SARMs VS SERMs Comparison

Despite sounding the same, SARM and SERM are two different research compounds. SARMs stand for Selective Androgen Receptor Modulators, whereas SERM stands for Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulator. SARMs show affinity for androgen receptors, whereas, SERM shows affinity for estrogen receptors. 

They also share similarities, key potential benefits, and differences. Let’s understand SARMS, SERMs, their key potential benefits, and differences in this blog. 

What are SARMs? 

SARMs stand for Selective Androgen Receptor Modulators. They are currently being investigated as alternatives to the conventional steroids. Unlike traditional steroids, SARMs bind to androgen receptors only in the muscle and bone tissues of preclinical models.

Following this binding, SARMs influence various pathways related to multiple effects in preclinical models. Some of these pathways are involved in muscle hypertrophy, skeletal health, fat metabolism, and regeneration of tissues in preclinical models. 

Famous SARMs: 

• RAD-140
• LGD-4033
• MK2866
• Ostarine

What are SERMs?

SERMs stand for Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulators. They are currently being investigated in various studies related to hormonal imbalance and fertility issues in preclinical models. SERMs bind with estrogen receptors to demonstrate their impacts. But this binding is also selective.

Sometimes, this binding may activate the patterns linked to estrogen, while at other times, it may inhibit estrogen secretion in preclinical models. These two-way mechanisms may affect osteoporosis, bone health, and hormonal imbalance in preclinical models. 

Famous SERMs: 

• Clomiphene Citrate
• Tamoxifene

Research Applications of SARMs and SERMs

The research applications observed during preclinical compounds on these compounds are as follows: 

Research Applications of SARMs: 

All these research applications, mentioned below, have been observed in preclinical models. No human model has been used in any laboratory experiments. 

• SARMs affect muscle hypertrophy
• SARMs affect skeletal health and bone integrity
• SARMs modulate the patterns of fat metabolism 
• SARMs influence the repair and regeneration of tissues
• SARMs impact lean muscle mass

Research Applications of SERMs: 

The following research applications of SERMs have been observed during preclinical trials on non-human models. 

• SERMs affect the activities of estrogen 
• They may also inhibit or activate estrogen secretion
• They also affect osteoporosis
• SERMs have also affected the hormonal imbalance 
• They have influenced infertility issues 
• They have also affected malignant neoplasms

Note: All these research applications have been observed in preclinical trials. Therefore, further research investigations may explore further applications of these compounds. 

Key Differences Between SARMs VS SERMs

Despite being used in research studies, these compounds differ in many aspects. Some of the key differences between these two compounds are as follows: 

Differences	SARMs	SERMs
Different Structure	SARMs contain aromatic rings and nitrogen-containing heterocycles. They are designed to mimic the testosterone effects in preclinical models.	SERMs stand for Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulators. They contain a benzothiophene structure and a triphenylethylene core.
Different Mechanism of Action	SARMs bind to androgen receptors in the muscle and bone tissues of preclinical models. This binding modulates anabolic effects in these areas.	SERMs bind to estrogen receptors. This binding modulates either the activation or inhibition of estrogen in preclinical models.
Functions and Applications	Research applications of SARMs include muscle hypertrophy, bone health, fat metabolism, and regeneration of tissues in preclinical models.	Research applications of SERMs include modulating hormonal imbalance, affecting fertility issues, and influencing osteoporosis in preclinical models.
Differ in Risks	The risks of SARMs include liver toxicity, hormonal suppression, and fatigue in preclinical models.	The risks of SERMs include mood changes, hormonal imbalance, and vision issues in preclinical models.
Different Legal Status	The FDA has not yet approved any SARM for human consumption. They are only allowed for laboratory experiments.	SERMs are prescribed chemicals. They can be bought if followed by a verified prescription.
Hormonal Effects	SARMs affect the pathways related to the hormonal imbalance of testosterone. They may, sometimes, suppress the basal levels of testosterone in preclinical models.	SERMs only affect the hormonal balance of estrogen in preclinical models. They may, sometimes, modulate estrogen levels in preclinical models.

Legal Status of SARMs and SERMs

Regarding the legal status of SARMs and SERMs, they have not been approved by the Food and Drug Administration for human use. Therefore, selling SARMs and SERMs for human use is strictly prohibited. Only scientists and researchers can use these compounds for laboratory experiments. 

Final Thought 

SARMs and SERMs are two different research chemicals. They have been investigated in different studies. SARMs are studied for their potential effects on muscle hypertrophy and skeletal health, whereas SERMs are investigated for estrogen-related experiments. These compounds differ in structure, mechanism of action, and research applications from each other. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Where can I buy SARMs and SERMs online? 

You can buy SARMs and SERMs online from BehemothLabz for your laboratory experiments. 

What are SARMs used for in laboratory experiments? 

SARMs are used in laboratory experiments to investigate their effects on muscle and bone tissues in preclinical models. Scientists are interested in understanding how SARMs affect multiple pathways by binding to androgen receptors in research models. 

Are SARMs toxic to the liver of preclinical models? 

Some preclinical model studies suggest that SARMs may be toxic to the liver. This assumption was based on the initial trials on the compounds. It needs further investigation to support this claim.  

What is the purpose of SARMs? 

The purpose of SARMs is to understand how they interact with androgen receptors in preclinical models. Scientists are curious to know what pathways SARMs modulate in preclinical models. 

What are SERMs? 

SERMs are Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulators. They modulate the levels of estrogen hormone in preclinical models. 

How do SERMs work? 

SERMs bind with estrogen receptors in preclinical models. This binding affects the level of estrogen hormones in research models. 

References: 

1. Narayanan, Ramesh, Christopher C. Coss, and James T. Dalton. “Development of selective androgen receptor modulators (SARMs).” Molecular and cellular endocrinology 465 (2018): 134-142.
2. Gao, Wenqing, and James T. Dalton. “Expanding the therapeutic use of androgens via selective androgen receptor modulators (SARMs).” Drug discovery today 12.5-6 (2007): 241-248.
3. Negro-Vilar, Andrés. “Selective androgen receptor modulators (SARMs): a novel approach to androgen therapy for the new millennium.” The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism 84.10 (1999): 3459-3462.
4. Komm, Barry S., and Sebastian Mirkin. “An overview of current and emerging SERMs.” The Journal of steroid biochemistry and molecular biology 143 (2014): 207-222.
5. Pickar, James H., Tanya MacNeil, and Kathleen Ohleth. “SERMs: progress and future perspectives.” Maturitas 67.2 (2010): 129-138.
6. Mirkin, Sebastian, and James H. Pickar. “Selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMs): a review of clinical data.” Maturitas 80.1 (2015): 52-57.