The Functional Substitution Relationship Between SARMs and Steroids
In the field of bodybuilding and athletic enhancement, SARMs (Selective Androgen Receptor Modulators) and steroids are commonly used for muscle building, fat loss, strength enhancement, and recovery. While they differ in pharmacological mechanisms, they can substitute each other in some aspects. Below is an overview of some key SARMs and their functional similarities with steroids.
1. RAD140 (Testolone)
Main Effects:
Muscle building
Endurance
Strength
Recovery
Similar Steroids:
RAD140 is a potent muscle-building SARM, and its effects are similar to steroids such as Testosterone, Trenbolone, Nandrolone (DECA & NPP), and Boldenone, which significantly promote muscle growth, recovery, strength, and endurance.
2. LGD-4033 (Ligandrol)
Main Effects:
Rapid muscle gain (typically with water retention)
Endurance
Strength
Recovery
Similar Steroids:
LGD-4033's effects are similar to Testosterone, Trenbolone, and other steroids, particularly in promoting large-scale muscle growth, though it is somewhat milder with a focus on muscle gain accompanied by water retention.
3. Ostarine (MK-2866)
Main Effects:
Muscle building
Endurance
Strength
Recovery
Similar Steroids:
Ostarine has a comprehensive effect, enhancing muscle mass, endurance, and strength, similar to steroids such as Methandrostenolone (Dianabol) and Methenolone (Primobolan), which also have muscle-building and recovery functions.
4. YK11 (Myostatin Inhibitor)
Main Effects:
Rapid muscle gain
Strength
Similar Steroids:
YK11 promotes rapid muscle gain by inhibiting myostatin, and its effects are similar to steroids like Testosterone and Trenbolone, which rapidly increase muscle mass and strength.
5. ACP105
Main Effects:
Muscle building
Endurance
Strength
Recovery
Similar Steroids:
ACP105 is a milder SARM, similar to Methandrostenolone (Dianabol), providing potent muscle-building effects with fewer side effects, making it suitable for long-term use.
6. AC262
Main Effects:
Mild muscle gain
Endurance
Strength
Recovery
Similar Steroids:
AC262 is a milder muscle-building SARM, with effects similar to Nandrolone. It effectively promotes muscle gain and enhances strength and recovery.
7. MK677 (Ibutamoren)
Main Effects:
Muscle building
Endurance
Strength
Recovery
Increases IGF-1 and HGH levels
Similar Steroids:
MK677 increases growth hormone (HGH) and IGF-1 levels, similar to the effects of HGH, promoting muscle growth and recovery.
8. Andarine (S4)
Main Effects:
Fat loss
Lean muscle gain
Muscle hardness
Increased bone density
Similar Steroids:
Andarine’s effects are similar to steroids such as Drostanolone (Masteron), Methenolone (Primobolan), Oxandrolone (Anavar), and Stanozolol (Winstrol), which focus on reducing fat, increasing muscle hardness, and maintaining strength.
9. LGD-3303
Main Effects:
Lean muscle gain
Fat loss
Muscle hardness
Increased bone density
Similar Steroids:
LGD-3303 is similar to Trenbolone and Testosterone in its ability to increase lean muscle mass and reduce fat.
10. S23
Main Effects:
Lean muscle gain
Fat loss
Muscle hardness
Similar Steroids:
S23’s effects are similar to Trenbolone, significantly increasing muscle hardness while reducing body fat.
11. GW501516 (Cardarine) and GW0742
Main Effects:
Fat loss
Endurance
Metabolic enhancement
Similar Steroids:
GW501516’s effects are similar to Thyroid hormones (T3 & T4), significantly increasing metabolic rate and helping with fat loss.
12. SR9009 (Stenabolic) and SR9011
Main Effects:
Fat loss
Endurance
Metabolic enhancement
Optimizing circadian rhythms
Similar Steroids:
SR9009 enhances endurance and metabolism, similar to the effects of steroids that improve endurance and metabolic efficiency, like Thyroid hormone t3 and t4.
13. AICAR / Acadesine
Main Effects:
Aerobic endurance improvement
Fat loss
Similar Steroids:
AICAR enhances endurance similarly to steroids such as Testosterone and Dianabol, which improve aerobic endurance and accelerate fat burning.
Conclusion
Although SARMs and steroids differ in their mechanisms of action, some SARMs can substitute for steroids in muscle building, fat loss, strength enhancement, and recovery. For example, RAD140, LGD-4033, and Ostarine can match testosterone-based steroids in muscle building and recovery, while Andarine and S23 provide cutting and muscle hardness effects similar to certain anabolic steroids. The choice between SARMs and steroids depends on individual goals and needs.