According to recent data, in the last 13 years, testosterone prescription sales increased from $100 million to $2.7 billion. The large market increase is primarily from decades of ongoing research. There have been multiple FDA-approved products for male sexual dysfunction, hypogonadism, and more. SARMs for sale at this time, however, have not been approved for these purposes.
Recently, researchers have been debating SARMs vs testosterone. These two androgen receptors differ in their tissue selectivity, reactions, and medical claims. Due to the nature of SARMs and limited research studies, it is impossible to thoroughly compare the two in extensive mammalian studies.
However, if you want the most up-to-date information for your next research topic, we have you covered. We will compare the similarities and differences between SARMs and testosterone. Keep reading on until the end and learn how you can get started with purchasing high-quality SARMs for your laboratory.
What Is Testosterone?
Testosterone is a hormone found in men and women but is more abundant in males. It produces several distinct male characteristics, affecting sexual development, fertility, and more. According to research, testosterone also affects many secondary characteristics. These include things such as male hair patterns and skeletal muscle growth. Deficiencies can result in:
- Hypogonadism
- Reduced muscle mass
- Low sperm count
- Low libido
Along with hypogonadism, medical experts may use testosterone treatments for metastatic breast cancer or delayed puberty. Although with certain medical conditions, there are several benefits of taking testosterone, studies show synthetic androgen toxicity can result in:
- Overmasculinization
- Hirsutism
- Acne
- Clitoral enlargement (for females)
- Cholestatic jaundice
- Prostatic hypertrophy
Testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) comes in gel or injection format. The primary goal is restoring normal testosterone levels. However, TRT can have several virilizing effects, making alternative treatments friendlier for some research applications.
What Are SARMs?
SARMs are selective androgen receptor modulators. They are anabolic compounds binding to androgen receptors. There are several types of SARMs that are classified by a string of letters and numbers.
Some of the more common SARMs in studies are:
- Ostarine
- Ligandrol
- Testolone
- Andarine
- Cardarine
Currently, SARMs are only approved for clinical or laboratory studies. The FDA has not approved any SARMs for human consumption due to limited research regarding:
- Dosage
- Side effects
- Long term effects
- Indications
There are several small studies focusing on breast cancer, prostate, stress urinary incontinence, and sarcopenia. Due to their effects on anabolic activity with minimal virilizing reactions, experts are interested in studying how SARMs impact several different medical conditions.
SARMs vs Testosterone (SARMs vs TRT)
One of the bigger defining factors between androgen therapy such as TRT and SARMs is research and medical application. Testosterone and steroids are much more prevalent in studies, research, and treatments because they have existed for a longer period of time.
The FDA approved specific testosterone therapy decades ago, and it has grown into a large market that primarily treats male hypogonadism. Recently, the FDA approved an oral TRT for hypogonadism called Tlando.
However, while the growing market for TRT continues expanding under medical supervision, so do the unsupervised uses of steroids. Data indicates bodybuilders target anabolic steroids for improved muscle mass and reduced body fat percentage.
Studies indicate non-medical applications of anabolic steroids can cause the testes to stop natural testosterone production. More extreme adverse reactions include liver or cardiac disease.
SARMs vs TRT Research
Most TRT research centers around male hypogonadism. Clinical trials have also looked at secondary effects, such as cardiovascular disease or blood pressure reactions.
On the other hand, SARMs have a more expansive, albeit limited, research pool. Unlike traditional androgens, SARMs are more selective in their effects.
Current research shows fewer systemic reactions while promoting:
- Increased muscle mass
- Exercise recovery
- Potential male contraception
- Reducing osteoporosis risks
- Improving sexual dysfunction
- Improving benign prostatic hyperplasia
- Reducing muscle wasting
Another key difference is that SARMs are non-steroidal and tissue-specific. Each SARM could hold different benefits, depending on the agonistic or antagonist nature.
Since they are not steroids, SARMs fall under a different classification called synthetic ligands. Ligands are molecules or atoms that bind to receptors.
In this case, SARMs bind to similar androgen receptors, promoting localized changes within the tissue receptors. The effects of SARMs in clinical trials show positive effects on specific types of breast cancer.
These studies used RAD140 against other testosterone treatments. It is expected that, in time, more research will start comparing the two on their efficacy.
What Does SARMs Do to Testosterone?
When looking at testosterone vs SARMs, it is critical the localized effects SARMs have on the subject’s testosterone levels are examined. SARMs indirectly increase free testosterone levels in some instances by blocking the binding of SHBG to testosterone.
Prolonged exposure to SARMs may reduce testicular production of testosterone, though studies are very limited. The combination of antagonist and agonist effects on androgen receptors makes it challenging to determine which SARMs will have the most profound effect on testosterone levels.
For example, in comprehensive literature reviews from 2019, SARM BA321 bound to androgen and estrogen receptors. However, the researchers found it only restored bone loss without other androgenic effects.
SARMs with testosterone for muscle building could result in higher health risks. It could also impair natural testosterone production. More research is needed to see the effects of these two in controlled environments.
Researching SARMs
SARMs vs testosterone is a highly debated topic. SARMs could hold the key to benefits that are unrealistic to expect from testosterone alone. However, because of their infancy compared to testosterone, high-quality research is needed on SARMs.
Purchasing SARMs for research can put you on the frontline of innovation and discovery. However, finding qualified and reputable sellers can make all the difference in your outcomes.
At Sports Technology Labs, we undergo rigorous testing, ensuring every batch is of the highest quality. Contact Sports Technology Labs today and let us help with your SARMs needs. You can also check out our list of SARMs that are more common.
FAQs:
Used for muscle wasting disorders, cancer, obesity, and more
Testosterone: Natural hormone used for similar purposes
Caution and guidance from professionals needed due to potential side effects and monitoring requirements of both compounds
Scientific References:
1. Bhasin, S. (2021, February 15). Testosterone replacement in aging men: An evidence-based patient-centric perspective. The Journal of Clinical Investigation.
2. Burmeister, M., Fincher, T., & Graham, W. (2020, June 18). Recreational Use of Selective Androgen Receptor Modulators. U.S. Pharmacist – The Leading Journal in Pharmacy.
3. Contact. Sports Technology Labs. (2022, May 7).
4. Kirksey, C. (2022, January 25). Your Ultimate 2021 SARMs Research Review. Sports Technology Labs.
5. Nassar, G., & Leslie, S. (2022, January 4). Physiology, testosterone – STATPEARLS – NCBI BOOKSHELF.
6. Pharmacy Times. (2022, March 30). FDA approves oral testosterone replacement therapy for hypogonadism. Pharmacy Times.
7. Rogers, P. (2022, April 22). Why Anabolic Steroids Are Banned in Bodybuilding and Weightlifting. Verywell Fit.
8. Solomon, Z. J., Mirabal, J. R., Mazur, D. J., Kohn, T. P., Lipshultz, L. I., & Pastuszak, A. W. (2019, January 7). Selective Androgen Receptor Modulators (SARMs) – Current Knowledge and Clinical Applications. Sexual medicine reviews.
9. Search results – andarin+s-4. reddit.
10. Search results – selling+andarine. reddit.
11. Burmeister, M. A., Fincher, T. K., & Graham, W. H. (2020). Recreational use of selective androgen receptor modulators. US Pharm, 45(60), 15-18.
12. Simitsidellis, I., Esnal-Zuffiaure, A., Kelepouri, O., O’Flaherty, E., Gibson, D. A., & Saunders, P. T. (2019). Selective androgen receptor modulators (SARMs) have specific impacts on the mouse uterus. The Journal of Endocrinology, 242(3), 227.
13. Demircan, T., Yavuz, M., & Bölük, A. (2023). Andarine Plays a Robust In-vitro Anti-carcinogenic Role on A549 Cells Through Inhibition of Proliferation and Migration, and Activation of Cell-cycle Arrest, Senescence, and Apoptosis.