The world of supplements and performance enhancing substances is full of myths and misconceptions, especially when it comes to selective androgen receptor modulators (SARMs). Interest in SARMs has increased in recent years, with many claiming they can promote muscle growth and enhance performance without the side effects of traditional anabolic steroids. But what is really behind these substances?
SARMs act specifically on androgen receptors in the body, which distinguishes them from classic steroids. While anabolic steroids are often associated with significant side effects, SARMs are thought to have a more targeted effect and potentially carry fewer risks. Nevertheless, many of the promises of cure and performance are not sufficiently supported by scientific evidence.
In this article we will unveil the truth about SARMs, separate myths from facts and take a closer look at their use in sports as well as possible medical applications and risks. Let's delve into the fascinating and often misunderstood world of SARMs together.
Selective androgen receptor modulators, or SARMs, were originally developed for the treatment of muscle wasting and osteoporosis. Nevertheless, they have gained considerable popularity in the fitness and performance enhancement industry in recent years. Their anabolic effects aim to provide the positive effects of anabolic substances such as steroids, but without their worrying side effects.
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Possible benefits and risks:
- Advantages:
- Building muscle mass: Potentially faster muscle gains.
- Fewer androgenic side effects: Promise of a lower number of side effects compared to anabolic steroids.
- Risks:
- Health problems: Increased risk of heart attack and acute liver failure.
- Mental disorders: Possible effects on mental health.
- Legal and health warnings: The FDA warns against the use of SARMs.
Although SARMs promise a special effect, they are not recognized as dietary supplements or approved medicines. Their use may be associated with significant health risks and illegal applications, especially those that are widespread on social media. The current state of research is insufficient and consumers should therefore be cautious.
What are SARMs?
SARMs, or selective androgen receptor modulators, were developed in the 1990s to mimic the positive effects of anabolic steroids, but with fewer side effects. They act specifically on androgen receptors in muscle and bone, targeting tissue without the negative effects on organs such as the liver, heart and prostate that can occur with conventional steroids.
Properties of SARMs:
- Targeted effect: concentration on muscles and bones.
- Reduced side effects: Less strain on the liver, heart and prostate compared to steroids.
Applications:
- In medical research, SARMs are being investigated for the treatment of muscle wasting diseases such as osteoporosis.
- They are popular in the bodybuilding and fitness sector due to their muscle-building properties.
Legal situation: SARMs are illegal in many countries, including the USA and Germany, as they are not approved as dietary supplements or medicines.
Health risks: There is evidence of significant health risks, including:
- Heart attack
- Stroke
- Liver damage
It is important to be aware of the serious side effects of SARMs before considering their use.
How SARMs work
Selective androgen receptor modulators, or SARMs, work by binding specifically to the androgen receptors in muscles and bones. This binding increases protein synthesis, which leads to an increase in muscle mass and strength. This ability to selectively target specific tissues allows SARMs to largely avoid the negative effects on other organs such as the liver, heart and prostate that are often associated with anabolic steroids. Newer SARMs such as S-1 demonstrate a remarkable anabolic activity of nearly 100 percent, while their androgenic effect is only between 3 and 15 percent compared to dihydrotestosterone. The mode of action of SARMs also allows them to act as full agonists in anabolic tissues and as partial agonists in androgenic tissues, which explains their selective action.
Selective androgen receptor modulation
SARMs are a new class of substances that specifically target the androgen receptors to produce an effect similar to anabolic and androgenic steroids. Well-known SARMs such as Ostarine and Andarine (S-4) are used in medical research for the treatment of muscle wasting and other muscular disorders. These substances specifically increase lean mass, which makes them particularly popular in the bodybuilding sector. In vitro studies show that SARMs have up to ten times higher binding affinity to the androgen receptors than testosterone, which explains their selective and targeted effect and the reduction of potential side effects.
Comparison with anabolic steroids
SARMs were developed to mimic the positive effects of anabolic steroids with a reduced risk of side effects by selectively targeting specific tissues such as muscle and bone. Unlike traditional steroids, which affect the entire body, SARMs focus primarily on anabolic tissues, thereby avoiding significant risks to organs such as the liver or heart. The binding affinity of SARMs for androgen receptors can be up to ten times higher than that of testosterone, which enables a specific increase in muscle mass and strength. Certain SARMs show almost complete anabolic activity, while the androgenic effect is only between three and fifteen percent. SARMs also have a longer half-life than prohormones, which means that their effects can still be felt several weeks after discontinuation, in contrast to the faster declines seen with traditional steroids.
Medical applications of SARMs
Selective androgen receptor modulators (SARMs) are a group of substances that are attracting increasing attention in medical research. Originally developed to mimic the positive effects of anabolic steroids, they offer the potential to treat diseases such as muscle wasting and osteoporosis. Despite their promising properties, SARMs are currently not approved as drugs and are classified as doping agents in competitive sports.
Treatment of prostate cancer
Since September 2023, there has been significant progress in the field of oncology with the approval of a first drug based on SARMs for the treatment of prostate cancer. This development underlines the potential of SARMs in cancer therapy, particularly as they can specifically bind to androgen receptors in the pituitary gland and thereby inhibit testosterone production.
Despite the positive anabolic effect focused on muscle tissue, SARMs are only marginally involved in androgenic tissues such as the prostate, making them a promising approach in cancer therapy. The inclusion of SARMs in cancer therapy is an exciting area of research with high medical relevance.
Other therapeutic potentials
In addition to the treatment of prostate cancer, the application potential of SARMs is being investigated in other therapeutic areas. For example, certain SARMs, such as enobosarm (ostarine), show significant increases in lean muscle mass and are therefore being evaluated as potential drugs for the treatment of muscle atrophy.
Another promising area of research is the possible application of SARMs in diseases such as osteoporosis. The hope is that they could increase bone density and slow down muscle loss. Nevertheless, the FDA warns against the use of SARMs, as they are currently not allowed to be legally marketed as dietary supplements or drugs.
Overall, SARMs open up numerous prospects for the treatment of a wide range of diseases. However, their widespread use currently remains limited due to regulatory concerns and their classification as doping agents in sport. Future studies and clinical trials will be crucial to determine their medical applicability and safety.
SARMs as doping agents
SARMs (selective androgen receptor modulators) have increasingly come into focus as doping agents in sport in recent years. They promise an anabolic effect by specifically binding to certain androgen receptors. Well-known SARMs such as ostarine and ligandrol suggest that this special effect can build muscle mass without the many side effects of traditional anabolic substances. However, they pose significant health risks, including the suppression of natural testosterone production and possible liver damage with long-term use. The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) recognized the performance-enhancing potential of these substances early on and added them to the list of banned substances in 1998.
Prohibited substances in sport
SARMs are on the World Anti-Doping Agency's list of banned substances due to their performance-enhancing potential in professional sport. Athletes who test positive for these substances in doping tests risk considerable penalties, ranging from bans to the loss of titles and successes. According to the anti-doping law, the handling of SARMs in quantities that are not small (540 mg or more) is punishable, which includes all activities from production to use. Despite their research as potential drugs against muscle wasting, SARMs are not approved for use in sports medicine or for general use. The potential side effects, such as suppression of testosterone production and serious liver damage, make their use unjustifiable outside of rigorous research.
Current WADA statistics
Since 2008, when SARMs were placed on the banned list, WADA has intensively monitored these substances, restricting their use in high-performance sport. In the years since, positive findings in doping tests have risen steadily, with 77 positive findings in 2018 alone, 45 of which were for ostarine. One example that received a lot of attention was the case of DeAndre Hopkins, who was banned from competitions due to a positive test for ostarine. Positive tests with enobosarm were also recorded during the 2020 Giro d'Italia, leading to the suspension of one rider. These examples show the far-reaching consequences and penalties that can follow the misuse of SARMs.
Potential side effects of SARMs
The use of selective androgen receptor modulators (SARMs) is associated with serious health risks, ranging from an increased risk of heart attack or stroke to serious mental disorders. Common side effects include psychological problems such as psychosis and hallucinations as well as sleep disorders. SARMs can also lead to sexual dysfunction, liver damage or even acute liver failure. Another serious effect could be the promotion of infertility, while there is a risk of miscarriage during pregnancy. Health authorities have also warned of the possible link between SARM use and depression, although the true extent of adverse events may be underestimated due to underreporting.
Short-term side effects
Specific SARMs such as LGD 4033 (ligandrol) and MK 677 (ibutamoren) are known to cause short-term side effects. With LGD 4033, the most common complaints include headaches, mild hair loss, testicular pain, insomnia, joint pain and water retention. MK 677 is known for night sweats, headaches and an intense feeling of hunger. These short-term effects are often comparable to those of anabolic steroids and should not be underestimated.
Long-term risks
Long-term consumption habits of SARMs are associated with considerable risks. These include the suppression of natural testosterone production, which can cause serious and life-threatening side effects such as heart attacks, strokes and liver damage. There are also reports of psychological problems, including psychosis and depression. As SARMs are often contaminated by illegal manufacturing practices, there is additional uncertainty about their long-term effects and safety.
Classification as a medicinal product and foodstuff
SARMs were originally developed for the treatment of muscle wasting and obesity, but have become particularly popular in the sports community. In Germany, they are illegal and only approved for research purposes. SARMs may only be legally possessed in very small quantities (maximum 90 mg), and the Anti-Doping Act prohibits the handling of quantities above 540 mg. Some SARMs could potentially play a role in the treatment of osteoporosis due to their effect on bone tissue, but comprehensive studies on humans regarding their long-term effects and safety are still lacking.
Ostarine
Ostarine, also known as MK-2866 or Enobosarm, is one of the best-researched SARMs. In studies, it showed an increase in lean muscle mass of around 1.5 kg within twelve weeks compared to a placebo group. Due to its high binding affinity to androgen receptors, which can be up to ten times stronger than that of testosterone, it is very popular with athletes. However, there are concerns about possible health risks such as liver damage and the suppression of natural testosterone production. Athletes risk bans and loss of titles if they take Ostarine, as it is classified as a doping agent by the WADA.
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MK 677
MK 677 or Ibutamoren, a growth hormone secretagogue, differs from classic SARMs. Its main effect is to increase the production of growth hormones and IGF-1, which promotes muscle building and regeneration. Notable side effects include night sweats, headaches and a strong feeling of hunger. The sale of MK 677 is legal for research purposes only, and selling it to end users violates legal regulations in many countries.
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RAD 140
RAD 140, known as Testolone, is a potent SARM valued for its anabolic effects. It stimulates androgen receptors and thus significantly promotes strength and endurance without increasing estradiol or prolactin levels. Its ability to shorten recovery times after intensive training makes it popular in the bodybuilding scene. RAD 140 is often combined with other SARMs such as LGD 4033 to create synergistic effects.
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Cartel Labz Testolone RAD 140 10mg
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Cardarine
GW 501516, also known as Cardarine, is a PPAR modulator and not a classic SARM. It selectively activates PPAR-δ, which influences lipid metabolism and ensures remarkable fat loss. Due to its positive effects on the cardiovascular system and the increase in HDL cholesterol, it is recognized in the fitness and bodybuilding community. Cardarine can also increase endurance, which is beneficial for athletic performance.
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Use of SARMs in the gym
SARMs, or selective androgen receptor modulators, have gained popularity in the fitness industry due to their unique ability to promote muscle growth while reducing body fat. Among well-known SARMs such as Ostarine, Ligandrol and Ibutamoren, these substances are considered powerful supplements by many athletes and bodybuilders. However, despite their potential to achieve training goals, there are important legal and health issues that need to be considered. The use of SARMs can pose health risks, such as the suppression of natural testosterone production and possible liver damage. In addition, they are not approved as dietary supplements and their sale to end users is illegal.
Muscle building
SARMs are often used to increase muscle mass as they have an anabolic effect on skeletal muscle tissue. Athletes use Ostarine (MK-2866), Ligandrol (LGD-4033) and similar substances to significantly increase lean mass - a key point in bodybuilding. A key advantage is the longer half-life of SARMs compared to prohormones, which means that their effects last longer. However, a decrease in muscle pump and strength often occurs after discontinuing SARMs, but good training and dietary habits can help maintain muscle mass to a large extent.
Fat loss
SARMs such as GW-501516 (Cardarine) and Ostarine show remarkable results in fat loss. Cardarine influences the energy metabolism in the mitochondria, which leads to efficient fat loss. Ostarine supports fat loss by binding to androgen receptors and promoting fat burning while preserving muscle mass. Some studies suggest that lean muscle mass can be maintained or even increased during a calorie-restricted diet, which is beneficial for weight management. In addition, Cardarine can have a positive effect on the cardiovascular system and increase good HDL cholesterol.
Increased performance
Athletes and fitness enthusiasts use SARMs such as Ostarine and Ligandrol to enhance performance. The anabolic effect of these substances makes it possible to increase muscle mass and strength in a targeted manner, which is particularly attractive for those who want to achieve faster results without the severe side effects of conventional steroids. Ostarine is one of the best-studied SARMs, with studies showing success in both increasing strength and maintaining muscle mass while dieting. However, SARMs carry health risks and the legal situation is complicated as they cannot be marketed as food supplements or medicines in many countries.
Myth versus fact: common misunderstandings
Although SARMs (selective androgen receptor modulators) are often mentioned in connection with competitive sport, there is a widespread misconception here. SARMs were originally developed to treat diseases such as muscle atrophy and osteoporosis. Their use in sport is therefore an abuse of these substances. While many users report positive experiences, there is insufficient scientific evidence to support these claims. At the same time, it is often overlooked that SARMs are illegal and can have significant, often insufficiently researched side effects. The varying individual effects and the sometimes difficult-to-assess risk of SARMs contribute to the spread of misleading information about their safety.
Common myths
- Illegality and risk: SARMs are not approved as dietary supplements or medicines in the USA and Germany. Their consumption poses major health risks. Despite their popularity in fitness circles, both their quality and purity remain questionable.
- Lack of approval: SARMs are not approved for human use. Their original use in medicine was for conditions such as muscle atrophy, not for athletic performance enhancement.
- Adverse events: There are numerous reports of adverse events associated with SARMs, but an exact number is difficult to determine because incidents often go unreported.
- Scientific shortcomings: Previous studies on SARMs are limited in their informative value, as none of the substances have successfully completed the third research phase. Many studies are based on animal experiments, which limits the transferability of the results to humans.
Facts about effect and safety
Ostarine (MK-2866) is one of the better-known SARMs with demonstrable effects on muscle mass. Studies show that it is possible to increase lean muscle mass by about 1.5 kilograms within twelve weeks, which is significantly higher than gains with a placebo. Ostarine not only helps to maintain muscle mass during diets, but can also reduce excess body fat. Its mode of action is based on selective binding to androgen receptors, which promote protein synthesis and thus support muscle growth while fat burning is boosted.
However, it is important to keep an eye on the known side effects. These include joint pain, erection problems, nausea and possible suppression of testosterone after prolonged use. Obtaining Ostarine outside of research purposes is illegal and may result in criminal penalties, including fines or imprisonment.
Finally, it should be mentioned that the long-term consequences of using SARMs are largely unknown, which poses a significant risk to users. The positive testimonials circulating on social media should therefore be treated with caution.
Conclusion and recommendations
The use of SARMs, such as LGD 4033, is illegal in many countries as their sale is only permitted for research purposes. Studies have shown that there are serious health risks associated with the use of SARMs, including heart attack, stroke and liver damage. The FDA specifically warns against marketing these substances as dietary supplements or drugs, as they are not currently approved.
Recommendations:
- Avoid the use of SARMs: Due to the potentially dangerous side effects and the lack of legal approval.
- Watch out for side effects: These include headaches, insomnia, testicular pain and water retention.
- Consult a doctor: If side effects occur, it is important to seek medical advice.
Table: Common side effects of SARMsConsumers are strongly advised not to use these substances in order to avoid health risks.