Selective androgen receptor modulators, or SARMs

 Selective androgen receptor modulators, or SARMs for short, are a class of compounds that have been increasingly gaining popularity in the world of sports and fitness. These compounds have been marketed as a safer alternative to anabolic steroids, with the ability to provide similar benefits without the harsh side effects. In this article, we will explore what SARMs are, how they work, their benefits and risks, and their legality. Read More SARMs

What are SARMs?

SARMs are compounds that selectively target the androgen receptors in the body, which are responsible for many of the effects of testosterone. Unlike anabolic steroids, which affect many different tissues in the body, SARMs are designed to specifically target muscle and bone tissue, while minimizing the effects on other tissues such as the prostate and liver.

SARMs were initially developed to treat conditions such as muscle wasting, osteoporosis, and hypogonadism. However, due to their ability to increase muscle mass and strength, they have become popular among athletes and bodybuilders as a performance-enhancing drug.

How do SARMs work?

SARMs work by binding to the androgen receptors in muscle and bone tissue, which can help to increase muscle mass and bone density. This is achieved through several mechanisms, including increased protein synthesis, increased nitrogen retention, and increased bone mineral density.

One of the most well-known SARMs is ostarine, which has been shown to increase muscle mass and strength in clinical trials. In a study of elderly men and women with muscle wasting, ostarine was able to increase muscle mass by 1-2 kg over a 12-week period, with no significant side effects.

Another popular SARM is ligandrol, which has been shown to increase lean body mass and decrease body fat in both healthy volunteers and people with muscle wasting. In a study of 76 healthy men, ligandrol was able to increase lean body mass by an average of 1.0 kg over a 21-day period, with no significant side effects.

Benefits of SARMs

The main benefit of SARMs is their ability to increase muscle mass and strength, which can help athletes and bodybuilders to achieve their goals more quickly and effectively. SARMs can also help to increase bone density, which is particularly beneficial for elderly people and those with conditions such as osteoporosis.

Another potential benefit of SARMs is their ability to improve endurance and reduce fatigue. This is because SARMs can increase the number of red blood cells in the body, which can improve oxygen delivery to the muscles.

Additionally, SARMs are often marketed as a safer alternative to anabolic steroids, as they are believed to have fewer side effects. This is because SARMs are designed to selectively target muscle and bone tissue, while minimizing the effects on other tissues such as the prostate and liver.

Risks of SARMs

Despite their potential benefits, SARMs are not without risks. One of the main risks of SARMs is their potential for abuse, particularly among athletes and bodybuilders. Because SARMs are not yet approved for human use by the FDA, they are often sold as dietary supplements or research chemicals, which can make them difficult to regulate and ensure quality control.

Another risk of SARMs is their potential for side effects. While SARMs are designed to be selective in their effects, they can still have unwanted effects on other tissues in the body. For example, some SARMs have been shown to cause liver toxicity and increase the risk of cardiovascular disease.

SARMs can also affect hormone levels in the body, which can have a range of effects. For example, some SARMs can suppress natural testosterone production, which can lead to symptoms such as fatigue, low libido, and