Last Update: 11.08.2026
If you’re looking to build lean muscle, strip away body fat, or break through stubborn training plateaus, you’ve likely come across SARMs and similar performance compounds. With so many options, dosages, and conflicting advice online, it can be hard to know where to start. This guide breaks down every popular compound, how they work, how to use them safely, what results to expect, and how to support your body before, during, and after a cycle. Whether you’re new to this or have experience, you’ll find clear, practical information you can trust.
If you want a shorter, gentler introduction first, start with our Complete Beginner’s Guide to SARMs before diving into the detailed profiles below.
What Are SARMs?
Selective Androgen Receptor Modulators, or SARMs, are compounds developed to bind to androgen receptors throughout the body. Their design targets muscle growth, improved bone density, and faster recovery — while aiming to avoid many of the harsh side effects linked to anabolic steroids, such as prostate enlargement, skin issues, or liver toxicity.
It’s important to clarify upfront: MK‑677, SR‑9009, and Cardarine are not true SARMs. They work through different biological pathways, but in the fitness community, they are almost always grouped alongside SARMs because people use them for similar performance and physique goals.
There are several distinct types of SARMs suited to different goals — from muscle building to cutting, endurance, and recovery. To help you choose, we’ve broken them all down: SARMs Types Explained — Different Categories and Their Typical Uses.
Curious about the science behind how they work? SARMs bind selectively to receptors in muscle and bone tissue rather than acting broadly throughout the body. For a full breakdown of their mechanism: How Do SARMs Work? Understanding Their Effects on Muscle Growth and Performance.
Individual Compound Profiles
Each entry below explains exactly how the compound works, how much to take, when to take it, how long a cycle should last, what results you can expect, potential downsides, its effect on your natural hormone production, and how to adjust your training and diet for the best outcome.
MK‑677 (Ibutamoren)
Class: Growth Hormone Secretagogue — not a SARM
How it works: Activates ghrelin receptors, which triggers a steady rise in natural growth hormone and IGF‑1 levels. For a full deep‑dive into benefits, cycling, and safety, see our complete guide: MK‑677 Ibutamoren: The Complete Guide to Growth Hormone Enhancement.
Dosage: 10–25 mg per day. Beginners start at 10 mg; those looking for maximum results use 20–25 mg.
Timing: Take 30 to 60 minutes before bed. This lines up with your body’s natural nighttime growth hormone release and keeps daytime hunger more manageable.
Cycle length: Can be run continuously for 3 to 6 months or longer. No mandatory breaks are required.
Best for: Lean muscle gains, fat loss, faster recovery, better sleep quality, reduced joint discomfort, and boosting appetite if you struggle to eat enough.
Side effects: Increased hunger, mild water retention, temporary tiredness in the first week, more vivid dreams, slight reduction in insulin sensitivity, and occasional tingling in hands or feet.
Hormonal impact: Does not suppress or shut down natural testosterone production.
Training: Progressive overload is key here. With better recovery, you may find you can train more often without feeling overworked.
Diet: Add 250 to 500 calories above your usual intake. Aim for 1.6 to 2.2 g of protein per kilogram of body weight daily, include plenty of fibre, and keep an eye on blood sugar levels.
RAD‑140 (Testolone)
Class: SARM
How it works: A highly potent androgen receptor agonist. It acts similarly to testosterone but is far more targeted, affecting muscle and bone tissue more strongly than other areas of the body. For a complete deep‑dive into benefits, dosing, and expected results, see our full guide: RAD140 Testolone: The Ultimate Strength Building SARM.
Dosage: 5–15 mg per day. Beginners use 5–10 mg; 15 mg is the upper recommended limit.
Timing: Once daily in the morning. It has a half‑life of roughly 16 to 20 hours, so one dose keeps levels steady all day.
Cycle length: 6 to 8 weeks. Never go beyond 10 weeks.
Best for: Fast lean muscle growth, noticeable strength gains, that “full” feeling in muscles, and clean bulking or lean building phases.
Side effects: Lowered cholesterol levels, possible mild changes in liver enzymes, increased risk of hair loss if you are already prone to it, shifts in mood, and slight water retention.
Hormonal impact: Strong suppression — natural testosterone can drop by 70 to 90 percent, so post‑cycle therapy is absolutely necessary.
Training: Stick to heavy compound lifts. Focus on intensity rather than extra volume or longer sessions.
Diet: Eat at a surplus of 300 to 500 calories. Keep protein high and limit saturated fats to protect your cholesterol balance.
Andarine (S‑4)
Class: SARM
How it works: Balances strong anabolic effects with much lower androgenic activity. It binds well to receptors in muscle and bone tissue.
Dosage: 25–50 mg per day. Start at 25 mg to see how your body responds.
Timing: Split into two or three smaller doses throughout the day — its half‑life is only around 4 hours, so splitting keeps levels consistent.
Cycle length: 6 to 8 weeks.
Best for: Cutting phases, bringing out muscle hardness and definition, improving vascularity, and keeping muscle mass while in a calorie deficit.
Side effects: Temporary yellowish tint to night vision, which goes away completely once you stop taking it, mild hormone suppression, and occasional headaches.
Hormonal impact: Moderate to strong suppression — around 50 to 70 percent reduction. PCT is recommended.
Training: Keep effort high even while eating fewer calories. Focus on feeling the muscle contract and getting good blood flow during sets.
Diet: Eat at a moderate calorie deficit. Keep protein intake high to stop muscle loss. Dehydration can make the vision side effect worse, so drink plenty of water.
RAD‑150 (Enhanced)
Class: Next‑generation SARM
How it works: Developed from RAD‑140, but designed to bind even more selectively to receptors, with the goal of reducing side effects.
Dosage: 5–10 mg per day.
Timing: Once daily.
Cycle length: 6 to 8 weeks.
Best for: Lean, dry gains, steady strength improvements, and minimal water retention.
Side effects: Less suppression than RAD‑140, but changes in cholesterol levels and mild shifts in liver enzymes are still possible.
Hormonal impact: Moderate to strong suppression. PCT is recommended.
Training: Stick to heavy compound lifts. Focus on intensity rather than extra volume or longer sessions.
Diet: Eat at a slight surplus or maintenance level. Stick to clean, nutrient‑dense foods to get the driest results.
S‑23 (SARM)
Class: SARM
How it works: One of the most potent SARMs available. It acts as a strong tissue‑selective agonist, helping build muscle and preventing breakdown of existing tissue.
Dosage: 10–30 mg per day. Always start at 10 mg to test tolerance.
Timing: Once daily or split into two smaller doses.
Cycle length: 6 to 8 weeks.
Best for: Cutting, body recomposition, holding onto muscle during a strict calorie deficit, and increasing muscle hardness.
Side effects: Night sweats, trouble sleeping, changes in sex drive, lower cholesterol, and possible liver strain.
Hormonal impact: Very strong suppression — it can almost fully shut down natural testosterone production. PCT is essential.
Training: Combine strength work with some higher‑intensity sessions. The goal is to keep muscle while fat comes off.
Diet: Eat at a deficit of 300 to 500 calories. Protein intake needs to be very high. Also, keep an eye on sleep quality, as this compound can sometimes disrupt rest.
Ostarine (MK‑2866)
Class: SARM — the most researched and beginner‑friendly option
How it works: Activates androgen receptors in muscle and bone in a moderate, balanced way, so it is gentle but still effective.
Dosage: 10–25 mg per day. Stick to 10–15 mg for cutting or recomposition; 20–25 mg works better for bulking.
Timing: Once daily.
Cycle length: 8 to 12 weeks.
Best for: Those new to using compounds, cutting, reshaping your physique, easing joint discomfort, and supporting recovery from injury.
Side effects: Mild hormone suppression, occasional nausea, and temporary thinning of hair in people who are susceptible.
Hormonal impact: Mild to moderate suppression — roughly 30 to 50 percent. PCT is optional at lower doses, but recommended if you take higher amounts.
Training: Works well with full‑body routines or standard split schedules. Just stay consistent with your sets and progression.
Diet: Eat at maintenance, a small surplus, or a small deficit depending on your goal. It is the easiest compound to combine with flexible eating habits.
SR‑9009 (Stenabolic)
Class: Rev‑Erb agonist — not a SARM
How it works: Modifies how your body uses energy, effectively mimicking some of the benefits of exercise. It speeds up metabolism, increases fat burning, and boosts endurance. For a deeper look at how it supports stamina and workout performance, see our full guide: How to Get Better Muscular Endurance and How Would SARMs Help?.
Dosage: 10–30 mg per day. Start at 10 mg.
Timing: Take 30 minutes before training, or split into two doses earlier in the day. Avoid taking it late in the evening.
Cycle length: 8 to 12 weeks.
Best for: Improving stamina, burning fat, raising resting metabolic rate, and getting more out of every workout.
Side effects: Insomnia if taken too late, feelings of anxiety, and a slightly elevated heart rate.
Hormonal impact: No suppression of natural testosterone.
Training: Great for cardio, HIIT, or higher‑volume lifting. You will notice you can push harder and longer.
Diet: Eat at maintenance or a deficit. Support thyroid health with good nutrition and stay well hydrated.
YK‑11 (Myostatin)
Class: SARM / Myostatin inhibitor
How it works: Increases levels of follistatin, which blocks myostatin — a protein that limits how much muscle your body can build. It also activates androgen receptors directly.
Dosage: 5–10 mg per day. Start at 5 mg.
Timing: Once daily or split into two doses.
Cycle length: 6 to 8 weeks.
Best for: Breaking long‑standing plateaus, fast muscle growth, and building thick, dense muscle mass.
Side effects: Strong hormone suppression, lower cholesterol, liver stress, and tighter joints.
Hormonal impact: Strong suppression — PCT is mandatory.
Training: Focus on progressive overload and compound lifts. Muscles respond well to heavy loading.
Diet: Eat at a calorie surplus. Add extra protein and omega‑3 fatty acids to protect joints and keep cholesterol balanced.
LGD‑4033 (Ligandrol)
Class: SARM
How it works: Delivers strong anabolic effects in muscle and bone tissue, and is very well absorbed by the body. For a full detailed look at optimal dosing, cycle length, and stacking strategies, see our complete guide: LGD‑4033 – Dosage and Cycle Strategies for Optimal Results.
Dosage: 5–10 mg per day. Beginners start at 5 mg.
Timing: Once daily. It has a long half‑life of 24 to 36 hours, so levels stay stable.
Cycle length: 8 to 10 weeks.
Best for: Bulking phases, building solid lean mass, and supporting bone strength.
Side effects: Noticeable drop in cholesterol, some water retention, higher liver enzyme readings, and tiredness in the first couple of weeks.
Hormonal impact: Strong suppression — around 50 to 70 percent. PCT is essential.
Training: Focus on heavy strength work. Ideal for off‑season building phases.
Diet: Eat at a surplus of 400 to 600 calories. Limit alcohol and fried foods, and use omega‑3 supplements to help your lipids.
Cardarine (GW‑501516)
Class: PPAR‑δ agonist — not a SARM
How it works: Shifts how your body uses fuel, making it burn fat more efficiently instead of storing it. It also boosts endurance and aerobic capacity. For more on endurance-focused compounds and how to use them, see our full guide: How to Get Better Muscular Endurance and How Would SARMs Help?.
Dosage: 5–10 mg per day.
Timing: 1 to 2 hours before training.
Cycle length: Maximum 6 to 8 weeks.
Best for: Extreme endurance, faster fat loss, and better stamina during workouts.
Side effects: Temporary nausea or tiredness.
Hormonal impact: Does not suppress natural testosterone.
Training: Helps with long cardio sessions, endurance events, and high‑volume lifting.
Diet: Eat at maintenance or a deficit. Include plenty of fibre and avoid heavily processed fats.
Accadrine (AC‑262)
Class: AMPK activator
How it works: Helps regulate energy production inside cells, improving how efficiently your body uses glucose and fat for fuel. It boosts endurance, reduces fatigue, and encourages fat burning while helping preserve muscle tissue.
Dosage: 10–20 mg per day. Start at 10 mg to assess tolerance.
Timing: Split into two doses, taken 30 minutes before meals or before training.
Cycle length: 8 to 12 weeks.
Best for: Better endurance, reduced muscle breakdown during calorie deficits, steady energy levels, and supporting metabolic health.
Side effects: Very mild overall. Some users feel slight stomach discomfort if taken on an empty stomach, or temporary flushing.
Hormonal impact: No effect on testosterone production or hormone balance.
Training: Works well with cardio, HIIT, or long training sessions. It helps you maintain intensity when calories are lower.
Diet: Works best with balanced nutrition. Keep sugar intake moderate and stay hydrated to maximise benefits.
Post‑Cycle Therapy (PCT) & Related Compounds
PCT is the process you follow after finishing a cycle to help your body restart natural testosterone production, restore hormone balance, and keep the gains you worked for. Skipping it can lead to low energy, loss of muscle, reduced libido, and a much longer recovery time. For a full explanation of why PCT matters and how it works, see our detailed guide: What Is Post-Cycle Therapy for SARMs Users?.
When Do You Need PCT?
- Required: RAD‑140, S‑23, YK‑11, LGD‑4033, high‑dose Andarine, and any stack combining multiple SARMs
- Recommended: High‑dose Ostarine, RAD‑150
- Not needed: SR‑9009, Cardarine, Accadrine
Timing: Start PCT 3 to 7 days after your final dose — the exact wait depends on how long the compounds stay active in your system.
Enclomiphene Citrate
Class: Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulator (SERM) — the purified active trans‑isomer of clomiphene citrate
How it works: It blocks estrogen receptors specifically in the hypothalamus and pituitary gland. This stops circulating estrogen from sending “we have enough” signals to the brain, which then triggers a sharp rise in LH and FSH — the two hormones that tell your testes to ramp up natural testosterone production and support healthy sperm function. Unlike older mixed‑isomer products, it contains almost none of the zuclomiphene fraction that causes most mood swings and visual side effects.
Dosage: 12.5–25 mg per day. Beginners or those recovering from mild suppression start at 12.5 mg; users coming off strong SARMs or stacks use 25 mg for the first half of PCT, then drop to 12.5 mg.
Timing: Once daily in the morning, with or without food. It has a half‑life of roughly 10 hours, so consistent daily dosing keeps levels steady.
Cycle length: 4–6 weeks for standard PCT. Always confirm recovery with follow‑up bloodwork before stopping.
Best for: Post‑cycle therapy after suppressive SARM cycles, restarting natural testosterone production, restoring hormone balance without shutting down fertility, and as a cleaner alternative to standard clomiphene. It is also used off‑label to support secondary hypogonadism.
Side effects: Generally very well tolerated. Possible mild, dose‑dependent effects include occasional headaches, hot flushes, light nausea, dizziness, or temporary fatigue. Mood changes and visual disturbances are rare — far less common than with clomiphene. Discontinue immediately if you notice any blurry vision or light sensitivity.
Hormonal impact: Does not suppress natural hormone production. Instead, it actively restarts and boosts your own testosterone output while preserving sperm count and testicular function.
Training: Keep training consistent but avoid pushing to absolute failure during PCT. Your energy and strength may dip temporarily as your body readjusts — focus on maintaining form and volume rather than setting new PRs.
Diet: Eat at maintenance or a very small surplus. Keep protein at 1.8–2.2 g per kg of body weight to hold onto muscle. Prioritise zinc, magnesium, and vitamin D to support natural hormone production, and stay well hydrated.
General Usage Guidelines
Before You Start
- Bloodwork first: Get a baseline test including total and free testosterone, lipid profile, liver and kidney function, fasting glucose, and full blood count. Repeat these tests 2 to 4 weeks after finishing your cycle.
- Know the side effects: Different SARMs carry different risks — from mild appetite changes to cholesterol shifts and hormone suppression. Always understand what you may experience before starting. See our full overview: SARMs Side Effects – What Should You Know Before Starting?
- Product quality matters: Many online sources sell products that are mislabelled, under‑dosed, or contaminated. There is no independent regulatory oversight for these compounds. Always verify third‑party testing — a genuine Certificate of Analysis is the only reliable way to confirm purity before you take anything. Learn more: Certificate of Analysis (COA) – Why Does Lab Testing Matter for SARMs Quality? Also see our full guide to manufacturing standards and red flags: Understanding Quality Control in SARM Supplements.
- Support supplements: Throughout your cycle, use NAC or milk thistle to protect the liver, omega‑3 fatty acids and plant sterols to help cholesterol, and extra electrolytes to stay balanced.
Training Principles
- Consistency beats intensity: Compounds will only amplify results if your training and diet are already solid. They cannot fix bad habits.
- Progressive overload: Add weight, reps, or reduce rest time every 1 to 2 weeks — this is how you build muscle and strength.
- Volume control: Aim for 10 to 20 working sets per muscle group each week. Cut back if you feel overly tired or sore.
- Add light cardio: Two to three low‑moderate sessions weekly help protect heart health and keep metabolism working well.
Diet Fundamentals
- Protein: Aim for 1.6 to 2.4 g per kilogram of body weight daily. This is the foundation of muscle retention and growth.
- Calories: Eat at a surplus for building, a slight deficit for cutting, or maintenance for reshaping your physique.
- Fats: Keep intake at 0.8 to 1 g per kilogram of body weight, mostly from unsaturated sources to protect cholesterol.
- Hydration: Drink 3 to 4 litres of water every day. This reduces cramping, helps with side effects like vision changes, and keeps your metabolism running smoothly.
Complete SARMs Guide: Bundles, Usage & Stacks
Stacking compounds can give you better results than using just one, but it also increases demands on your body and raises the risk of side effects. Below, we break down exactly how each bundle works, when to take each component, how long to run it, what PCT you need, and how to adjust your training and eating habits. Always start with baseline bloodwork before beginning any stack.
1. Muscle Building Bundle
Compounds: LGD‑4033 (Ligandrol) + RAD‑140 (Testolone) + MK‑2866 (Ostarine) + MK‑677 (Ibutamoren)
Goal: Steady, balanced lean muscle growth, solid strength gains, joint protection, and minimal water retention. Perfect for intermediates looking to build quality mass without looking overly bloated.
Full Cycle Breakdown
- Total length: 8 weeks — never go beyond 10 weeks.
- Daily dosages:
- LGD‑4033: 10–20 mg
- RAD‑140: 20 mg
- MK‑2866: 20 mg
- MK‑677: 20 mg
- Timing:
- Morning: Take LGD‑4033, RAD‑140, and MK‑2866 all together. Their long half‑lives mean one dose is enough.
- 30 to 60 minutes before bed: Take MK‑677.
- How to run: Start all four on Day 1 and stick to the same times every day. No need to slowly introduce them.
- Suppression & PCT: Combined effect causes strong suppression — PCT is mandatory. Start 3 to 5 days after your final dose.
Training Guide
- Focus on heavy compound lifts: squats, deadlifts, bench press, rows, and overhead press.
- Increase weight or reps by a small amount every 1 to 2 weeks.
- Train 4 to 5 days a week using an upper/lower or push/pull/legs split.
- Keep cardio light — only 2 low‑intensity sessions per week.
Diet Guide
- Eat at a surplus of 300 to 400 calories above your maintenance level.
- Protein: 2.0 to 2.4 g per kilogram of body weight daily.
- Stick to whole foods and limit saturated fats to protect cholesterol.
- Drink 3 to 4 litres of water each day.
2. Bulking Bundle
Compounds: YK‑11 + LGD‑4033 (Ligandrol) + RAD‑140 (Testolone) + MK‑677 (Ibutamoren)
Goal: Maximum lean mass and strength gains. For advanced users only, and great for breaking plateaus. To explore all top compounds for this goal in detail — including how they compare, typical dosages, and expected results — see our full guide: Best SARMs for Bulking — Compounds Commonly Used for Mass and Strength Gains.
Full Cycle Breakdown
- Total length: 6 to 8 weeks — YK‑11 is potent, so do not go longer.
- Daily dosages:
- YK‑11: 10–20 mg — split into two 5–10 mg doses
- LGD‑4033: 10–20 mg
- RAD‑140: 20 mg
- MK‑677: 20 mg
- Timing:
- Morning: First dose of YK‑11 + LGD‑4033 + RAD‑140
- Evening: Second dose of YK‑11
- 30 to 60 minutes before bed: MK‑677
- How to run: Start all compounds together. Splitting YK‑11 keeps blood levels steady.
- Suppression & PCT: Near‑complete suppression — PCT is essential. Start 5 to 7 days after your last dose.
Training Guide
- Focus on low‑rep, high‑weight sets: 3 to 5 sets of 3 to 6 reps per main lift.
- Add 1 or 2 accessory exercises per muscle group for extra volume.
- Take 2 to 3 full rest days each week — YK‑11 puts more strain on joints and tendons.
- Include mobility work to prevent stiffness.
Diet Guide
- Eat at a surplus of 400 to 600 calories above maintenance.
- Protein: 2.2 to 2.6 g per kilogram of body weight daily.
- Add omega‑3s from fish oil or flaxseed to protect joints and cholesterol.
- Eat more frequent meals to match the increased appetite from MK‑677.
3. Cutting Bundle
Compounds: RAD‑140 (Testolone) + GW‑501516 (Cardarine) + MK‑2866 (Ostarine)
Goal: Fast fat loss while holding onto every bit of muscle you already have, plus better endurance and definition. For a complete deep‑dive into this exact combination including timing, nutrition, and expected results, see our full guide: The Ultimate Cutting Stack: SARMs for Fat Loss.
Full Cycle Breakdown
- Total length: 6 to 8 weeks — follow Cardarine’s safety limits strictly.
- Daily dosages:
- RAD‑140: 10 mg
- GW‑501516 (Cardarine): 10 mg
- MK‑2866: 10 mg
- Timing:
- Morning: RAD‑140 + MK‑2866
- 1 to 2 hours before your main workout: Cardarine
- On rest days: Take Cardarine first thing in the morning
- How to run: Start all three together and keep timing consistent.
- Suppression & PCT: RAD‑140 causes strong suppression — PCT is mandatory. Start 3 to 5 days after your last dose.
Training Guide
- Keep lifting heavy — do not drop weight on compound lifts just because you are eating less.
- Add 2 to 3 moderate cardio or HIIT sessions weekly. Cardarine will help you keep going longer.
- Train 4 to 5 days a week, focusing on muscle contraction and definition.
Diet Guide
- Eat at a deficit of 300 to 500 calories below your maintenance level.
- Protein: 2.0 to 2.4 g per kilogram of body weight daily — this is what stops muscle loss.
- Include plenty of fibre and complex carbs to keep energy steady.
- Drink 3.5 to 4 litres of water daily to reduce fatigue and support metabolism.
Universal Rules for All Bundles
- Bloodwork: Get your baseline done before starting, check again 2 weeks into the cycle, and do a final test 2 weeks after PCT finishes.
- Support always: Use liver support, cholesterol aids, and electrolytes for the full duration.
- Rest fully: After finishing any cycle or stack, take a complete break of at least 12 weeks before starting another. This gives your body time to fully reset.
Need Help Choosing or Planning?
Every body reacts differently, and picking the right compound, dose, or stack for your goal and experience level can feel overwhelming. If you have any questions at all — about specific products, cycle length, PCT, bloodwork, or anything else in this guide — our support team is here to help. Send us a message any time and we’ll get back to you within 24 hours with clear, no‑BS advice tailored to your goals.
