We are going to look at SARMs and their anabolic equivalents, or comparable counterparts – obviously a SARM will almost never be as potent as a steroid, however, regarding certain traits and characteristics we can see quite a few similarities, both in ability and function.
Steroids side effects often outweigh the benefits
Steroids, whilst providing many benefits in the realms of bodybuilding and athletics, often come at a very high cost:
testosterone suppression
gynecomastia (male breast development)
liver toxicity
high blood pressure
increased body hair growth
potential prostate cancer
cholesterol imbalance
hair loss
acne
Along with the risks associated with buying steroids on the black market, and having to inject continuously, many people find the disadvantages outweigh the benefits.
This is where SARMs come in as extremely viable alternative compounds.
SARMs (selective androgen receptor modulators) bind to androgen receptors in the body, greatly enhancing biological actions that naturally occur, thus enabling improved and increased performance in a wide variety of functions of the human body.
They are administered orally, they’re legal and have very few side-effects.
SARMs vs Steroids: What do you have to know?
So let’s take a look at the comparable SARMs and steroids:
S-4 (Andarine) and Winstrol
S-4 is one of the most androgenic SARMs, and is about 1/3rd as strong as testosterone – it acts similarly to a DHT steroid in terms of its cutting abilities, muscle hardening, and vascularity.
The amount of strength S-4 provides would be comparable to a recomposition steroid such as eq or Tbol – it is has a lot to offer.
S4 shares the most similarities with Winstrol in terms of adding strength, size, lean muscle, and muscle hardening and vascularity.
As good a muscle hardener as S-4 is, Winstrol will always be harder, however, stacked together with Masteron, this combination gives incredible results – you will be etched in stone!
S-4 has the one side-effect of vision impairment – often doses 50mg and above may cause a yellowish hue or tint in vision, and the adjustment from darkness to light is affected also.
This is never permanent and is easily corrected by either reducing your dose or running S-4 5 days on, 2 days off if necessary.
LGD-4033 (Ligandrol) and Tbol (Turinabol)
LGD is similar to Tbol in terms of bulking and size – with gains upwards of 10lb – Tbol is very clean and dry and is stronger than LGD, however, they have very comparable qualities such as their cleanness, dryness, and size.
LGD is great for kick-starting steroidal cycles and is one of the most anabolic-like and strongest SARMs – coupled with the non-toxicity and lack of side-effects, it is an all-rounder for bulking, recomping, and cutting, with the added advantage of keeping the gains produced.
For Tbol-like results, you can stack Tbol, LGD, and RAD-140 to get Dbol size, without any water retention or side-effects.
MK-2866 (Ostarine) and EQ (Equipoise)
EQ is used by athletes for muscle mass, strength gains, and to increase their endurance – it provides slow but steady gains during bulking cycles and its side-effects are mild, although inconvenient nonetheless.
EQ causes an increase in red blood cells, which allows for maximum blood flow to muscles during intense workouts.
It is one of the most versatile steroids, and in terms of giving strength, adding size and leanness, EQ and MK-2866 are very suitable counterparts in this regard.
Along with the qualities MK-2866 provides for healing tendons, bone, and ligaments, as well as preventing injuries, and non-toxicity, it is a favourite in the athletic and bodybuilding worlds.
RAD-140 (Testolone) and Testosterone
RAD-140 is a very strong compound, similar in capabilities to testosterone it adds strength, gives size, and increases lean bodyweight whilst simultaneously reducing body fat.
As RAD-140 interacts solely with androgenic receptors in the muscle tissues and bones, it leaves the receptors in other areas of the body, thus ensuring zero androgenic effects, whilst being almost as anabolic as testosterone.
MK-677 (Nutrabol) and HGH (Human Growth Hormone)
MK-677 is a growth hormone secretagogue and signals the pituitary gland to secrete hormones, thus, the very close similarity with HGH.
MK-677 increases growth hormone and IGF-1 levels, and mimics the feeling of HGH in the body, giving very strong results for a SARM, and making it extremely desirable.
It has been shown to reverse muscle wasting and increase lean muscle mass without affecting visceral adipose tissue, and also to increase bone density. MK-677 helps to heal old injuries and strengthens the body to prevent new injuries.
The fact that there are so many similar benefits as HGH with MK-677, without the need to administer by injection, or pay the exorbitant prices, has warranted a significant shift from HGH to MK-677 usage.
Cardarine and Stenabolic aren’t technically SARMs, but are grouped with them – they don’t really have a counterpart, but they have specific qualities worth noting.
They’re beneficial for endurance, melting fat, reversing metabolic syndrome and increasing metabolism, and preventing muscle wastage.
GW-501516 is in a league of its own as an enhancer of enhancers! Take your current performance enhancer to a whole new level just by incorporating GW into your routine; and SR-9009 elevates the metabolism to a much higher extent, making it optimal for burning body fat.
Final words
There you have some suitable comparisons of SARMs vs steroids – a great alternative when you’re thinking of short and long-term health aspects, legalities, and cost.