SARMS, also known as selective androgen receptor modulators, what are they?
The androgen receptor (AR) is a member of the steroid hormone family and plays an important role in tissue physiology. This receptor includes glucocorticoids, mineralocorticoid receptors, ER, PR and vitamin D3 receptor, key points of this article.
AR ligands include circulating testosterone and local dihydrotestosterone that bind to AR to activate it. However, there are limits to metabolism and reactivity with other receptors on the effectiveness of the use of therapeutic steroid androgens.
SARMS were found to "target tissue receptors" to promote their beneficial androgen effects without the unwanted side effects.
Androgen receptors are found throughout the body: muscles, bones, prostate, secondary sex organs, and seminal vesicles. But in terms of bodybuilding, the only part where we really want to see the effects of size, mass, and strength is the muscles.
When any androgenic cell is stimulated by testosterone, an enzyme called 5-a-reductase is activated that converts testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT), an androgen hormone that is 10 times more powerful than testosterone. Activation of AR is achieved by binding of the DHT ligand to the AR binding site, which then causes conformational changes and phosphorylation and final binding to the androgen-sensitive element (ARE). The ARE then modulates the transcription of genes that respond to androgens. If testosterone is too high, an enzyme called aromatase converts testosterone to estrogen, which then exerts estrogen-like effects on the cell. A small amount of this occurs naturally, as a man's body needs estrogen in addition to testosterone. But too much estrogen and this is when female symptoms start to appear.
Under normal circumstances, the body carefully regulates its androgen production through feedback mechanisms to prevent imbalances. Taking any form of anabolic steroid, SARM, or estrogen modulator disrupts this natural mechanism for better or worse.
The main androgen modulators used by athletes are in the form of "anabolic steroids." They are known to increase muscle mass, growth, and strength.
It should be noted that testosterone is not classified as an anabolic steroid, as it is a natural hormone in the body. The problem with the use of anabolics is the side effects (depending on the type used), however, as long as someone trains well, the use of anabolic steroids is highly effective. That is why SARMS were discovered, to find the positive effects of anabolic steroids, without the negative effects of the steroid.
SARMs are not toxic to the liver and have little effect on blood pressure. This eliminates the need to preload and support supplements during the cycle. Subsequently, a SARM cycle will eventually be less expensive than a traditional AAS / PH (steroid / prohormone) cycle. The chances of having estrogen-related side effects and water retention are also significantly lower.
What are the different types of SARMs?
LGD 4033 (also known as Ligandrol)
LGD 4033, a SARM like Ostarine, but 12 times more powerful with only 1/3 the dose! Consequently, it is more suppressive of the HPTA (Hypothalamus-Pituitary-Testis-Axis - the system of the hypothalamus, the pituitary gland and the gonadal glands with Ghbooster, which plays a vital role in the development and regulation of the reproductive and immune systems). Therefore, a post cycle therapy of SERM (selective estrogen receptor modulator) is recommended.
LGD 4033 benefits
Where Ostarine is one of the best SARMs to include in a cutting cycle, LGD has proven to be a good bulking agent.
In a study conducted at Boston University, healthy men who received 1 mg of LGD per day gained about 3 pounds in 3 weeks on average. No clinically significant changes were observed in liver function tests, PSA (prostate function / problem tests), hematocrit (test of the ratio of red blood cell volume to total blood volume) or ECG (electrocardiogram tests , used to monitor heart rate and electrical activity).
MK 677 (aka Ibutamoren)
It is a selective, non-peptide, orally active agonist of the secAugmented Labs growth hormone receptor - Ibutareal retagogue (increased secretion). It mimics the action of ghrelin (the hormone that regulates appetite and the distribution and rate of energy use) in the stomach, raising levels of growth hormone and IGF-1, but does not affect cortisol levels.
Benefits of the MK 677
Human studies have shown that it increases both muscle mass and bone mineral density. Dosed at 25 mg daily, Ibutamoren has been shown to increase IGF-1 levels by 60% in 6 weeks in humans. A 72% increase in IGF-1 levels was observed after 12 months.
Ibutamoren is not hormonal and therefore does not require PCT after the end of the cycle. It is best used on a cycle of at least 3 months with an increase in dosage every month. The optimal dosing time for MK 677 is at night directly before bedtime. You should start to notice a deeper sleep almost immediately. If you wake up with numb or tingling hands, don't worry. This is a common side effect of the extra GH in the system.
Augmented Labs GW 501516 (AKA Cardarine) - Cardareal
Actually, this is not a SARM. In fact, it is a PPAR Delta Modulator, a selective agonist with a high affinity for PPARs (peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors, a group of thyroid and steroid-sensitive proteins that control gene expression, thus regulating development and cellular metabolism). .
GW 501516 benefits
This modulation of PPAR allows the body to use more glucose and build more muscle tissue.
Cardarine supplements also regulate the various proteins that the body uses for energy. For the user, this means an increase in energy and endurance, and it can also mean an increase in muscle mass. It is also possible that GW may have a positive effect on blood pressure and lipid profile.
Dosage is in the range of 7mg to 21mg, with 14mg being the "sweet spot". The average GW cycle is typically 4 to 12 weeks. GW is not hormonal and therefore does not require PCT. However, it works well in a SARM stack to further increase fat loss and stamina.
RAD 140 Augmented Labs (AKA Testolone) - Radareal
Rad 140 benefits
Radarine is very new, so there is not much real world data yet. However, it looks very promising, with an impressive 90: 1 anabolic to androgenic ratio! This means that users can experience a host of muscle building effects without all the associated androgenic side effects.
RAD140 is powerful enough to limit the effect of testosterone on the prostate and other unwanted areas. It has even been shown to be more anabolic than testosterone. The dosage appears to be in the range of 4 mg info to 12 mg, with an optimal cycle length of 4 to 6 weeks. Given its shorter half-life (16 hours), RAD should be dosed at least twice a day.
MK 2866 (AKA S22, Ostarine or Enobosarm) Augmented Labs - Ostareal
MK 2866 Benefits
This is probably the best known SARM. It is best used to preserve muscle mass in a caloric deficit.
S4 (aka Andarine)
S4 benefits
Increased muscle retention during the diet.
Increase in lean muscle mass
Can be stacked
One of the best options for women.
Greater bone strength
Are SARMs Safe?
Most of the SARMS that have been developed thus far are sought to overcome the possible virilizing and / or flavoring effects of steroid androgens. This was achieved by searching for tissue-selective agonists of RA that could potentially activate RA in specific tissues without affecting others.
Currently developed SARMS are non-steroidal, which means that they are not susceptible to enzymatic metabolism of target tissues. Remember, there were certain enzymes that converted DHT to metabolites, or synthesized testbooster from the precursor androstenedione, SARMS are not affected by these enzymes. This means that SARMS are not converted or broken down into unwanted molecules that cause side effects, such as DHT and estrogen.
The anabolic to androgenic ratio of steroids is 1: 1. That is, you get the same muscle-building effect that you can get, for example, man boobs. This is where SARMS can come into play. They are more selective in enhancing the anabolic effects of muscle building rather than causing the androgenic side effects. This ratio can start from 3: 1 or go up to 10: 1.
SARMS are a group of synthetic drugs that mimic the effects of testosterone on muscles and bones with minimal impact on other organs and reduced side effects compared to anabolic agents. So the theory is that you can have the benefits of steroids without the side effects.