Oral steroids and Selective Androgen Receptor Modulators (SARMs) are frequently compared due to their similar usage as oral anabolic compounds. Users and enthusiasts often scrutinize these two groups, weighing their effects, side effects, and overall impact on bodybuilding and performance enhancement. This book section aims to delve into the factual details and distinctions between oral steroids and SARMs, providing a clear understanding of each group.
SARMS and Anabolic Androgenic Steroids are not the same.
-SARMs offer a more targeted approach. They are designed to selectively stimulate androgen receptors in muscle and bone while minimizing the impact on other tissues.
-Oral steroids are synthetic derivatives of testosterone, known for their potent anabolic effects. They are designed to mimic the muscle-building properties of testosterone, making them popular for bodybuilding and athletic performance enhancement.
Difference in Mechanism of Action:
-By selectively targeting specific receptors, SARMs promote muscle growth and bone density with reduced androgenic properties, which potentially means fewer side effects.
-Oral steroids work by binding to androgen receptors, triggering an increase in protein synthesis and muscle growth. However, their non-selective action means they affect various body systems, leading to a broad spectrum of side effects.
Aside from muscle building, specific SARMs will have additional benefits like expedited bone and tissue healing or increased cardiovascular endurance.
Common Side Effects With SARMs:
A lesser degree of liver toxicity compared to oral steroids.
-Potential for mild testosterone suppression, though typically less than with oral steroids.
-Reduced risk of androgenic side effects, making them a viable option for female users.
-Truly unknown long-term side effects since these drugs are so new to the public.
Common Side Effects of Oral Steroids:
-Hepatotoxicity, or liver damage, due to processing through the liver.
-Hormonal imbalances, including suppressed natural testosterone production.
-Increased risk of cardiovascular issues due to changes in cholesterol levels.
-Androgenic effects such as hair loss, acne, and virilization in females.
Comparative Analysis: Potency vs. Safety
The primary comparison between these two revolves around the trade-off between potency and safety. Oral steroids are known for their robust anabolic effects, leading to significant muscle gains. However, this comes at the cost of a higher risk for adverse health effects. SARMS, while less potent in muscle building, offers a safer profile with fewer side effects.
That being said, Oral Steroids have been around since the 1950s, and by now, we know well the risks of their use in the short and long term. SARMs are newer drugs, and we will need decades of user evidence to really be able to say with certainty what the long-term side effects of these compounds could genuinely be.
Legal and Accessibility Considerations
Legal aspects significantly differentiate the two. Oral steroids are classified as controlled substances in many countries and are illegal to use without a prescription. SARMS, although not approved for human consumption by agencies like the FDA, are available in a legal gray area, often marketed as research chemicals.
User Preferences and Goals
The choice between oral steroids and SARMS often boils down to the user’s specific goals and risk tolerance. Bodybuilders and athletes seeking maximum gains might gravitate towards oral steroids, while those with therapeutic benefits or prioritizing safety and legal standing might opt for SARMS.
Stacking Oral Steroids and SARMs
In the quest for maximized results, a growing trend among users is to stack oral steroids with SARMS. Users often carefully plan their stacks, combining specific oral steroids known for their effectiveness with particular SARMS that complement their action. This method is seen as a way to amplify the benefits of each, hoping that the combined effect will exceed what each can achieve individually.
This practice stems from the belief that combining the potent anabolic effects of steroids with the targeted action of SARMS can lead to enhanced muscle growth, strength gains, and physical performance while potentially mitigating some of the adverse side effects. Not just the mitigation of side effects but also exploiting some of the additional therapeutic benefits of SARMs, such as using something like Ostarine and Anavar to help you return from bone breaks or certain surgeries.
Later in this book, there is a whole chapter on stacking oral steroid cycles for different purposes, and it will include some stacks with oral steroids along with SARMs.
Risks and Considerations in Stacking
However, stacking oral steroids with SARMS is not without risks and should be approached with caution. The combination can increase the overall strain on the body, especially on the liver and endocrine system.
Users who stack these compounds may be at a higher risk for unforeseen side effects, and the long-term health impacts of such combinations are not well-studied.
Both oral steroids and SARMS have their places in the realm of bodybuilding and performance enhancement. The choice between the two should be based on an informed understanding of their mechanisms, side effects, legal status, and how they align with individual goals and health considerations. As with any drug or supplement, it is always advisable to consult healthcare professionals and consider the ethical and legal implications before beginning their use.
