In the bodybuilding profession, whenever someone will talk about anabolic steroids, they are embarking on a very tricky journey of understanding the world of contested ideas. Some steroid enthusiasts frequently use them for lean muscle mass development and flaunting their muscles. Then there are those who tread the path cautiously given the nature of anabolic steroids. This is also true for a very controversial topic of selective androgen receptor modulators or SARM and oral steroids. This article will explain the nature of both compounds, their uses and how they are different and similar.
What are SARMs?
SARMs, or selective androgen receptor modulators, are anabolic molecules that bind to androgen receptors. They are being researched as possible therapies for cancer, osteoporosis, erectile problems, multiple sclerosis, vascular dementia, and muscle wasting. SARMs have recently been discovered in various supplements sold to gym goers who want to build lean muscle mass and slow muscle wasting. So far, the SARMs have been shown to lower endogenous testosterone levels, influence cholesterol levels, and change liver function, all of which have been found to have positive effects on muscle mass development. SARMs have been found to be safe for human consumption at an even higher level.
What are Steroids?
Steroids are synthetic versions of hormones, which are naturally produced in the human body. Anabolic steroids are meant to operate similarly to these hormones in order to manage body chemistry.
Anabolic steroids, which are taken by bodybuilders and athletes, belong to the same category but have a different function than most of the other anabolic steroids, such as corticosteroids. Anabolic steroids, however, are mostly used in bodybuilding as they have the potential to stimulate growth and enhance lean muscle mass development. Thus, they are usually used as a natural muscle-wasting antagonist. One of the most famous examples is testosterone, whose variants are extensively used in the bodybuilding profession. There are, however, some downsides to steroids as well, which one should consider before using them for bodybuilding purposes.
What is the Difference Between SARMs and Steroids?
Unlike anabolic steroids, selective androgen receptor modulators (SARMs) do not produce secondary sexual characteristics as anabolic steroids do. They are stimulating in nature and are selective as well. Unlike anabolic steroids, SARMs are more like pick and choose and are therapeutic in nature unlike anabolic steroids are more potent in lean muscle mass building.
Another key difference between the two is the nature of their use and legal value. While most oral steroids fall into the grey area between legal and illegal, SARMs are more likely to pass the test and are usually legal.
Then comes how the steroids are taken and how SARMs are consumed. Mostly, steroids are injected into the body, while SARMs can be taken through the oral route. While oral steroids are also available but their uptake is lower and bioavailability is restricted thus are not preferred. However, when compared to oral steroids, oral SARMs are more in use.
The third and most important thing is the price difference. It is a simple market rule that whenever there is something larger to supply its value tends to be lower as is the case with SARMs. As all of them are legal and less portent their price is also lower compared to oral steroids and injectables.
This means they are completely safer for human consumption and can be taken with other supplements.
Conclusion on Steroids vs SARMs
In conclusion, it is evident that while anabolic steroids have their due share of controversies, grey areas and debate over their legality in athletics, SARMs are more acceptable. They are compared with oral steroids which are nonetheless less effective than SARM. This indicates that the SARM is a superior alternative to oral steroids. Their prices are lower, their side effects are limited and plus they are targeted with the ability to focus on particular results.
References
- Burmeister, M. A., Fincher, T. K., & Graham, W. H. (2020). Recreational use of selective androgen receptor modulators. US Pharm, 45(60), 15-18.
- Yesalis, C. E., Kennedy, N. J., Kopstein, A. N., & Bahrke, M. S. (1993). Anabolic-androgenic steroid use in the United States. Jama, 270(10), 1217-1221.
