First SARM Stack: A Guide for Beginners

Selective androgen receptor modulators (SARMs) are non-steroidal investigational drugs currently being reviewed for the potential treatment of cachexia in medicine (1).

In this guide, we will detail how a potential first SARM stack can look and its consequent effects.

What SARMs Are Being Studied in Research?

1. Ostarine
2. RAD 140
3. S23
4. LGD-4033
5. Andarine

Several other compounds are also commonly utilized but are not technically SARMs. These are:

• Ibutamoren (MK-677) is a growth hormone secretagogue.
• Cardarine (GW501516) is a peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor agonist.
• YK-11 is a myostatin inhibitor.
• Stenabolic (SR9009) is a REV-ERB agonist.

A novice’s first experience with SARMs is more likely to be a solo cycle rather than a stack. This trend is due to SARMs causing moderate side effects, and thus users are more prone to toxicity. Consequently, with solo cycles, novices can build up tolerance to these drugs slowly.

SARMs are not to be underestimated in terms of their toxicity, with some brands marketing them as being free from side effects. Research, and our doctors, have observed harsh side effects, even from SARMs that are labeled ‘mild.’ Such adverse effects can be exacerbated if excessive dosages are administered or cycles are long in duration.

A common SARM utilized during a first cycle is Ostarine. A common protocol is to administer Ostarine at 20 mg/day for 8 weeks. Ostarine is a more popular SARM during a user’s first experience with SARMs due to it producing less harsh effects.

Ostarine is the second most researched SARM behind LGD-4033, so researchers have a more informed idea of how it affects overall health.

In our experience, Ostarine can add up to 10 pounds of lean muscle to users while simultaneously reducing visceral and subcutaneous fat mass.

Once a user has cycled Ostarine, they commonly move on to utilize more potent SARMs or stack Ostarine with additional SARMs for increased results.

Some beginners do not stack SARMs during their first cycle, enabling them to understand how each compound affects their body. They may find out that a certain SARM causes their ALT and AST levels to rise notably. However, it can be difficult to detect which SARM is causing such hepatotoxicity in the instance of multiple SARMs being stacked synchronously.

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First SARMs Stack

Bulking Stacks

If the objective is to gain muscle hypertrophy and strength, users may be more inclined to combine Ostarine with LGD-4033 or RAD 140 for a first stack due to these compounds increasing anabolism.

S23 and YK-11 are regularly avoided for a first SARM stack, as our tests have shown them to be two of the harshest SARMs, although YK-11 technically is not a SARM.

S4, or Andarine, may not be optimal, as its potency is similar to that of Ostarine. Therefore, additional results are likely to be minimal. Furthermore, S4 can cause temporary alterations in ocular health. Thus, users may experience a yellow tint to their vision during S4 supplementation.

LGD-4033 is a potent bulking SARM that produces notable increases in muscle mass and strength. RAD 140 is similar to LGD-4033 in this regard; however, strength results can be more prominent on RAD 140. Improvements in lean muscle mass, however, may be slightly superior on LGD-4033.

Ostarine and LGD-4033 Stack

• Weeks 1–8: Ostarine: 20 mg/day, LGD 4033: 6 mg/day.

Ostarine and RAD 140 Stack

• Weeks 1–8: Ostarine: 20 mg/day; RAD 140: 20 mg/day.

Dosages for women: Ostarine can be dosed up to 10 mg/day for 8 weeks, LGD 4033 up to 2 mg/day for 4 weeks, and RAD 140 up to 10 mg/day for 8 weeks.

Ostarine and Ibutamoren Stack

• Weeks 1–8: Ostarine: 20 mg/day; Ibutamoren: 20 mg/day
• Weeks 9–16: Ibutamoren: 20 mg/day

Ibutamoren, or MK-677, can be an efficacious addition to a first SARM bulking stack for users, notably increasing fat-free mass.

In one clinical study, male participants gained 7 pounds of lean muscle from a dosage of 8 mg/day for 2 months (2).

Ibutamoren promotes anabolism by stimulating IGF-1 in the body, causing cellular hyperplasia. Consequently, myofibers split in half, effectively creating new muscle fibers (3). Ibutamoren also induces lipolytic effects; however, its anabolic effects may outweigh its ability to burn subcutaneous fat.

Although Ibutamoren reduces adipose tissue and builds lean muscle simultaneously, it can increase visceral fat gain. This may cause an individual’s midsection to appear bloated. This effect is possible due to Ibutamoren’s impaired effects on insulin sensitivity and lipogenesis.

Cutting Stack

There are three main compounds generally considered by researchers when planning a first SARM stack for cutting, due to their lipolytic properties. These are:

1. Ostarine
2. Cardarine
3. Ibutamoren

Administering all three of these substances can be an effective stack in terms of results. Such a stack is also unlikely to cause excessive side effects regarding testosterone suppression and cardiotoxicity, considering only one of these three compounds is a SARM.

Cardarine is a PPAR agonist, and Ibutamoren is a growth hormone secretagogue. Therefore, neither of these compounds is clinically known to negatively affect the HPTA.

Our lipid profiles demonstrate Cardarine to have a positive effect on cholesterol, with clinical research also showing reductions in low-density lipoprotein (LDL) levels by 23% (4).

Cardarine is a potent fat-burning compound due to its beneficial effects on insulin sensitivity, glucose tolerance, and lipid balance.

By reducing the utilization of glucose, Cardarine induces fatty acid oxidation. This means the body can utilize fat stores as the body’s primary energy source. Cardarine may also induce anabolic effects. In research, users have gained 1.3 kg after 10 mg/day of supplementation for 12 weeks (5).

The above user lost 40 pounds from a 12-week Cardarine-only cycle. According to his post on Reddit, his regimen consisted of 10 mg/day of Cardarine for the first week and 20 mg/day for the subsequent 11 weeks.

The First Cutting SARM Stack

• Weeks 1–8: Ostarine: 20 mg/day; Cardarine: 10 mg/day.

20 mg/day of Cardarine can also be utilized; however, we find this to be a high dose for beginners and intermediates. For a first-time stack, such a dosage may cause notable hepatotoxicity.

Ibutamoren is a mild fat burner in comparison to Cardarine. Some consider Ibutamoren to be an effective addition to cutting stacks due to its ability to reduce subcutaneous fat mass. However, one drawback is the potential for it to increase visceral fat. Thus, Ibutamoren may create a lean and simultaneously bloated appearance.

What Are the Side Effects?

All of the SARMs mentioned in these stacks can cause:

1. Testosterone suppression
2. Raised LDL cholesterol
3. Elevated ALT and AST levels

Dr. Rand McClain states that SARMs can “contribute to muscle growth and act like anabolic steroids.” However, he also cautions that SARMs can mimic the side effects of anabolic steroids, particularly with regard to cholesterol. Dr. McClain adds that he has overseen HDL reductions of 50% from SARMs, which can even surpass the cardiotoxicity of anabolic steroids such as Anavar, which reduces HDL levels by 30% in our experience.

Consequently, it is possible for testosterone to reach hypogonadal levels, blood pressure to increase, and a user’s liver to become temporarily inflamed from SARM use. We have seen such side effects diminish upon cycle cessation, with the exception of low endogenous testosterone, which can take several weeks to recover in most cases.

What Supplement Can Aid Testosterone Recovery?

20 mg/day of Nolvadex, administered for 4 weeks, is an effective post-cycle therapy that can accelerate testosterone recovery. This protocol is advised when utilizing any of the stacks mentioned in this article.

Dr. Chris Raynor reports that SARM users also experience “acne vulgaris, mood swings, and testicular atrophy.” These are side effects associated with damage to the hypothalamic-pituitary-testicular axis. Dr. Raynor also states that clinical research indicates that 90% of users purchase SARMs on the internet without medical supervision, presenting substantial risk.

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Can SARM Stacks Cause Hepatotoxicity?

Our liver function tests indicate that Cardarine, despite being a PPAR agonist, can cause hepatic inflammation. Research has also shown that excessive doses of Cardarine, when taken continuously for years, may result in cancer.

The two main side effects associated with Ibutamoren are:

1. Water retention
2. Reduced insulin sensitivity

Conclusion: What is the Most Optimal First SARM Stack?

The best first SARM stack for researchers will depend on the objectives, such as increasing muscular strength, muscle hypertrophy, or fat loss. Regardless of what goal is preferred, minimizing side effects should remain imperative for optimal health and harm reduction.

Thus, harsh SARMs may be taken with the understanding that toxicity levels will also be higher for subjects.

A different protocol is to administer a mild SARM alongside another moderately potent one.

1. For bulking, Ostarine and LGD-4033 can be an advantageous duo for building muscle hypertrophy.
2. For cutting, Ostarine and Cardarine can be a potent stack for increasing fat loss and muscle retention.

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