SARMs legal steroids?- how do they work?
Anabolic steroids ensure rapid growth of muscle mass and increase the body’s strength capabilities. Unfortunately, achieving such spectacular effects has its price because steroids cause several side effects. That is why they are banned in professional sports. Moreover, their sale in many countries has been completely prohibited. Fortunately, there is a much better alternative for people who strive to achieve their dream silhouette and improve their performance. These are the so-called SARMs or selective androgen receptor modulators. These compounds are sometimes called “legal steroids,” although they are superior to traditional doping agents in many ways. So what is worth knowing about such products?
SARMs – what are these compounds, and how do they work?
The compounds referred to today as SARMs were invented in the 1990s. The genesis of their creation is fascinating. Well, initially, researchers tested them as potentially helpful therapeutics for the treatment of prostate cancer. However, during the research, SARMs also caused a significant increase in muscle mass by enhancing anabolic processes. As it later turned out, this effect was due to the influence of these compounds on androgen receptors.
Hence their current name – SARMs (Selective Androgen Receptor Modulators). Initially, scientists suspected that these compounds acted in a manner very similar to steroids. However, later studies have provided ample evidence of differences between SARMs and anabolic steroids.
The critical difference is that SARMs primarily include non-steroidal compounds. Thus, they are not susceptible to the hormones that are involved in metabolizing anabolic steroids. What’s more, the very name SARMs provides a vital clue. Standard doping agents stimulate the growth of almost all body cells by acting on most receptors. SARMs, on the other hand, act selectively, meaning they affect only specific androgen receptors.
SARMs vs. steroids – the most important differences
The above information allows us to draw some significant conclusions. The most important information for people who train will be that taking SARMs does not cause dangerous side effects. There is no question of internal organ hypertrophy or other products typical of steroid use. SARMs are compounds that act primarily on receptors located in skeletal muscles. Therefore, muscle tissue is the most susceptible to the effects of such substances.
Moreover, preparations containing SARMs are sold without any imposed restrictions. Admittedly, professional sports federations have their own regulations regarding the use of such substances. Therefore, professional athletes should make sure whether such supplementation will be allowed in their case. However, all amateur athletes are free to supplement with SARMs.
Another important aspect is the correlation between taking SARMs and liver health. As you know, traditional anabolic steroids are broken down in this very organ. The problem is that most doping substances are chemical compounds with a methyl group. Their decomposition may therefore lead to a burden or even damage to the liver. Meanwhile, compounds classified as SARMs do not have a methyl group. Admittedly, taking them may lead to a slight overestimation of liver function tests. However, proper supplementation does not significantly burden the liver and does not lead to liver damage. This is especially true when taking SARMs for a short period.
The last visible difference will be the method of supplementation itself. Almost all anabolic steroids are substances administered intramuscularly. This means that bodybuilders and athletes must take them in the form of injections. When it comes to SARMs, on the other hand, the most popular form of supplementation here is ordinary tablets. So this is a more accessible and much more convenient method.
Which SARM substance is the best choice?
There are various SARMs on the market today, and they differ not only in their names but also in their properties. Therefore, such supplementation must be tailored to specific training goals.
The best-studied substances in this category are ostarine (MK-2866), ligandrol (LGD-4033), and andarine (S4). Of course, all of these compounds have a stimulating effect on the process of muscle tissue formation. However, we must not forget about the differences between them. For example, ostarine also increases the processes involved in burning body fat. This form of supplementation allows you to both build muscle and fight excess weight.
As for ligandrol, studies have shown that it improves bone density and mineralization and increases libido. On the other hand, it does not have such a strong effect in terms of weight reduction.
How should SARMs supplementation work?
For a long time, there were no guidelines as to how SARMs should be taken. Therefore, athletes to this day mainly follow the recommendations of the manufacturers. In the case of ostarine, the doses contained an average of 2-5 milligrams of this substance. Therefore, when first starting out with SARMs, it is advisable to start with low doses and only increase them.
It is also essential to take SARMs in cycles. One cycle should last about 4 weeks. Afterward, the preparation should be discontinued. This way, the body’s tolerance should not increase, and the supplementation itself will provide the best results.
Summary
SARMs are not only a safer but also more easily accessible alternative to steroids. Their properties help increase strength and build muscle mass. Some of the substances included in SARMs also help burn body fat faster. That’s why such supplementation may be beneficial for people looking to improve their strength and figure results.
