What it is

Non-steroidal compounds that bind to androgen receptors with claimed tissue selectivity. Often marketed as a 'safer alternative' to anabolic steroids. Taken orally. Most SARMs were developed for medical research (muscle wasting, osteoporosis) but the majority were abandoned in clinical trials. Common examples include Ostarine (MK-2866), Ligandrol (LGD-4033), RAD-140 (Testolone), and Cardarine (GW-501516, which is technically not a SARM).

What it does

Promotes lean muscle gain and fat loss to varying degrees. Effects are generally milder than anabolic steroids. Different SARMs have different potencies and selectivity profiles. Results vary significantly between compounds and between individuals.

Typical dosages

Varies significantly by compound. Ostarine: 10-25mg/day. LGD-4033: 5-10mg/day. RAD-140: 10-20mg/day. Cycles are typically 8-12 weeks. Dosing information comes from user reports, not clinical guidance. This is not a recommendation; it is what is commonly reported.

These figures reflect commonly reported usage in harm reduction communities. They are not recommendations. There is no safe dose of anabolic steroids for non-medical use. Start low and monitor your health through blood work.

Side effects

Suppression of natural testosterone (despite marketing claims to the contrary)
Liver toxicity documented with LGD-4033 and RAD-140
Headaches
Nausea
Hormonal disruption
Hair thinning (particularly with RAD-140)
Fatigue and lethargy (particularly towards end of cycle)

Specific risks

Unknown long-term effects: long-term safety data is essentially non-existent. Most SARMs were abandoned in clinical trials, meaning they did not pass the safety bar for pharmaceutical development
Product purity: studies have found that many products sold as SARMs contain anabolic steroids, prohormones, or nothing at all. You may not be taking what you think you are taking
Suppression underestimated: users frequently underestimate the hormonal suppression caused by SARMs and do not PCT, leading to prolonged hormonal disruption
False safety framing: the 'safer alternative' marketing is largely unsubstantiated and leads users to take fewer precautions than they should

What to watch for

Fatigue, low mood, or loss of libido towards end of cycle (signs of suppression)
Blood work showing suppressed testosterone, LH, or FSH
Liver values on blood work (particularly with LGD-4033 and RAD-140)
Consider having your product tested if possible, as mislabelling is widespread
PCT should be considered even for SARMs, despite common claims that it is unnecessary

Other compounds

Testosterone

Lower/Moderate Risk

The base of almost every steroid cycle. Testosterone is the primary male sex hormone and the most commonly used anabolic steroid.

Trenbolone

Extreme Risk

One of the most powerful and dangerous steroids in common use. Extremely potent but with a severe side effect profile that makes it unsuitable for most users.

Anavar (Oxandrolone)