The risk of androgenic effects remains a concern when opting for anabolic steroids. SARMs, for women, can offer safer, more balanced results with fewer side effects. However, this necessitates balancing potential benefits with safety concerns.
SARMs (Selective Androgen Receptor Modulators) were developed for treating cachexia in clinical use. However, due to its targeted mechanism for fat burning and muscle retention, it has gained popularity among the bodybuilding community. Since it offers little to no virilisation, SARMs are steadily becoming sought-after among female bodybuilders.
Let’s take a look at what SARMs are and why they are becoming increasingly popular among women for fitness, body recomposition, and performance.
What Are SARMs and How Do SARMs Work?
SARMs, or Selective Androgen Receptor Modulators, are synthetic compounds that were designed to treat cachexia, age-related frailty, and osteoporosis. In the body, it creates an anabolic environment by binding to androgenic receptors to promote the growth of lean muscle mass and facilitate fat loss.
SARMs bind to androgen receptors present in skeletal muscle tissue. This creates a more targeted anabolic environment. Further, they also stimulate satellite cell activation, which in turn promotes cell growth and tissue repair. This helps people gain lean muscle mass and improve bone density, resulting in a lean, defined physique, promoting fat loss, and enhancing recovery.
In comparison to anabolic steroids, SARMs offer more targeted action with lower risk of androgenic effects and virilisation. However, their effects are slower and milder compared to the rapid and high efficacy of steroids. Further, SARMs do not aromatise to estrogen, lowering the risk of gynecomastia and water retention.
Potential Benefits of SARMs for Women
By taking SARMs, women can enjoy the following benefits:
- Lean muscle growth without excessive bulk
- Increased muscle density
- Improved protein synthesis
- Fat reduction through lipolysis
- Improved metabolism
- Preserved lean muscle mass
- Increased endurance, recovery, and stamina
- Improved strength and training output
- Increased bone density
- Boosted collagen synthesis
Risks and Side Effects of SARMs for Women
When taking SARMs, side effects are as follows:
- Hormonal imbalances
- Menstrual disruption
- Natural hormone suppression
- Androgenic effects
- Hair growth
- Deepening voice
- Acne
- Clitoral enlargement
- Mood swings
- Liver toxicity concerns
- Altered lipid profile
Further, there is limited long-term research available on SARMs for women. Thus, data available on both effects and side effects can be limited.
Additionally, the risk of procuring counterfeit or contaminated SARMs in the UK remains when you buy from dubious sources. This is why it is best to procure from reputable brands, online stores, and pharmacies, and check the authenticity of the products before use.
Popular SARMs for Women
The SARMs that are usually prescribed to women are:
- Ostarine (MK-2866): Known for muscle preservation properties.
- Testolone (RAD 140): Improves protein synthesis and helps with muscle fibre growth.
- Andarine (S4): Effective cutting cycles for lipolysis and leads to muscle retention.
- Ligandrol (LGD-4033): Improves athletic output but poses a higher risk of suppression.
- YK-11: A myostatin inhibitor that promotes rapid muscle gain.
How to Take SARMs
SARMs are available as oral products. These need to be taken in their prescribed dose, as scheduled by your doctor, at regular intervals.
The dosage and cycle length of the prescribed SARM will vary per the health, requirements, and fitness goals of the person in question. However, the dosages and cycle length of some of the more popular SARMs are as follows:
- Ostarine (MK-2866): 10mg to 30mg per day for 8 to 12 weeks.
- Testolone (RAD 140): 10mg to 20mg per day for 8 to 12 weeks.
- Ligandrol (LGD-4033): 5mg to 10 mg per day for 8 to 12 weeks.
- YK-11: 10mg to 15mg per day for 4 to 8 weeks.
Women are usually prescribed a lower dose and shorter cycles with SARMs.
Different SARMs Available: A Comparison Table
A comparison between the different SARMs available is as follows:
| SARM | Claimed Benefits | Risks / Side Effects | Suitability for Women |
| Ostarine (MK-2866) | Muscle preservation, lean gains, joint health | Mild testosterone suppression, menstrual irregularities, and possible liver stress | Considered one of the “milder” SARMs, but still risky long-term |
| Andarine (S4) | Fat loss, moderate muscle retention | Vision issues (yellow tint, night blindness), androgenic effects, hormone disruption | Not recommended due to eye-related risks and stronger side effects |
| Testolone (RAD 140) | Muscle growth, fat loss, and improved cognitive health | Headaches, nausea, and hormonal fluctuations | Good for women seeking lean gains and recomposition |
| Ligandrol (LGD-4033) | Strong muscle gain, improved strength | High risk of testosterone suppression, water retention, androgenic effects | Too strong for most women; high risk of hormonal disruption |
| YK-11 | Myostatin inhibition (extreme muscle growth potential) | Unknown long-term risks, severe hormonal disruption, liver toxicity | Not suitable for women (high androgenic activity) |
| Cardarine (GW-501516*) (technically not a SARM) | Endurance boost, fat burning | Carcinogenic risk in animal studies, liver stress | Strongly discouraged due to cancer link |
Table 1: A Comparison Between the Different SARMs Available
Safe Usage Considerations
SARMs are listed as “research chemicals” in the UK; thus, they cannot be purchased over the counter and are meant for clinical studies only. Women are prescribed SARMs at a lower dose than men due to a difference in hormone levels and body composition.
Further, these are potent medications that are meant for studies only. Thus, it is important to stick to the prescribed dose, schedule, and cycle. Further, strict medical supervision and monitoring of one’s health through regular bloodwork are essential when taking SARMs.
Also, it is best not to stack SARMs with other medications, such as other SARMs and steroids. Further, if you are taking any other medication, it is best to discuss it with your doctor before getting a prescription for SARMs.
Even with a short cycle, SARMs can potentially suppress natural hormone production and balance. Thus, it is important to complete a full PCT cycle after you complete a SARMs cycle.
Alternatives to SARMs for Women
Since SARMs are research-only compounds, you may opt for medications that are tried and tested in their results. This includes both natural performance boosters (creatine, beta-alanine, adaptogens) and anabolic steroids (Anavar, Primobolan, Winstrol, Masteron).
When paired with the right nutrition and training, natural supplements can offer mild yet effective results over time. For rapid action and noticeable results, you may also opt for anabolic steroids.
The choice needs to be made based on your fitness goals and present health.
Comparison Table: SARMs vs Steroids vs Natural Supplements (creatine, BCAAs).
A comparison between SARMs, anabolic steroids, and natural supplements is as follows:
| Feature | SARMs | Anabolic Steroids | Natural Supplements |
| Examples | Ostarine, Andarine, YK-11, Ligandrol | Anavar, Primobolan, Winstrol, Masteron | Creatine, BCAA, Whey Powder, Omega 3 |
| Lean Muscle Gain | Moderate | High | Depends on training |
| Strength Gain | Moderate | High | Low to moderate |
| Fat Loss | Via Recomposition | Depends on the compound | Depends on diet |
| Muscle Retention | Moderate | High | Depends on diet |
| Time taken for results | Moderate | Fast | Slow |
| Risk Tolerance | Medium to high | High | Low to none |
| Virilisation | Depends upon dosage and compound | Relatively higher | None |
| Menstrual Irregularities | Possible | Common | None |
| Impact on Fertility | Possible short-term disruption | Disruptions may have long-term effects | No direct adverse effect |
| Liver Toxicity | Possible with oral SARMs | Moderate to high for oral AAS | Low |
| Cardiovascular Strain | Changes in lipid profile | High BP, elevated LDL | No notable effects |
| Mental Health | Irritability and anxiety | Mood swings, aggression, and depression | No notable effects |
| Legality | Listed as research chemicals | Prescription only | No prescription needed |
| Accessibility | Available only as a research chemical | Available with a prescription | Widely available |
| Mandatory | Necessary | Mandatory | Optional |
| Long-term Safety | Moderate | High risk of virilisation | Safe |
Table 2: Comparison Between SARMs, Anabolic Steroids, and Natural Supplements
Wrapping Up
SARMs offer significant potential benefits for women, but limited knowledge is available on them. This makes them a risky choice for unsupervised use, calling for strict medical supervision. Thus, you may explore alternatives that may be safer and more sustainable.
Using SARMs to Meet Fitness Goals
Are you considering SARMs or alternatives in your fitness journey? Consult your doctor and evaluate which medication is right for your fitness goals.
Frequently Asked Questions
SARMs offer fewer androgenic side effects. Thus, they can be better for women than anabolic steroids.
SARMs bind to receptors in skeletal muscle instead of those in the liver and other organs. Thus, they can be safer than anabolic steroids, offering targeted action.
SARMs, such as ostarine and andarine, can stay detectable in urine tests for up to 2 weeks.
SARMs are available as oral pills and not liquid, i.e., injectable compounds.
