Muscle Insider
New member
So, you’re not looking to use anabolic steroids, but you are interested in using selective androgen receptor modulators. Unlike anabolic steroids, SARMs have fewer side effects and hold far fewer legal implications than their AAS counterparts.
So, if you’re looking to gain the most amount of lean muscle mass or lose weight in the most rapid way possible, how would you go about this? How many SARM cycles per year can you run?
Well, as you (hopefully) know, it will depend on your health. Your goals. Your funds.
But let’s really dig into this, shall we? Are you going to be pulling 5 plates, or going to the ER?
Key Takeaways
[*]
[*]
[*]
[/list]
/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Muscle-and-brawn-02-2.svg
How Many SARM Cycles can I run in a Year?
With no further ado, let’s dig into this. How many SARMs cycles can I run in a year? Well, as mentioned in the intro, it will depend on your ability to remain healthy, train properly, and continue to stay consistent. It’s actually somewhat impossible to state how many SARM cycles you would need per year, because, well, we’re all so different.
We’ll be covering all the different factors in great detail in a moment, but first, typically, the average cycle is between 8 – 14 weeks long, so, let’s say a nice average of 12 weeks. This excludes your PCT, which is typically another 4 – 6 weeks, so, an average of 5 weeks. Thus, the average cycle is typically 16 – 17 weeks long.
This would make us come to the conclusion that your yearly cycles would be somewhere between 3.05 – 3.5 cycles. Now, if you run shorter or more intense cycles, these numbers will surely change.
Health
Let’s face it, while SARMs were developed to have fewer side effects than anabolic steroids, there are still a few. We all know about things like testosterone suppression and drug-induced liver injury, but there are others you will need to pay attention too as well:
- Cholesterol levels: Chronically elevated cholesterol levels affect more than 86 million American adults, and things like SARMS can certainly raise bad cholesterol as well. While some cholesterol is good for natural testosterone, too much isn’t great. High-density lipoprotein is the good kind, which will be lowered by SARMs. So, be careful
- Blood pressure: Blood pressure is something that affects millions of Americans as well, and certain SARMs will increase your blood pressure as well. That is not even a debate. Chronically elevated blood pressure levels will lead to poor pumps, and far worse, will lead to cardiovascular damage as well
- Hormone levels: We know that while SARMs do not bind to all the androgen receptors, it will still mess with your natural testosterone levels. There is no debating this. If you are looking to have kids or protect your natural testosterone, you will need to use the appropriate cycling formats with the accompanying PCTs as well
- Kidney and Liver Health: These two are also major concerns when it comes to overall health. In fact, if your kidneys give out then you cannot even consume enough protein to build lean muscle mass. Thus, you better take care of these. If you cycle too often, too
- Mental Health: While this is probably not spoken about as much as gaining muscle, especially when looking at things like SARMs, it is incredibly important.
Another thing to consider is that unhealthy individuals do not make progress. We often see professional bodybuilders taking time off from competing – this is most likely due to health. A body that is not healthy WILL NOT GROW.
Goals
This one probably won’t spring to mind as much when considering this, but it does play some role. When considering different goals, you will need to take certain SARMs to support those goals. Thus, taking the right SARMs for the right amount of time is essential. Taking the wrong SARMs for the wrong time period can end up getting to you in the end.
The only SARM that is pretty much ‘safe’ to use at any point for any goal would be MK-677, which isn’t even a SARM at all. This compound will increase HGH (Human Growth Hormone) levels, which can help with muscle growth, fat loss, and recovery. It will not require a PCT.
Costs
All selective androgen receptor modulators will cost money. SARMs are not the most expensive compounds on the market, however, they can be quite pricey depending on where you buy them. That said, if you are not capable of buying the FULL cycle and the following PCT, you shouldn’t start – yet. Get all your money together and make it happen.
Recovery, Work, etc
Lastly, work, recovery, and your general stress will play a role. If you cannot make it to the gym at least 3 – 4 times per week, follow a good diet, and live healthy, you shouldn’t cycle – even once. Even the most popular SARMs will have adverse effects, and these effects will make your life just harder.
Often you might be tempted to run higher doses, due to your lack of work/time. This might be the worst idea you have, seeing as SARM cycles only work when you do – no matter what your goals, weight loss, muscle growth, and anything else. Fix your energy levels first.
So, How Many SARMs Cycles?
It’s impossible to guess. According to the World Anti-Doping Agency, you should be running none. And since there are no clinical studies looking at individuals running ‘cycles’ of SARMs, we have to rely on what we can learn from recreational users. With all research chemicals, we have to be careful.
So, it depends. You have to look at the multiple SARMs you might consider using, their side effects, their effects on other SARMs, etc. That said… Probably 3 – at most…
Side Effects of SARMs Cycle
Oh boy. There are a lot…
[*]Suppression of Natural Testosterone Production: SARMs can interfere with the body’s natural production of testosterone, leading to hormonal imbalances. This can result in decreased libido, erectile dysfunction, and other symptoms associated with low testosterone levels.
[*]Liver Toxicity: Some studies have suggested that certain SARMs may cause liver damage, as indicated by elevated liver enzymes. Prolonged or excessive use of SARMs may potentially lead to more severe liver issues.
[*]Cardiovascular Effects: There are concerns that SARMs could have adverse effects on cardiovascular health, including an increase in blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and potentially an increased risk of heart attack or stroke. However, more research is needed to fully understand these potential effects.
[*]Endocrine System Disruption: SARMs can disrupt the body’s endocrine system, leading to imbalances in hormone levels beyond just testosterone. This disruption can have various effects on different bodily functions and processes.
[*]Other Potential Side Effects: Users of SARMs have reported other side effects such as hair loss, acne, mood swings, and changes in lipid profiles. Additionally, because SARMs are often sold as supplements and are not regulated, there is a risk of contamination or impurities in the products, which can lead to additional adverse effects.
Best PCT For SARM Cycles
Right, before we come to close, we need to quickly discuss the PCT you should be using. Stronger SARMs will require a stronger PCT, and even SARMs stacks will also require stronger PCTs. To build a good PCT you need to consider a few different things other than just building muscle or lean mass:
- Estrogen management will be very important. You might want to employ something like Arimidex or Nolvadex to manage your estrogen. If you can, get the suicide inhibitor Aromasin – even the clinical trials show that this seems to be a bit better
- You might want to increase your natural testosterone levels, so, something like HCG or Enclomiphene might be a warm welcome
Again, your actual PCT would depend on your SARMs stack. A greater stack will have to have a stronger PCT… Basics.
Which SARMs do not require a PCT?
As we already discussed, something like MK-677 wouldn’t require a PCT. MK677 works by stimulating the ghrelin receptor, which is primarily known for its role in regulating appetite and energy balance. By activating this receptor, MK677 can increase the secretion of growth hormone (GH) and insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) levels in the body.
No PCT RequiredBest SARMS for Weight Loss: MK-677
MK-677, often mistakenly grouped with SARMs, defies categorization as it is neither a SARM nor a peptide. While traditional SARMs exert their effects by binding to Androgen Receptors in muscle and bone tissue to stimulate muscle protein synthesis, MK-677 takes a distinct approach.
Functioning as a Growth Hormone secretagogue, MK-677 doesn’t interact with Androgen Receptors but triggers an augmented release of Human Growth Hormone (HGH) directly from the Pituitary gland. This unique mechanism sets MK-677 apart from traditional SARMs.
The increased secretion of HGH induced by MK-677 brings about several benefits. Elevated HGH levels have been linked to enhanced fat loss, muscle gain, and an improvement in overall life quality. It’s essential to recognize MK-677 as a Growth Hormone secretagogue rather than a SARM, as this distinction is crucial in understanding its mode of action and the varied outcomes it can offer.
As a compound with the potential to influence growth hormone levels, MK-677 is carving its niche in the realm of performance enhancement and overall well-being, providing a unique avenue for those seeking diverse physiological benefits without directly engaging Androgen Receptors.
PCT Required: No
Go to the Full review [/i]
- Better recovery
- Improved fat loss
- Massive muscle gains
- Water retention
- Gyno
Another one that might not require a PCT would be Cardarine. Neither of these are going to be exceptionally strong for building muscle, however, both would be great for lowering body fat levels. See, building muscle would require an increase in androgen receptors being activated – meaning there will be an influence on Testosterone levels…
No PCT RequiredCardarine (GW-501516)
Cardarine, recognized as a Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR) agonist, exerts its influence on receptors distributed throughout the body, including those on muscles. Through its binding with PPAR, Cardarine initiates various effects, such as enhanced endurance, a reduction in glucose metabolism, and the promotion of fat loss.
One notable benefit of Cardarine is its ability to accelerate lipid metabolization, facilitating the conversion of stored body fat into energy. This makes it a favored supplement among bodybuilders during contest preparation, seamlessly integrating into cutting stacks to optimize results.
Beyond its performance-enhancing aspects, Cardarine has demonstrated a positive impact on lipid profiles. It effectively lowers harmful LDL cholesterol levels while simultaneously boosting healthy HDL cholesterol. This dual action positions Cardarine as a potential safeguard against heart attacks, cardiovascular diseases, strokes, and blocked arteries.
Remarkably, this compound stands out for not only enhancing physical performance but also contributing to cardiovascular health—a rare combination in the realm of performance-enhancing drugs. Cardarine’s unique attributes make it a popular choice, offering a multifaceted approach to both fitness enthusiasts and those seeking cardiovascular well-being.
PCT Required: No
Go to the Full review [/i]
- Better recovery
- Improved fat loss
- Stomach cramps
- Liver toxicity
Conclusion
The frequency of SARM cycles per year is a complex decision influenced by various factors such as individual health, goals, finances, and recovery capacity. While SARMs offer potential benefits with fewer side effects compared to anabolic steroids, they still carry risks that need to be carefully considered. Factors like cholesterol levels, blood pressure, hormone balance, liver and kidney health, mental well-being, and overall lifestyle play crucial roles in determining the feasibility and safety of running SARM cycles.
How often can you cycle SARMs?
Technically, as soon as you are recovered. So, it would be 4 – 5 weeks after you start your PCT – depending on your SARMs cycle.
Do you lose gains after stopping SARMs?
Unless you use a really strong and good PCT, yes. Just like anabolic androgenic steroids, you will lose some ‘drive’ and that will result in you not being able to continue building muscle. You might be able to retain them…
How long to wait after a SARM cycle?
You will need a good 5 – 6 weeks for a PCT, and then a further 4 – 5 weeks to recover – depending on your health.
Do SARMs shut down testosterone?
Yes, some might cause testosterone suppression.
Click here to view the article.
