Side Effects Matrix: SARMs, Peptides, and Steroids Compared
Whether you’re running SARMs, peptides, or full-blown anabolic steroids, every compound carries a side effect profile — some mild, others life-altering if ignored. This matrix was built to give you a brutally honest comparison across major performance-enhancing compound categories, so you can make informed, strategic choices.
🔢 Matrix Key
-
🟢 = Low/Minimal Impact (1)
-
�\dfeb = Mild Impact (2)
-
🔶 = Moderate Impact (3)
-
🔴 = High Impact (4)
-
🔴⬆ = Very High/Severe (5)
📊 Side Effects Matrix
| Compound Class | Suppression | Liver Toxicity | Lipid Impact | Estrogenic Risk | Androgenic Risk | Mood/Neuro | Libido/Sex | Injection Risk |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SARMs (oral) | 🔶 (3) | 🔶 (3) | 🔴 (4) | 🟢 (1) | 🔶 (3) | 🔶 (3) | 🔶 (3) | 🟢 (1) |
| SARMs (injectable) | 🔶 (3) | 🟢 (1) | 🔴 (4) | 🟢 (1) | 🔶 (3) | 🔶 (3) | 🔶 (3) | 🔶 (3) |
| Peptides | 🟢 (1) | 🟢 (1) | 🟢 (1) | 🟢 (1) | 🟢 (1) | 🟢 (1) | 🟢 (1) | 🔶 (3) |
| GH / Secretagogues | 🟢 (1) | 🟢 (1) | 🔶 (3) | 🔶 (3) | 🟢 (1) | 🔶 (3) | 🔶 (3) | 🟢 (1) |
| Oral Steroids | 🔴 (4) | 🔴⬆ (5) | 🔴⬆ (5) | 🔴 (4) | 🔴 (4) | 🔶 (3) | 🔴 (4) | 🟢 (1) |
| Injectable AAS | 🔴 (4) | 🟢 (1) | 🔴 (4) | 🔴 (4) | 🔴⬆ (5) | 🔴 (4) | 🔶 (3) | 🔶 (3) |
| TRT (low dose) | 🔴 (4) | 🟢 (1) | 🔶 (3) | 🔶 (3) | 🔶 (3) | 🔶 (3) | 🔶 (3) | 🔶 (3) |
🚪 Compound Class Analysis & Support
SARMs
-
Main risks: Lipid suppression, HPTA shutdown, mood volatility
-
Support: NAC, fish oil, citrus bergamot, PCT (enclomiphene or Nolva)
Peptides
-
Main risks: None significant; some impact on insulin sensitivity (e.g., MK-677)
-
Support: Glycine, GABA, blood glucose monitoring
Oral Steroids (e.g., Anavar, Dianabol)
-
Main risks: Liver toxicity, estrogenic conversion (Dbol), HDL suppression
-
Support: Tudca, NAC, statins (if lipids crash), AI (Aromasin)
Injectable Steroids (e.g., Test E, Tren)
-
Main risks: Estrogenic + androgenic effects, prolactin issues, BP elevation
-
Support: AI (Arimidex), Cabergoline, Hawthorn Berry, fish oil
TRT / Testosterone Replacement
-
Main risks: Estrogen, hematocrit elevation, mood suppression when off
-
Support: Low-dose AI if needed, donate blood every 10–12 weeks, regular labs
GH / GH Secretagogues
-
Main risks: Elevated blood sugar, tingling/numbness, water retention
-
Support: Glycine, berberine, GABA, manage carbs and monitor IGF-1
⚠️ Summary
No compound is “side effect free” — but your risk tolerance and support strategy determine outcomes. Peptides carry the lightest burden, SARMs come with suppression and cholesterol shifts, and steroids demand aggressive support.
The smarter your stack, the fewer your problems.
