SARMs vs Steroids
SARMs vs Steroids: Which Is Better for Muscle Growth & Safety?
Performance-enhancing athletes today have two major choices: traditional anabolic-androgenic steroids (AAS), or newer SARMs (Selective Androgen Receptor Modulators). Both aim to increase muscle and performance — but they work differently, carry different risks, and have very different legal statuses. This guide breaks down the real-world pros, cons, and science for men and women.
What Are Steroids?
Steroids are synthetic forms of testosterone. They interact with androgen receptors in muscle but also all tissues — skin, hair follicles, reproductive system — leading to both:
- Anabolic effects: Muscle growth, strength, recovery
- Androgenic effects: Male traits (voice, hair, etc.)
Learn basics: What Are Anabolic Steroids?
What Are SARMs?
SARMs are experimental drugs that selectively bind to muscle and bone androgen receptors, aiming to trigger anabolic effects without strong androgenic changes.
Popular options include:
Important: No SARM is FDA-approved for bodybuilding — all are research chemicals.
Muscle & Strength Gains: Clear Winner
Steroids provide far greater and more reliable muscle growth. SARMs typically offer:
- Noticeable recomposition (gain muscle + lose fat)
- Milder strength increases
- Less dramatic "bulk" gains
Winner: Steroids for maximum size and strength.
Side Effects & Safety
SARMs were designed to minimize androgenic side effects — but they are not side-effect-free. Both suppress natural testosterone.
Steroid Risks
- Hormone shutdown requiring PCT
- HDL down / LDL up → heart risk
- Liver strain (especially orals)
- Hair loss, acne, gynecomastia
SARM Risks
- Testosterone suppression still common
- Lipids negatively impacted
- Potential liver enzymes elevation
- Unknown long-term consequences
Legal Status & Doping Rules
Both SARMs and Steroids are banned by WADA.
- Steroids: Controlled substances in many countries
- SARMs: Legal to buy as "research chemicals," but illegal to sell for human consumption
Neither is "safe" for tested athletes.
Women: Which Is Safer?
Women are more sensitive to androgenic side effects. Some SARMs (like Ostarine) may offer muscle preservation with less virilization than steroids — but not risk-free. RAD-140 and YK-11 are highly androgenic.
SARMs may be a milder entry point — still requiring medical awareness.
Cost Comparison
SARMs are often cheaper per cycle but require full labwork and PCT — raising practical cost.
Which One Should You Choose?
Your goals matter:
| Goal | Better Option |
|---|---|
| Maximum muscle and strength | Steroids |
| Fat-loss with mild muscle gain | SARMs |
| Beginner exploring enhancement | SARMs* |
| Competitive bodybuilding | Steroids |
*Better ≠ safe. Both require PCT and medical oversight.
Stacking SARMs and Steroids?
Advanced users sometimes combine them, but this increases suppression and side effects. No beginner should consider stacking both.
FAQ
Are SARMs safer than steroids?
SARMs typically cause fewer androgenic effects but still suppress testosterone and affect cholesterol. Long-term safety is unknown.
Which builds more muscle?
Steroids significantly outperform SARMs in mass and strength gains.
Do SARMs require PCT?
Yes. They suppress the HPG axis and require a proper PCT for hormonal recovery.
Are SARMs legal?
Legal to buy for "research." Illegal for human use. Banned in all tested sports.
Can women use SARMs?
Some SARMs may be more tolerable than steroids but can still cause virilization — caution is essential.