Bodybuilders and athletes use a variety of performance-enhancing drugs and supplements to increase muscle growth and athletic performance. Anabolic-androgenic steroids are among the most popular products used in the bodybuilding world. Steroids disrupt the regular creation of hormones by the body. One acute side effect of some steroids is decreased sperm production and hypogonadism, raising questions about SARMs and Testosterone levels. Hypogonadism is the decrease in the functioning of the testes, which ultimately causes low testosterone levels and testicular atrophy (shrinking of the male testicles).

Testosterone is one of the critical hormones found in males. The hormone plays a crucial role in desired adaptations of athletes to resistance training and exercises. Fitness experts consider the hormone a key promoter of muscle strength and growth. Additional health benefits attributed to the male hormone include better cardiovascular health, body fat and weight loss, and increased strength.

Selective androgen receptor modulators (SARMs) have the same results as anabolic steroids but don’t trigger similar side effects. While steroids are synthetic testosterones, the SARMs are anabolic compounds that only affect the body’s androgen receptors. They have proven to be safer for athletes to gain lean muscle and strength. However, the critical question is, do SARM products affect the testosterone levels of male athletes?

The relationship between SARMs and Testosterone is complex.  SARM products can increase the levels of testosterone in the body indirectly. Testosterone plays a crucial role in muscle building and strength, which are the key benefits of SARMs. Extra benefits you get from taking SARMs are loss of body fat, increased muscle strength, and better cardiovascular health.

How SARMs Increase the Testosterone Levels in Your Body

The effects of SARM products on the body’s testosterone levels depend on the functionality of androgen receptors. An androgen compound can be either natural or synthetic. When it binds to the androgen receptor, the receptor experiences some changes, giving specific commands to the proteins in the nucleus. The command includes forcing the proteins to replicate via the mRNA.

Therefore androgen can control the number of proteins in our bodies. Proteins are the main muscle-building blocks in the human body. When athletes consume SARM compounds, they activate the body’s androgen receptors, activating the speedy multiplication of proteins in the body. The above process is the most effective way SARMs increase the body’s testosterone levels.

Numerous studies show consuming SARMs is significantly associated with increased protein production and increased levels of testosterone. However, it’s key to ensure you purchase the best SARM compounds, with anecdotal evidence showing they offer enhanced testosterone production.

Best SARM Products for Increasing Your Testosterone Levels

Below is a list of the top SARM products you should consider purchasing that will increase your testosterone levels:

LGD-4033 (Ligandrol)

The LGD-4033 (Ligandrol) is a SARM compound famous for having a 500:1 anabolic to androgenic ratio, the highest ratio. It also tops the list of the most suppressive selective androgen receptor modulators in the bodybuilding industry. With a daily dosage of 2,5mgs, Ligandrol can trigger increased muscle strength, growth, and faster recovery for bodybuilders and athletes. Bodybuilders using the compound can gain up to 30% increased testosterone levels in just four weeks of using the SARM product. The increased testosterone levels will remain until the first six weeks of starting the administration. After the six-week mark, athletes will experience possible testosterone suppression and start experiencing a decrease in testosterone levels.

RAD 140 (Testolone)

The RAD 140 (Testolone) is described by bodybuilding enthusiasts as a ‘dry’ compound because it gives the user a smooth and lean look. Testolone has a 90:1 anabolic to androgenic ratio. The compound’s anabolic to androgenic ratio is still considered to be very high by fitness experts. One of the critical features of Testolone is the insane strength it provides its users. It also brings to the table enhanced vascularity and increased muscle mass.

The RAD 140 is ideal for athletes and bodybuilders who want to achieve a body recomp. It can help athletes achieve their target lean muscle gain and transformation in eight weeks. Athletes using this SARM product have experienced a 30% increase in testosterone levels.

YK11

YK11 is one of the most robust and potent bodybuilding compounds. The compound is categorized as both a steroid and a SARM product since it offers bodybuilding effects associated with the two. Consuming the YK11 means you should be prepared to have skyrocket testosterone levels. The compound increases vascularity, lean muscle mass, and strength. Athletes using the compound have also reported reduced recovery time. Bodybuilders using the YK11 have reported a 40% increase in their testosterone levels, making the compound one of the best products to use when starting an intense bulking phase.

S23

S23 is one of the market’s most potent selective androgen receptor modulators. With its high potency, the compound can deliver impressive boosts to the testosterone levels in the athlete’s body. Athletes additionally enjoy impressive muscle growth and strength when using the S23. However, its impeccable record in muscle growth and strength is tainted by the fact that some users have reported cases of temporary infertility when using the compound. Nevertheless, users have reported a 50% increase in their testosterone levels four weeks after starting to administer the S23 compound.

Effects of Low Testosterone Levels

In males, the testosterone level starts dropping by about 1% annually after they reach the age of 30. The peak of testosterone production is during puberty. Testosterone plays an essential role in the following bodily functions in men:

• Sex drive
• Red blood cell production
• Sperm production
• Fat distribution
• Muscle mass and strength
• Bone density

Due to its many bodily functions, a decrease in testosterone levels can have severe side effects on the body and emotional state. Below are some common side effects of low testosterone levels in the body.

• Sexual production: individuals will experience infertility, reduced number of erections, and desire to have sex. The symptoms don’t happen suddenly but progressively.
• Physical changes: men with low testosterone are likely to have increased body fat, fragile bones, and decreased muscle strength and mass. They will also experience increased fatigue, decreased body hair, and hot flashes. Tenderness and swelling of the breast tissue will also develop.
• Sleep disturbances: when your body has low testosterone levels, you will have insomnia, low energy levels, and other sleep disturbances like sleep apnea.
• Emotional changes: apart from causing the above physical changes, low testosterone levels will trigger emotions of anxiety, sadness, and depression. Some people have experienced low memory and concentration. Others have experienced lower self-confidence and motivation.

Testosterone Suppression

Taking products to boost the body’s testosterone levels has acute side effects that athletes should watch out for. What goes up will have to go down at a certain point. When you use SARMs to temporarily increase your testosterone levels, you must be prepared to deal with testosterone suppression. Testosterone suppression is any activity that directly or indirectly suppresses or blocks the body’s natural production of the male hormone due to the presence of a synthetic substitute.

While athletes will experience an impressive increase in their testosterone levels in the first weeks of consuming SARMs, they should be extra careful after the eighth week. As one moves closer to the eighth-week mark, the body begins to shut down the natural production of testosterone. The body automatically assumes the new exogenous source of testosterone is boundless. Athletes start feeling suppressed before they halt the consumption of the SARM products because the body is producing on its own compared to the other exogenous sources.

Dealing with testosterone suppression is very simple. There are two easy ways of dealing with testosterone suppression. First, you can let your body reach homeostasis again, which means you don’t need to take anything or do anything. The period can take a month or two.

The second option would be to take SERMs post-cycle therapy (PCT). Taking SERMs is a faster solution; athletes can recover from testosterone suppression within two weeks. The average SERM post-cycle therapy lasts around one month, and administration of the SERMs is discontinued. Using the SERMs allows bodybuilders to retain all the gains they had achieved while using the SARMs. But, it’s also essential to read and research the possible side effects of SERMs before using them.

Our detailed guide has answered the question, “do SARMs affect testosterone levels?” You can start your SARM cycle and enjoy the benefits that come with using the compound. While there are different SARM products with different potency, it’s essential to go for the option that best meets your needs. Make sure you only purchase SARMs that are labeled, high quality, and from reliable SARM product dealers.

If you want to enjoy the benefits of having high testosterone levels, SARMs offer a reliable solution. Taking the necessary precautions will ensure you reap the best results from your SARM cycle. Grab any of the above highly potent SARM products in our guide from reliable and reputable retailers for the best fitness results.