Last Updated on August 16, 2023 by Jim Marshall
SARMs and steroids are both popular among bodybuilders and athletes for their ability to increase muscle mass and enhance athletic performance. However, there is a growing debate about which of the two is safer. Some people argue that SARMs are a safer alternative to steroids because they are selective in their actions and have fewer side effects. Others claim that steroids are better because they have a longer track record of use and are more effective.
SARMs, or Selective Androgen Receptor Modulators, are a relatively new class of drugs that were developed to treat muscle-wasting conditions. They work by selectively targeting androgen receptors in the body, which can help to increase muscle mass and strength without the negative side effects associated with steroids. While SARMs are not approved by the FDA for human use, they are widely available online and in some supplement stores.
On the other hand, anabolic steroids have been around for decades and are one of the most widely used performance-enhancing drugs in the world. They work by increasing protein synthesis in the body, which can help to build muscle mass and improve athletic performance. However, steroids are known to have a range of negative side effects, including acne, hair loss, and liver damage. Additionally, steroids are illegal without a prescription and can lead to serious legal consequences if used improperly.
While both SARMs and steroids can have side effects, SARMs are generally considered safer due to their tissue-selective mechanism of action. Steroids have been linked to a range of potential health problems, including liver damage, cardiovascular disease, and prostate cancer.
Understanding Sarms and Steroids
Both Sarms and steroids are performance-enhancing drugs that are used to build muscle mass and improve athletic performance. However, they differ in their chemical composition, mode of action, and potential side effects.
Sarms
Sarms, or Selective Androgen Receptor Modulators, are a class of drugs that bind to androgen receptors in the body, promoting muscle growth and bone density. Sarms are designed to target specific tissues in the body, such as muscles, without affecting other organs or systems. This is in contrast to anabolic steroids, which can have a broad range of effects on the body.
Sarms were initially developed to treat conditions such as muscle wasting, osteoporosis, and hypogonadism. However, they have gained popularity in recent years among athletes and bodybuilders as a safer alternative to steroids.
Some of the most commonly used Sarms include Ostarine, Andarine, and Ligandrol. Sarms are typically taken orally in pill form and are not approved by the FDA for human consumption.
Steroids
Steroids, or anabolic-androgenic steroids, are synthetic versions of the male hormone testosterone. Steroids work by increasing protein synthesis in the body, leading to muscle growth and improved athletic performance. Steroids are also known to have a range of potential side effects, including acne, hair loss, liver damage, and mood swings.
Steroids are classified as controlled substances in many countries and are illegal to use without a prescription. However, they are still widely used by athletes and bodybuilders seeking to improve their physical performance.
Some of the most commonly used steroids include Testosterone, Dianabol, and Deca-Durabolin. Steroids are typically injected into the body, although some forms can be taken orally.
In summary, Sarms and steroids are both performance-enhancing drugs that can be used to build muscle mass and improve athletic performance. However, Sarms are designed to target specific tissues in the body, while steroids can have a broad range of effects. Steroids are also associated with a higher risk of side effects than Sarms.
Benefits of Sarms and Steroids
When it comes to muscle building and performance enhancement, both Sarms and steroids have their own benefits. In this section, we will discuss the benefits of Sarms and steroids in terms of muscle growth, strength enhancement, fat loss, and endurance improvement.
Muscle Growth
Both Sarms and steroids are known to promote muscle growth. Steroids are known to increase muscle mass rapidly, while Sarms may take a bit longer to show results. However, Sarms are known to promote lean muscle mass without causing water retention, which is a common side effect of steroids.
Strength Enhancement
Steroids are known to increase muscle strength rapidly, while Sarms may take a bit longer to show results. However, Sarms are known to promote muscle strength without causing water retention, which is a common side effect of steroids.
Fat Loss
Steroids are known to promote fat loss, but they can also cause water retention, which can make the body look bloated. On the other hand, Sarms are known to promote fat loss without causing water retention.
Endurance Improvement
Steroids are known to improve endurance, but they can also cause side effects such as high blood pressure and liver damage. On the other hand, Sarms are known to improve endurance without causing side effects.
Overall, both Sarms and steroids have their own benefits when it comes to muscle building and performance enhancement. However, it is important to note that both substances can have side effects and should be used responsibly.
Side Effects and Risks
Sarms Side Effects
SARMs are known for their tissue-selective properties, which means they target specific areas of the body, such as muscles, without affecting other organs. However, they still come with a risk of side effects.
Some of the common side effects associated with SARMs include acne, hair loss, decreased testicular size, mood swings, and high blood pressure. Although the side effects are generally mild, they can be bothersome to some users.
Additionally, SARMs have not been approved by the FDA for human use, which means they are not regulated and their long-term effects are unknown. Some studies have suggested that SARMs may increase the risk of cancer, liver injury, and impotence, but more research is needed to confirm these findings.
Steroids Side Effects
Steroids, on the other hand, are known for their potential to cause serious side effects. Some of the common side effects of steroids include liver damage, stroke, heart attack, prostate cancer, and vision problems.
Steroids can also cause aggression, mood swings, and acne. In men, steroids can lead to decreased sperm count, infertility, and breast development. Women who use steroids may experience deepening of the voice, facial hair growth, and menstrual irregularities.
Moreover, steroids are highly addictive and can lead to dependence, making it difficult to stop using them even when the side effects become severe.
Overall, while both SARMs and steroids have their own set of side effects and risks, SARMs appear to be less potent and potentially dangerous than steroids. However, more research is needed to fully understand the long-term effects of SARMs on the body.
Sarms Vs Steroids: Key Differences
Safety
While both SARMs and steroids can have side effects, SARMs are generally considered safer due to their tissue-selective mechanism of action. Steroids have been linked to a range of potential health problems, including liver damage, cardiovascular disease, and prostate cancer.
Mechanism of Action
Steroids are synthetic versions of the hormone testosterone, which bind to androgen receptors in various tissues throughout the body. This can lead to significant muscle growth but also comes with a range of potential side effects.
SARMs, on the other hand, are more selective in their mechanism of action, binding primarily to androgen receptors in muscle tissue. This means they can promote muscle growth without affecting other organs in the body to the same extent as steroids.
Cutting and Bulking
Both SARMs and steroids can be used for cutting or bulking cycles. Cutting refers to a period of calorie restriction and increased cardio to reduce body fat, while bulking involves consuming excess calories to build muscle mass.
SARMs are often preferred for cutting cycles due to their ability to preserve muscle mass while promoting fat loss. Steroids, on the other hand, are typically used for bulking cycles due to their ability to promote significant muscle growth.
Cholesterol and Blood Pressure
Steroids can have a negative impact on cholesterol levels, increasing LDL (bad) cholesterol and decreasing HDL (good) cholesterol. They can also lead to high blood pressure, which can increase the risk of cardiovascular disease.
SARMs have not been shown to have the same negative impact on cholesterol levels and blood pressure as steroids.
Athletic Performance
Both SARMs and steroids can improve athletic performance, including strength and endurance. However, the use of performance-enhancing drugs is banned in most sports.
Administration
Steroids are typically administered via injection, while SARMs can be taken orally. This makes SARMs more convenient for many users.
Popular Types of Sarms and Steroids
Sarms Varieties
SARMs, or Selective Androgen Receptor Modulators, are a popular alternative to steroids for those looking to build muscle and improve performance. There are several varieties of SARMs available, each with its own unique benefits and drawbacks.
Ostarine, also known as MK-2866, is one of the most popular SARMs on the market. It is known for its ability to increase muscle mass and strength, while also promoting fat loss. Another popular SARM is Ligandrol, or LGD-4033, which has similar benefits to Ostarine but is more potent.
Andarine, or S4, is another SARM that is known for its ability to increase muscle mass and strength, while also promoting fat loss. However, it is important to note that Andarine has been linked to vision problems in some users.
Cardarine, or GW501516, is a non-hormonal SARM that is known for its ability to improve endurance and stamina. It has also been shown to promote fat loss and improve cardiovascular health.
Steroids Varieties
Steroids are a type of synthetic hormone that are used to promote muscle growth and improve athletic performance. There are several different types of steroids available, each with its own unique benefits and drawbacks.
Sustanon, which contains testosterone, is one of the most commonly used steroids, and is known for its ability to increase muscle mass, strength, and endurance. It is also important for the development of male sexual characteristics.
Nandrolone, also known as Deca Durabolin, is another popular steroid that is known for its ability to increase muscle mass and strength, while also promoting joint health.
Oxymetholone, or Anadrol, is a powerful steroid that is known for its ability to promote rapid muscle growth and strength gains. However, it is also associated with several side effects, including liver damage and high blood pressure.
Overall, both SARMs and steroids have their own unique benefits and drawbacks, and it is important to carefully consider the risks and benefits of each before deciding which one to use.
See Also: Top 5 SARM Supplements: Best SARMs Alternatives for Bulking, Cutting & Strength
Regulation and Legality
Both SARMs and steroids are regulated substances, but there are differences in their legal status. The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) has banned SARMs for use in sports, while anabolic steroids are classified as Schedule III controlled substances in the United States, meaning they have accepted medical uses but also a potential for abuse and dependence.
The FDA has issued warning letters to companies selling products containing SARMs, stating that they cannot be legally marketed as dietary supplements or drugs. The agency has also emphasized the potential health risks associated with SARMs, including liver toxicity and the potential for increased risk of heart attack and stroke.
In 2018, the SARMs Control Act was introduced in Congress to regulate SARMs as controlled substances, similar to anabolic steroids. The bipartisan bill aimed to extend the DEA’s authority to regulate SARMs and ensure a safer marketplace. In 2019, a similar bill was introduced, the SARMs Control Act of 2019, which sought to place SARMs on the same schedule as other anabolic steroids.
Despite these efforts, SARMs continue to be sold illegally and unregulated, often marketed as dietary supplements or research chemicals. This has led to concerns about the safety and purity of these products.
So, while both SARMs and steroids are regulated substances, the legal status of SARMs is more ambiguous. The FDA has warned against their use and sale, and efforts have been made to regulate them as controlled substances. However, they continue to be sold illegally and unregulated, posing potential health risks to consumers.
Usage and Administration
Sarms Usage
SARMs are typically taken orally, which is one of the reasons they are popular among bodybuilders. They can be administered in pill or liquid form, and some users choose to inject them. However, injecting SARMs is not recommended, as it can lead to infections and other complications.
SARMs are often used in cycles, with users taking them for several weeks or months at a time before taking a break to allow their bodies to recover. The length of a cycle can vary depending on the individual and their goals, but most cycles last between 6 and 12 weeks.
Steroids Usage
Steroids can be taken orally or injected, and they are often used in cycles as well. However, steroid cycles tend to be longer than SARM cycles, with some lasting up to 16 weeks.
Steroids are often used by bodybuilders and other athletes to enhance their performance and improve their recovery time. However, they are also used for medical purposes, such as treating conditions like delayed puberty and muscle wasting.
It is important to note that the misuse of steroids can lead to serious health problems, including liver damage, heart disease, and infertility. Steroids should only be used under the supervision of a medical professional.
Bottom Line
Overall, while both SARMs and steroids can be effective for muscle-building and performance-enhancing purposes, SARMs are generally considered safer due to their tissue-selective mechanism of action. However, it is important to carefully research and understand the potential risks and benefits of any performance-enhancing drug before use.
