The global market size for performance-enhancing drugs continues to grow impressively, with a CAGR of 4.8 percent expected between 2019 and 2023.
Arguably the two most talked about performance-enhancing substances at the moment are SARMs and steroids. While steroids have been around for close to a century, SARMs are a fairly new entrant into the training world. Hence many participants in the SARMs vs steroids debate get a lot of things wrong when trying to differentiate the two.
It’s why we prepared this comprehensive post to set things right. Read on to learn the true difference between SARMs and steroids so you can make an informed decision about which to choose.
What Are SARMs?
The term SARMs (selective androgen receptor modulators) refers to a group of compounds that bind with a person’s androgen receptors and control protein synthesis. These compounds create changes in the body that enhances muscle growth.
People who use SARMs prefer them for lessening fat, increasing bone density, and building more muscle. Among the benefits of these products is that they don’t have the many undesirable side effects that most other performance-enhancing products do. For instance, SARMs do not result in water retention and estrogen-related changes.
How Do SARMS Work?
What makes SARMs so desirable compared to anabolic supplements is that they can target a single androgen: the skeletal muscle. Androgen receptors are found in different parts of the body, including the prostate gland, the liver, and the muscle tissue. SARMs can selectively connect and link to these receptors.
Typically, SARMs connect to the muscle tissue and bone cells. That’s why you don’t need to worry about a backlash from other body organs when you start using these products. You needn’t worry that parts of your body that shouldn’t swell will.
With SARMs, there’s absolutely no risk of excessive growth of cells. Therefore, you’re not at risk of getting a disease as a result of that side effect.
Generally, SARMs mimic how your testosterone functions within your body. These compounds stimulate this reaction without posing any risks. Once the substance links to your androgen receptors, it stimulates protein synthesis and boosts your nitrogen retention and overall strength.
What Are Steroids?
Anabolic steroids are a type of manufactured drugs meant to mimic the effects of the male hormone testosterone. These steroids are not to be confused with corticosteroids, a type of steroid drug prescribed for a range of conditions.
Many people use steroids without medical advice to improve athletic performance and boost muscle growth. These products are illegal in most parts of the world, and professional athletes who use them risk severe penalties, including being banned from their respective sports for years or life.
Among the downsides of anabolic steroids is the long list of side effects. These products trigger hormonal changes that may lead to undesirable physical changes. Such changes include swollen or shrunken genitalia, hair loss or growth, and so on.
What Is the Difference Between SARMs and Steroids?
While many people think that SARMs and anabolic steroids are one and the same, the truth is there are key differences between the two.
For instance, anabolic steroids are banned in almost every country, while SARMs are not. However, studies about SARMs are still limited, and they’re not regulated by the FDA. For this reason, you need to do due diligence to be sure that the product you’re buying is from a reputable source, and won’t you cause bodily harm.
Another key difference between the two is that anabolic steroids are usually injected into the body, while SARMs are typically taken orally. The question of injection brings about concerns about infection. With SARMs, this fear isn’t there.
But perhaps the most significant distinction between the two has to do with side effects. While anabolic steroids come with a ton of side effects, it’s the opposite with SARMs. That’s because SARMs target a specific area of the body, while anabolic steroids can impact the entire body.
SARMs vs Steroids: Which Should You Choose?
This is a no-brainer. SARMs give you all the desirable effects of increasing your bone density, building your muscle tissue, and reducing your body fat. Steroids build your muscle too, but bring a multitude of side effects and will most likely get you into trouble with the law.
What Types of SARMs Are Available Today?
As more people learn about SARMs, they’re opting to use these products instead of other performance-enhancing substances. In this section, we highlight some of the most popular types of SARMs you may want to try out.
Ostarine
Ostarine is also known as MK-2866. It’s widely regarded as the mildest and safest type of SARMs in the market today. Among the many benefits of ostarine is the treatment of wasting muscles.
The product is effective in helping users achieve desirable bodybuilding results. It helps you cut weight, add bone mass, and bulk up.
LGD 4033
This type of SARMs works in a largely similar manner to Ostarine. However, the product is more than ten times stronger. LGD 4033 can help boost your immune system.
This product is also highly effective as a bulking agent.
MK677 Nutrobal
MK677 Nutrobal promotes the secretion of the growth hormone. The compound is also very improving in boosting appetite and sleep quality. As soon as you start to use this product, you’ll start to lose body fat, recover faster, and add lean muscle mass.
RAD140-Testolone
RAD140-Testolone is the strongest category of SARMs. This product was created as an effective alternative to anabolic hormones used during replacement therapy.
RAD140-Testolone has other benefits, including improving your strength, lean muscle mass, and bone health.
Use the Right Performance Enhancer for You
Now that the SARMs vs Steroids debate is settled, it’s easy to see why SARMs are all the rage at the moment. SARMs present plenty of opportunities to cut fat, bulk up, gain strength, and build muscle without messing up your body as anabolic steroids do.
Would you like to read more great content on SARMs? Please keep visiting our blog for featured articles.
