SARMs and anabolic steroids both act on the androgen receptor. SARMs were designed to be more selective for muscle and bone, and they are weaker. Steroids are stronger and better studied. Neither is free of risk: both lower HDL cholesterol and suppress natural testosterone.
- SARMs: modest effects, short human trials, none approved anywhere.
- Steroids: large effects, decades of medical data, well-known side effects.
- “Safer” depends on the compound, the amount and product quality.
SARMs are often marketed as a safer, milder alternative to steroids. Some of that is true, some is not. This side-by-side comparison sets out what is known so you can judge for yourself.
How each works
Anabolic steroids are testosterone or modified versions of it. They activate androgen receptors throughout the body: muscle, bone, skin, hair follicles, prostate and brain. Some convert to estrogen or to DHT, which adds further effects.
SARMs (selective androgen receptor modulators) are non-steroidal molecules that also activate the androgen receptor, but with more effect in muscle and bone and less in the prostate and skin. They do not convert to estrogen or DHT. They were developed for muscle wasting, osteoporosis and cancer-related weight loss.
The comparison
| Anabolic steroids | SARMs | |
|---|---|---|
| Muscle gain | Large | Modest (about 1–1.5 kg lean mass in trials) |
| Estrogen effects | Some compounds | None directly |
| Acne, hair loss, prostate | Common with androgenic compounds | Less, but possible |
| HDL cholesterol | Lowered | Lowered, often strongly |
| Natural testosterone | Suppressed | Suppressed, dose-dependent |
| Liver | Strain with most orals | Case reports of injury (LGD-4033, RAD-140) |
| Medical approval | Testosterone and some others | None |
| Long-term human data | Decades | Very little |
| Status in Canada | Schedule IV controlled substances | Not authorised; sold for research |
What the human trials show
The most studied SARM is ostarine (enobosarm). In a 12-week trial in older adults, 3 mg a day increased lean body mass by about 1.3 kg and improved stair-climbing speed. In cancer patients it maintained or increased lean mass over about four months. Larger phase 3 trials in lung cancer did not meet their main goals, and it was never approved.
LGD-4033 (ligandrol) was given at 0.1–1 mg a day for 21 days to healthy young men; lean mass rose by about 1.2 kg at the highest dose, HDL fell and testosterone was suppressed, all in proportion to dose.
For comparison, testosterone at replacement doses is approved and widely prescribed in Canada, and its effects and risks at higher doses are well documented. See realistic results.
Where SARMs are not milder
- Cholesterol: HDL drops seen in SARM trials are comparable to some oral steroids.
- Suppression: testosterone, LH and FSH fall even at trial doses.
- Liver: published case reports describe cholestatic liver injury.
- Unknowns: no long-term human safety data exists for any SARM.
Product quality is a major difference
Steroids from established brands are manufactured in pharmaceutical form. SARMs are mostly sold online as research liquids or capsules, and quality varies widely. A 2017 JAMA study found only about half of products sold as SARMs contained one, and many were mislabelled or contained other drugs. Batch-specific lab testing matters for both classes. See liquid vs capsule SARMs.
Sport testing
Both are banned at all times under the World Anti-Doping Agency code. SARMs have become one of the most common causes of positive tests, sometimes from contaminated supplements, and tested athletes in Canada should be aware of this.
Which is “safer”?
There is no simple answer. At the doses tested in trials, SARMs produce smaller effects and fewer androgenic side effects than high-dose steroids, but they still lower HDL and suppress hormones. At the much higher amounts used in practice, and with uncertain product quality, the advantage narrows. Whichever class someone chooses, bloodwork before and during use is the only way to know what is happening. See our bloodwork guide.
Products
We carry SARMs such as Zionova Ostarine and Zionova LGD-4033, and steroids such as Zionova Testosterone Enanthate, all with lab results on each product page. Read SARMs 101 and prohormones vs SARMs for more.
Frequently asked questions
Are SARMs steroids?
No. SARMs are non-steroidal molecules, but they act on the same androgen receptor and share several side effects.
Do SARMs build as much muscle as steroids?
No. Trials showed modest gains of about 1–1.5 kg of lean mass, far less than steroids.
Do SARMs shut down testosterone?
Yes. Trials showed dose-dependent suppression of testosterone, LH and FSH.
Photo: rawpixel (public domain).
General information, not medical advice. SARMs are not approved for human use in Canada; anabolic steroids are Schedule IV controlled substances.
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