Believe it or not, SARMs have been with us since the 40s! This, however, doesn’t mean they are properly researched. Because, honestly, they are not. Not by a long shot! Which means, surprise, surprise, that they are kind of illegal.
So, since we’re talking here about SARMs vs Steroids, I’ll have you know that if you really must, like seriously have to use one or the other, good ol’ steroids are still the way to go.
And I’ll tell you why, through the use of – science.
A Brief History of SARMs
As early as 1889, a weird and spunky man by the name of Charles Edouard Brown-Séquard (yes, even his name is weird), had a crazy idea. To pump himself full of testosterone at the ripe age of 72. He reported feeling invigored and more effective. No kidding, gramps? Testosterone will do this to you, indeed.
But it was not until the late ’30s that SARMs research came underway. And by the 20th century, it was in full swing. Today’s research, however, was based mostly on the late 1990s discovery of nonsteroidal templates. Which basically just means SARMs that don’t contain steroids, as they are known today.
With that standing, it is still clear that we are a long way to go. SARMs, or Nonsteroidal Tissue-selective Androgen Receptor Modulators (try saying that 9 times fast), have a lot of potential to become useful in treatments or control of many conditions, such as osteoporosis, sexual dysfunction, and even certain types of cancer.
As of 2017, SARMs are still considered dangerous for human consumption and are not approved by the FDA. Donald D. Ashley, J.D., director of the Office of Compliance in the FDA’s Center for Drug Evaluation and Research said that many questionable companies market body-building SARMs supplements even though they contain “potentially dangerous ingredients” which may cause “heart attack or stroke and life threatening reactions like liver damage”.
So why would anyone consider this as a good investment is above me, but we are not here to discuss my opinions. We are here to talk facts.
And the scientific facts are simple and above all unified in their standing: SARMs are not good for you, no matter what those swole dudes and/or dudettes on the internet say.
How are SARMs Looking Right Now
But what is the situation with SARMs today? Surely, after more than 3 years, we can assume they have become safe and legal to use?
Well, things are not all that simple.
There is still much debate online (debate, debate, debate – like I said, a lot) over what is safer and generally better to use – SARMs or Steroids. And the fact of the matter is, almost every single article points towards the tried and true although not healthy at all – anabolic steroids.
As it is looking even today, SARMs are still not approved by the FDA, and they are still causing problems. Like liver damage in previously healthy young men.
Now, if this is not enough to convince you not to consider SARMs as your dietary supplement, then perhaps legal issues surrounding this possible steroid replacement just might.
The Legality of it All
The mere fact that the FDA doesn’t approve these modulators, while concerning, does not necessarily mean SARMs are illegal. In fact, it is considered legal to purchase and sell SARMs, but they have to be marketed as research chemicals.
What is still completely illegal, is dealing with those SARMs that are marketed and sold for human consumption as supplements.
And if you’re wondering why this is still the case, here’s what the all-knowing Internet has to say about it – the evidence for SARMs benefits and their safety is more or less all informal. Basically, this means that there is still no conclusive proof provided by scientific research, and as such, it falls under the realm of anecdote.
User reviews seem to be unified – many saying that SARMs are better than steroids, especially when it comes to the side-effects. These revies, as we’ve seen, are not backed by science.
Mainly supported by online reviews and YouTube personalities, it is safe to say that SARMs are a long way to go before being officially accepted as a viable physical enhancer and a possible health condition treatment and control drug.
What About Steroids?
By now even birds on trees know what anabolic steroids are. But for those birds that have been living underground for some reason, here is the short of it.
Anabolic steroids enhance muscle growth and aid in torn muscle tissue repair. Above all, they are not natural, but rather artificially developed, in a lab, by the use of male hormone testosterone.
As pretty much anything that began with medicinal use (cocaine, anyone?), steroids quickly became the rage for body-builders and those who wanted a quick way to develop that coveted six-pack.
And their reviews are pretty much the same as those for SARMs, however some hold more value as they underwent a medical review.
Medical Uses of Steroids
First developed in Germany in the mid-‘30s, steroids were used to treat (you’ll never guess it) depression. Yup, apparently back in soon-to-be-Reich-Deutschland, scientists thought that people feeling sad just needed that energizing dose of testosterone to survive the day. What?!
Weird mid-20th century uses aside, anabolic steroids were, and some still are, used in medicinal purposes to treat Low T (low levels of testosterone in men), conditions similar to that one, and most commonly to treat disease-caused muscle loss which occurs in most cancer patients.
Sure, SARMs are looking to replace every medicinal use of steroids, with the possibility of less extreme side effects, however, until SARMs are tested and approved, steroids still rule the realm of muscle repairs and general testosterone boost.
Recreational Use of Steroids – The Good, the Bad and the Ugly
Pretty much since they were developed, anabolic steroids were used to promote muscle enhancements in men and women who look to become body-builders, suffer a known mental health condition known as muscle dystrophia, or simply want to build mass quickly and efficiently.
By and large, males between the ages of 20-30 are the main users of anabolic steroids. And this would not be a problem if steroids weren’t so dangerous if misused. Several diseases and conditions, from high blood pressure to developing mania and delusions, are in fact linked to the misuse of steroids.
It is one thing to be under controlled almost lab-like hospital surroundings, where knowledgeable and experienced doctors and nurses administer this drug. It is a whole other bucket of beans to do this to yourself or to have your buddy jam that needle into your gluteus maximus while in the unsanitary atmosphere of a gym changing room (as seen on TV).
If you’re wondering why anyone would do this to themselves, then look no further than a neat and fast confidence boost. Honestly, rare are the men who don’t want to look like Dwayne The Rock Johnson or Mike Tyson (not that they’re using, but let’s be honest, they could, I mean look at The Rock, just look).
That and the fact that there is a trend of labeling men as better or more successful or more valuable if they look a certain way. Yes, dear ladies, even men suffer from unrealistic body standards. And both of those have to stop. Before I go off on a tangent here, let me stop myself.
Aside from them, even women are using anabolic steroids. Although, these occurrences are not as prevalent as with men.
But, with so many young people using this drug, it is becoming an issue, especially since it’s hard to tell just how badly the use affects their health as there is no conclusive research concerning this topic.
The End
And there you have it, dear people. It is difficult to recommend either one of these, but if there is a true need for one or the other – Anabolic Steroids still come out on top, despite all ugly side-effects.