One of the most revolutionary scientific discoveries in modern times, pertaining to not only fitness fanatics, but the prospective health of the entire population, is the development of Andarine (S4). Whilst researching prostate cancer treatments, scientists discovered what would become the first commonly used SARM.
SARMS are an acronym for selective androgen receptor modulators. They function similarly to anabolic steroids however their nature allows the side effects that a user might experience to be significantly less severe. In the case of steroids, all androgen receptors in the body are targeted, including those in the sex hormones. SARMS on the other hand are like the picky eater, far more selective in the androgens that they influence. SARMS focus specifically on the androgens within the muscles and the bones. They further isolate themselves from steroids by not impacting the prostate nor do they aromatize into estrogen.
SARMs Australia however has had a rocky history at best. Whilst some countries embrace the potential of these new products in Australia a battle is raging to have SARMs regulated more like a traditional protein or fat burner.
Health Effects – Benefits/Sides
Health Effects – Benefits/SidesSARMS have a multitude of applications beneficial to the body. They can include but are not limited to : increasing bone strength, increasing bone growth, increasing bone mineral density, increasing muscle strength, increasing lean muscle mass, improving lipid profile, increasing fat loss, being anabolic at low doses, enhancing endurance, vascularity, muscle repair, joint healing properties, do not require to be injected, similar outcomes to testosterone (i.e. strength gains, muscle growth, fat loss, more lively libido), potential male contraceptive, no conversion to estrogen, no conversion to dihydrotestosterone i.e. hair loss on the head or excess body hair growth, minimal liver toxicity, the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis is minimally disturbed (i.e. minimal reduction in luteinising hormone or follicle stimulating hormone), faster recover times, improving REM sleep, improves memory, improves learning
SARMS also have a number of prospective side effects which can include but are not limited to : temporary testosterone suppression, headaches, altered sleep pattern, insomnia, hair loss, mild vision disturbance (yellow tint at night), water retention, testicle pain, increased irritability, aggression, mild liver toxicity, acne, hyperthermia, appetite stimulation and anxiety.
Common SARMs
Cardarine (GW-501516) -Initially developed as a potential treatment for cardiovascular disease, cardarine has since been met with extreme skepticism by authorities due to a study that showed that mice injected with the substance developed cancer. Such scepticism appears to disregard a controversial element of the study, that being the extremely high dosage that was administered. Anecdotal evidence from (in particular) the body building community suggests that more sensible applications of cardarine can lead to an increase in endurance, increased fat burn, sustained energy and muscle growth.
LGD4033 (Ligandrol) is well known for its potency, adopted by bodybuilders in phases of both bulking and cutting. It has the potential benefits of helping increase lean muscle mass, improving stamina and strength, promoting fat loss, preventing muscle wasting, has a high bioavailability and improves libido and sexual function. Anecdotally, ligandrol is also said to improve cognition and improve efficiency in the gym by decreasing recovery times. A number of high profile athletes have been given bans for using ligandrol.
S-23 -Research into S-23 commenced while attempting to discover a viable male contraceptive. It is known to potentially improve stamina and strength, increase lean muscle mass, be an effective fat burner, aid with muscle repair and increase bone mineral density. User reviews of S-23 have deemed it to have some side effects which could include hyperthermia, mild aggression, heavy testosterone suppression and acne breakouts.
YK-11 -A powerful SARM considered to be a steroid as well, YK-11 is a bulking powerhouse. It functions by inhibiting the production of myostatin which limits muscle growth. It does this by promoting the growth of follistatin which encourages cell growth throughout the body and has the by product of blocking myostatin. Studies have found that it can increase muscle size, reduce fat, increase strength and promote healthier and stronger bones. Being classified as a steroid does result in having similar side effects, which could include hair loss, acne breakouts, joint pains, prostate concerns and testosterone suppression.
SR-9009 (Stenabolic) – impacts the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors, triggering very specific proteins within the body. It predominantly impacts the protein Rev-ErbA, which is responsible for mitochondria activity within the cell tissue. It has the prospective benefits of improving fat burning, weight loss, heightened endurance, an improved lipid profile and a more active metabolism. Side effects of stenabolic could include increased alertness leading to difficulty sleeping.
Rad140 (Testolone) – is a highly powerful SARM renowned for building muscle and cutting fat simultaneously. It was developed during studies researching breast cancer treatments and prevention of muscle wasting. It is often considered very similar in nature to ligandrol due to itspotential outcomes of increasing strength and muscle mass, decreasing fat and improving your workout efficiency. Associated side effects could include muscle pain due to enhanced growth, restlessness due to excess energy, increased irritability and mild testosterone suppression.
MK2866 (Ostarine) – Ostarine is a SARM that was developed in the study of treating osteoporosis and muscle wasting. It has the reputation of being one of the milder SARMS, with minimal testosterone suppression and low impacting side effects. It is often considered an ‘Introductory SARM’ for this reason. Ostarine has the possible benefits of aiding muscle mass retention,
increasing bone and muscle strength, increasing fat loss and improving your lipid profile. Reported side effects do exist and have been known to possibly include very mild testosterone suppression, headaches, hunger, fever and hair loss. The more severe sounding of these was also noted during higher than recommended dosages of Ostarine.
MK677 (Ibutamoren) – is a growth hormone stimulator targeting the hormone ghrelin and IGF-1 (insulin like growth factor) which are known to encourage your appetite and have anabolic effects in adults respectively. MK677 does not impact cortisol which can result in better sleep. Other possible benefits to Ibutamoren are reducing muscle wastage, improved REM sleep, building muscle quickly, increased bone density and an improved memory.
S4 (Andarine) -Finally we have Andarine which was noted earlier in the discussion. Andarine is considered to have similar impacts on the body to Ostarine with the exception of having more notable side effects. The recurring suggestion from Andarine users is that they can have their vision impacted adversely. Instances of blurriness to a yellow tinge on the eyesight, particularly noticeable at night time, are the more commonly reported side effects. Andarine does however have the potential benefits of increased muscle mass, increased rate of fat loss, increased bone strength and density
For extensive information including scientific studies we recommend you click the link to a full profile of each product.
Where to Buy SARMs in Australia
Most online stores that sell supplements no longer stock SARMs. However there is a number of online stores still available. We have listed 3 below that have a good reputation for quality and service:
- Bear Supplements – Sell a slightly altered version of SARMs that are supposed to be better but are not currently scheduled by the TGA. Prices from $135
- Launch Supps – New site that accepts bitcoin as well. Prices from $110
- Iron SARMs – Established brand with solid reviews. Prices from $120
TGA (Therapeutic Goods Administration) / Legal Status
The TGA which is the Australian body that oversees medical products, medicines and advertisements has been quoted that “Schedule 4 substances are prescription only substances and their use should always be monitored by a doctor. Schedule 10 substances are those of such danger to health as to warrant prohibition of sale, supply and use.” In Australia all the SARMs listed above are considered a schedule 4 substance with the exception of Cardarine which is a schedule 9 substance.