Selective androgen receptor modulators — ostarine to RAD-140 — plus cardarine and adjacent.
SARMs (selective androgen receptor modulators) are non-steroidal compounds that bind the androgen receptor with tissue selectivity — anabolic effect in muscle and bone, minimal effect on prostate and skin. They were developed as testosterone replacements for sarcopenia and cancer cachexia; none have been approved.
In practice, SARMs are sold as research chemicals with highly variable quality. They produce ~half to two-thirds of testosterone's anabolic effect with proportionally less androgenic side effect, but they still suppress the HPG axis and require PCT. Cardarine (GW-501516), often included with SARMs, is technically a PPAR-δ agonist — included here because of category overlap.
MK-2866 · Enobosarm
The most-studied SARM. Mildest profile — bridging tool for recomp and injury recovery.
Testolone
High-potency SARM, near testosterone-level anabolic signal. Hepatotoxicity reports in users.
Ligandrol · VK-5211
Potent SARM — clean, strength-focused. Strongest HPG suppression of the SARMs.
GW-501516 · GW
PPAR-δ agonist. Endurance and fat oxidation — also flagged for tumor formation in rodents.
S23
Strongest SARM in binding affinity. Investigated as a male contraceptive — full HPG shutdown.
S-4 · GTx-007
Older SARM with vision side effects (yellow tint). Recomp and lean dryness profile.
LGD3303
Less-known LGD analogue. Stronger anabolic ratio than LGD-4033 in rodents, minimal human data.
| Ostarine | RAD-140 | LGD-4033 | Cardarine | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Anabolic effect | Mild | Strong | Strong | Endurance only |
| Suppression | Mild | Heavy | Heavy | None |
| Use case | Recomp, bridge | Mass / strength | Lean strength | Cardio / fat-loss |
| Toxicity flag | Lowest | Hepatotoxic reports | HPG-heavy | Rodent tumors |
SARMs are not controlled substances in the US but cannot legally be sold for human consumption. They are sold as "research chemicals," and possession-for-personal-use is in a gray zone. All SARMs are banned by WADA.
Yes. SARMs suppress LH/FSH and endogenous testosterone, especially LGD-4033, RAD-140, and S-23. A 4-week Nolvadex or Enclomiphene PCT is standard practice after most SARM cycles.
Ostarine (MK-2866) has the most human-trial data and the mildest suppression and side-effect profile. RAD-140 and S-23 are the most potent and most suppressive.
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