The fitness community is rightfully fascinated with SARMS. This category of drugs offers many of the benefits of anabolic steroids, which 3 million Americans still use, but without many of their nasty side effects.
However, if you want to get started with SARMS, it’s important to know the different types of SARMS in circulation. That’s because different substances are sold under different brand names and may have different effects.
Keep reading to learn everything you need to know about SARMS and the different SARMS in circulation!
Table of Contents
What Are SARMs?
Selective androgen receptor modulators or SARMs have been around for around 80 years now, believe it or not. They were first created in an attempt to improve certain health conditions. However, they have recently become popular in athletic communities, especially bodybuilding, for recreational use.
Since SARMs work to effectively replace testosterone, they can enhance your athletic performance in a number of ways, which we’ll discuss. You’re effectively raising your testosterone levels synthetically when using SARMs. This can help make you faster, stronger, leaner, and bigger.
No, this isn’t a scam, and they aren’t steroids either. While they require a cycle and you can take them orally or through injection, there are several differences between the two. Most importantly, SARMs carry much lower risks than steroids, especially with reputable products.
Also, unlike steroids, SARMs are fully legal! Still, there are many different types of SARMs to choose from. Let’s talk about some of them.
What are the Different Types of SARMs?
While there are many different types of SARMs out there, we’re going to stick to some of the most popular. Here are some popular SARMs, what they’re best known for, and how they’re used!
Enobosarm/Ostarine or MK-2866 (Anabolic)
Ostarine was originally developed by GTx as a therapy for osteoporosis and Enobosarm (a muscle-wasting condition). Consequently, bodybuilders regard Ostarine as a great option for both fat loss and the production of lean body mass, and most users consume Ostarine orally.
Myostine or YK-11 (Bulking)
Myostine has been reported (anecdotally) to have a more potent muscle-building effect than many possible steroids. However, it still needs more research to confirm its benefits and risks, as it is relatively new.
You can use Myostine both orally or as an injection, and it will require post-cycle therapy.
Testolone or RAD-140 (Testosterone Increase)
Testolone gets its name for its effectiveness in increasing testosterone and lean muscle mass. Studies show that Testolone can increase muscle growth. That’s true even when compared to testosterone injections, only with fewer adverse side effects.
Some studies even suggest that Testolone has a slight therapeutic effect for ailments including breast cancer!
Testolone comes in both oral capsules and injectable forms. It depends on the brand you order from.
Cardarine or GW-501516 (Boosting Metabolism)
Created by GlaxoSmithKline in the 1990s, GW-501516 is a SARM used for boosting metabolism and stamina. While originally designed to treat cardiac issues, Cardarine is now a popular oral SARM across several athletic communities.
Ibutamorin or MK-677 (Anabolic)
By stimulating growth hormone production, Ibutamorin is a great option for anybody interested in building muscle and cutting far. Whether you’re bulking and trying to stay lean or cutting and trying to stay big, this is a good option.
Moreover, MK-677 is consumed orally with a dropper. It is also the only oral SARM known to increase HGH levels naturally in the body.
BMS-564,929 (Elderly)
BMS is one SARM that’s much better suited for elderly users. This is because it lessens the effects of low endogenous testosterone (Hypogonadism or Andropause), which is believed to aid in reducing certain aging-related symptoms. Most products using BMS-564,929 come in oral capsules.
Andarine or S4 (Rebuilding)
Even while cutting, Andarine aids in regaining lost muscle mass, and most S4 products are consumed orally.
Originally developed as a medication for Benign Prostatic Hypertrophy (BPH), the SARM appears to function by inhibiting the receptors that bind to dihydrotestosterone (DHT). This helps to decrease the size of enlarged prostates.
S23 (Weight Loss)
While S23 was originally researched as a male contraceptive, it may lower the natural release and production of testosterone in adult males. Consequently, some reports and anecdotes suggest S23 causes a decrease in both drive and performance.
As usual, more research is needed. Still, some studies suggest that this injectable SARM can aid in weight loss.
Ligandrol or LGD-4033 (Anabolic)
Ligandrol is most popular among bodybuilders and is most commonly consumed for maximizing lean body mass growth. This is typically used as a bulking supplement, although it does have a significant estrogenic factor. Most users take Ligandrol orally.
LGD-3303 (Anabolic)
Another oral LGD SARM, similar to Ligandrol, is used to increase bone density and lean body mass. It is especially popular among female athletes.
The majority of trial volunteers say that LGD-3303 performs best when used with other products rather than on its own. Most users consume it for its anabolic-boosting effects.
The Potential Benefits of Taking SARMs
Thinking of choosing a SARM from the above list? While they’re all different, they can offer some impressive benefits. Here are some examples!
Increased Performance
No matter what type of athletic activities you enjoy, SARMs will almost certainly offer some benefits. From cardiovascular endurance to strength, increasing your androgen levels will only help you achieve your athletic goals. Therefore, powerlifters and marathon runners alike may find use in certain SARMs!
Lean Body Mass Production
If you’re bulking or cutting, you want to preserve and grow your existing lean body mass. SARMs are a great way to facilitate bone and muscle growth in humans. This is the number one reason that SARMs are so popular in the bodybuilding community.
While different products do this in different ways, the results are effectively the same. Some will promote natural growth hormone levels, and some will mimic the effects of testosterone directly.
Burning Fat
We specified that SARMs help to promote lean body mass. At the same time, they can help burn fat and lose weight overall.
This is due to the increase in growth hormone, which prioritizes lean body mass and helps your body get rid of excess weight. Again, this is why SARMs and similar substances are so popular among bodybuilders.
Fewer Side Effects
Compared to steroids and other performance enhancers, SARMs are considered quite safe. Side effects will depend largely on the particular product, but SARMs are generally safer than steroids and other popular performance enhancers.
Of course, that isn’t to say that SARMs come with no side effects at all. Let’s talk about some of them.
The Potential Risks of Taking SARMs
Although they were created in the 1940s, SARMs are still a relatively new recreational performance enhancer. The market is also quite unregulated, so it can be challenging to find safe, reputable manufacturers that offer few additives and fillers.
However, as long as you know where to buy SARMs, then you shouldn’t have to worry about these issues. Beyond that, there are still a few potential risks to look out for.
Mild Side Effects
The most common adverse effects of taking SARMs are quite minor, including an increase in acne. Since SARMs interfere with your natural androgen system, this is to be expected, as hormone changes can always lead to acne. Other common side effects can include:
- Nausea
- Mood swings
- Loss of libido
- Testosterone repression
- Headaches
While there are other potential side effects, these are some of the most common. If you experience these or anything else while using SARMs, contact your doctor right away and consider stopping the cycle or trying a different SARM.
Injectible Risks
Some SARMs, but certainly not all, only come in injectable forms. This carries its own set of risks that you may want to consider. You can always choose an oral SARM if you are more comfortable with it.
However, if the SARM that best aligns with your goals happens to be an injectable, then you will need to take proper precautions. First, never share needles with anyone, without a single exception. The risks are simply too high for sharing bloodborne illnesses like hepatitis or HIV.
Second, learn how to use injectables safely and properly. This may take a few tries, but always follow directions and ask a professional if you need help.
Finally, dispose of your needles properly, only use sterilized ones, and pay attention to your injection sites. If you can do that, then injections can be perfectly safe.
How to Select the Right Type of SARMs for Your Needs
Now that we know some of the most popular types of SARMs, it’s time to choose one that’s right for you. This decision should be based on your:
- Age
- Sex
- Fitness goals
- Cycle timing
- Health conditions
- Product requirements
- Product research
- Competition requirements
When we say “cycle timing”, we mean to time your cycle based on your goals. For example, if it’s March and you want to be shredded for June, a SARM with a 12-week cycle is the way to go!
Another important consideration is product requirements. If you’re not okay with the requirements of a SARM, don’t take it. This includes post-cycle therapy, injections, and potential side effects.
We also mentioned competition requirements. Remember, SARMs may be fully legal for adult consumption, but that doesn’t stop competition regulators from imposing their own rules.
Also, even if the competition allows SARMs, certain products can elevate HGH levels or cause a positive test for certain steroids and other doping products. If you are preparing for an athletic competition, it’s important to check their regulations ahead of time.
Research
Always vet a particular product that aligns with your goal before purchasing. This is to see how much research is available, the recommended usage of the product, and customer reviews on particular brands. Once you find the right product based on these criteria, go for it!
Just remember that a quick Google search is always worth it if you have a specific product in mind. A website can say whatever it wants and control the reviews of the product. Always look for online reviews at the very least before committing to something you’ll put in your body.
Use Products Correctly
It’s important to remember to take your doses exactly as directed. You will need to consider your weight, age, and goals when choosing a dose. Make sure you follow the cycle and the dosage exactly as instructed by the manufacturer and talk to your doctor to learn more.
Remember, the SARM is only as effective as you allow it to be. If you aren’t putting in the work at the gym or taking the proper dosage, don’t expect to see increased results.
Don’t neglect post-cycle therapy if a product calls for it. Otherwise, you can see diminishing results, greater health risks, and potentially long-term muscle loss and damage. Never take SARMs for longer than a 12-week cycle, and in most cases, followed by six to eight weeks off.
Also, remember to check these directions ahead of time and ensure that you’re comfortable with them. For example, if you’re uncomfortable with needles, choose an oral product.
Start Growing Today
Now that you know the different types of SARMs to choose from, you can make an informed decision as to which is right for you. Everybody has different athletic goals, and fortunately, there are different SARMs out there for all of them. Just remember to determine your goals and look at each individual product’s pros and cons before making a decision.
From there, choose the product that’s right for you, and keep reading our blog for our latest health and wellness tips!