- SARMs (selective androgen receptor modulators) were designed to build muscle and bone with fewer side effects than steroids. None is approved as a medicine anywhere.
- Human trials show modest muscle gains at doses far below what’s sold, and clear suppression of testosterone and HDL.
- Liver injury has been reported with several SARMs, especially at higher doses.
- In Canada SARMs aren’t approved by Health Canada, which has warned about unauthorized products, and they aren’t listed in the CDSA.
SARMs are marketed as the “safe steroid”: muscle without the side effects. The science behind them is real, but the marketing has run far ahead of it. This guide covers what SARMs are, what human research actually shows, the risks, and the Canadian legal picture.
What are SARMs?
SARMs are non-steroidal drugs that bind the androgen receptor. The goal was selectivity: a drug that builds muscle and bone but has less effect on the prostate, skin and hair. Pharmaceutical companies developed them from the late 1990s for muscle wasting, cancer cachexia, osteoporosis and breast cancer. Clinical trials stalled or failed, and none has been approved.
Not everything sold as a SARM is one. MK-677 is a growth hormone secretagogue and Cardarine is a PPAR-delta agonist. YK-11 has a steroid structure.
The main SARMs
| Compound | Developed for | Human evidence |
|---|---|---|
| Ostarine (MK-2866) | Muscle wasting, cancer cachexia | Most studied; several trials |
| LGD-4033 (ligandrol) | Muscle wasting, osteoporosis | Small early trials |
| RAD-140 (testolone) | Breast cancer | Small cancer trial |
| S4 (andarine) | Muscle wasting, prostate | Very limited; vision side effects |
| YK-11 | Research compound | Essentially none in humans |
What human trials show
- LGD-4033: in a 2013 trial, healthy men taking 1 mg a day for 21 days gained about 1.2 kg of lean mass, while testosterone, SHBG and HDL fell in a dose-dependent way.
- Ostarine: in older adults, 3 mg a day for about three months increased lean mass by roughly 1.3 kg.
- RAD-140: in a small trial in women with advanced breast cancer, liver enzyme increases were among the side effects.
Products sold to bodybuilders typically use several times these doses, where suppression and side effects are larger and there’s no human data.
Side effects
- Testosterone suppression: SARMs lower natural testosterone, sometimes substantially; recovery takes weeks to months.
- HDL cholesterol drops, often significantly.
- Liver injury: medical journals have published cases of drug-induced liver injury linked to LGD-4033, RAD-140 and other SARMs.
- Vision changes with S4 (yellow tint, poor night vision).
- Virilization in women is still possible.
- Mislabelled products: studies of SARMs bought online have found many contained a different compound, a different dose, or nothing.
Bloodwork
Check testosterone, LH, FSH, estradiol, a lipid panel and liver enzymes before, during and after use. Book through your family doctor or at LifeLabs or Dynacare. See our blood work guide.
Legal status in Canada
SARMs aren’t approved by Health Canada for any use, and Health Canada has warned consumers about unauthorized products containing them. They aren’t listed in the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act. All SARMs are prohibited in sport under the World Anti-Doping Code, which the CCES enforces in Canada.
SARMs vs steroids
SARMs are often chosen to avoid injections and “steroid” side effects. In practice they still suppress testosterone, lower HDL and stress the liver, with far less research behind them than testosterone. See our SARMs vs steroids comparison, and browse compounds on our SARMs page.
Frequently asked questions
Are SARMs legal in Canada?
They aren’t approved by Health Canada and aren’t listed in the CDSA. Health Canada has warned about unauthorized SARM products.
Do SARMs shut down testosterone?
Yes. Human trials show dose-dependent drops in testosterone, and higher bodybuilding doses suppress more.
Are SARMs safer than steroids?
Not clearly. They still affect hormones, cholesterol and the liver, with much less long-term human data.
Which SARM is best for beginners?
Ostarine is the most studied in humans, which is why it’s most often suggested. It still suppresses testosterone.
Do SARMs show up on drug tests?
Yes. They’re on the WADA prohibited list and are tested for in Canadian sport.
Products mentioned in this guide
This article is general information for adults in Canada, not medical advice. Talk to a doctor or pharmacist before using any prescription drug, anabolic steroid or research compound, and get bloodwork done. If you’re in crisis, call or text 9-8-8 (Suicide Crisis Helpline) any time.
