Different Types of SARMs & What They Do
To help you navigate this article on SARMs types, we've included a table of contents linking to each section:
- What are SARMs?
- How do SARMs work?
- RAD 140
- MK 677
- Cardarine
- Ostarine
- YK 11
- LGD 4033
- Adrenazine T5-XS
- Are SARMs Safe?
- Are SARMs Legal?
- Conclusion
What are SARMs?
SARMs are a class of compounds designed to interact with androgen receptors in a selective manner. Unlike anabolic steroids, which often exert their effects throughout the body, SARMs target specific tissues, such as muscle and bone, while minimising the impact on other organs. This selectivity is thought to offer the potential for enhancing muscle growth and bone density without the adverse side effects associated with traditional steroids.
How do SARMs Work?
The mechanism of action of SARMs lies in their ability to bind to androgen receptors in a tissue-specific manner. By targeting these receptors in muscle and bone cells, SARMs can stimulate anabolic processes, leading to increased muscle mass and strength, as well as improved bone density. This selective activation of androgen receptors is believed to spare other tissues, such as the liver, prostate, and skin, reducing the risk of side effects commonly associated with anabolic steroids.
RAD 140 Testolone
Radarine is very new, so there isn't a lot of real world data on it yet. However, it does look very promising, with an impressive anabolic to androgenic ratio of 90:1! This means that users can experience a wealth of muscle building effects without all the associated androgenic side effects.
RAD 140 Benefits
RAD is powerful enough to limit the effect of testosterone on the prostate and other unwanted areas. It has even been shown to be more anabolic than testosterone, as well. Dosing appears to be in the 4mg to 12mg range, with optimal cycle length being 4 to 6 weeks. Given its shorter half-life (16 hours), RAD needs to be dosed at least twice daily.
RAD 140 Side Effects
Supression of testosterone
RAD 140 Half-life
15-20 hours.
MK 677 Ibutamoren
This is a non-peptidic, orally active and selective agonist of the growth hormone secretagogue (secretion-boosting) receptor. It mimics the action of ghrelin (the hormone that regulates appetite and the distribution and rate of use of energy) in the stomach, raising growth hormone and IGF-1 levels, but does not affect cortisol levels.
MK 677 Benefits
Human studies have shown it to increase both muscle mass and bone mineral density. Dosed at 25mg daily, Ibutamoren has been shown to increase IGF-1 levels by 60% in 6 weeks in humans. A 72% increase in IGF-1 levels was seen after 12 months.
Ibutamoren is non-hormonal and therefore requires no PCT after the cycle is over. It is best utilised in at least a 3 month cycle with dosage increasing each month. The optimal dosing time for MK 677 is at night directly before going to bed. You should start to notice a deeper sleep almost immediately. If you should wake up with numb or tingly hands, do not worry. This is a common side effect of the extra GH in the system.
MK 677 Side Effects
- Increased hunger
- Lethargy
- Impaired insulin sensitivity
- Water retention
MK 677 Half-life
~24 hours.
Cardarine GW 501516
This is actually not a SARM. In fact it is a PPAR Delta Modulator – a selective agonist with a high affinity for the PPAR (peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors - a group of steroid- and thyroid-sensing proteins that control the expression of genes, thereby regulating cellular development and metabolism).
Cardarine Benefits
This modulation of PPAR allows the body to utilise more glucose and create more muscle tissue.
Cardarine also regulate the various proteins that the body uses for energy. For the user, this means an increase in energy and endurance, and it may also mean an increase in muscle mass. It is also possible that GW might have a positive effect on blood pressure and lipid profile.
Dosing is in the 7mg to 21mg range, with 14mg being the "sweet spot". The average GW cycle is typically 4 to 12 weeks. GW is non-hormonal and therefore requires no PCT. However, it does work well in a SARMs stack to further increase fat loss and endurance.
Cardarine Side Effects
Rat studies have suggested potential risks to health with cardarine supplementation which have meant that human trials on the compound were halted.
Cardarine Half-life
~24 hours.
Ostarine MK 2866
Ostarine, also known by its chemical name MK-2866 or its trade name Enobosarm, is a Selective Androgen Receptor Modulator (SARM). Ostarine was initially investigated for its potential therapeutic applications, particularly in the treatment of conditions such as muscle wasting, osteoporosis, and androgen deficiency.
Ostarine Benefits
Ostarine is primarily known for its ability to promote and keep lean muscle mass gains while in a calorie deficit. It works by selectively binding to androgen receptors in muscle tissues, stimulating protein synthesis and increasing muscle hypertrophy. This makes it a popular choice among athletes, bodybuilders, and fitness enthusiasts seeking to enhance their physique.
Ostarine Side effects
Ostarine MK-2866 can and will suppress your natural testosterone production in longer, higher dosed cycles, so a SERM PCT is needed. Ostarine can also cause gyno in some users, so it is recommended that you have an AI on hand.
The average cycle length is 6 to 10 weeks at a dosage range of 10mg to 25mg.
Ostarine Half-life
~24 hours.
YK 11 Myanabol
YK-11 is a relatively new and experimental compound that falls into the category of Selective Androgen Receptor Modulators (SARMs). Unlike traditional SARMs, YK-11 is often classified as a "myostatin inhibitor" due to its unique mechanism of action.
YK 11 Benefits
YK-11, holds promise as a potential enhancer of muscle growth and strength. By inhibiting the activity of myostatin, a protein that restricts muscle hypertrophy, YK-11 may unlock greater muscle growth potential, leading to increased muscle mass and improved muscular strength. Users of YK-11 have reported faster recovery times between workouts, potentially due to its ability to promote muscle repair and reduce exercise-induced muscle damage. Additionally, YK-11 may offer benefits for bone health by promoting osteoblast differentiation and bone mineralization.
YK 11 Side Effects
- Liver toxicity
- Joint pain
- Increased aggression
YK 11 Half-life
6-12 hours.
LGD 4033 Ligandrol
LGD 4033 a SARM like Ostarine but 12 times as powerful at only 1/3 the dose! Consequently it is more suppressive to the HPTA (Hypothalamus-Pituitary-Testes-Axis – the system of the hypothalamus, pituitary gland and gonadal glands, which plays a vital role in the development and regulation of the reproductive and immune systems). So, a SERM (selective estrogen receptor modulator) post cycle therapy is recommended.
LGD 4033 Benefits
Where Ostarine is one of the best SARMs to include in a cutting cycle, LGD has proven itself as a good bulking agent.
In a study performed at Boston University, healthy men who were given 1mg of LGD daily gained about 3 pounds in 3 weeks on average. No clinically significant changes were noted in liver function tests, PSA (prostate issue/function tests), hematocrit (testing on the ratio of the volume of red blood cells to the total volume of blood) or ECG (electrocardiogram tests, used to check the heart's rhythm and electrical activity).
LGD 4033 Side Effects
Potential for high estrogen side effects while using ligandrol
LGD 4033 Half life
The half life of LGD appears to be around 24 to 36 hours. This means that you can take your dose in one hit at the same time each day.
Adrenazine T5-XS
Adrenazine T5-XS Benefits
Adrenazine offers a plethora of benefits for those seeking to enhance their fitness journey. Experience a significant surge in energy levels and heightened focus, enabling you to push through even the toughest workouts with ease. Its potent thermogenic properties work tirelessly to ignite fat loss, promoting a leaner physique over time. Unlike other supplements, Adrenazine provides sustained fat loss without the dreaded crash, ensuring a smooth and steady progress towards your goals.
Adrenazine T5-XS Side Effects
- Liver toxicity
Adrenazine T5-XS Half life
~24
Are SARMs Safe?
Most of the SARMS that have been developed so far are sought to overcome the potential virilisation and/or aromitisatizing effects of steroidal androgens. This was achieved by searching for tissue selective agonists of the AR that could potentially active the AR in specific tissues whilst sparing others.
The SARMS currently developed are non-steroidal, which means they are not susceptible to the enzymatic metabolism of target tissues. Remember, there were certain enzymes that converted DHT into metabolites, or synthesised testosterone from the precursor androstenedione, SARMS are not affected by these enzymes. This means that the SARMS do not convert or break down into the unwanted molecules that cause side effects, like DHT and estrogen.
The anabolic-to-androgenic ratio of steroids is 1:1. That is, you get the muscle building the same effect as you may get man boobs for example. This is where SARMS can come into play. They are more selective in boosting the anabolic effects of muscle building rather than causing the androgenic side effects. This ratio can start as little as 3:1 or go as high as 10:1.
SARMS are a group of synthetic drugs that mimic the effects of testosterone in muscle and bone with minimal impact on other organs and reduced side effects COMPARED to that of anabolic agents. The theory therefore is that you can have the perks of steroids without the side effects.
Are SARMs Legal?
The legal status of Selective Androgen Receptor Modulators (SARMs) varies depending on the country and jurisdiction. In many places, SARMs are not approved for human use and are classified as research chemicals or investigational drugs.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Selective Androgen Receptor Modulators (SARMs) represent a fascinating area of research with the potential to offer benefits in muscle growth, bone health, and performance enhancement. However, their safety profile and legal status remain subjects of ongoing scrutiny and debate.
Further Reading
Optimal MK 677 Dosage: How and When to take it
