Becoming a bodybuilder usually involves the use of supplements and anabolic steroids. Even though steroids proved to be extremely useful for growing muscle mass and improving strength, their effects target the entire body. That’s why many bodybuilders use SARMs, which are designed to affect only growing muscles and bones.
The massive influx of hormones provided by anabolic steroids would affect the entire body and lead to all kinds of adverse side effects. So keep reading and allow Canadian Anabolics to tell you everything about SARMs and their use.
What are SARMs?
SARM is an acronym for selective androgen receptor modulators. It is a type of drug similar to anabolic steroids, but they have a selective effect on the body. While the use of anabolic steroids often leads to excess hair growth, balding, acne, and many other health issues, SARMs target muscles, and bones.
They were originally developed for treating all kinds of health issues, including muscular dystrophy, cachexia, Alzheimer’s disease, and many others. They quickly proved to be effective, but instead of getting a wider medical use, they are used mainly by bodybuilders.
In practice, SARMs flood the muscles and bones with testosterone without interacting with the endocrine system. They have the power to instruct the muscle cells in the body to keep growing without the adverse side effects caused by anabolic steroids. Benefits of using SARMs include
- Increased muscle mass
- Better athletic performance
- Body fat loss
- Strength improvements
- Many others
Dosing
Before we get to the dosing, you should know that there are many different types of SARMs you can use. Some of the most widely used types are ostarine, ligandrol, testolone, nutrobal, etc. So the dosing largely depends on the type of SARM you’re using and the results you want to get.
Most types are advised to be taken for a period of 6 to 12 weeks. The dosing ranges from 5mg to 10mg daily for more potent SARMs such as Ligandrol, while Testolone, Andarine, and most others require daily doses of up to 50mg. Of course, beginners should start with small quantities to see how their bodies react and gradually increase the amount over time.
Cycle
Every type of SARM has its cycle. The cycle is very different depending on the type of SARM, the goal you want to reach, and your previous experience. For example, when using Ostarine, beginners are advised to use 10mg of SARM during a 6-week cycle. On the other hand, professional bodybuilders use 30mg of SARM during a 12-week cycle.
Andarine is another popular type of SARM used to gain muscle mass, increase strength, burn fat, and improve bone density. However, it requires doses much higher than Ostarine. A beginner usually starts with 25mg on a 6-week cycle, while professionals use up to 50mg during an 8-week cycle. In addition, most bodybuilders combine different SARMs simultaneously, so you must get the dosing right.
Potential side effects
SARMs have been around for only a few decades, so there’s still not enough scientific research about their long-term effects. Moreover, they are not available for recreational use, so you can’t buy them at the local pharmacy. However, they are available in online stores, which usually don’t provide more information about where the products came from. Issues like mislabeling, contamination, and similar practices can lead to potentially harmful effects.
Those SARMs that are made to the highest industry standards are generally safe for consumption, but many users still feel a few negative side effects, including:
- Natural testosterone production suppression
- Back acne
- Decreased levels of good cholesterol
- Mild liver toxicity
- Hair loss
The good news is that most SARM users don’t experience any of the issues above. However, you should think about post-cycle therapy to make sure that you don’t experience any side effects in the long run.
Natural SARM alternatives
Even though SARMs offer all kinds of benefits for bodybuilders and patients, they must be used with caution. For example, the FDA has prohibited using SARMs in all body-enhancing supplements as regular consumption may lead to heart failure, liver damage, and other organ damage.
Many bodybuilders and professional athletes don’t want to do anything with SARMs due to the potentially dangerous side effects, so they often use anabolic steroids made from natural ingredients. They are much safer for consumption and provide similar effects. The most popular options are:
- D-Bal which stimulates the natural production of testosterone
- Trenorol – designed to improve muscle gain while based on a 100% natural formula
- Anadrole – A clinically approved alternative to SARMs and steroids
- Vitamin D – A natural substance that improves muscle health and bone density
Many other natural substances promote testosterone production and muscle mass out there, so it might be a good idea to start there rather than risking your health with SARMs.
Final Words
There is no doubt that SARMs are incredibly efficient at growing muscle mass and improving bone structure. However, if you don’t use them correctly, you could end up having severe long-term side effects.
If you decide to try them, make sure that you buy them from a trusted store, and always stick to the instructions written on the label. You should also consult your physician before the first use. Good luck!