMs will depend on their half-life. Lingandrol has a half-life of 24 to 36 hours, meaning you can take safe doses once per day.
Other SARMs may have longer or shorter half-lives. The amount you’ll need to enjoy the benefits will depend on your fitness goals.
Those looking to reduce fat will need smaller SARM doses than those looking to build muscle.
As with any drug or supplement, always start with a lower dose and work your way up, if needed. Lower doses will decrease your risk of experiencing unwanted side effects.
Are SARMs Right For You?
Those who are new to the concept of SARMs often wonder how do SARMs work and are they safe?
By working with specific androgen hormones, SARMs are a safe alternative to anabolic steroids. You can enjoy a stronger leaner physique and improved fitness performance with SARMs.
Are your health and lifestyle a passion? If so, check out our latest Lifestyle articles to learn more great ways to improve your health and lifestyle.
