You’ve probably seen guys in the gym making insane gains, while you’re pushing your limits too but barely see any difference. Ever wondered why that is? That’s where SARMs for muscle growth come in. You might know them clearly if you are a fitness freak but if not, you are really missing out on something big.
But the question is, are SARMS the real cheat code for muscle growth or just another overhyped trend? If you’ve been asking “Do SARMs actually work and should I try them?”, this guide will break down everything you need to know, from the best SARMs for muscle growth to how they work, their side effects and the best cycles to maximize gains. Let’s not waste time and get straight into it:
Key Takeaways
- Selective Androgen Receptor Modulators (SARMs) offer steroid-like muscle growth but with fewer side effects and less hormonal disruption.
- Increased muscle mass, faster recovery, and fat loss make SARMs a go-to for bodybuilders and athletes.
- RAD 140, YK-11 and S-23 are among the Best SARMs for muscle growth.
- Post-cycle therapy (PCT) is necessary to maintain your muscle gains and restore hormonal imbalances.
- Always consult a healthcare provider before incorporating SARMs in your fitness routine to avoid any adverse effects.
What are SARMs?
SARMs or Selective Androgen Receptor Modulators are lab designed compounds that work like anabolic steroids but with a major difference. Instead of working on your entire body, SARMs are focused on muscle, bone and tissues, which minimizes the unwanted side effects.
Originally, SARMs were developed for medical purposes. They were created to treat conditions like osteoporosis, muscle wasting diseases and hormone deficiencies. But here’s where things took a turn, bodybuilders and athletes realized that these compounds could build serious muscle, boost strength and accelerate fat loss without the extreme risks of steroids.
Think of SARMs as a “smart” version of steroids, offering muscle growth gains without turning your body into a hormonal mess. That’s why they’ve become a hot topic in the fitness and bodybuilding world, with more and more people turning to them as an alternative to steroids.
How do the Best SARMs for Muscle Growth Work?
SARMs are like guided missiles for muscle growth. They bind directly to androgen receptors in muscle and bone tissue, triggering anabolic activity (muscle-building) without causing chaos in other parts or mechanisms of your body. The best SARMs for muscle growth are designed to target only what matters, that is your muscle, bones and tissues, also known as tissue selectivity.
SARMs do not easily convert into DHT (Dihydrotestosterone) or estrogen, which means they don’t disturb hormonal balance. This is why users experience massive strength gains, faster recovery and even fat loss without the same level of risk associated with steroids.
Here’s a breakdown of how SARMs work their magic:
- Activation of Androgen Receptors: SARMs mimic testosterone by binding to androgen receptors specifically in muscle tissue, which leads to anabolic growth. Androgens diffuse through the cell membrane and bind to intracellular androgen receptors (ARs), which are present in the cytoplasm of target cells.
- Protein Synthesis Boost: They enhance the body’s ability to synthesize proteins, Once synthesized, androgens are transported in the bloodstream bound to plasma proteins, leading to rapid muscle repair and faster muscle growth after workouts.
- Increased Nitrogen Retention: SARMs help the body retain nitrogen, which is essential for maintaining an anabolic (muscle-building) state and improving recovery.
- Fat Loss & Muscle Preservation: Some SARMs help preserve lean muscle while cutting fat, making them ideal for body composition.
In short, SARMs trick your body into growing muscle like crazy, speed up recovery and burn fat at the same time, without completely shutting down your natural testosterone production. Sounds like the mind blowing muscle building hack, right? Well, there’s more to the story…
The Best SARMS for Muscle Growth
| Products | Form  | Dosage  | Cycle Length  | Average Cost  | Best For  |
| RAD-140 (Testolone) | Capsules | (20-30 mg/day) | 6-8 weeks | $89.95 | Increased muscle growth, strength, fat burning |
| YK-11 | Capsules | (10-15 mg/day) | 8 weeks | $79.95 | Lean muscle mass, bone density, myostatin inhibition |
| GW-501516 (Cardarine) | Capsules | (10-20 mg/day) | 8-12 weeks | $69.95 | Improved strength, fat loss, muscle tissue regeneration |
| S4 (Andarine) | Capsules | (25-50 mg/day) | 6-8 weeks | $65.95 | Muscle mass, fat loss, post-workout recovery |
| S-23 | Capsules | (5-10 mg/day) | 6-8 weeks | $69.95 | Lean muscle mass, hypertrophy, quick recovery |
1. RAD-140 (Testolone), (10mg/capsule) – 60 Capsules
Muscle gains and strength is what most fitness freaks aim for and RAD 140 by Swiss Chems is the ultimate solution that caters to all your needs from muscle gains to effective fat loss.
Product Overview
Form: Capsules
Dosage: 20-30 mg per day for up to 8 weeks
Typical Cycle Duration: 6 – 8 weeks followed by PCT
Average Cost: $89.95
Key Benefits: Increased muscle growth, enhanced muscle strength and also has fat burning effects
Side Effects: Mild hormonal imbalance may occur at initial use
Best Stack: Stacks well with MK-677 and Cardarine for increased muscle growth
User Experience: Many users have reported no obvious side effects when used for short term. Some also reported increased muscle gains and strength upon use
2. YK-11 (5mg/capsule) – 60 Capsules
YK11 by Swiss Chems is renowned for enhancing muscle mass and strength by promoting muscle cell growth. It also promotes bone health by improving bone density and skeletal muscles, offering potential benefits for osteoporosis.
Product Overview
Form: Capsules
Dosage: 10-15 mg per day
Typical Cycle Duration: 8 weeks followed by PCT
Average Cost: $79.95
Key Benefits: Improves lean body mass and strength, improves bone density, potential for myostatin inhibition allowing surpassing genetic muscle growth limits
Side Effects: Potential for liver damage, changes in cholesterol levels, hormonal imbalances
Best Stack: Stacks well with Cardarine, LGD 4033 and RAD 140
User Experience: Many users have reported quick muscle gains when used regularly with proper dosage. Some also reported improved muscle and physical function upon use
3. GW-501516 (Cardarine), (10mg/capsule) – 60 Capsules
Cardarine by Swiss Chems is a trusted choice when it comes to increasing physical strength and promoting fat loss without muscle loss.
Product Overview
Form: Capsules
Dosage: 10-20 mg per day
Typical Cycle Duration: 8 – 12 weeks followed by PCT
Average Cost: $69.95
Key Benefits: Enhanced muscle strength, promotes muscle tissue regeneration, aids fats loss and lowers LDL cholesterol
Side Effects: Liver toxicity and stomach pain
Best Stack: Stacks well with RAD 140 and Ostarine
User Experience: Many users have reported quick muscle gains within the first month of use when used regularly with proper dosage. Some also reported increased muscle and physical strength
4. S4 (Andarine), (25mg/capsule) – 60 Capsules
Andarine by Swiss Chems is considered one of the best SARMS for muscle growth as it has the least side effects and offers potential benefits like fat loss without muscle loss, increased muscle mass and strength.
Product Overview
Form: Capsules
Dosage: 25 mg per day (can be increased to 50 mg per day after assessing tolerance)
Typical Cycle Duration: 6 – 8 weeks followed by PCT
Average Cost: $65.95
Key Benefits: Increases muscle mass, aids fat loss, strengthens skeletal muscles, boosts strength and overall muscle function
Side Effects: Liver toxicity, headaches and vision issues may occur after prolonged use
Best Stack: Stacks well with RAD 140, MK 677 and Cardarine
User Experience: Users have reported increase in muscle mass. Some also mentioned that it increases energy levels and also enhances post-workout recovery
5. S-23 (10mg/capsule) – 60 Capsules
S23 by Swiss Chems, without a doubt, is one of the best SARMs for muscle growth and therefore it should be used with great care for maximum benefits.
Product Overview
Form: Capsules
Dosage: 5-10 mg per day
Typical Cycle Duration: 6-8 weeks
Average Cost: $69.95
Key Benefits: Enhanced muscle strength, aids fat loss and increases muscle mass
Side Effects: Aggression, hair loss, androgenic sides and testosterone suppression or hypogonadism
Best Stack: Stacks well with MK 677 and Cardarine for increased muscle growth
User Experience: Users have reported increase in lean muscle mass and hypertrophy. Some also mentioned improved physical function and quick post-workout recovery
Benefits of SARMs for Muscle Growth
The best SARMs for muscle growth provide a more targeted approach like delivering muscle strength, mass and fat loss while keeping your body’s natural functions normal. Here are some of the top benefits of using the best SARMs for muscle growth:
Rapid Muscle Growth
One of the biggest reasons people turn to SARMs is their ability to stimulate muscle growth quickly. This makes SARMs an attractive option for those looking to achieve faster muscle development compared to training alone. Various clinical studies have shown that SARMs also help increase muscle mass and improve physical function in cancer patients, particularly breast cancer and prostate cancer patients.
Increased Strength and Performance
SARMs don’t just help you gain muscle, they also boost overall strength and endurance. They increase power output in the gym, allowing individuals to lift heavier weights, complete more reps and train harder. This boost in performance can lead to faster progress and improved strength in various sports and physical activities.
Faster Recovery & Reduced Fatigue
Recovery is a crucial part of muscle growth and SARMs help speed up the process. By reducing muscle damage and inflammation, SARMs help recover faster between workouts, leading to more frequent and intense training sessions. This also means less soreness and fatigue, helping athletes stay consistent in their routines.
No Severe Hormonal Disruption
SARMs have a selective action that minimizes disruption to the body’s hormonal balance, unlike anabolic steroids. While some suppression may occur, it is usually less severe, making post cycle recovery easier and reducing the risk of long term hormonal damage or imbalance.
Fat Loss & Muscle Preservation
SARMs are known for their ability to promote fat loss while preserving lean muscle mass. This makes them especially popular among individuals aiming to reduce body fat without muscle loss.
Bone Strength & Joint Health
Most clinical trials suggest a positive impact of SARMs on bone density and joint health. Originally developed to help with conditions like osteoporosis and muscular dystrophy, SARMs strengthen bones, overcome muscle weakness and may reduce the risk of injuries, which is beneficial for weightlifters and athletes who put constant stress on their bones and joints.
Best SARMs for Muscle Growth: Recommended Dosage and Cycle Length
Here are the recommended dosage guidelines and cycle lengths for some of the best SARMs for muscle growth, along with the need for post-cycle therapy (PCT) to restore natural hormone levels especially if you are a beginner:
- RAD-140 (Testolone): This potent SARM is typically taken in doses ranging from 10-30 mg per day. A cycle length of 6-8 weeks is ideal for optimal results, and post-cycle therapy is recommended to help restore hormone levels.
- YK-11: YK-11 is typically dosed at 10-15 mg per day. Its cycle length is around 4-6 weeks, and requires a strong post-cycle therapy to avoid hormonal imbalances.
- Cardarine (GW-501516): Cardarine is usually dosed at 10-20 mg per day, and the cycle length should be 8-12 weeks. Post-cycle therapy is recommended for Cardarine.
- Andarine (S4): Andarine is commonly dosed at 20-50 mg per day, with a cycle length of 6-8 weeks. PCT may be needed, though it is generally milder compared to other SARMs.
- S-23: S-23 is commonly dosed at 5-10 mg per day, and the cycle length is typically 6-8 weeks. Strong post-cycle therapy is necessary to ensure hormone recovery.
| Product | Recommended Dosage | Cycle Length |
| RAD-140 (Testolone) | 20-30mg/day | 6-8 weeks |
| YK-11 | 10-15mg/day | 4-6 weeks |
| Cardarine (GW-501516) | 10-20mg/day | 8-12 weeks |
| Andarine (S4) | 20-50mg/day | 6-8 weeks |
| S-23 | 5-10mg/day | 6-8 weeks |
Disclaimer: Always consult a healthcare provider before incorporating SARMs in your fitness routine. It is important to cycle these compounds properly to minimize side effects and follow appropriate post-cycle therapy to restore natural hormone levels.
Side Effects of Using SARMs
SARMs are often promoted as a “safer” alternative to steroids, but that doesn’t mean they come without risks. Here are some commonly experienced side effects:
Testosterone Suppression
One of the most common side effects of SARMs is that they can suppress your natural testosterone levels. If your testosterone drops too low, you might feel fatigued, have less motivation, or even notice a drop in muscle mass, or a sexual dysfunction known as hypogonadism.
Liver Toxicity
Some SARMs, particularly YK-11 and S-23, have the potential to stress your liver and can lead to drug-induced liver injury, especially when used in higher doses. It’s always a good idea to keep an eye on liver health with regular check-ups if you’re using SARMs.
Increased Blood Pressure
This can happen temporarily, but if you already have high blood pressure, this could be a concern. It is suggested to keep a track of your blood pressure while cycling SARMs.
Mood Swings
Some users report feeling more aggressive or irritated. It’s important to be aware of how you’re feeling emotionally and give yourself space if you notice any mood shifts.
Vision Issues
If you’re using Andarine (S4), you might experience a yellowish tint to your vision. It’s not permanent and goes away once you stop taking the SARM, but it’s something to be aware of, especially if you’re using it for a long time.
SARMs vs. Other Compounds for Muscle Growth
| Feature | SARMs | Anabolic Steroids | Prohormones |
| Muscle Growth | Moderate to High | High | Moderate |
| Testosterone Suppression | Mild to Moderate | Severe | Severe |
| Liver Toxicity | Low (except YK-11, S-23) | High | High |
| Side Effects | Low to Moderate, depends on use | High | High |
| Legality | Research Purposes Only | Illegal without Prescription | Mostly Illegal |
SARMs are stronger and more potent than prohormones but less extreme than anabolic agents or steroids, making them a middle ground for muscle development.
Conclusion
Selective Androgen Receptor Modulators (SARMs) have become a popular choice for bodybuilders and athletes looking to gain muscle without the potential risks of anabolic steroids. The best SARMs for muscle growth can provide impressive gains, strength and recovery benefits when used correctly. However, they do come with some risks that need to be handled carefully, including testosterone suppression and liver toxicity.
Proper cycling and dosages, along with post-cycle therapy (PCT) are necessary to minimize side effects and maximize gains. If you’re considering SARMs, always prioritize your health over shortcuts by doing thorough research on legality according to the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) and always consult a healthcare provider before use.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which SARM is best for muscle growth?
RAD 140 and YK 11 are among the most effective and best SARMs for muscle growth.
Do SARMs require post-cycle therapy (PCT)?
Yes, most SARMs suppress testosterone levels and need strong PCT for recovery.
Are SARMs safer than steroids?
Yes, SARMs have fewer side effects compared to steroids but still carry some risks.
Can women use SARMs for muscle growth?
Yes, some SARMs can be used by women to build lean body mass and burn fat. However, they should be chosen carefully to avoid unwanted androgenic effects like deepening of the voice or excessive hair growth.
Are SARMS legal to use?
SARMs are not officially classified as dietary supplements. The legality of SARMs varies by country, they are not FDA-approved for human consumption but they can still be sold as “research chemicals”. Always check your local regulations before buying or using them.
