Unlike steroids, who are synthetic Testosterone, SARMs are androgen receptor ligands, which means that they only affect the androgen receptors in our body.
So, do SARMs increase Testosterone levels?
Yes, but indirectly, and that’s one of the reasons why steroids are more potent.
It is exactly the male hormone Testosterone which leads to the amazing benefits attributed to SARMs, such as increased muscle mass, loss of fat and weight, better cardiovascular health, increased strength and so on.
In this article, we’ll explore the following three topics:
- How do SARMs increase Testosterone levels
- Best SARMs for increasing Testosterone levels
- Testosterone suppression
How Do SARMs Increase Testosterone Levels
Before we can answer that question, we first have to know how androgen receptors work.
Once an androgen, be it natural or synthetic, binds to the androgen receptor, a change in the receptor happens which sets off specific instructions to proteins in the nucleus, basically forcing them to replicate through mRNA.
As we can see, androgen receptors control the amount of protein in our bodies, with proteins being the main building block of our muscles.
When SARMs are introduced into the fray, they activate the androgen receptor, sending multiple messages to proteins, ordering them to multiply.
This is the most popular mechanism by which SARMs increase Testosterone levels. Numerous studies have shown a link between an increased amount of protein in your body and Testosterone levels.
Best SARMs For Increasing Testosterone Levels
This is going to be a list of the four best SARMs that increase Testosterone levels.
LGD-4033 (Ligandrol)
Ligandrol is a SARM with the highest anabolic to androgenic ratio (500 to 1) and is one of the most suppressive SARMs in existence.
Working well at just a 2,5mgs per day dosage, Ligandrol consistently bestows bodybuilders with increased muscle mass, strength, and faster recovery.
Ligandrol has the ability to increase Testosterone levels by up to 30% in the first four weeks of usage. Things usually stay at the same level until the six-week mark, when Testosterone starts declining again, with possible Testosterone suppression under way.
Learn more about this SARM in my Ligandrol review.
RAD 140 (Testolone)
RAD 140 is known as a ‘dry’ compound, awarding the user with a smooth, lean look.
It has an anabolic to androgenic ratio of 90 to 1, which is considered very high.
RAD 140 is known for the insane strength it brings to the table, as well as the sizeable increase in muscle mass and vascularity.
It’s the perfect compound for a body recomp and many bodybuilders went on to completely transform themselves in just one eight-week cycle.
Users have reported up to a 35% increase in Testosterone levels while on RAD 140.
Read my RAD 140 review for more information.
YK11
The question ‘do SARMs increase Testosterone’ becomes futile in front of this beast.
YK11 is considered both a SARM and a steroid, so be prepared to have your Testosterone levels skyrocket once you get a load of this bad boy!
YK11 blatantly increases muscle mass, strength, vascularity and reduces recovery times.
It is the ideal compound for a bulk and bodybuilders who have taken this SARM report increased Testosterone levels of up to 40% on their blood tests.
Get more insight on this SARM in my YK11 review.
S23
The most potent SARM in existence, S23 delivers a punch like no other!
It is exactly this SARM which shuts up all critics who even dare ask the question ‘do SARMs increase Testosterone levels?’.
While this SARM causes temporary infertility in those imbuing it, S23 also increases muscle mass and strength like no other SARM on this list.
Users report up to a 50% increase in Testosterone levels at the four-week mark of an S23 cycle.
Interested in learning more about this SARM? Read my S23 review.
Testosterone Suppression
What goes up, must come down.
The same logic is applicable to SARMs who increase Testosterone levels temporarily. As you start nearing the eight-week mark, your body shuts down natural Testosterone production, thinking that the exogenous source you’re imbuing is boundless.
This is why sometimes, you can start feeling suppressed even before you cease taking the SARM, as your body produces way more Testosterone by itself when compared to any exogenous source.
There are two main ways people combat Testosterone suppression:
One is to do nothing at all and let your own body reach homeostasis again. This usually lasts anywhere between 30 to 60 days.
The second solution is to use SERMs in a PCT.
It’s much faster than the first option, allowing the user to recover quickly, sometimes in just two weeks. However, the average PCT cycle almost always lasts a month, after which SERM usage is discontinued.
Another benefit of using SERMs is the fact that you keep all the gains you’ve accrued during your cycle, which is not always the case if you decide to go natural.
One drawback of SERMs are the side effects you may experience.
Conclusion
Now that we’ve answered the question ‘do SARMs increase Testosterone levels’, it’s time for you to start considering your first SARMs cycle.
Note that SARMs differ in potency and that it’s in your best interest to start off with something weaker, such as Ostarine.
Also, it’s important to mention that buying high-quality, pure and lab tested SARMs is the biggest and most important step towards a successful SARM cycle.
I wish you the best of luck and if you have any questions, don’t hesitate to email me.
