Both anabolic androgenic steroids and SARMs are used by bodybuilders and athletes as tools to support their fitness journeys. But, which one should you take based on your specific needs? A systematic comparison of the two can help with that.
Are you aiming for a bodybuilding journey with a specific body aesthetic on your mind? Anabolic Androgenic Steroids (AASs) and Selective Androgen Receptor Modulators (SARMs) can be an effective support system in that journey.
While they both have similar effects on your body, are they both equally valid options? Or can they have varying effects based on your body’s constitution? Let’s look into those specific aspects in this post.
What is the Main Difference Between Steroids and SARMs?
Before starting, let’s look into the first basic difference between AASs and SARMs. This will provide a basic idea of how either will work for your body.
Here’s a list for that:
| Basic Aspects | Anabolic Steroids (AAS) | Selective Androgen Receptor Modulators (SARM) |
| Function | Synthetic hormones which mimic the functions of testosterone. | SARMs target selective androgen receptors in muscles and bone tissue. |
| Side Effect Severity | Side effects can range from mild to severe. Long-term medical data is available for preventive care. | Fewer negative impacts. However, long-term data is not available. |
Table 1: Main Differences Between AAS and SARM
With that known, let’s delve deeper into understanding how AASs and SARMs work, understand their pros and cons, and evaluate aspects that should guide your decision.
What Are Anabolic Steroids?
Now, for the deep dive, let’s start by answering the question: What are steroids?
Anabolic androgenic steroids, or AASs, are medications that can be referred to as synthetic forms of testosterone.
Essentially, these mimic the properties of the main male sex hormone and bind to the androgen receptor to produce effects. These effects include: building lean muscle mass, developing bone density, and secondary masculine sexual characteristics.
Some of the most common examples of AAS include:
How Do They Work in Your Body?
Testosterone is critical for your bodily functions. This includes regulating several physiological processes. These include:
- Muscle protein synthesis
- Production of red blood cells
- Retention of nitrogen
They primarily function by linking with the androgen receptors in your bone and muscle tissues. This receptor binding process leads to the cascading of certain cellular functions. And that leads to accelerated synthesis of protein.
This further causes an increase in muscle growth, an enhancement in strength, and a speedy recovery after physical exertion.
What Are SARMs?
Having defined AASs, let’s move on to the next question: What are SARMs?
Selective Androgen Receptor Modulators (SARMs) can be described as synthetic compounds that are designed to selectively bind to androgen receptors in bone and muscle tissue. So, how do SARMs work? They practically mimic the functioning of AASs, but with fewer androgenic effects.
Now, onto the next question: Are SARMs safer than steroids? SARMs have been classified as a step in the direction of safer androgenic medication. This is stated especially in comparison to AAS.
Some notable examples of SARMs are:
Steroids vs SARMs: Key Differences
While the basic difference between AASs and SARMS has already been discussed. In this section, let’s attempt to look into some of the key aspects of the workings of the two types of compounds to establish the ‘key differences’.
Here’s a chart of all the differences based on specific features and mechanisms:
| Points of Discussion | AASs | SARMs |
| Potency | Some AASs offer dramatic growth in muscles and strength. | SARMs promote a more controlled and gradual growth of muscle mass. |
| Result Speed | Results are achieved in relatively short cycles. | Longer cycles with steady and sustainable progress. |
| Oestrogen Conversion | AASs are metabolised to produce estrogenic by a process called aromatisation. | SARMs are not aromatised: they do not metabolise to form oestrogen. |
| Impact on Liver | Long-term use can lead to heightened liver toxicity. | Some SARMs can cause cholestasis. In this condition, the liver’s bile flow gets restricted, increasing susceptibility to jaundice or other issues. |
| Testosterone Suppression | AAS are synthetic testosterone. A dependency on them created by your body can lead to suppression of natural testosterone production. | Continued consumption and increasing dosages can lead to testosterone suppression over time. |
Table 2: A More Detailed Comparison of the Key Differences
Thus, essentially, the answer to “Are SARMs safer than steroids?” can be yes. However, insufficient information on long-term impacts makes the usage of SARMs a potential cause for concern with continued undertaking.
What are the Benefits and Drawbacks of AAS Use?
The most well-known positive of AAS is how they can help you rapidly gain muscle mass and improve your strength. They can also help you gain endurance, allowing you to more efficiently participate in endurance-based activities.
Now, to look into some of the steroid side effects. AAS can often be most commonly associated with health challenges such as:
- Hypertension
- Increasing LDL or bad cholesterol levels
- Reduced HDL or good cholesterol levels
- A heightened chance of stroke or heart attack
All of these can also be accompanied by a structural change in the heart if the use of AAS is not regulated.
Furthermore, without a regulated use, hormonal disruptions can take place, such as gynecomastia (enlargement of breast tissue) in men, and virilisation (male physical characteristics in females) in women.
Thus, to reap the benefits of AAS use, make sure to know the amount suitable for your body, practice moderation, and never ignore post-cycle therapy. And, more importantly, consult a physician before starting your cycle to take preventive measures against steroid side effects.
What are the Pros and Cons of Using SARMs?
The main benefit of the usage of SARMs is that they help in gradually and sustainably increasing muscle mass. And this benefit comes with the added advantage that it does not have any potential challenges of synthetic testosterone, like concerns regarding the prostate, hair, and skin.
However, there are still some SARMs side effects that need to be considered when planning to take SARMs as an alternative to AAS. The most concerning aspect here can be the fact that SARMs are still largely unapproved for human use.
This is a clear alternative to AASs, which are backed by decades of scientific data that help evaluate the pros and cons.
Moreover, without controlled use, SARMs can actually be more toxic to the liver compared to AASs. And as SARMs do not metabolise to form oestrogen, the lack of oestrogen support can lead to joint pains, mood swings, or even issues with your libido.
And much like AASs, when considering SARMS, you should first consult an expert physician on how to take SARMs. This can help you take timely preventive measures against the possible SARMs side effects.
Are SARMs Safer Than Steroids?
After everything, let’s look back at the question, “Are SARMs safer than steroids?” You might think that understanding the answer to this question will help you decide which one is better for you.
The answer is not that simple. The first thing you should consider for the choice is what your end goal is. AASs are better than SARMs for a quick and explosive muscle and strength gain.
Next, you should understand which one suits your body more. For this, we’d recommend visiting a doctor or any trained physician. And finally, weigh in the pros and cons, understand the side effects, and consider the best preventive/rectifying measures to ensure that your fitness goals are fully realised.
Final Thoughts
Both AASs and SARMs are performance-enhancing medications that can help with your fitness or bodybuilding goals.
Thus, while both have clear benefits for you, they also pose some threats in the form of side effects. So, which one you’d choose should be considered after some clear thinking, research, and consulting the right sources.
So, Which One Are You Choosing?
Want to achieve your target fitness state? Are you considering AAS or SARMs in the UK to support your rigorous training and meet your goal?
So, which one should you choose? The choice ultimately rests on you. Analyse your target, expected duration, and definitely do not forget to take advice from a relevant expert before making that choice.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. If I am to Consider Taking SARMs, Are Liquid SARMs better Than Pills?
Capsules or pills have a longer shelf life. Therefore, they are more commonly used as pills. But your choice can depend on your preference.
2. How Long Do SARMs Stay in Your System?
SARMs can stay in your system and be detected in urine, hair, and blood for up to 2 weeks after dosage.
3. What’s Safer for Beginners: Steroids or SARMs?
SARMS have a lower chance of immediate side effects. Therefore, for beginners, they can be considered safer than AAS.
4. Do I Need PCT After SARMs?
Yes. Mild or not, SARMs may still have side effects. So, if you skip out on PCT, instead of reaping the benefits of your training and effort, you’ll be facing chronic health challenges.
