Selective androgen receptor modulators (SARMs) are a group of experimental drugs that have been studied for more than two decades, but haven’t completed clinical trials and haven’t been approved for use in humans. This is because the few investigations of SARMs have identified increased risk of serious health issues like heart attack, stroke and liver damage, and the long-term effects of the drugs are unknown.
Despite this, SARMs have become popular thanks to promises from social media content and supplement-shirking companies that they’ll build muscles and increase athletic performance. Not just in elite athletes or bodybuilders, but blokes keen to change the way they look or recover from injuries. But these products are not safe or effective.
Here’s what you need to know about SARMs in Australia and their side effects.
What are SARMs? What do SARMs do?
Selective androgen receptor modulators are compounds that affect the androgen receptors in your body, mimicking the effect of testosterone and anabolic steroids. Some claim that SARMs have the same impact as anabolic steroids — building muscle mass and strength — without the side effects. However, we know SARM use comes with side effects.
What’s the difference between steroids and SARMs?
Androgenic steroids (e.g. testosterone) and SARMs are similar in that they interact with androgen receptors on the body’s cells to change cell function. They are different in that SARMs interact differently with the receptors on the body’s cells, so the way they change cell function differs from androgens. Some SARMs are designed to act on androgen receptors in specific parts of the body where an effect might be useful (e.g. muscles in someone with wasting disease) and not other parts (e.g. the prostate gland, to avoid unwanted effects like cancer).
Side effects of SARMs
Both the Australian Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) and the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have issued warnings about the health effects of SARMs. These include adverse effects on the liver and heart.
Can SARMs cause liver damage?
Yes, one of the side effects of using SARMs can be liver injury and liver failure.
Are SARMs legal in Australia?
No. SARMs are illegal in Australia without a valid prescription, licence or authority to possess.
Some online stores claim these products are “for research use only” in an attempt to market them as legal to possess and distribute. But buying SARMs online, or products containing SARMs, could result in hefty fines and/or jail time.
SARMs are also banned in sport. So for athletes, using SARMs can also result in a lengthy ban for anti-doping rule violations.
Do SARMs show up on a drug test?
Yes, SARMs can show up on drug tests, particularly those designed for anti-doping purposes in sports. SARMs can be detected in urine, hair and blood.
Buying SARMs online
Despite how easy it is to buy SARMs online, they’re still illegal. They’re also not what they say on the packet. SARMs are often marketed as cutting-edge science but you’ll rarely get the product you think you’re ordering. A recent Australian study found that 70% of SARM products bought online had incorrect substances or dosages compared to what was on the label. The other ingredients can potentially be dangerous or interact adversely with other medications. A study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association looked at 44 different SARM products sold online and found only 52% of them actually contained SARMs and 25% included an unlisted ingredient.
It can be tempting to try a quick fix for muscle growth, injury recovery or better performance, but the possible impact on your health and life isn’t worth it.
