SARMs elegantly focus on muscles and bones, bypassing the diverse side effects linked to AAS. On the other hand, AAS, synthetic compounds mirroring testosterone’s results, have a long history of performance enhancement yet frequently carry worrisome health hazards.
So, which one holds the upper hand in the effectiveness and safety battle?
In this blog post, we’ll analyze SARMs and anabolic steroids’ unique characteristics, explain how they work, and evaluate the pros and cons of each.
Key Differences Between SARMs & Anabolic Steroids
Here’s a comparison table outlining the key differences between SARMs and Anabolic Steroids:
| Features | SARMs | Anabolic Steroids |
| Mechanism of Action | Selective androgen receptor modulators target specific androgen receptors, promoting muscle and bone growth with reduced impact on other tissues. | Anabolic steroids are synthetic variations of the male sex hormone testosterone, promoting muscle growth and enhancing overall physical performance. |
| Selectivity | Designed to be more selective in their action, targeting specific androgen receptors, potentially minimizing unwanted side effects. | Affecting a broader spectrum of androgen receptors leads to a higher risk of side effects due to their non-selective nature. |
| Muscle Growth | Increase muscle mass, albeit with slower and more controlled results than steroids. | Renowned for their rapid and significant muscle growth effects. Users can experience substantial gains in a relatively short time. |
| Liver Toxicity | Generally considered to have a lower risk of Hepatotoxicity and related liver health issues. | Moderate to high risk of Hepatotoxicity, depending on the type and dosage of steroids used. |
| Natural Testosterone | Suppress natural testosterone production, but the extent is generally less severe than with anabolic steroids. Post-cycle therapy (PCT) might be required. | Lead to significant suppression of natural testosterone production, necessitating PCT to restore average hormonal balance. |
| Dosage Form | Often available in oral forms. | Available in various forms, including oral tablets and injectables. |
| Side Effects | Testosterone suppression, liver toxicity, cardiovascular risks, mood swings and emotional changes, hair loss, acne and skin issues, sleep disturbances, nausea and digestive problems | Liver damage, gynecomastia, acne and oily skin, hair loss, fluid retention, anxiety and paranoia, depression, mania or hypomania, psychosis |
| Performance Enhancement | Used by athletes and bodybuilders for lean muscle gain and improved athletic performance. | They are widely abused in sports and bodybuilding communities to build muscle mass and strength. |
| Regulatory Scrutiny | Less regulated, leading to concerns about quality control and potential adulteration in the supplement market. | They are more regulated due to their status as prescription medications, but still subject to misuse. |
| Legal Status | SARMs are not approved for human use by regulatory bodies and are often classified as research chemicals. | Anabolic steroids are approved for medical use, while others are considered controlled substances and are illegal without a prescription. |
| Availability | It is purchased online from various sources, but quality and authenticity can vary. | It is generally obtained through medical prescription or black market sources. |
| Research and Development | Still in the early stages of research and development, with potential medical applications. | Well-established with decades of research, medical use, and abuse in sports. |
| Muscle Retention Post-Cycle | Muscle gains are generally better-retained post-cycle due to less severe hormonal fluctuations. | Muscle gains are challenging to maintain post-cycle due to significant hormonal fluctuations. |
What Are SARMs?
SARMs, or Selective Androgen Receptor Modulators, are a cutting-edge option for bodybuilders looking to promote muscle growth and strength. Unlike traditional steroids, supplements target muscles and bones precisely, sidestepping unwanted side effects.
These compounds are like steroids but without drawbacks. Though not yet CFIA-approved for humans, gears have exhibited safety and effectiveness in animal trials. They hold the potential to reshape the landscape of bodybuilding supplements.
How Does It Work?
SARMs bind to androgen receptors, sparking muscle mass and strength. Think of them as personalized boosters reviving anabolism, helping muscles bulk up. They aren’t magic shortcuts; balanced dietary supplements and rigorous workouts still maintain crucial roles.
Gears pave the way for efficient recovery after exercise, propelling you toward those gains you’ve been chasing!
Benefits of SARMs for Bulking
Here are five crucial benefits of SARMs for bulking:
1. Hypertrophy
Supplements can stimulate muscle growth by binding to androgen receptors in muscle tissue, promoting protein synthesis and muscle hypertrophy. It can lead to gains in muscle size and strength. Learn more about the best SARMs for hypertrophy here: Best SARMs for Bulking in Canada
2. Selective Targeting
SARMs supplements precisely focus on muscle and bone androgen receptors, possibly minimizing risks like prostate enlargement and hair loss. Trials have shown that they have a lot of potential to prevent muscle wasting and increase bone density, but they are not yet perfect.
3. Reduced Androgenic Side Effects
SARMs are designed to minimize the androgenic effects often associated with steroids, such as acne and changes in voice pitch.
4. Improved Recovery
Supplements come highly recommended by 7% of users for enhancing workout recovery, enabling more intense and frequent training, ultimately accelerating muscle hypertrophy.
5. Enhanced Fat Loss
Specific SARMs, such as Ostarine (MK-2866), have been associated with improved fat loss due to their impact on metabolic rate and fat oxidation.
Benefits of SARMs for Cutting
Here are five benefits of SARMs for cutting:
1. Preservation of Muscle
SARMs can help prevent muscle wasting during periods of calorie restriction, which is common during cutting phases. Gears can promote protein synthesis and the maintenance of muscle size even when in a caloric deficit. Learn more about Cutting SARMs here: Best SARMS For Cutting And Fat Loss in Canada
2. Increased Fat Oxidation
Some supplements, such as Cardarine (GW-501516) and Ligandrol LGD-4033, enhance fat oxidation by increasing the body’s use of stored energy.
3. Improved Metabolism
Specific SARMs could boost your metabolism, leading to more calorie burning and potentially helping with fat loss while cutting.
4. Enhanced Endurance and Stamina
Various Gears have shown a potential to improve endurance and stamina, which are beneficial during cutting phases when energy levels may be lower due to reduced calorie intake.
5. Potential to Reduce Cortisol
SARMs like MK-677 have been explored for their potential to decrease cortisol levels. Cortisol is a stress hormone that can contribute to muscle breakdown and fat storage, and reducing its levels could be beneficial during cutting.
SARMs Side Effects
Here are three serious side effects associated with SARMs use in the context of bodybuilding:
1. Hormone Imbalances
SARMs can affect the body’s natural hormone balance, including testosterone and estrogen levels. It can lead to hormonal disruptions, potentially causing low testosterone, impacting muscular growth, libido, and overall well-being.
2. Suppression of Natural Testosterone Production
Prolonged use of certain gears can suppress the body’s natural testosterone production. After discontinuing gears, it may take time for the body’s testosterone levels to return to normal, potentially leading to symptoms of low testosterone.
3. Liver problems
Some supplements have been associated with Toxic hepatitis in animal studies. While the extent of this effect in humans is poorly understood, it’s essential to be cautious, mainly if supplements are used for extended periods.
In addition, Some SARMs have been demonstrated in studies to raise blood pressure and adversely impact lipid profiles, thereby increasing the risk of heart disease.
What are Anabolic Steroids?
Anabolic steroids, a type of artificial supplement, mimic the effects of testosterone, the male sex hormone. These steroids are called ‘performance and image enhancing supplements’ because they aim to boost sports performance and results.
Athletes and bodybuilders use them to enhance their abilities. By imitating testosterone, AAS strive to magnify muscle development, strength, and endurance, contributing to improved physical performance.
How Does It Work?
Anabolic steroids work for bodybuilding by mimicking the body’s natural male hormone, testosterone. They aid in building muscle tissue and boosting body mass.
Acting like a power-up for your muscles, these steroids enhance protein synthesis, which leads to faster muscle repair and growth. It improves strength and bigger muscles, helping bodybuilders achieve their desired physique. Learn more about how Anabolic Steroids work for bodybuilding here: Best Injectable Steroids for Bodybuilding in Canada
Benefits of Steroids for Bulking
Here we discussed five benefits of steroids for bulking:
1. Increased Muscle Protein Synthesis
Steroids can enhance the process of muscle protein synthesis, which is the mechanism by which your body builds new muscle tissue. Accelerate muscle development and recovery, paving the way for substantial muscle gains during your bulking phase.
2. Enhanced Nitrogen Retention
Steroids can improve the retention of nitrogen in your muscles. Nitrogen is a critical protein component, and higher nitrogen levels can promote an anabolic environment that supports muscle hypertrophy.
3. Elevated Red Blood Cell Production
Erythropoietin (EPO) can increase red blood cell production, improving muscle oxygen delivery. It may increase endurance and the ability to lift heavier weights during workouts, contributing to overall muscle building.
4. Faster Recovery
Steroids can help reduce muscle damage and inflammation, leading to quicker recovery times between workouts. It enables more frequent, intense training, leading to faster muscle gains.
5. Improved Training Intensity
Steroids can increase your overall energy levels and motivation, enabling you to train with higher intensity and focus. The steroids lead to more effective workouts and better muscle stimulation.
Benefits of Steroids for Cutting
There are five potential benefits of steroids for cutting:
1. Preservation of Lean Muscle Mass
Steroids can help prevent muscle loss during a calorie-restricted cutting phase. It matters because you could lose fat and muscle if you eat fewer calories than your body requires. Steroids can help to maintain your muscle mass, giving you a more defined and muscular appearance.
2. Increased Metabolic Rate
Some steroids can boost your metabolism, increasing calorie expenditure even at rest. It helps burn fat by stimulating the calorie deficit, crucial for shedding body fat while cutting.
3. Enhanced Fat Oxidation
Steroids can promote the breakdown of stored body fat for energy. It can result in more efficient fat loss and a leaner physique.
4. Increased Energy Levels
Various steroids can boost energy levels and overall motivation, helping you maintain high-intensity workouts despite being in a caloric deficit.
5. Enhanced Strength Retention
During a calorie-restricted phase, a strength decrease is expected. Steroids can preserve strength, letting you lift heavy and spur muscle gain.
Anabolic Steroids Side Effects
Here are five of the common side effects associated with anabolic steroid use in the context of bodybuilding:
1. Liver Damage
Some oral steroids are known to stress the liver and may lead to liver damage or dysfunction, including developing conditions like cholestasis (reduction or stoppage of bile flow).
2. Hair Loss
Steroids can accelerate male pattern baldness in individuals genetically predisposed to this condition. It is due to the conversion of testosterone into dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a hormone associated with hair loss.
3. Gynecomastia
It can lead to the development of gynecomastia, which is the enlargement of male breast tissue. An imbalance between testosterone and estrogen levels often causes it.
4. Mood and Behavioral Changes
Anabolic steroids can influence mood and behaviour, leading to mood swings, irritability, aggression (often referred to as “roid rage”), and even more severe psychological issues such as depression.
5. Tendon and Ligament Injuries
Steroid use can weaken connective tissues, increasing the risk of tendon and ligament injuries.
SARMs Vs Steroids: Which One to Choose?
Regarding bodybuilding, the choice between SARMs and steroids hinges on safety and side effects. Supplements are often considered safer, causing less and milder side effects.
This safety stems from their design exclusively targeting muscles without affecting vital tissues like the heart or liver. For those looking to build muscle with some health risks, supplements emerge as the more appealing choice in bodybuilding.
SARMs Vs Steroids: Which One is the Best for Bulking?
SARMs are targeted, attaching to muscle-specific androgen receptors and promoting muscle building while causing fewer side effects than steroids. Steroids can yield faster and more significant results due to their systemic impact on the body’s anabolic processes.
While SARMs are considered safer with less risk of hormonal imbalances and organ strain, steroids might carry a higher risk of adverse effects. The choice between the two depends on individual goals, preferences, and willingness to manage potential risks for desired bulking outcomes.
SARMs Vs Steroids: Which One is the Best for Cutting?
SARMs offer a selective approach, aiding in fat loss while preserving lean muscle mass with less side effects than steroids. Steroids can lead to rapid fat reduction and muscle preservation but with a higher risk of adverse effects.
Supplements are generally considered safer due to their targeted action, minimizing hormonal disruptions and organ strain. Choosing gears and steroids for cutting is based on individual goals, preferences, and willingness to manage potential risks.
Steroids Vs SARMs: Which One is Safer and Has Less Side Effects?
SARMs are much safer than most anabolic steroids, boasting minimal side effects when used responsibly. These compounds offer a host of benefits that many fitness enthusiasts find appealing, such as amplified muscular growth and reduced body fat.
The legality of Anabolic Steroids and SARMs
The legality of traditional anabolic steroids and SARMs is a matter of grave concern. SARMs have been linked to liver and blood pressure issues, raising red flags about their impact on health. Reports suggest that their risky mechanisms can alter the body’s natural balance. Notably, many countries, including Canada, have labelled these compounds illegal due to their potential harm.
In Canada, AAS and their derivatives fall under the “Controlled Substances” category, making their manufacturing, import, export, or sale illegal. It underscores the importance of understanding these substances’ legal and health implications. Both are prescribed medicine and can be bought with a doctor’s prescription. However, for performance and sports, it is illegal.
Price Comparison of Anabolic Steroids and SARMs
Traditional anabolic steroids generally cost more than SARMs. The price of steroids can range from $50 to $150 per cycle, while supplements typically range from $40 to $100 per cycle.
What Clinical Trial and Research Says About SARMs and Steroids
A promising SARM has shown remarkable tolerance among individuals with COPD in clinical trials. It fosters lean body mass growth and enhances leg muscle strength, especially in male patients.
Meanwhile, clinical trials and research from McLean Hospital, affiliated with Harvard, has unveiled fresh insights into anabolic steroid users. This study reaffirms the potential for dependence on these substances and reveals shared biological and psychological traits among those who develop such dependencies.
What Users Say
SARMs find favour among fitness enthusiasts concerned about potential side effects, making them particularly popular among the younger demographic. In contrast, AAS hold greater appeal among professional bodybuilders or individuals seeking rapid and enhanced outcomes. So, compared to androgen receptor modulators SARMS, androgenic anabolic steroids users gain muscle mass significantly more and faster.
If you are convinced and looking to buy Anabolic Steroids, visit our collection page.
FAQs
Are SARMs the Same as Steroids?
No, they’re not. SARMs stand apart from steroids due to their targeted approach. Unlike steroids, which impact your entire body, SARMs focus on specific tissues and organs. It means you can achieve desired results with less unwanted side effects. It’s like a precise tool versus a broad brush, making supplements an intriguing option for those seeking controlled enhancements.
Are SARMs as Strong as Testosterone?
No. Despite claims suggesting otherwise, the truth is that the effectiveness of SARMs is often exaggerated. Sometimes even likened to the power of genuine testosterone injections.
Nothing indeed compares to the impact of authentic testosterone when it comes to enhancing muscle size and strength. Except for anabolic supplements, no alternative can match the potency of testosterone within the body.
What Are the Best SARMs for Bodybuilding?
RAD-140, hailed for its potent muscle-building prowess, takes the lead. LGD-4033 follows closely, ensuring impressive gains. MK-677 boosts growth hormone levels, while YK-11 enhances muscle growth. MK-2866 aids in building mass, SR-9009 supports endurance, and GW-501516 ignites fat and weight loss.
Remember S-4 Andarine for its versatile benefits. Incorporating these SARMs strategically could be your ticket to an extraordinary bodybuilding adventure!
What Are the Best Anabolic Steroids for Bodybuilding?
The best anabolic steroids are Testosterone, Dianabol, and Trenbolone. Testosterone aids muscle growth, while Dianabol boosts protein synthesis. Trenbolone, though potent, requires caution due to its potency.
Are SARMs Legal in Canada?
Selective Androgen Receptor Modulators are not legal in Canada. These compounds might promise quick fitness gains, but experts warn against their use. SARMs have been linked to liver and blood pressure risks, and reports suggest they can harm the body. These dangers have led seventeen countries, including Canada, to ban these substances.
Where Can I Buy SARMs and Anabolic Steroids in Canada?
SARMs and Anabolic Steroids are found online from trusted sellers. Ensure quality with third-party testing. Reputable fitness sites and even physical stores offer them. Stay safe by researching before buying. Check out buyroidscanada.co for a reliable option.
Are Anabolic Steroids Legal in Canada?
Anabolic steroids are not legal in Canada. In Canada, AAS and their derivatives fall under the “Controlled Substances.” It means it’s against the law to make, bring in, send out, or trade these substances.
Final Thoughts
SARMs and AAS share the goal of bodybuilding and performance enhancement but diverge in legal status, advantages, and drawbacks. SARMs offer a safer alternative to Anabolic Steroids due to their selective nature, though overuse can lead to adverse effects.
Anabolic steroids may improve performance but pose serious risks. Legal supplements are a prudent choice when weighing the pros and cons of steroids. SARMs are likened to steroids in muscle growth with milder impacts. They are a compelling option for boosting muscle tissue, bone density and strength, and overall health, presenting less risks than steroids.
Key advantages include increasing muscle growth, reducing body fat, improving athleticism, and a leaner physique. SARMs provide significant gains without the drawbacks associated with traditional steroid use when used responsibly.
Source
- Daniel J. Selig (August 12, 2022) Anabolic steroids – Better Health Channel
- Michael Lasalandra (April 15, 2009) Study links steroid abuse to key biological, psychological characteristics
- Youquan Xie (February 15, 2022) Overview of the development of SARMs as pharmacological treatment for osteoporosis
- Jonathan D. Vignali (March 24, 2023) Systematic Review of Safety of Selective Androgen Receptor Modulators in Healthy Adults
- K Ganesan (February 19, 2022) Anabolic Steroids – StatPearls
- Robert J. Cramer (November 12, 2015) AAS Are Easily Purchased Without a Prescription and Present Significant Challenges to Law Enforcement Officials
