When it comes to enhancing performance, building muscle, or accelerating recovery, both SARMs and anabolic steroids come up in the conversation. While they may produce similar physical effects, the way they work, their side effects, and their legal status differ significantly.
In this blog, we break down the key differences between SARMs and steroids—what they are, how they work, and what you should know if you’re considering their use, especially in Australia.
What Are SARMs?
SARMs (Selective Androgen Receptor Modulators) are synthetic compounds designed to selectively bind to androgen receptors in muscle and bone tissue. Unlike anabolic steroids, which affect multiple body systems, SARMs aim to target only specific areas to reduce unwanted side effects.
Originally developed to treat conditions such as muscle wasting and osteoporosis, SARMs have become popular in the fitness and bodybuilding world for their ability to promote lean muscle growth without the extreme hormonal disruption of traditional steroids.
In Australia, SARMs are Schedule 4 substances, meaning they are prescription-only. Using, possessing, or importing SARMs without authorisation is illegal.
What Are Anabolic Steroids?
Anabolic steroids are synthetic derivatives of testosterone, the body’s primary male sex hormone. They have long been used in medicine to treat:
- Hormone deficiencies
- Delayed puberty
- Muscle-wasting diseases
In sports and bodybuilding, anabolic steroids are often used to accelerate muscle growth, boost strength, and improve physical performance. However, because steroids impact multiple organs and hormonal systems, they are well known for causing a wide range of side effects.
In Australia, anabolic steroids are Schedule 4 or Schedule 8 drugs, depending on the compound. They are banned in competitive sports and are heavily regulated.
Key Differences Between SARMs and Steroids
While both SARMs and steroids promote muscle and strength gains, several key distinctions set them apart:
1. Selectivity
The biggest difference lies in their selectivity.
- SARMs are designed to target only muscle and bone receptors, sparing other organs like the liver, prostate, and skin.
- Steroids, however, bind indiscriminately to androgen receptors throughout the body, which can lead to a broader range of effects and side effects.
This targeted action is why SARMs are often promoted as a “safer” alternative, though they are still under investigation.
For those exploring research-based products, sarms Australia is often referenced in discussions around selective androgen receptor modulators and their applications.
2. Side Effects
- SARMs may still cause testosterone suppression, mood swings, and acne, but they typically avoid side effects like liver toxicity or enlarged prostate.
- Steroids are known to cause a range of issues, including gynecomastia (male breast tissue), hair loss, liver strain, and cardiovascular risks.
3. Hormonal Suppression
- SARMs do suppress natural testosterone production but often to a milder degree than steroids.
- Steroids severely suppress or shut down natural hormone production, making post-cycle therapy (PCT) a necessity.
4. Legal and Sporting Consequences
- Both SARMs and steroids are banned by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA).
- In Australia, neither can be legally used without a valid prescription, and importing them without approval may result in legal penalties.
Even if SARMs are marketed as “research chemicals” online, this doesn’t make their unsanctioned use legal or safe.
5. Medical Use and Research
- SARMs are still in clinical trial phases, with researchers exploring their use in muscle-wasting diseases, osteoporosis, and age-related degeneration.
- Steroids, by contrast, are already approved for specific medical treatments and have a longer clinical history.
Which Is Safer: SARMs or Steroids?
While SARMs are marketed as being less harsh on the body, this does not make them completely safe. The lack of long-term human studies means there is still uncertainty surrounding their full side effect profile.
Steroids come with a well-documented list of side effects but have been studied for decades, giving doctors a clearer understanding of how to manage them.
Ultimately, both carry risks. Using either outside of a medical setting, particularly without proper guidance, is not recommended.
Parting Words
SARMs and steroids are often compared for their muscle-building potential, but they differ in how they work, their legal classification, and their side effect profiles. SARMs offer more targeted action, but they are still experimental and not without risk. Steroids are more powerful but come with significant hormonal disruption and long-term health concerns.
In Australia, both are tightly controlled. If you’re considering either, it’s essential to understand the legal implications, health risks, and need for medical oversight.