SARMs vs Steroids: Differences, Risks & Which Is Worse?
schedule9 min readcalendar_todayUpdated Nov 29, 2025
SARMs are often marketed as safer than steroids—but is this true? Both carry significant risks. This comparison examines the evidence.
articleMechanism Comparison
| Factor | SARMs | Steroids |
|---|---|---|
| Receptor Binding | Androgen receptors (selective) | Androgen receptors (systemic) |
| Tissue Selectivity | Designed for muscle/bone | Affects all tissues |
| Conversion | No aromatization to estrogen | Can convert to estrogen/DHT |
| Administration | Oral (most) | Injectable or oral |
Reality check: SARMs' claimed selectivity is incomplete in humans. They still affect liver, cardiovascular system, and HPG axis.
articleResults Comparison
| Metric | SARMs (12 weeks) | Steroids (12 weeks) |
|---|---|---|
| Muscle Gain | 5-15 lbs | 15-30 lbs |
| Strength | +20-40% | +30-50% |
| Water Retention | Minimal | Significant (some) |
Steroids produce 2-3x greater gains but with proportionally higher risks.
articleSafety Comparison
| Risk | SARMs | Steroids |
|---|---|---|
| Liver Toxicity | Documented (DILI) | Documented (oral steroids) |
| Cardiovascular | HDL -10-35% | HDL -40-70% |
| Suppression | Moderate-Severe | Severe-Complete |
| Gynecomastia | 15% (RAD-140) | 30-50% |
| Hair Loss | Low risk | High risk (DHT) |
| Acne | Mild | Moderate-Severe |
Neither is safe. Steroids cause more severe side effects, but SARMs have documented liver injury and unknown long-term risks.
articleLegal Status
- Steroids: Schedule III controlled substances. Felony possession/distribution.
- SARMs: Unapproved drugs. Federal felony for manufacture/distribution. Not Schedule III but prosecuted under FDA authority.
Bottom line: Both carry federal criminal risk. Neither is legally available for recreational use.
help_outlineFrequently Asked Questions
Not necessarily. SARMs cause less severe suppression and fewer androgenic side effects (acne, hair loss), but they have documented liver toxicity that steroids don't always cause. Long-term SARM safety data is absent. Neither is safe.
No. SARMs produce roughly 1/2 to 1/3 the muscle gains of steroids. A typical SARM cycle yields 5-15 lbs; steroids yield 15-30 lbs. The reduced gains come with reduced (but not eliminated) risks.
menu_bookReferences & Sources
- [1]Anabolic Steroid vs SARM Comparison(PMC/NIH, 2018)
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