Are you confused about the difference between SERMs and SARMs? These compounds definitely sound similar. However, they serve different functions and benefits.
This guide will help you identify their potential benefits and risks. After reading, you should be able to know which between SERMs vs SARMs best fit your wellness needs and goals.
Understanding Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulators (SERMs)
Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulators (SERMs) belong to a specific category of drug. They are believed to interact with estrogen or androgen receptors. SERMs can produce specific effects depending on the tissue type. These compounds also act as partial agonists in some tissues while functioning as agonists in others.
SERMs such as tamoxifen, raloxifene in estrogen, lasofoxifene, and arzoxifene possess potential benefits. These could be in the treatment of breast cancer, osteoporosis, and hormonal disorders.
SERMs Usage
SERMs may be used to manage hormone estrogen levels. They can also help with breast cancer prevention. SERMs are even widely used in post-cycle therapy (PCT) by bodybuilders.
How to Use SERMs
- ➢ SERMs may have some clinical applications related to breast cancer and osteoporosis. The latter may apply to postmenopausal women.
- ➢ SERMs may be utilized as post-cycle therapy supplements. They can aid in restoring normal testosterone levels.
- ➢ SERMs can be combined with SARMs to achieve hormonal balance.
Common SERMs
- ➢ Tamoxifen: Used for breast cancer prevention and gynecomastia treatment
- ➢ Raloxifene in estrogen: Helps with bone mineral density and serum cholesterol values
- ➢ Lasofoxifene: Effective for postmenopausal osteoporosis and estrogen regulation
Understanding Selective Androgen Receptor Modulators (SARMs)
Selective Androgen Receptor Modulators are often referred to as nonsteroidal SARMs. This is because they can minimize the androgenic effects associated with anabolic steroids. They are popular for providing anabolic effects on skeletal muscle tissue.
SARMs Usage
SARMs are commonly used in fitness and medical research. Some clinical trials have been devoted to studying their potential therapeutic applications. This may include testosterone replacement therapy and management of prostate cancer. Some are looking into SARMs’ specific effects in counteracting muscle wasting. The latter may be due to aging or disease. Another group of SARMs has been studied for their effects on metabolism issues and postmenopausal osteoporosis.
Despite it’s potential benefits, it is prohibited by the World Anti-Doping Agency. This limits the usage of SARMs for purely research purposes only.
How to Use SARMs
- ➢ They may be taken orally as supplements. Some come in the form of injectables and nasal sprays.
- ➢ They may be stacked with SERMs for PCT purposes.
- ➢ SARM dosage and duration depend on specific goals.
Common SARMs
- ➢ Ostarine: This SARM is known for supporting muscle mass growth and recovery.
- ➢ Ligandrol: The SARM can enhance strength and skeletal muscle density. Ligandrol was first developed by Ligand Pharmaceuticals.
- ➢ Andarine: It can be administered to promote lean muscle gains.
Key Differences Between SERMs and SARMs
SERMs and Their Benefits
Regulation of Estrogen Levels
SERMs help balance the hormone estrogen. This effect is particularly helpful to postmenopausal women. Such benefit is essential in managing conditions related to osteoporosis and breast cancer.
Minimized Estrogen-Related Side Effects
It is believed that tamoxifen and raloxifene use may help reduce hot flashes. They can even minimize fluid retention and mood swings. These effects occur because SERMs can selectively block estrogen and androgen receptors.
Support for Post-Cycle Recovery (PCT)
Among bodybuilders, SERMs are types of compounds that can help with PCT. They play a vital role in restoring testosterone levels. SERMs are typically administered after using SARMs, androgenic steroids, or anabolic steroids. SERMs’ effect on one’s PCT could help prevent long-term suppression of testosterone production.
Prevention and Treatment of Gynecomastia
SERMs may also help prevent gynecomastia. This refers to an increase in the amount of breast tissue among men. The condition arises due to the elevated conversion of testosterone to estrogen.
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SARMs and Their Benefits
Targeted Muscle Growth
They promote muscle mass and skeletal muscle growth. They produce such benefits with fewer androgenic effects. This feature makes them a promising option for therapeutic use.
Decreased Estrogen-Related Risks
They are renowned for not significantly converting into estrogen. Thus, they lower the risk of prostatic hyperplasia, gynecomastia, and water retention. All of these adverse reactions are typical among anabolic steroids.
Boosted Athletic Performance
Some athletes utilize SARMs such as ostarine and ligandrol. These may enhance strength and endurance. These effects explain how SARMs can result in boosted athletic performance.
Faster Recovery
One identified effect of SARMs is preventing muscle wasting. In fact, these research compounds accelerate muscle repair. This in turn leads to reduced downtime between training sessions.
Lower Risk of Androgenic Side Effects
Compared to androgenic steroids, they reduce the likelihood of prostate enlargement. Some potential advantages of SARMs also include minimizing dihydrotestosterone-related hair loss and acne. As such, they lower the risk of known androgenic side effects.
Potential Side Effects of SERMs
Although beneficial, SERMs may cause the following:
- ➢ Hot flashes
- ➢ Mood swings
- ➢ Increased risk of blood clots
- ➢ Nausea
- ➢ Digestive issues
Potential Side Effects of SARMs
Despite their potential advantages, SARMs may lead to the following:
- ➢ Suppression of testosterone levels
- ➢ Liver toxicity
- ➢ Hormonal imbalances
SARMs or SERMs: Which One Should You Choose?
Choosing between SARMs and SERMs depends entirely on your goals. If you seek muscle gains and performance enhancements, SARMs could be beneficial. Suppose you need to conduct post-cycle therapy, then SERMs can be helpful. They may help prevent breast cancer or gynecomastia.
Conclusion
Both SERMs and SARMs offer distinct therapeutic effects. Understanding their potential benefits and risks can help users make informed decisions. Taking into consideration their potential clinical applications can also help in determining which best suits one’s specific needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are SARMs and SERMs the same?
No. SERMs regulate estrogen. On the other hand, SARMs target skeletal muscle growth. The latter occurs when SARMs bind to other androgen receptors.
Do SERMs increase testosterone?
Yes, SERMs can help restore natural testosterone levels. This is particularly useful after using steroids.
Are SERMs safe for men?
Yes, SERMs are commonly used by male users. For example, tamoxifen can prevent the development of “man boobs.” It can also help during post-cycle therapy.
Are SERMs a steroid?
No. SERMs are classified as partial agonists. This means they can regulate estrogen activity without acting similarly to anabolic steroids.
What are the best SERMs for men?
Popular SERMs for men include tamoxifen, clomiphene citrate, and raloxifene.
Are SERMs FDA-approved?
Yes, some SERMs are FDA-approved. They may help treat breast cancer and osteoporosis.
What are the key differences between tamoxifen and raloxifene?
Tamoxifen is primarily used for breast cancer. On the other hand, raloxifene is more focused on osteoporosis. It may even increase bone mineral density.
Sources:
- ➢ Kuiper GG, Carlsson B, Grandien K, et al. Comparison of the ligand binding specificity and transcript tissue distribution of estrogen receptors ERα and β. Endocrinology
- ➢ Kevin J. Kinter; Razie Amraei; Aabha A. Anekar. Biochemistry, Dihydrotestosterone
- ➢ Wenqing Gao, Jeffrey D Kearbey, Vipin A Nair, Kiwon Chung, A F Parlow, Duane D Miller, James T Dalton. Comparison of the Pharmacological Effects of a Novel Selective Androgen Receptor Modulator, the 5α-Reductase Inhibitor Finasteride, and the Antiandrogen Hydroxyflutamide in Intact Rats: New Approach for Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia
