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Do SARMs Cause Kidney Damage?

Table of Contents

SARMs, or Selective Androgen Receptor Modulators, are often categorized as performance-enhancing drugs (PEDs).

These substances have gained popularity in the fitness and bodybuilding world because of their reported benefits, including increased muscle mass, fat reduction, and improved strength and endurance. 

Despite this, one of the most major concerns about SARMs is their effect on the kidneys. Let’s dive deeper into the topic.

Key Takeaways 💡

  • What are SARMs? SARMs mimic anabolic steroids, offering benefits like increased muscle mass and fat loss with potentially fewer side effects. 💪
  • Kidney Concerns: SARMs can affect kidney function, leading to symptoms like elevated creatinine levels, so caution is advised. 🧪
  • Other Side Effects: Users may experience short-term side effects like headaches and nausea, along with long-term risks such as hormonal imbalances. ⚠️
  • Dosage Matters: Sticking to recommended dosages and staying hydrated can help minimize risks associated with SARMs. 💧
  • Consult Professionals: Always do your research and consult healthcare professionals before using SARMs to ensure safety and effectiveness. 🩺
  • Quality Counts: Choose reputable brands with positive reviews and third-party testing. The quality of the SARM you’re using can make a significant difference in your safety and results. 🏷️

Table of Contents

What are SARMs?

SARMs (Selective Androgen Receptor Modulators) are compounds that aim to mimic the benefits of anabolic steroids, making them an appealing option for those looking to avoid some of the harsher side effects.

There is evidence suggesting that SARMs might be a safer choice, but keep in mind that research is still in the works. 

Bodybuilders often turn to these drugs because many users say it helps them build muscle, lose weight, and boost their strength altogether, but there are some potential risks. 

So, if you decide to go for it, make sure to stick to the recommended dosage and buy from reputable brands that have a solid track record.

Swiss Chems and Sports Technology Labs are good examples you might want to consider in the future.

How do SARMs work in the body?

SARMs work by targeting specific androgen receptors in your body, which are the same ones that anabolic steroids hit.

When SARMs bind to these receptors, they kick off a chain reaction that promotes muscle growth, fat loss, and overall improved performance.

Because they’re designed to be selective, SARMs aim to enhance muscle and bone while minimizing effects on other tissues. 

Despite this, there’s still a lot to learn about how they really affect the body long-term. Plus, there are numerous reports out there about the side effects of SARMs, and it’s definitely worth discussing.

Let’s talk about that in the next section!

What are the benefits of taking SARMs?

Selective Androgen Receptor Modulators (SARMs) are popular in bodybuilding for good reason. Based on user reviews from Reddit and various blogs, here’s what numerous individuals have reported experiencing after taking SARMs.

1. Immediate increase in strength and endurance

Users described the effects of SARMs as slightly beyond natural but not as potent as traditional steroids.

Despite this, they are viewed as an appealing option for those seeking moderate enhancements without the high risk of complications.

Users experienced a notable increase in strength across compound lifts and achieved significant personal bests.

2. Versatility in both cutting and bulking cycles

While many users categorize SARMs by specific goals, there are SARMs that work effectively for both bulking and cutting cycles such as Ostarine; supporting lean muscle gains even when bulking.

During bulking, SARMs help users achieve noticeable increases in strength and muscle size, which can lead to more effective workouts and higher overall performance.

On the other hand, when used in a cutting cycle, SARMs aid in maintaining muscle mass while users reduce calorie intake and focus on fat loss.

3. Increased libido

While not directly related to bodybuilding, enhanced libido is a frequently reported benefit associated with the use of SARMs.

It is important to note that certain SARMs, such as RAD-140, are specifically linked to this effect. Some users have also indicated that RAD-140 may lead to an increase in aggression; however, this effect is generally reported to be manageable and not overly detrimental.

4. Quicker muscle mass development

In addition to improved gym performance, users reported an increase in muscle size while maintaining their body fat percentage, as well as a gain of several kilograms of lean mass.

While this can be true for various SARMs, these experiences are especially prevalent among users of RAD-140.

What do experts have to say about SARMs?

Aside from anecdotal evidence, we have gathered a couple of scientific studies on SARMs that you might be interested to know, let’s review them one by one.

SARMs effects on cancer patients

Recent studies have examined the effects of SARMs on cancer patients, particularly those undergoing treatments that affect muscle mass.

These studies suggest that while SARMs may help combat muscle wasting, they also pose health risks, including liver injury and potential adverse effects on overall health.

Experts caution that more research is needed to assess the long-term safety and efficacy of SARMs in this vulnerable population.

SARMs link to bile acid nephropathy

Bile acid nephropathy, also known as bile cast nephropathy, has been associated with the use of SARMs.

This condition can lead to renal failure and renal dysfunction, primarily due to the accumulation of bile acids affecting renal tubules.

Case studies have reported acute kidney injury in some users, highlighting the potential for serious renal lesions linked to liver injury caused by SARMs.

The evidence underscores the need for caution, as the risk of kidney damage adds to the already concerning health implications of SARM use.

Result of SARMs on male rats

Animal studies have provided insights into the effects of SARMs when compared to anabolic androgenic steroids.

Research involving male rats has shown that SARMs can improve bone density and muscle mass without the adverse side effects commonly associated with traditional steroids.

However, the implications of these findings for human use remain unclear, and experts stress that more research chemicals need to be investigated to understand the safety and effectiveness of SARMs in various contexts.

What are the side effects of taking SARMs?

On top of scientific studies, her are lists of the potential side effects both for short and long-term when taking SARMs.

This should give you a clearer picture of the substance and help you set a more balanced and realistic view of SARMs:

Short-term side effects of SARMs
  • Headaches
  • Nausea 
  • Mood swings
  • Acne or oily skin
Long-terms side effects of SARMs
  • Hormonal imbalances
  • Liver damage
  • Changes in cholesterol levels 
  • Fertility issues 
  • Gynecomastia 
  • Testicular shrinkage 
  • Kidney injury

Just a heads up: some long-term side effects like testicular shrinkage and gynecomastia can often come from taking the wrong dosage or using SARMs inappropriately.

Also, if you’re using SARMs, it’s a smart move to think about Post Cycle Therapy (PCT) afterward. It can help reduce or even prevent some of those pesky side effects.

Some popular PCT options you can easily find include Nolvadex, Clomiphene, and Anastrozole. If you want to learn more about PCT, feel free to read about them here.

Do SARMs affect the kidneys?

This question is currently one of the most common searches on the internet regarding SARMs.

You can find plenty of reviews from actual users on platforms like Reddit, as well as insights from clinical studies, which might make you think twice about using them.

So, here’s a straight honest answer: yes, SARMs can affect the kidneys.

Some users have reported symptoms like elevated creatinine levels and other signs of kidney stress, which may indicate potential damage.

Recent research also suggests that SARMs impact kidney function by altering hormone levels and increasing the workload on these organs.

Simply put, because SARMs are designed to target androgen receptors, they can trigger metabolic changes that place additional strain on the kidneys.

Fortunately, there are ways to minimize the risk of kidney issues while taking SARMs, keep scrolling!

What are signs of kidney injury?

Kidney injury is a serious side effect that shouldn’t be taken lightly.

If you’re just starting to use SARMs, it’s important to be vigilant for these signs of potential kidney issues:

1. Less urine output

If you have kidney injury, you might notice that you urinate less.

This is because the kidneys, when damaged, struggle to filter out waste and excess fluid from your blood, resulting in decreased urine production, known as oliguria.

Essentially, your body holds onto fluid instead of releasing it as urine.

2. Swelling

It’s common to experience notable puffiness, especially in your legs, ankles, or around your eyes when your kidney is not in a good state.

Then again, it means that your kidneys are not effectively removing excess fluid and waste from your blood; this fluid accumulation in your body is a condition more known as edema.

3. Tiredness                 

People who deal with poor kidneys often feel unusually tired even after having sufficient rest.

When your kidneys aren’t working correctly, toxins and waste can accumulate in your blood, leading to feelings of fatigue and weakness as your body struggles to eliminate these substances.

To note, reduced kidney activity can also result in anemia, a condition in which your body fails to produce enough red blood cells, adding to your tiredness.

4. Nausea or vomiting

Feeling sick to your stomach or actually throwing up is also caused by kidneys failing to properly filter waste from your blood, leading to a buildup of toxins that can induce the vomiting reflex.

This is especially frequent in cases of chronic kidney disease or acute kidney injury.

5. Shortness of breath

You may find it hard to breathe due to the kidneys’ inability to eliminate excess fluid from your body.

Like what was previously mentioned, kidney disease can also cause anemia, which further limits oxygen transport in your body and adds to feelings of breathlessness.

6. Elevated blood pressure

Kidney injury can cause high blood pressure because renal function is closely linked to how blood pressure is managed.

This issue, called renal hypertension or renal artery stenosis, happens when the blood vessels that carry blood to the kidneys get narrower.

When there’s renal impairment and the kidneys don’t get enough blood, they release hormones that make the body hold onto water and sodium, which raises blood pressure. Over time, this can also lead to further renal damage.

7. Changes in urine color                                  

Hematuria, or bloody urine, can happen when there are issues with the kidneys. Damaged kidney tissue may bleed, allowing red blood cells to mix with urine.

If you have dark, cloudy urine, or urine that looks bloody, make sure you’re always in contact with your doctor and get help immediately.

8. Itching

Unexplained itching is often due to waste buildup in the body which can send signals to your nerves, resulting in an itchy sensation.

This condition is known as uremic pruritus or chronic kidney disease-associated pruritus (CKD-aP). The itching can feel uncomfortable and persistent, often affecting various parts of your body.

9. Sexual dysfunction

Kidney problems, particularly chronic kidney disease, can lead to sexual dysfunction due to hormonal imbalances, reduced blood flow, and nerve damage.

Though emotional and physical stress from a kidney injury can also contribute to this problem.

10. Abdominal pain

Usually accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and back pain, abdominal pain is one common sign of acute kidney injury.

It is pain experienced in the belly or in the side below your rib cage.

How to prevent kidney issues after using SARMs?

Of course, prevention is better than cure, so, in this section, let’s go over some tips to help you avoid kidney injury before taking SARMs!

1. Stick to recommended dosages

This may seem like a no-brainer, but it’s concerning how it’s often overlooked.

Many users believe that taking higher doses will give them better results, but this can actually put extra strain on your kidneys and lead to serious complications.

2. Keep yourself hydrated 

Drinking plenty of water does wonders for your body, so make sure you drink at least seven glasses of water per day. 

It helps your kidneys flush out toxins and can reduce the risk of stress on these organs.

3. Take breaks from using SARMs                  

Cycling on and off allows your body to recover.

This should also come with regular health monitoring, including blood tests, to catch any early signs of kidney problems. 

4. Avoid mixing SARMs with other substances

Combining SARMs with other supplements or medications can increase the risk of damaged kidneys. Always do your research and consult a professional before mixing substances.

This will help you understand potential interactions and keep your kidneys safe.

5. Consider liver support supplements

While these supplements primarily promote liver health, a well-functioning liver can help manage toxins in the body more effectively, which may also benefit your kidneys. 

But then again, before starting any liver support supplements—or any supplements, for that matter, it’s important to remember that you should not mix SARMs with other substances without professional guidance.

Do consult with a healthcare professional to ensure they’re appropriate for you and to get recommendations on suitable brands.

6. Consider vitamin supplements

Vitamin supplements can be beneficial for overall health. Some vitamins, like vitamin D, can be important for kidney health, especially in people with chronic kidney disease, as the kidneys play a role in activating this vitamin.

However, taking supplements without medical advice can sometimes lead to complications, especially if taken in excessive amounts.

It’s advisable to talk to a healthcare provider for tailored advice that aligns with your health and dietary requirements, and to help you avoid vitamin supplement abuse.

SARM Recommendations for Beginners

Some SARMs are milder than others, which means they usually cause fewer side effects, like damaged kidneys. And if they do cause issues, those effects tend to be less severe.

Here are our top SARMs recommendations for beginners or anyone looking for milder options:

SARM Type Best Used For Recent User Reviews Overall Rating

Testolone

(RAD-140)

Lean gains and strength

  • Almost no side effects when taken 20 mg/day 
  • Reduces fat while helping putting on muscle 
  • Made it possible to significantly top PRs

4.8 out of 5

Ligandrol

(LGD-4033)

Bulking

  • Effective when taken around 5 mg/day 
  • Increases muscle gains, making them look fuller 
  • Bigger arms and bigger lifts, but tends to make you feel lethargic after every workout session

4.7 out of 5

Ostarine
(MK-2866)

Cutting

  • The go-to for most beginners at 10-20 mg/day
  • Enhances athletic ability and leans you out 
  • Sometimes effects can feel underwhelming due to its milder nature

4.5 out of 5

Vascularity and strength gains

  • A dosage of 15 mg/day is a good fit 
  • Causes greater acute strength
  • Common issue is vision impairment, although this is completely temporary

4.5 out of 5

If you stick to your cycle and start with the minimum recommended dosage of SARMs before increasing it, you shouldn’t have to worry about kidney issues.

To be frank, the biggest concern with these SARMs, like all SARMs, is testosterone suppression. However, this effect is much less severe than with anabolic steroids.

Are SARMs safer than anabolic androgenic steroids?

Steroids and SARMs have always been compared to one another, particularly in the bodybuilding industry, where both are commonly used as doping agents to enhance performance and muscle growth.

While they share similarities in their effects, they present different safety concerns and potential side effects.

Anabolic steroids, including various anabolic androgenic steroids, are well-known for their effectiveness in building muscle but carry significant safety concerns.

The risks associated with steroid use include liver damage, cardiovascular problems, and hormonal imbalances.

In contrast, SARMs were developed to provide similar benefits while aiming to reduce adverse effects, but their long-term safety in human consumption is still not fully established.

Can anabolic androgenic steroid also cause kidney injury?

In terms of kidney health, an anabolic steroid can unfortunately also adversely affect it.

Steroid use has a documented link to kidney injury, as high doses of anabolic androgenic steroids can lead to increased bloo d pressure and stress on the kidneys, resulting in acute kidney injury.

Although SARMs are often perceived as a safer alternative, emerging research indicates they may also pose risks to renal function, though the full extent of these risks remains under investigation.

The World Anti-Doping Agency closely monitors both anabolic steroids and SARMs, as their use in competitive sports raises ethical issues and health risks.

Professional athletes must be aware of the potential for kidney injury and other serious side effects associated with both types of substances, regardless of their choice between steroids or SARMs.

Conclusion

To wrap things up, SARMs can definitely be tempting with their promise of bigger muscles and fat loss. However, it’s very important to approach them with caution.

As we’ve discussed, the risks—especially when it comes to kidney health and hormonal changes—are real and shouldn’t be ignored.

Sticking to recommended dosages is crucial, and staying hydrated can make a big difference in how your body handles these compounds.

It’s also a good idea to take breaks and keep an eye on your health with regular check-ups. This way, you can catch any potential issues before they become serious.

Lastly, remember, it’s always wise to chat with a healthcare professional before diving into SARMs. They can give you personalized advice to help you navigate this complex landscape safely.

Whether you’re just starting out or have some experience under your belt, putting your health first should always be your priority.

With the right precautions, you can enjoy the benefits of SARMs while minimizing the risks. Happy lifting, and take care of yourself out there!

FAQ's

Frequently Asked Questions

Using SARMs every day is not recommended unless you have a carefully planned cycle and dosage. The long-term effects of SARMs are still not fully understood, and daily use without proper planning can significantly raise the risk of side effects.

It’s essential to consider that many individuals may mistakenly view SARMs as safe dietary supplements, but they are not without their dangers.

Without a structured approach, daily consumption can exacerbate these risks, making it vital to consult with a healthcare professional before starting any regimen.

Regular monitoring and health assessments can also help mitigate potential adverse effects and ensure safer use of these substances.

SARMs primarily target the muscles and bones to enhance growth and strength, but their effects extend beyond these areas to impact other organs, including the liver, kidneys, and endocrine system.

In particular, the kidneys can be affected, with some users experiencing conditions like focal segmental glomerulosclerosis, which is a serious kidney disorder that can lead to renal dysfunction.

Regular physical examinations are essential for anyone using SARMs, as these check-ups can help monitor the health of these vital organs and detect any signs of distress early on.

It’s crucial for users to be aware of these risks and consult healthcare professionals for guidance, ensuring that their organ health remains a priority while pursuing their fitness goals.

While SARMs are generally considered less toxic than anabolic steroids, emerging literature review and research indicates that they can still impact liver health, particularly when used at high doses or for prolonged periods.

SARMs target specific androgen receptors to promote muscle growth and fat loss, but this selectivity doesn’t completely eliminate the risk of liver toxicity.

Some studies and literature reviews have highlighted cases of liver enzyme elevation among users, suggesting that the liver can be adversely affected.

Yes, SARMs can potentially affect kidney activity, leading to elevated creatinine levels and other indicators of kidney stress.

This is particularly concerning because sustained use of SARMs can increase the risk of renal failure, especially if users take higher doses or combine them with other substances.

Some studies have reported cases of renal lesions in individuals who have used these compounds, highlighting the importance of understanding their effects on kidney health.                               

As with many doping agents, the impact of SARMs on renal function can be significant, especially if used improperly or for extended periods.   

However, there are strategies to help mitigate these risks. Staying well-hydrated is crucial, as adequate fluid intake can support kidneys and help flush out toxins.

Research on the long-term effects of selective androgen receptor modulators (SARMs) is still limited, but initial findings raise concerns about potential long-term damage.

While these compounds are designed to target specific androgen receptors in the body to promote muscle growth and fat loss, they can still disrupt the balance of sex hormones.

This disruption may lead to hormonal imbalances that could have lasting effects on reproductive health and overall hormonal equilibrium.

Regular physical examinations and monitoring are essential for anyone considering SARMs, especially to catch any early signs of adverse effects.

SARMs are not legally approved for human consumption in many countries, including the United States, where they are classified as research chemicals.        

This lack of regulation raises serious safety concerns, as their long-term effects are still unknown. While SARMs are often marketed as safer alternatives to anabolic agents, using them can pose an increased risk of side effects and health complications.        

Additionally, the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) has banned SARMs in competitive sports, emphasizing their potential to enhance performance in ways that can undermine fair competition.

The main difference between SARMs (Selective Androgen Receptor Modulators) and anabolic steroids lies in their targeting and effects.

SARMs target specific androgen receptors in muscle and bone, aiming to provide the benefits of anabolic steroids—like increased muscle mass—while reducing the side effects associated with anabolic steroid abuse.

In contrast, anabolic steroids are synthetic derivatives of testosterone that affect the entire body, leading to broader side effects, particularly with anabolic steroids.

DISCLAIMER: The information provided above is not intended to substitute professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek your physician’s advice or another qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have seen or read.We bear no responsibility or liability for your use of any compound. 

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