Ostarine stands out as one of the most widely recognized SARMs, prized for its capacity to augment lean body mass and enhance physical performance within the bodybuilding community. While both benefits and side effects of Ostarine have been documented, a comprehensive understanding remains elusive for individuals embarking on a cycle. In this discussion, we aim to clarify some of the facts and dispel misconceptions surrounding Ostarine, empowering its users to harness its potential effectively and safely.
What is ostarine?
Ostarine, also known by alternative names such as MK-2866 or Enobosarm, belongs to the category of selective androgen receptor modulators (SARMs). These supplements are engineered to target specific androgen receptors in the body, resulting in effects primarily localised to desired areas such as muscle and bone, while minimizsing side effects on other bodily tissues.
Among the plethora of SARMs available, Ostarine stands out as one of the most extensively researched and widely utilised options. To date, GTx, the pharmaceutical company behind its development, has conducted over 8 clinical trials involving approximately 600 subjects. Since the early 2000s, the insights garnered from these trials have propelled Ostarine into prominence within the bodybuilding community.
Due to its reputation for being relatively mild and associated with fewer side effects compared to other SARMs, Ostarine is often recommended for first-time users. For women considering the use of SARMs, opting for a very low dose of Ostarine is generally considered the most prudent choice.
What does Ostarine do to the body?
Similar to other SARMs, Ostarine is a synthetic ligand designed to interact with androgen receptors (ARs) in the body. Unlike anabolic steroids, its anabolic effects are selective to specific tissues. By binding to these receptors, Ostarine can stimulate accelerated muscle growth, improved athletic performance, and enhanced bone density.
Pharmaceutical company GTx, Inc. has extensively researched Ostarine for various purposes, including the treatment of osteoporosis and bone loss. It has demonstrated efficacy in preventing muscle loss (cachexia), muscle wasting, and overall muscle dystrophy, conditions commonly observed in cancer patients.
In athletic populations, particularly among bodybuilders, these benefits are often leveraged to maximise skeletal muscle gains.
What is Ostarine used for?
Beyond its pharmaceutical applications, Ostarine is widely utilized as a performance and physique-enhancing drug across various contexts. Its versatility allows it to be stacked with other compounds to support muscle building or weight loss objectives. Additionally, Ostarine is highly effective in preserving hard-earned muscle mass, particularly during periods of severe calorie restriction.
Ostarine MK 2866 benefits & side effects as of 2021
SARMs are generally regarded as less potent than anabolic steroids or prohormones, resulting in milder effects both in terms of benefits and adverse reactions. While this may lead to less dramatic outcomes such as slower muscle gains, it also tends to correspond to reduced incidence and severity of side effects. However, it's essential to acknowledge that SARMs like Ostarine are not completely devoid of risk.
Ostarine benefits
Ostarine's benefits have been likened to those of anabolic steroids. With its high oral bioavailability, Ostarine presents an attractive option for individuals who prefer not to self-inject. Studies have demonstrated Ostarine's capacity to simultaneously increase muscle mass and reduce fat mass—a phenomenon known as recomposition.
- Increased lean muscle mass
- Increased bone density
- Apparent decreased body fat from improved body composition
- Strength and performance gains
- Improved recovery
Ostarine side effects & dangers
- May negatively impact lipids (HDL and LDL levels)
- Liver damage / toxicity
- Suppression of natural testosterone levels
- Increased estrogen conversion
Suppression of testosterone seems to become more apparent as higher doses of ostarine are used. Regardless, we would advise running a PCT between cycles if unable to access bloodwork that will confirm testosterone and estrogen status. The basis of this should be a natural testosterone booster such as Clomedex, to kickstart your own endogenous production of testosterone.
Ostarine is currently undergoing clinical trials, and ongoing research is expected to shed further light on its properties in the coming years. However, it's crucial to note that Ostarine is classified as an investigational drug and has not yet received approval from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Additionally, it is banned for use in tested sports by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA). Competitive athletes should bear this in mind when considering its use.
Ostarine dosage: how much MK 2866 to take
Most brands typically offer Ostarine in 5-10mg capsules.
For bulking purposes, a starting dose of 20mg is recommended, while for cutting, beginning with 10-15mg is advisable. Advanced users may opt for Fusion Supplements MK-2866, which can be used at a dosage of up to 30mg per day.
For women, a starting dose of 5mg per day is recommended.
Ostarine has a half-life of approximately 24 hours, allowing for once-daily dosing without the need to split the dose. This simplicity is advantageous for first-time users. Consistency in dosing time is key, so taking it alongside your daily vitamins, for example, is a convenient option.
When stacking with other SARMs, a lower dose is advisable, and it's recommended to begin with the lowest recommended dose of each compound. Ostarine offers versatility in stacking options, providing numerous choices for creating the ideal SARMs stack.
A SARMs cycle should typically last up to 8 weeks, followed by an equal duration of time off. During this break, a full post-cycle therapy (PCT) should be implemented.
Best Ostarine Cutting Stack:
- Ostarine (10-20mg daily)
- Cardarine (10mg daily)
Ostarine can be stacked with Cardarine for cutting. While the ostarine will help you not only maintain muscle, but build new muscle in a calorie deficit, cardarine will support endurance and keep training performance up on low food through a different mechanism to the SARM, being a PPARδ receptor agonist.
For recomp (gaining muscle while simultaneously chasing fat loss), a low dose of Andrenazine can be added to support the anabolic effects of Ostarine.
Best Ostarine Bulking Stack:
- Ostarine (10mg-20mg daily)
- Ligandrol (10mg daily)
- Ibutamoren (25mg daily)
If bulking, Ostarine and Ligandrol (LGD-4033) is an excellent stack. An optional addition would be MK-677 which can be used to increase appetite if this becomes a limiting factor to the bulk. If utilising MK-677 we recommend learning more about that compound including the ideal MK-677 cycle length.
Ostarine FAQs
How long does ostarine take to work?
With a half-life of approximately 24 hours, Ostarine begins to take effect within several hours of ingestion. Unlike other oral supplements, there is no additional benefit to taking it pre-workout. By a couple of weeks into your cycle, you should start noticing significant improvements in strength and body composition, indicating that Ostarine is working effectively.
What is the Ostarine half life?
Ostarine boasts a half-life of approximately 24 hours, equating to a full day. Consequently, after ingesting a dose, roughly half of the amount remains in your system 24 hours later. This extended half-life allows for once-daily dosing, unlike other SARMs that may benefit from being split into multiple doses throughout the day.
Is Ostarine safe to take?
As Ostarine has not yet received approval for use, a significant portion of the available human data is anecdotal. While Ostarine is generally regarded as safer than prohormones, it is not entirely devoid of side effects. Furthermore, the long-term effects of its use remain uncertain. Therefore, it is essential to conduct thorough research before initiating supplementation with Ostarine or any other new supplement.
Is Ostarine legal?
Ostarine is legally available for purchase and sale. However, it's important to understand that Ostarine, along with all other SARMs, is classified as a research chemical. As such, these substances have not received approval for human use. It's crucial to note that supplementing with Ostarine is prohibited in all tested sports by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA).
Do I need a PCT for Ostarine?
Although some individuals may argue that Ostarine does not necessitate post-cycle therapy (PCT), we still recommend implementing a PCT regimen using over-the-counter supplements like natural testosterone boosters. It's important to note that the only definitive method to ascertain whether testosterone suppression has occurred is through blood work, which we strongly advise obtaining (recommended).
Is Ostarine the best SARM?
While Ostarine may not be renowned for its potency compared to other SARMs, it boasts the most extensive study data available. This makes it an ideal choice for first-time users. Additionally, its versatility renders it beneficial across various contexts, from dieting to lean bulking.
Is Ostarine a steroid?
Ostarine, differs from steroids in its mechanism of action. Unlike anabolic-androgenic steroids (AAS), which are steroidal androgens, SARMs like Ostarine target specific receptors in muscle, fat, and bone to elicit an enhanced response. Ostarine is designed to act selectively on muscle tissue, whereas AAS may have side effects on the entire body.
