Are selective androgen receptor modulators (SARMs) safe?

What are Selective Androgen Receptor Modulator (SARMs)?

Selective androgen receptor modulators are substances that act as either androgen receptor agonists (which enable activity) or antagonists (which block activity). They are used for their anabolic effects, simulating testosterone’s muscle and bone building effects. Their use is illegal and they are not approved for human use. Athletes use SARMs to improve performance by increasing lean muscle. Body builders often use them at higher doses than are used in research investigations.

They can be bought online and are sometimes found in dietary supplements marketed as “research compounds.” There is a high risk of these products being contaminated with other substances.  Only about half of products sold contain the chemical listed on the label.

Are SARMs safe?

Due to their lower androgenic and estrogenic effects, SARMs have fewer side effects than traditional androgens. However, information on their safety is limited. There are case reports of serious harmful effects associated with their use.

Are SARMs legal?

SARMs are not legal. SARMs are not approved by the FDA or World Anti-Doping Agency. As such, they cannot be prescribed by a physician or other health professional. They are being investigated as possible treatments for osteoporosis, Alzheimer’s disease, breast cancer, prostate cancer, benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), stress urinary incontinence, male contraception, muscle wasting, and other conditions.

Short- and long-term risks associated with SARMs

Short-term effects include acute liver injury, increased blood pressure and heart rate, chest pain, psychological effects (such as mood swings, psychosis, irritability, anxiety), sleep disturbance, fatigue, acne, and hair loss).

Long-term effects may include risk of heart attack or stroke, permanent liver damage, and increased risk of tendon rupture. Men may develop testicular atrophy, infertility and enlarged breast tissue. Women may also experience infertility and risk of miscarriage. SARMs are physically and psychologically addicting, which can lead to withdrawal symptoms when discontinued.

Can you overdose on SARMs?

There is little information on large single acute overdoses. People often take doses 10 times higher than those studied in clinical trials. The “overdose” risk is more about taking high doses for an extended time period for body building or performance enhancement.

Are SARMs different than anabolic steroids?

Yes, SARMs are different in both mechanism of action and chemical structure. Anabolic steroids affect androgen receptors everywhere in the body and their structure is steroidal like testosterone. SARMs are more selective, affecting androgen receptors in muscle and bone, and their structure is nonsteroidal. SARMs have less activity in the prostate and skin than anabolic steroids. Both anabolic steroids and SARMs suppress natural testosterone production.

Risks associated with SARMs and teenagers

Teens are targeted on social media with marketing promoting use of SARMs to increase muscle and athletic performance. Overall, adverse effect risks are the same for teenagers as for adults. However, since teens’ endocrine systems are still developing, use of SARMs may be harmful since they disrupt normal hormone development.

Ingredients to look out for

Examples of SARMs include ostarine (Enobosarm, MK 2866), andarine (S4), ligandrol (LGD-4033), LGD-3033, TT-701, RAD140 (Testolone) RAD150, and S23.

Experiencing adverse effects from SARMs?

If someone swallows a large dose of SARMs or uses high doses for an extended period or if you have a question about using SARMs, use the webPOISONCONTROL online tool to get immediate help, or call your poison center at 1-800-222-1222. Whether online or by phone, expert guidance is always free, confidential, and available 24 hours a day.