Top 10 SARMs Myths Debunked by Science (2025 Edition)

Meta Description:
Still think SARMs are side-effect free or totally safe? Here are the 10 most common SARMs myths — debunked with facts, experience, and current science.

🧠 SARMs: A Lot of Hype, Some Truth — and a Ton of Misinformation

Let’s be honest: if you hang out in any bodybuilding forum or fitness subreddit, it won’t take long before you see SARMs hyped as “the next big thing” or “just like steroids, but safer.” And while there’s some truth to that, there’s also a lot of bad info floating around — half-truths, bro science, and flat-out nonsense.

This article breaks down the top 10 myths about SARMs — and gives you the real story based on clinical data, anecdotal cycles, and what we’ve seen play out in the enhanced bodybuilding world over the past few years.

❌ Myth #1: “SARMs Are Totally Safe”

This is easily the most dangerous assumption people make. SARMs are not supplements. They’re research chemicals that alter hormonal function — and some of them do it aggressively.

While they’re generally safer than anabolic steroids, the idea that SARMs are side-effect free is just wrong.

Here’s the reality:

  • RAD-140 can suppress your testosterone significantly after 3–4 weeks

  • S23 is nearly as suppressive as traditional steroids

  • Vision sides with S4 are real and well-documented

  • Liver enzymes can spike with SARMs like YK-11

Truth: SARMs might be safer than steroids — but they’re not safe.

❌ Myth #2: “You Don’t Need PCT After a SARM Cycle”

This one gets repeated constantly — and it’s just not true. Most of the SARMs people use to build real mass are suppressive, and if you don’t follow up with some kind of post-cycle therapy, you’re gambling with your hormones.

Yes, something like MK-677 doesn’t require a PCT. But if you ran RAD-140, LGD, or YK-11 for 6+ weeks? You’ll need to reboot your HPTA.

Truth: PCT might not be mandatory after every SARM, but skipping it after a moderate-to-strong cycle is a fast way to lose gains and feel like trash.

❌ Myth #3: “SARMs Are Legal to Sell as Supplements”

Here’s a legal landmine. SARMs are not approved dietary supplements, and no company is legally allowed to sell them as such. That’s why you’ll often see them labeled “for research use only.”

The FDA has issued warning letters to multiple companies marketing SARMs as over-the-counter fitness products.

Truth: SARMs exist in a legal gray zone. Possession isn’t illegal, but selling them for human use without approval is. Don’t buy from shady supplement stores — use vetted research chemical vendors.

❌ Myth #4: “SARMs Don’t Show Up on Drug Tests”

Many athletes think SARMs are “undetectable.” Not true.

SARMs like Ostarine, LGD-4033, and RAD-140 can be detected by WADA-standard testing for weeks or even months after a cycle. Several pro athletes have been popped in recent years for SARMs — especially in CrossFit and MMA.

Truth: If you’re drug-tested for competition, don’t even risk it. SARMs will show up, and getting caught is just as serious as testing positive for anabolic steroids.

❌ Myth #5: “More SARMs = More Gains”

The logic here is seductive: if 10 mg works, wouldn’t 30 mg work three times better?

Nope.

Many SARMs are dose-dependent up to a point, but taking more doesn’t always mean more results. In fact, higher doses often lead to:

  • More suppression

  • More side effects

  • Diminishing returns

Example: Most users don’t notice a difference between RAD-140 at 10 mg vs. 20 mg, except for worse side effects at the higher dose.

Truth: More isn’t always better. With SARMs, optimal dose beats max dose every time.

❌ Myth #6: “SARMs Build Muscle Without Affecting Hormones”

This one flat-out ignores how SARMs work.

They build muscle because they interact with androgen receptors. Any time you alter that hormonal balance, there’s going to be feedback — and suppression is part of the deal.

The only SARMs that don’t suppress are the ones that don’t do much for muscle growth.

Truth: If your SARM works, it’s affecting your hormonal system. Period.

❌ Myth #7: “SARMs Can Replace Testosterone (TRT)”

This one’s been floating around lately — the idea that SARMs can stimulate your natural test levels or somehow act like a replacement for TRT.

Not only is that untrue, but SARMs can actually suppress your test production over time. Running them without test as a base can lead to feeling flat, lethargic, and low-libido — especially after week 4–5.

Truth: SARMs can’t replace testosterone. If you’re shut down and don’t PCT, you’ll crash.

❌ Myth #8: “You Can Run SARMs All Year Long”

This is usually parroted by guys who’ve been on MK-677 and Ostarine for six months straight and feel “fine.”

But long cycles — even of mild SARMs — can lead to chronic suppression, lipid issues, and strain on your endocrine system. You’re not invincible just because it’s not injectable.

Truth: Treat SARMs like real anabolics. Cycle on, cycle off, run bloodwork, and don’t abuse them.

❌ Myth #9: “SARMs Are Just as Strong as Steroids”

Let’s not overhype things.

Yes, RAD-140 and YK-11 are very potent. You’ll hear stories of guys putting on 8–10 lbs of lean mass in a single cycle. But SARMs are not stronger than testosterone, Trenbolone, or Dianabol.

They can produce noticeable results with fewer side effects. But they don’t hold a candle to a full Test/Tren/Deca cycle in terms of raw mass gain.

Truth: SARMs are strong — but steroids are stronger. That’s why they’re riskier.

❌ Myth #10: “If It Works for Him, It’ll Work for Me”

This myth isn’t exclusive to SARMs — but it’s especially dangerous here. People have different:

  • Genetics

  • Response to suppression

  • Sensitivity to compounds

  • Goals and risk tolerance

Just because your friend crushed it on 10 mg of LGD doesn’t mean your body will react the same way.

Truth: Always start conservatively, run your own bloodwork, and track your own response. SARMs aren’t plug-and-play.

🧠 Final Word: Be Smart, Stay Sharp

SARMs have a ton of upside — they’re powerful, accessible, and in many cases, far safer than steroids. But too many people treat them like harmless supplements… and then get surprised when their test tanks, or their blood pressure spikes, or they lose 10 lbs of gains post-cycle.

Here’s how you avoid that:

  • Know what you’re taking

  • Use proper dosing

  • Don’t skip PCT

  • Get bloodwork before, during, and after

  • Cycle responsibly

If you’re smart about it, SARMs can be a great tool. But don’t fall for the myths. Respect the chemistry, and respect your body.