The rapidly advancing medical field breaks hurdles every single day to introduce technology and innovations that change the lives of millions of people world wide. Deadly diseases with a very poor prognosis such as cancer are not effectively managed by modern medicine.
However, whenever a new medicine or therapeutic compound is introduced to the world, several questions are raised – whether it is safe, whether it would have any long-term effects, and whether it would be effective in humans.
One such compound is being discussed here, which is known as the Selective Androgen Receptor Modulator or SARM for short.
What are SARMs?
Synthetic hormones are used for various purposes in a clinical setting. Synthetic hormones act either by exerting their anabolic or reproductive functions. Hormones bind to the receptors that are specific to the hormone and this leads to a series of reactions that give us the desired effect.
One such synthetic steroid compound is the Selective Androgen Receptor Modulator (SARM) that possesses higher anabolic activity and a comparatively lesser androgenic activity.
Androgen Receptors (AR) are a part of a system that sense and respond to the presence of androgen steroid hormones. The effects of the interaction between AR and androgens often plays a role in bone density, muscle mass, blood cell production, metabolism, and cognition.
Why Are SARMs Better Than Anabolic Steroids?
Testosterone and other synthetic anabolic steroids have similar functions to SARMs and are known for their anabolic and androgenic effects.
Anabolic effects include cell-building functions such as increasing bone density and muscle mass, where as androgenic effects include virilization, acne, and even impairing fertility. Continuous use of anabolic steroids may even lead to testicular atrophy, prostate hypertrophy, and hepatotoxicity.
There lies the problem with non-specific anabolic steroids – they have a lot of side effects. This leads to minimised clinical use.
Selective Androgen Receptor Modulators (SARMs) on the other hand are more specific in functions and can either induce or inhibit ARs. This property of SARMs is similar to Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulators (SERMs) such as Tamoxifen thats widely used in the treatment of breast cancer. SERMs acts as an antagonist in Estrogen Receptors (ERs) of the breast, while inducing the ERs in other places such as in bones and the uterus.
SARMs are made to bind with Androgen Receptors (AR), but they are ‘selective’ binders. Selective binders bind with only some selected receptors and not every other androgen receptor in the body.
Therefore, SARMs only give us the desired anabolic effects, while avoiding the undesired side effects of other anabolic steroids available in the market.
What Are The Functions of SARMs?
Being a synthetic androgen, SARMs work or try to work in the same way as testosterone. This principal androgen is produced in the bodies of males.
SARMs could be used for stimulating muscle and bone tissue growth. This medical application could help in the treatment of patients with muscle wasting.
They also have several roles in treating breast cancer, osteoporosis, prostate cancer, hypogonadism, etc. This application was discovered after extensive trials and could now prove to be a breakthrough in the future for the treatment of several diseases.
They could also be used by athletes to enhance their performance and make their revival after tiring sports earlier and easier.
So far, all the SARMs that have been developed are under strict investigative/research measures. None of them have been approved for over-the-counter or recreational use.
What Are Some Of The Best SARMs?
SARMs that are present in the markets today are all best at what they claim to do.
However, here is a list of some of the most popular SARMs that are available as better alternatives to steroids nowadays:
Ostarine ( MK-2866 ):
Whenever the discussion revolves around the best SARMs, Ostarine clearly stands out as the winner. It is a testosterone-like SARM that is an all-rounder to enhance and improve different functions in the body.
So far, it has been proven to help significantly improve muscle mass, bone strength, and density and increase the physical strength of both males and females.
The side effects include abdominal pain, nausea, constipation, etc.
Ligandrol ( LGD-4033 ):
Ligandrol is from that category of SARMS that has shown highly effective and promising results in all the trials that were carried out to judge their effectiveness.
This SARM is proposed to be used by females majorly because of the bone growth and strength enhancing effects that it possesses, which could be a preventive measure against osteoporosis, a bone-related condition that females are predisposed to develop after menopause.
When used in excess, it may give rise to stomach upset.
Testolone ( RAD-140 ):
Testolone ( RAD 140 ) is considered to be the most potent SARM, owing to its multiple functions. It can be both utilized for muscle wasting and breast cancer treatment.
It is a highly selective SARM that has been seen to bind rapidly to the Androgen Receptors present in the bone and muscle. This is one reason why it only enhances muscle bulk growth without impacting the fat content at all.
Its excess use may lead to a person becoming an insomniac.
Andarine (SARMS S4):
Andarine is yet another promising SARM that was previously thought to be effective for muscle wasting and osteoporotic patients only.
However, recent trials have revealed that this SARM can also be of great use in helping people lose weight over time.
Breastfeeding and pregnant women would be prohibited from using this SARM because it may adversely affect their health.
Even though SARMs have been questioned now and then regarding their safety, they have also demonstrated some highly effective uses when subjected to trials.
Being a novel innovation in the medical field, SARMs will be extremely useful, especially as a replacement to regular anabolic steroids and synthetic steroids. The popularity of SERMs in treating breast cancer, is also a sign that SARMs which follow the same science, will also be a success.
And that’s not all. If you are looking for a particular SARM for sale, then you should find verified reviews for the website to make sure you’re getting the best product.
References:
- Solomon, Z. J., Mirabal, J. R., Mazur, D. J., Kohn, T. P., Lipshultz, L. I., & Pastuszak, A. W. (2019). Selective Androgen Receptor Modulators: Current Knowledge and Clinical Applications. Sexual medicine reviews, 7(1), 84–94. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sxmr.2018.09.006
- Fonseca, G., Dworatzek, E., Ebner, N., & Von Haehling, S. (2020). Selective androgen receptor modulators (SARMs) as a pharmacological treatment for muscle wasting in ongoing clinical trials. Expert opinion on investigational drugs, 29(8), 881–891. https://doi.org/10.1080/13543784.2020.1777275
- Solomon ZJ, Mirabal JR, Mazur DJ, Kohn TP, Lipshultz LI, Pastuszak AW. Selective Androgen Receptor Modulators: Current Knowledge and Clinical Applications. Sex Med Rev. 2019;7(1):84-94. doi:10.1016/j.sxmr.2018.09.006
