Using SARMS for Bodybuilding: Benefits, Risks, and Recommendations

Introduction

Selective androgen receptor modulators (SARMs) have become increasingly popular supplements among bodybuilders and athletes looking to improve muscle growth and physical performance. Unlike traditional anabolic steroids, SARMs are designed to selectively target muscle and bone tissues while having less effect on other organs. This leads some people to believe SARMs provide a “safer” alternative for building muscle mass and strength. However, SARMs are not without risks and side effects. In this blog post, we’ll examine the benefits and risks of using SARMs for bodybuilding and provide recommendations on their responsible use.

What are SARMs and How Do They Work?

SARMs are synthetic drugs designed to mimic the effects of testosterone and other androgenic hormones in the body. They work by binding to androgen receptors which stimulate muscle growth. Androgen receptors are found in high concentrations in muscles, bones and fat. When SARMs activate these receptors, they initiate specific gene transcription, enhancing protein synthesis and encouraging muscle cell growth. This makes them effective for increasing lean body mass, strength, and athletic performance. Unlike steroids, SARMs are tissue-selective, so they theoretically target muscle and bone cells over other tissues of the body. However, research shows SARMs still impact other organs and can lead to side effects. Their long-term safety is unknown.

Benefits of SARMS for Bodybuilding (158 words) For bodybuilders, the potential benefits of SARMS include:

• Increased muscle mass and strength – By stimulating anabolic pathways, SARMs accelerate muscle protein synthesis resulting in faster muscle growth compared to exercise alone.
• Fat loss – Some SARMs have been shown to boost metabolism and fat burning while preserving lean muscle mass. This creates a more shredded, defined physique.
• Improved athletic performance – The gains in muscle strength, power and endurance may improve physical abilities for sports and weightlifting.
• Bone health – Selective androgen receptors help strengthen bones and prevent osteoporosis. This reduces fracture risks.
• Faster recovery – SARMs help relieve exercise-induced fatigue and damage to muscle tissues. This enables bodybuilders to workout more frequently and intensely.
• Avoiding steroid side effects – SARMs do not aromatize or convert to DHT making them less likely to cause gynecomastia, testicular shrinkage, or severe acne as steroids might. However, SARMs come with their own set of side effect risks.

Risks and Side Effects of Using SARMS

Despite marketing claims, SARMs are not risk-free and their long-term safety remains questionable:

• Suppressed natural testosterone – SARMs can interfere with normal testosterone production leading to low T symptoms like reduced sex drive, erectile dysfunction, and impaired sperm production. These side effects may persist even after stopping SARMs.
• Other hormone imbalances – SARMs disrupt hormonal balance in the body potentially affecting fertility and metabolic function. Estrogen levels may become abnormally high or low.
• Liver toxicity – Some SARMs, especially oral formulations, have been linked to mild liver damage. The effects appear to be dose-dependent.
• Vision issues – There are isolated reports of SARMs causing yellow tint vision, hazy sight, or complete vision loss. The ocular effects often reverse after quitting SARMs.
• Increased aggression and irritability – The artificial hormone stimulation of SARMs may amplify aggressiveness, anger, and mood changes similar to steroids.
• Cancer risk – While unproven in humans, early animal studies showed SARMs could potentially stimulate prostate cancer or benign tumors at very high doses.

Responsible Use of SARMS for Bodybuilding

Given the risks, SARMs should be used responsibly under medical supervision if choosing to use them. Recommendations include:

• Start with lower doses and slowly increase to find the most effective dose with the fewest side effects.
• Do not stack multiple SARMs together since interactions and toxicity are unknown.
• Use SARM cycles for 8-12 weeks followed by an equal length off-cycle to allow the body to normalize hormone levels.
• Get regular blood work to monitor impact on liver enzymes, cholesterol levels, and natural testosterone levels.
• Use over-the-counter PCT drugs or prescription medications after SARM cycles to jumpstart natural testosterone production.
• Report any concerning side effects to your doctor and discontinue use.
• Stay well hydrated and follow a clean, nutrient-rich diet to support overall health.

More Background on SARMs

SARMs first emerged in the 1990s when pharmaceutical companies began researching and developing selective androgen receptor modulators as an alternative to anabolic steroids. The goal was to create a compound that could replicate the muscle-building and performance-enhancing effects of steroids, but with fewer side effects. After promising results in early animal studies, SARMs advanced to human clinical trials in the late 2000s, focused mainly on treating muscle wasting diseases and osteoporosis. Although some SARMs like Ostarine and LGD-4033 appeared effective for building muscle mass, the FDA has not approved them for human use or consumption due to lack of long-term safety data. Despite this, many bodybuilders and fitness enthusiasts have started using SARMs available from research companies or underground labs. With no regulations or oversight on these products, quality control and safety remain serious concerns.

Popular SARM Cycle Protocols

Within the bodybuilding community, certain SARM cycling protocols have emerged as popular strategies to maximize benefits and minimize adverse effects:

• Bulking cycles – Using higher doses of SARMs like RAD 140 or YK-11 for 8-12 weeks can promote rapid muscle growth. These are often stacked with MK-677 or GW-501516 for further gains.
• Cutting cycles – Lower doses of Ostarine or Andarine combined with Cardarine are used to retain muscle mass while losing body fat for a ripped physique. Cycle length is 6-10 weeks.
• Recomping cycles – Moderate doses of RAD 140 and Ostarine for 6-8 weeks aim to simultaneously burn fat and build muscle for a lean, muscular appearance.
• PCT – Post cycle therapy involving SERMs like Nolvadex or Clomid may help restart natural testosterone production after a SARM cycle, but evidence is limited on effectiveness.
• On-cycle support – Some take testosterone boosters, liver support, or estrogen blockers to mitigate SARMs side effects during cycles. Again, little data exists on whether these work.

The illegal, unregulated nature of SARMs makes cycling practices speculative and risky. Those who choose to use them do so at their own peril.

Conclusion

While SARMs offer bodybuilders obvious muscle-building benefits, their long-term safety remains controversial. Use extreme caution with SARMs and always consult a medical professional. Gains in muscle mass may not be worth the risks of permanent hormonal damage or unforeseen side effects.

Best Place to Buy SARMS

With the rising popularity of SARMs among bodybuilders, it’s important to find a reputable source for purchasing quality, pure SARMs. One of the best online fitness supplement store for buying SARMS is Survival Supplements. This trusted retailer offers a wide selection of the top SARM brands and products, including Ostarine, Cardarine, Andarine, Testolone, and more. Their SARMs come in liquid drops, capsules, and powders to suit your preferred method of dosing. All Survival Supplements’s SARMs are independently lab-tested for purity, potency, and quality assurance. They provide transparent third-party certificates of analysis with every order. They also offers discreet shipping to protect your privacy. Their convenient website makes comparing SARMs and stacking products easy.