SARMs Before-and-After Results: What Can Researchers Expect?

Two primary questions relating to SARMs are:

1. How do the efficacy and results compare to those of anabolic steroids?
2. Are they a safer alternative to steroids?

In this article, we will showcase several SARMs before-and-after transformation examples, providing anecdotal evidence of the muscle gains and fat loss experienced by users.

SARMs Before-and-After Transformation

This is a 5-week before-and-after picture published on Reddit that demonstrates the combined effects of:

1. RAD-140 (Testolone)
2. LGD-4033 (Ligandrol)
3. MK-677 (Ibutamoren)

RAD-140 and LGD-4033 are among the most potent selective androgen receptor modulators (SARMs) currently available. RAD-140 stands out as one of the most effective performance-enhancing drugs (PEDs) we have encountered, due to its notable benefits in athletic performance and neurological health.

MK-677, technically a growth hormone secretagogue (GHS), is frequently combined with SARMs to optimize results.

Moderate Muscle Growth

This Reddit user has clearly experienced improvements in muscle hypertrophy, with a visual gain of 10–15 pounds. However, there is an argument that a SARM cycle (like the one above) may be less potent than a typical steroid cycle.

In early human trials, researchers analyzed the effects of SARMs vs. steroids (testosterone enanthate). They found that testosterone users built 5–7 kg of lean mass, compared to just 1–1.5 kg in the SARMs group, over 4–6 weeks (1).

However, based on this user’s results, who has achieved a thicker overall look (particularly in the quadriceps), it would seem unrealistic that steroid users would experience 5 times his results.

Visceral Fat

This user appears to have experienced a noticeable increase in visceral fat, resulting in a bloated or more protruding appearance of the midsection.

We have also found visceral fat accumulation to be common among steroid users due to elevated estrogen levels, consequently causing insulin resistance. Han et al. (2022) discovered that testosterone treatment decreased subcutaneous fat—but not visceral fat (2).

Additional research found that oxandrolone (Anavar), a non-aromatizing anabolic steroid, reduced visceral fat more than testosterone, an estrogenic compound (3).

SARMs are not inherently estrogenic and do not directly promote aromatization. However, because they activate androgen receptors (AR) with high affinity, they can suppress endogenous testosterone production, which may indirectly influence hormonal balance. In some cases, this suppression can lead to changes in estrogen levels,

While natural testosterone typically binds to AR to exert its effects, SARMs have a stronger binding capacity, effectively outcompeting endogenous testosterone. This displacement reduces natural testosterone signaling, leaving more free testosterone in circulation.

Consequently, this excess testosterone can be converted into estrogen and dihydrotestosterone (DHT), potentially leading to hormonal fluctuations. This can cause estrogen dominance, resulting in:

• Visceral fat storage
• Water retention
• Gynecomastia

DHT dominance can also contribute to several side effects, including:

• Hair loss on the scalp
• Acne development
• Prostate enlargement

SARMs’ tissue selectivity aims to inhibit the above side effects; however, in practice, we still see them occur via this indirect mechanism.

Beard Growth

Increased DHT levels resulting from SARM use can also promote beard growth, as research indicates that hair follicles are more sensitive to this androgenic hormone than testosterone (4). This enhanced sensitivity can lead to prominent facial hair development, contributing to an increasingly masculine appearance of the facial region, as observed in the above user.

MK-677 and Body Composition

MK-677 (Ibutamoren), a compound included in this user’s stack, stimulates increased growth hormone (GH) secretion. Elevated GH levels can lead to enhanced visceral fat storage, as it influences lipid metabolism and fat distribution. Additionally, GH, similar to estrogen, can raise blood sugar levels by causing insulin resistance, which may contribute to a bloated or “HGH gut” appearance characterized by abdominal distension.

Interestingly, research on rats has shown MK-677 to increase peak GH concentrations by 1.8-fold over a six-week cycle (5). However, MK-677 also decreased SST receptor (SSTR)-2 mRNA expression in the pituitary gland, consequently failing to increase the growth or size of the rodents.

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SARMs Before-and-After Transformation (12 Weeks)

This Reddit user completed a 12-week cycle of RAD-140 (Testolone) at 17 mg/day.

He gained 5 pounds in weight, which can be attributed to a small calorie surplus from his diet. This caloric excess likely contributed to some fat gain alongside lean muscle mass development.

Muscular Strength

Despite experiencing minimal muscle gains, he reported significant improvements in muscular strength, which were particularly noticeable from week 6 onward. His lifts increased notably, with specific mention of adding 90 pounds to both his flat and incline bench presses, indicating substantial strength gains independent of vast improvements in muscle hypertrophy.

Testosterone Suppression

The user experienced a dramatic suppression of testosterone levels, decreasing from 750 ng/dL to 193 ng/dL. This significant decline indicates potential damage to the hypothalamic-pituitary-testicular axis (HPTA).

Generally, we find such suppression to be a temporary effect, with research indicating that testosterone levels typically recover post-cycle (6), assuming no other anabolic substances are administered.

Cardiotoxicity and Hepatotoxicity

The above user also reported AST and ALT liver enzymes being excessively high post-cycle, in conjunction with his blood lipids deteriorating. Thus, SARMs can increase the risk of heart disease or liver failure.

Such side effects, regarding liver and cardiovascular toxicity, align with what Dr. Thomas O’Connor has observed from analyzing the labs of 2,000 SARM users over a 10-year period. Consequently, Dr. O’Connor is now of the opinion that SARMs may be more deleterious than steroids.

We find RAD-140’s hepatotoxicity particularly concerning, based on existing research. For example, a case has been documented where a 49-year-old male was diagnosed with hepatocellular-cholestatic liver injury (7) after taking RAD-140 for four weeks, with only infrequent use afterward. This highlights the potential risk of liver toxicity associated with RAD-140, even with relatively short-term use.

However, Dr. Rand McClain has observed that RAD-140 users tend to exhibit more favorable bloodwork profiles on average compared to users of other SARMs, such as Ostarine, which he has noted can have deleterious effects on health. This suggests that individual responses to SARMs may vary significantly, highlighting the importance of personalized assessment by a medical professional and monitoring when considering these substances.

RAD-140 Authenticity

Due to the high amounts of counterfeit SARM products on the market, one could hypothesize that this user’s RAD-140 was potentially diluted or completely void of the true compound, hence his mild results.

However, given the severity of his side effects, notable strength results, and the specified (confidential) manufacturer having a positive reputation, this conclusion is unlikely.

Androgenetic Alopecia

This user also reported an obvious loss of hair toward the later stages of his cycle, indicating significantly elevated DHT levels. While this may not be a common issue for individuals using SARMs sporadically—since hair typically regrows once a cycle ends—regular and prolonged SARM use can lead to more permanent effects. In such cases, hair thinning, recession, or loss may become irreversible, thus accelerating male pattern baldness.

SARMs Results Compared to Steroids

The before and after pictures previously illustrated are representative of the standard outcomes observed following an initial SARM cycle.

Thus, SARM users appear to be hypo-responders compared to steroid users, who are frequently hyper-responders, in terms of muscularity and fat loss.

Novice Steroid Progress

In our experience, the before and after pictures below demonstrate typical results from a first steroid cycle.

This YouTube user administered conservative dosages of testosterone, adding roughly 20 pounds of lean mass while also significantly reducing his body fat percentage and enhancing muscle definition.

In contrast, SARM users are likely to experience negligible reductions in subcutaneous body fat, with only modest increases in muscle hypertrophy, equating to roughly 5 pounds.

This user’s results are exceptional given he utilized testosterone as a standalone cycle instead of stacking it with other potent steroids, such as:

• Trenbolone
• Anadrol

From Natural to SARMs

The above subject is natural on the left, and the picture on the right is after several S4, Ostarine, and GH (growth hormone) cycles. An increase in latissimus dorsi thickness is apparent, along with overall growth throughout the body.

From SARMs to Steroids

The left photo is post-SARM use, and the right photo is post-steroid use, with Deca Durabolin and Anadrol being two steroids regularly utilized.

This shows the vast difference in potency between SARMs and steroids, with the latter typically being more effective at adding muscle mass in our experience.

However, Deca Durabolin and Anadrol have the ability to cause testosterone deficiency. Research has also shown that Anadrol can cause large fluctuations in cholesterol and liver enzymes due to it being a C-17 alpha-alkylated oral compound (8, 9). Anadrol is also an estrogenic steroid, with water retention and gynecomastia being possible due to its direct stimulatory effect on estrogen receptors.

Research Anecdotes

Below are anecdotal reports posted by researchers on our Facebook group, documenting their experiences with SARMs. We do not support the use of SARMs by humans outside of research. The following experiences are published for educational purposes only.

I’m halfway through my first RAD-140 cycle. It definitely boosted strength; recovery time is still the same, and endurance has gone up. I’ve got everything ready to start testosterone enanthate after this.

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SARMs work pretty well; what I like about them is how maintainable the gains are. However, I’ve also never had any bad side effects from a SARM, except for YK-11.

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Four weeks in on Ostarine 10 mg, LGD-4033 10 mg, and MK-677 20 mg. My weight has increased by 8-10 lbs, and my strength and endurance are at an all-time high for me. The only downside is that my libido is slightly lower. I’m considering increasing the Ostarine and MK-677 by 10 mg for more optimal gains, but I’m not sure if it’s worth it.

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Summary

Non-steroidal SARMs are not FDA-approved, only being formulated in the last 20 years, thus making them investigational compounds (10). Therefore, anyone who takes SARMs is essentially conducting their own human trial.

It appears the initial claims of SARMs having a more acceptable safety profile than anabolic steroids warrant further evaluation, with vast evidence of:

• Liver enzymes and blood lipids rising to high levels
• Diagnoses of acute myocarditis in clinical literature (11)

Thus, from existing case reviews and our practical experience of treating patients who have taken SARMs, we find them to be comparable to steroids in regard to toxicity.

How Do SARMs Compare to Testosterone?

In our experience, SARMs can replicate a portion of the muscle-building effects achieved by testosterone and other anabolic steroids. However, testosterone may be more favorable from a clinical perspective for the treatment of cachexia. Dr. Rand McClain supports this idea, asserting that testosterone may provide:

• Fewer cardiovascular risks
• More anabolism

Dr. McClain also states that there are more clinical studies detailing testosterone’s effects in comparison to SARMs.

We find that a cycle of testosterone can produce more optimal results in terms of muscle hypertrophy and subcutaneous fat loss without any obvious negative effects on liver enzymes. However, studies have shown that testosterone can cause moderate adverse effects on cholesterol (12).

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