Andarine Review

By: Rob Miller
Fact Checked On: 3-28-2019


Contents

Note: If you’re looking for real deal Andarine, check out ProvenPeptides.com here.

What is a S.A.R.M.
SARMs and Prohormones
What is Andarine
Is Andarine Prohibited
How Does Andarine Work
Side Effects of Andarine
What Does Science Say about Andarine
How Does Andarine Compare to Big Anabolics
Highlighted Benefits of Andarine
How to Use Andarine
Stacking Methods with Andarine
Conclusion

Have you been cycling through every muscle builder that you can get your hands on without success?

Want a way to increase strength along with muscle mass?

Ready to try a supplement that actually works?

If you’ve tapped out your genetic potential or you simply want a way to kick-start your muscular gains, then Andarine might be exactly what you need.

Considered one of the best and most effective S.A.R.M.s, Andarine has a long-standing history with muscle bound users. One unique feature that sets it apart from dozens of other muscle-focused supplements is the scientific backing that it has; not to mention, hundreds of positive user reviews.

Let’s take a look at what Andarine is, how it compares with other anabolic supplements, and how you can use it to achieve muscle mass, strength, and recovery.

What is a S.A.R.M.?

S.A.R.M. stands for selective androgen receptor modulator and, as the name suggests, this compound seeks out very specific androgen receptor sites in the body to promote anabolic benefits including lean muscle mass, protein sparing, and advanced recovery.

The unique thing about a S.A.R.M. is that it promotes anabolic benefits without the worry of androgenic side effects. Anabolic benefits focus on muscle tissue. For example, an anabolic benefit promoted by a S.A.R.M. would be bigger muscle mass.

Androgenic effects deal with sex characteristics attributed to men and the hormone, testosterone. For example, you need testosterone during puberty to deepen your voice and promote growth of organs and bones. (Source)

Androgenic side effects come from too much sex hormone release as an adult. Here are a few examples:

  • Acne
  • Aggression
  • Organ damage

On the flip side, when you take an androgenic supplement, your body will quickly work to balance out your hormone levels, promoting high levels of estrogen. From this, you hear about guys developing man-boobs, having low testosterone levels, and losing their sex drive.

Put simply: A S.A.R.M. ensures your body reaps the benefits of anabolic nature without the androgenic side effects.

Relationship Between SARMs and Prohormones

It is common to see users stack a prohormone with a S.A.R.M. especially when the S.A.R.M. is used for post-cycle therapy.

When you use a prohormone, you are promoting both anabolic and androgenic effects. You will most likely gain muscle mass, lose fat, and notice better performance; however, you will also succumb to testosterone suppression. This, in turn, could set you up for gyno-based side effects. This is where a S.A.R.M. enters.

Specific S.A.R.M.s are excellent for recovery and keeping testosterone levels strong without adding to the androgenic side effects. Andarine is one such example.

What is Andarine?

andarine review

Commonly referred to as S-4, Andarine was initially developed to help medical patients suffering from muscle and bone-related illnesses such as muscle wasting and osteoporosis. Once it was discovered that Andarine was a powerful muscle protector that also promoted lean tissue gains, bodybuilders quickly began utilizing it. (1-2)

As a S.A.R.M., Andarine is able to effectively promote anabolic benefits without the risk and worry of androgenic side effects, as I mentioned above. The benefits you can expect with Andarine are impressive in their own right; however, you shouldn’t be expecting anabolic steroid results.

Remember that Andarine is a selective androgen receptor trigger. It is designed to promote anabolic benefits while sparing you horror story side effects. Instead of gaining 20 pounds of muscle, you might see about half of that but the trade-off is that you won’t see insane side effects.

Considering the benefits and lack of side effects, I’d say that is a generous trade-off.

Is Andarine Prohibited?

While Andarine is readily available, especially through online purchasing, it is not a supplement that is allowed in performance and sports-related competitions. For example, you won’t get very far trying to get into a natural bodybuilding competition as they will be testing for Andarine.

You can check out the full list of banned supplements on the World Anti-Doping Agency website.

How Does Andarine Work?

As I’ve mentioned above, Andarine (S-4) is a very effective S.A.R.M. It is designed to enter the body and immediately attach itself to specific androgen receptors. Once attached, Andarine works with sex hormones to promote specific anabolic properties without the androgenic effects.

With a half-life of about 4 hours, it’ll be important to space out your dosage throughout the day to ensure consistent saturation of androgen receptors. I talk more about this below so keep reading to learn how to use Andarine.

Side Effects of Andarine

The number one side effect of Andarine has to do with testosterone suppression. With that said, testosterone suppression is usually only reported when the cycle lasts for more than 8-weeks and/or when you take more than the suggested dosage. A gradual build-up to a 70 mg dose is normal and anything beyond this increases the risk for testosterone suppression.

The testosterone suppression that is reported with Andarine is minimal and can easily be remedied with effective on-cycle and post-cycle support.

A less common but more concerning side effect of Andarine involves vision problems. It’s nothing serious but some users have reported a yellowish tint in their field of vision while the Andarine is active in their systems. Most users can power through this small change in vision especially because it’s usually only reported at night.

However, for those who experience discomfort from the vision change, you can remedy it by doing a 5-days on, 2-days off split. For example, use Andarine as suggested Monday through Friday and do not take it during the weekend.

What Does Science Say about Andarine

The “Ideal S.A.R.M.”

  • One study published in Current Osteoporosis Reports called Andarine the “ideal S.A.R.M.” due to the anabolic effects it has on muscle and bone without the androgenic side effects. What’s more, the report also made mention of the fact that Andarine is highly bioavailable and able to be consumed as a daily oral supplement. No injections required like with growth hormone. (3)

Protection from Protein Breakdown

  • Also referred to as muscle catabolism, protein breakdown is when muscle protein is either used for energy or deteriorates due to disease. Andarine has been shown to be an effective tool to use to stop muscle wasting. (Source) As I mentioned above, this is the sole reason that Andarine made waves in the medical community. It was being used to prevent muscle wasting with patients who were elderly, sedentary, or suffering from a degenerative disease. (Source)

Increased Lean Muscle Mass

  • Not only can Andarine protect your body from losing muscle mass but it can also promote the growth of lean muscle tissue. A study published in Current Opinion in Clinical Nutrition and Metabolic Care demonstrated that Andarine increased the size of lean tissue mass. (4)

Boost in Strength Levels

  • What’s truly unique about Andarine is the fact that its benefits go beyond just being a form of muscle support. In the same study I mentioned above (Current Opinion in Clinical Nutrition and Metabolic Care), Andarine was found to actually boost the strength levels of the subjects. This has huge implications for muscle-focused users and medical patients alike as increased strength could lead to regaining of independence for older users. (4)

Stronger Bones

  • It isn’t just your muscles that are going to see an improvement; Andarine has been shown to boost the strength and density of your bones. This is great news for fitness enthusiasts, of course, but also those people who don’t have the bone strength and density needed to get started in weight lifting. Resistance training places a great deal of stress on your skeletal frame, which is great for improving strength and density. However, for those with a more fragile structure, there may also be an increased risk of fractures. Andarine may be able to boost bone density and strength allowing this population to begin their weight lifting journey. (4)

How Does Andarine Compare to Big Anabolics?

With all of this talk of muscle mass and strength gains, the question is,

“Is Andarine comparable to an anabolic steroid?”

Yes and no.

It is comparable in that it promotes an increase in anabolic benefits such as larger lean tissue, reduced fat, and improved strength levels. However, the rate of which Andarine does these things is not on the same level as an anabolic steroid.

Remember that when you take a steroid, you’re taking a sex steroid hormone. Your body isn’t producing anything. Your injecting yourself with a straight anabolic and androgenic compound. Naturally, your body is going to produce far better results; however, it also comes at the price of more side effects.

Andarine may not help you pack on an insane amount of muscle weight in 8 weeks but your gains will definitely be noticeable.

Highlighted Benefits of Andarine

  • Protection from muscle wasting (catabolism)
  • Lean muscle mass growth
  • Amplified strength levels
  • Protection of bone mass
  • Improved bone density
  • Support for overall weight management
  • No androgenic side-effects (1-4)

How to Use Andarine

Tolerable doses of Andarine have been shown at 70 mg each day; however, I wouldn’t recommend starting with this number, especially if this is your first Andarine cycle.

Start with a third of that dose and slowly work your way up each week. It’ll be important to evaluate how you feel from week to week. Don’t just increase your dosage. Instead, read your body and make sure you feel well enough to increase the dosage.

Also, be aware that the dosage is spread through the day. Due to its half-life, it is optimal to use Andarine two or three times per day pending on the dosage. Just make sure you don’t exceed the recommended dosage. For example, if the dosage is 50 mg then you can take it mid-morning and near the evening.

Here’s a recommended cycle chart but be sure to check the label of the product as well. Dosages may vary from brand to brand.

Week 1: 25 mg

Week 2: 30 mg

Week 3: 35 mg

Week 4: 40 mg

Week 5: 50 mg

Week 6: 60 mg

Week 7: 70 mg

Week 8: 70 mg

Stacking Methods with Andarine

One of the most common S.A.R.M.s to stack with Andarine is Cardarine.

Cardarine is most noted as having the ability to promote protein sparing and fat loss benefits while reducing inflammation. Just like with Andarine, you want to start low with the dose. Never exceed 20 mg of Cardarine. (5-7)

Read our related comprehensive Cardarine review here.

Here is a recommended stacked cycle chart:

Week 1:

  • Andarine: 25 mg
  • Cardarine: 5 mg

Week 2:

  • Andarine: 30 mg
  • Cardarine: 10 mg

Week 3:

  • Andarine: 35 mg
  • Cardarine: 15 mg

Week 4:

  • Andarine: 40 mg
  • Cardarine: 20 mg

Week 5:

  • Andarine: 50 mg
  • Cardarine: 20 mg

Week 6:

  • Andarine: 60 mg
  • Cardarine: 20 mg

Week 7:

  • Andarine: 70 mg
  • Cardarine: 20 mg

Week 8:

  • Andarine: 70 mg
  • Cardarine: 20 mg

Another SARM that is typically stacked with Andarine is Ostarine, which you can read more about here.

Popular Brands of Andarine

Here are the brands that users have reported to be of great quality:

Conclusion

Andarine is a S.A.R.M. that earns its name as one of the best. Not only can it be effective for muscle-bound users looking to increase muscle mass but it also has incredible applications to older and more fragile populations.

Andarine boosts muscle growth and strength levels but, more importantly, it can promote advanced recovery, support stronger bones, and help medical patients and the elderly regain their independence.

The only thing I’d say to watch out for is the reported side effect of the yellow tinted vision during the nighttime. It’s not common but something to be aware of and, as I mention above, if you do happen to notice this, you can simply follow a 5-on, 2-off split.

Have you used Andarine (S4)? Leave your review below!

References

  1. Davey RA, Grossmann M. Androgen Receptor Structure, Function and Biology: From Bench to Bedside. The Clinical Biochemist Reviews. 2016;37(1):3-15.

 

  1. Chen J, Kim J, Dalton JT. Discovery AND Therapeutic Promise OF Selective Androgen Receptor Modulators. Molecular interventions. 2005;5(3):173-188. doi:10.1124/mi.5.3.7.

 

  1. Girgis CM, Mokbel N, DiGirolamo DJ. Therapies for Musculoskeletal Disease: Can we Treat Two Birds with One Stone? Current osteoporosis reports. 2014;12(2):142-153. doi:10.1007/s11914-014-0204-5.

 

  1. Bhasin S, Jasuja R. Selective Androgen Receptor Modulators (SARMs) as Function Promoting Therapies. Current opinion in clinical nutrition and metabolic care. 2009;12(3):232-240. doi:10.1097/MCO.0b013e32832a3d79.

 

  1. Wei Chen, Rong Gao, Xinni Xie, Zhibing Zheng, Haijing Li, Song Li, Fangting Dong & Lili Wang. A metabolomic study of the PPARδ agonist GW501516 for enhancing running endurance in Kunming mice. Scientific Reports 5, Article number: 9884 (2015) doi:10.1038/srep09884

 

  1. Salvadó L, Barroso E, Gómez-Foix AM, Palomer X, Michalik L, Wahli W, Vázquez-Carrera M. PPARβ/δ prevents endoplasmic reticulum stress-associated inflammation and insulin resistance in skeletal muscle cells through an AMPK-dependent mechanism. Diabetologia. 2014 Oct;57(10):2126-35. doi: 10.1007/s00125-014-3331-8. Epub 2014 Jul 26.

 

  1. Palomer X1, Capdevila-Busquets E, Botteri G, Salvadó L, Barroso E, Davidson MM, Michalik L, Wahli W, Vázquez-Carrera M. PPARβ/δ attenuates palmitate-induced endoplasmic reticulum stress and induces autophagic markers in human cardiac cells. Int J Cardiol. 2014 Jun 1;174(1):110-8. doi: 10.1016/j.ijcard.2014.03.176. Epub 2014 Apr 8.

Top 3 SARMSAffiliate Disclosure

Ostarine

Ostarine

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Cardarine

Cardarine

Cardarine is one of the strongest SARMs on the market today. Read more here.

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Nutrobal

Nutrobal

Nutrobal is one of the most popular muscle builders in the bodybuilding industry.

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Author: Rob Miller

Supplement Critique

Rob Miller founded SupplementCritique.com over 7 years ago, and has been the chief editor ever since. He has a diploma in Advanced Dietary Supplements Advisor, and worked at GNC for 3 years. He KNOWS supplements, both inside and out. Rob currently resides in Jupiter, FL, with his wife of 4 years.  Learn more about him in his Bio here. Follow him on Twitter , Facebook, LinkedIn, or find him on Google +.

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