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.
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:
Learn basics: What Are Anabolic Steroids?
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.
Steroids provide far greater and more reliable muscle growth. SARMs typically offer:
Winner: Steroids for maximum size and strength.
SARMs were designed to minimize androgenic side effects — but they are not side-effect-free. Both suppress natural testosterone.
Both SARMs and Steroids are banned by WADA.
Neither is "safe" for tested athletes.
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.
SARMs are often cheaper per cycle but require full labwork and PCT — raising practical cost.
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.
Advanced users sometimes combine them, but this increases suppression and side effects. No beginner should consider stacking both.
SARMs typically cause fewer androgenic effects but still suppress testosterone and affect cholesterol. Long-term safety is unknown.
Steroids significantly outperform SARMs in mass and strength gains.
Yes. They suppress the HPG axis and require a proper PCT for hormonal recovery.
Legal to buy for "research." Illegal for human use. Banned in all tested sports.
Some SARMs may be more tolerable than steroids but can still cause virilization — caution is essential.