Written by Steve Theunissen | ISSA: CPT & Fitness Nutrition
Fact checked by Andrew Lenau, ISSA CPT & Sports Nutritionist
FACT CHECKED
Adding muscle to your body is hard work. So, it's no surprise that people have been searching for ways to supplement their muscle-building abilities for as long as they've been lifting weights. In the post-WW2 era, anabolic steroids became very popular as a strength and muscle mass builder.
Then, in the mid-2000s, we began hearing about SARMs as an amazing breakthrough that had similar results to steroids without the negative side effects. Today, many people are confused between the two. Are SARMs really a safer version of steroids? Are either of them legal? And which is more effective at building lean muscle?
Read on for all the answers in this SARMs vs Steroids feature article.
What are SARMS?
SARMs, or Selective Androgen Receptor Modulators, are compounds that were initially discovered by accident during drug development trials in the early 1990s. Professor James T. Dalton was working on pioneering treatments for prostate cancer when he identified the molecule andarine, which turned out to be the first SARM.
While it wasn't effective for treating prostate cancer, it had a remarkable effect on muscle growth, prompting further research into its potential applications.
Several years later, Professor Dalton developed a more refined version of a SARM, known as ostarine. Clinical trials with ostarine showed that elderly men who underwent a 12-week course of the drug experienced increased lean muscle mass, reduced fat, and improved stair climb power. [1]
However, subsequent trials in cancer patients did not produce the desired results, leading to the halt of the drug's development for its original purpose.
Despite this setback, SARMs have gained popularity in the fitness and bodybuilding communities due to their muscle-building and body fat-loss effects. SARMs work by binding with androgen receptors in the body, impacting protein synthesis and stimulating muscle growth.
Unlike steroids, SARMs do not suppress natural testosterone production, which is important for maintaining hormone balance, promoting muscle growth, and reducing the risk of adverse effects on other organs.
Commonly Used SARMs
- Ostarine (MK-2866): Known for stimulating testosterone production and improving lean muscle mass.
- Cardarine (GW501516): While not a SARM, it is often classified as one. It is known for enhancing performance by increasing strength and endurance.
- Ibutamoren (MK-677): Also sometimes mislabeled as a SARM, it is a growth hormone secretagogue and has various effects on the body.
SARMs were originally designed to treat muscle-wasting conditions, targeting specific androgen receptors in muscle tissues while avoiding those in the prostate. This selectivity aimed to promote muscle growth and reduce muscle wasting without some of the side effects associated with traditional steroids, such as prostate issues and adverse effects on blood lipids.
Mechanism of Action
Here's how SARMs work:
- Selective Binding: SARMs are created with a chemical structure that specifically binds to androgen receptors in muscle and bone tissues while steering clear of receptors in other organs like the prostate and liver.
- Protein Synthesis Stimulation: SARMs trigger a series of molecular reactions that stimulate protein synthesis after binding to the androgen receptors in muscle and bone tissues. In this way, they fast-track the body's post-workout muscle repair process.
- Anabolic Effects: SARMs have a mainly anabolic effect, meaning they promote tissue growth and development. This includes the growth of muscle fibers, leading to increased muscle mass and strength, as well as the stimulation of bone mineralization, resulting in improved bone density and strength.
Legality and Regulation
SARMs are legal to purchase and use for research purposes in every country except Australia. In that country, you need a prescription to obtain them. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not passed these compounds for human consumption. As a result, all SARMs sold in the U.S. must be clearly labeled for research purposes only and not for human consumption.
That means you can legally buy SARMs if you intend to test them on your pet rat. That's why you will not find many SARMs in capsule or pill form, as that would indicate that they're created for human consumption by humans. You'll usually find them in liquid form, to be taken orally or sublingually.
SARMs administration is cycled, just like steroids. A typical SARMs cycle lasts for eight weeks, followed by eight weeks off.
SARMs are considered prohibited substances in professional sports, including organizations like the United States Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) and the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA). Athletes who use SARMs may face penalties, including suspension if detected in drug tests.
SARMs Side Effects
Despite being touted as a side effect-free steroid alternative, SARMs do carry a number of potential adverse effects. However, it's important to recognize that the evidence regarding these side effects is largely anecdotal, with more research being needed to quantify them.
Here are some reported side effects of SARMs:
- Vision Issues: A SARM called Anadarine (S4) is known for causing vision problems if taken at a dosage of more than 50 mg per day. Specifically, people have reported getting a yellowish tinge around their line of sight and having difficulty adjusting to light and darkness. This effect does not persist after the person goes off the SARM. [2]
- Mood Swings: Mood swings and changes in mental state have been reported by some SARMs users. These effects may include increased aggression and irritability during SARMs cycles.
- Decreased Testicular Size: SARMs can suppress natural testosterone production, leading to testicular atrophy or a decrease in testicular size. This is a common side effect of androgenic substances, including SARMs.
- Acne: Skin issues, such as acne, have been reported by some SARMs users.
- Estrogen and DHT-Related Effects: While SARMs are designed to have a more selective impact on androgen receptors, they can still indirectly affect estrogen and dihydrotestosterone (DHT) levels. This can lead to potential side effects such as gynecomastia (breast enlargement) and male pattern baldness.
- Testosterone Suppression: SARMs have been shown to suppress natural testosterone production in the body, potentially leading to hormonal imbalances. The extent of suppression, while not as severe as steroid use, varies depending on the specific SARM used and the dosage.
- Unlike with steroids, the suppression of testosterone that comes with SARMs will not last. As a result, most SARMs cycles do not recommend doing post-cycle therapy (PCT) after a cycle.
What are Steroids?
Anabolic steroids are synthetic drug forms of endogenous testosterone designed to mimic the effects of the male sex hormone testosterone. They are officially known as Anabolic-Androgenic Steroids (AAS) because they have both anabolic and androgenic properties. Anabolic refers to their muscle-building effects, while androgenic refers to their effects on male characteristics.
There are three primary methods of taking steroids:
- Orally
- Through injection
- Via a skin patch
Each method has its advantages and disadvantages. Taking steroids orally is the easiest but also the least efficient method, as only about one-sixth of the dosage becomes bioavailable. This is because many of the compounds are quickly absorbed but are then converted into less useful metabolites. In contrast, steroid injection is the most efficient way to administer steroids because it bypasses the liver, making absorption more effective.
Steroids History
The development of anabolic steroids began in the early 1930s when German scientist Adolf Butendandt extracted a substance called androstenone from urine in order to treat muscle-wasting diseases and increase lean muscle mass. Scientists in several countries worked to extract and synthesize the more potent hormone testosterone from the testes, which was achieved in 1935.
In the 1940s, Eastern Bloc countries, particularly the Soviet Union, started developing artificial forms of testosterone to further athletic performance and gain a competitive advantage in sports. Soviet athletes dominated international competitions, which led to significant advancements in steroid development.
In the 1950s, American scientists joined the race to create synthetic testosterone to increase natural testosterone levels. Dr. John Ziegler succeeded in developing a compound called Methandrostenolone, marketed as Dianabol, in 1958. The FDA authorized its sale as a treatment for burn victims and elderly individuals experiencing muscle loss. However, the bodybuilding community quickly discovered its muscle-building effects, leading to its widespread use without medical supervision.
The unregulated use of Dianabol and other steroids resulted in various side effects, including reduced testicle size and an enlarged prostate. Subsequently, numerous other steroids were developed, each with its own set of effects and potential risks. The use of anabolic steroids for building muscle has remained a subject of controversy and regulation, particularly in the context of sports and competitive athletics.
Mechanism of Action
The mechanism of action of steroids involves penetrating cell walls and binding to anabolic receptors within the cell. They then diffuse into the nucleus of the cell, where they bring about hormonal changes that enhance muscle growth and weight gain.
Steroids promote muscle growth through two primary mechanisms:
Increased Protein Synthesis: Traditional anabolic steroids enhance the process of protein synthesis, which is crucial for building and repairing muscle tissue. This leads to an increase in muscle mass.
Prevention of Muscle Catabolism: Steroids also prevent muscle catabolism, which is the breakdown of muscle tissue. By reducing muscle breakdown, they help maintain and even increase muscle size and strength.
Legality and Regulation
In the United States, anabolic steroids are classified as Schedule III substances under the Controlled Substances Act. This classification means that, under federal law, steroids are illegal for non-medical use and possession without a valid prescription from a licensed medical professional.
If you are diagnosed with hypogonadism ( low testosterone levels), you may be able to receive testosterone replacement therapy (TRT), by which you will legally be able to receive synthetic testosterone.
In addition to federal laws, most states have their own specific regulations and laws governing the possession and use of steroids. This means that possessing steroids without a prescription may constitute a violation of both state and federal laws.
Penalties for steroid-related offenses in the United States can be significant:
- First Offense: Depending on the amount of steroids involved, a first offense may result in imprisonment for up to one year and a minimum fine of $1,000.
- Second Offense: For a second offense, penalties can include imprisonment for up to two years and a minimum fine of $2,000.
- Trafficking: Possessing a larger quantity of steroids may lead to trafficking charges, which can result in a minimum of five years in prison and a substantial fine of up to $250,000.
Steroid Side Effects
Steroid use can result in a lot of serious and permanent health problems. There is an association between steroid use and kidney impairment and possible failure. Beyond this, the main recognized side effects are:
- Acne, male pattern baldness, erectile dysfunction, shrunken testicles, decreased sperm count, and increased breast tissue in males.
- Steroid abuse can also result in liver toxicity, changes in cholesterol levels, stunted height, cardiovascular problems, enlarged prostate, and water retention.
- Shutting down normal hormone production is another side effect.
- Females who take steroids may experience menstrual changes, cervical cancer, and virilization symptoms such as an enlarged clitoris, deepening of voice, and abnormal hair growth.
- If synthetic human growth hormone is used, there is the added risk of cancer and diabetes, joint swelling, joint pain, changes in bone structure, abnormal growth of organs, and body odor.
- Particularly in men, steroid use can diminish the effects of male hormones and a related increase in the effects of female hormones. This results in testicular shrinkage, reduced sperm count, baldness, breast development, and an increased risk of prostate cancer.
- For women, the use of steroids has the opposite negative effects. It will exaggerate male characteristics and lessen female ones. As a result, female steroid users can expect increased facial hair growth, baldness, changes in the menstrual cycle, an enlarged clitoris, and a deepened voice.
- Adolescents who take steroids may experience stunted growth due to premature skeletal maturation, accelerated puberty changes, and the risk of not reaching their expected height.
- People who inject steroids also have an increased risk of getting or giving HIV / AIDS or hepatitis, especially if they share a needle.
- Steroid use can also lead to aggression and other psychiatric problems. Users can experience severe mood swings, along with unpredictable bouts of manic behavior and rage (the 'roid' rage' syndrome).
Research also shows that steroid use can lead to paranoid jealousy, extreme irritability, delusional behavior, and impaired judgments that give rise to feelings of invincibility. [3]
On top of all of this, steroids can be highly addictive. Research shows that people may keep using steroids even if they experience health problems and negative social effects, such as the end of a relationship. These are signs of dependence or addiction. Users will often spend a lot of time and money getting their steroid fix.
Steroids have a number of serious withdrawal symptoms, including:
- Mood swings
- Fatigue
- Restlessness
- Loss of Appetite
- Insomnia
- Reduced Sex Drive
- Steroid Cravings
- Depression
- Suicidal Thoughts
Comparing SARMS and Steroids
Now that we've delved into the specifics of each compound let's put SARMs up against steroids in a head-to-head comparison.
1. Effectiveness
While both SARMs and anabolic steroids can produce similar benefits, such as helping to increase muscle mass, strength, and fat loss, steroids generally appear to have a more significant impact on muscle growth and overall body composition. Traditional steroids are known for their rapid and substantial muscle gains, whereas SARMs may result in smaller increases in lean mass.
In one study, SARMs administration increased lean mass by 1.0-1.5 kg in a human trial group over six weeks. Another study, over the same time span, showed a lean mass increase of 5-7 kg when the steroid testosterone enanthate was administered at a dosage of 600 mg per week. [1], [2]
It's important to note that the existing research and anecdotal data on SARMs are limited compared to the extensive knowledge available on anabolic steroids.
2. Safety
SARMs and steroids differ significantly in terms of their safety profiles. SARMs are characterized by their selective tissue targeting, primarily focusing on androgen receptors in muscle tissue while sparing other organs. This selective action theoretically reduces the risk of certain side effects commonly associated with steroids, such as gynecomastia and water retention.
There is limited research on SARMS, so their long-term safety is unknown.
Steroids, on the other hand, are not selective in their action. As a result, it affects androgen receptors in a range of tissues. This increases the risk of side effects, including mood swings, aggression, increased blood pressure, and cardiovascular problems.
In summary, while SARMs offer a more tissue-specific approach with potentially fewer side effects, steroids provide more substantial muscle gains but come with a wider range of health risks.
3. How SARMs vs Steroids Affect the Liver
While SARMs are considered less hepatotoxic than some oral steroids, they are not entirely free from potential liver-related issues. Additionally, SARMs may suppress natural testosterone production, requiring post-cycle therapy (PCT) for hormonal recovery.
Steroids can also be extremely hepatotoxic, risking liver health. They often suppress natural testosterone production and may lead to testicular atrophy.
4. Cost
SARMS are nowhere near as expensive as steroids. The main reason for this is that steroids are illegal, meaning that you have to pay a premium for the risk factor.
Due to the legal ramifications associated with steroids, the black market often thrives, leading to inflated prices. Those who produce, sell, or purchase steroids on the black market face potential legal consequences, which necessitate higher compensation for the perceived risks involved.
In contrast, SARMs, while not approved for human consumption by the FDA in the United States, are available for research purposes and can be legally purchased in many countries. This legal status reduces the risk factor associated with SARMs, contributing to their comparatively lower cost.
The availability and supply chain of SARMs also play a role in their cost-effectiveness. SARMs are produced by various companies and laboratories worldwide, leading to a competitive market. This competition among manufacturers and suppliers can help drive prices down, as consumers have multiple options to choose from.
Steroids, on the other hand, are often produced and distributed through underground channels due to their legal restrictions. This lack of legitimate oversight can lead to price variations and sometimes exorbitant costs. Additionally, the quality and authenticity of steroids purchased through unofficial channels may be questionable, further affecting their price.
Conclusion
Both SARMs and steroids are chemical compounds that are not natural to the human body. Your decision whether to take either of them needs to be well thought out, taking into account the risk/benefit ratios as well as the legal ramifications.
Our purpose in this article has not been to suggest that one is better than the other but simply to lay out the facts to allow you to be better informed when approaching the subject. One thing we have established is that, even though they may be safer than anabolic steroids, SARMs still merit serious consideration before being introduced to your system.
You should not consider taking SARMs until you have progressed beyond puberty. Up until then, your hormones are already working overtime to create muscle mass and bone tissue. They don't need any help.
Make sure that you are working out consistently and intensely before you consider taking any chemical enhancements. You should have several years of training experience before resorting to any chemical bodybuilding aids. It is also vital that you have maximized your nutritional intake for maximum muscle growth. That means getting at least one gram of protein per pound of body weight and increasing your daily caloric intake by 500 calories over your maintenance level.
References
- Evans, W., et al. “Ostarine Increases Lean Body Mass and Improves Physical Performance in Healthy Elderly Subjects: Implications for Cancer Cachexia Patients.” Journal of Clinical Oncology, vol. 25, no. 18_suppl, 20 June 2007, pp. 9119–9119, https://doi.org/10.1200/jco.2007.25.18_suppl.9119.
- Davis, Bradley. Andarine S4: Uses, Side-Effects, Safety & Research [2022]. 13 Dec. 2021, nectac.org/andarine-s4/.
- Warrington, Thomas P., and J. Michael Bostwick. “Psychiatric Adverse Effects of Corticosteroids.” Mayo Clinic Proceedings, vol. 81, no. 10, Oct. 2006, pp. 1361–1367, https://doi.org/10.4065/81.10.1361.
- Bhasin, Shalender, and Ravi Jasuja. “Selective Androgen Receptor Modulators as Function Promoting Therapies.” Current Opinion in Clinical Nutrition and Metabolic Care, vol. 12, no. 3, May 2009, pp. 232–240, https://doi.org/10.1097/mco.0b013e32832a3d79.
- Bhasin, Shalender, et al. “The Effects of Supraphysiologic Doses of Testosterone on Muscle Size and Strength in Normal Men.” New England Journal of Medicine, vol. 335, no. 1, 4 July 1996, pp. 1–7, www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/nejm199607043350101, https://doi.org/10.1056/nejm199607043350101.
Steve Theunissen
Author