Among all the SARMS that have flooded messaging boards, gym lockers and google search pages in the past few years, S4 or Andarine takes the cake.
This is undoubtedly, one of the most widely used and more recently, the most widely trashed SARM.
It’s fall from grace was as dramatic as its rise to fame.
Having used in extensively over the past three years in multiple cycles, we have a fair bit to add to the lopsided discussions that we normally come across while reading about this compound.
If you were considering S4 or were thrown off by the negative things that you read about it commonly, then here are some facts that might help you take an informed decision.
History
Andarine S4 is a partial androgen receptor agonist. Without getting too geeky, this means that it binds to androgen receptors whenever it interacts with testosterone and then detaches again.
When the receptors interact with test, S4 stimulates gene expression that improve muscle mass and bone density.
All the other organs that also have androgen receptors are left untouched.
Since the amount of testosterone remains unchanged in your body, unlike anabolic steroids and exogenous hormones, you will not experience aromatization or other unwanted sides with S4.
GTX has conducted numerous clinical trials with S4 and in one of the trials, the subjects were able to gain up to 3.3 lbs. of lean muscle mass without exercising or without changing their diets.
That’s almost like gaining muscle while you are couch surfing.
The perfect muscle hardening SARM
Because of its effectiveness in boosting lean muscle and burning fat at the same time, the results achievable with S4 are often compared with that of a finishing compound like Winstrol.
It gives you the muscle hardening effect. The perfect polish after a vigorous diet and exercise routine.
If you are very lean to begin with, then it will also give you the pumps and the vascularity to boot.
In the SARM world, it is the perfect compound for muscle hardening.
The other benefits of Andarine
If you are looking to dip your toes in the world of SARMS without getting experiencing too much water retention or without the risk of trashing your lipids (oh yes, some SARMS can do that), then S4 might be the best bet.
Here are some of the other benefits of the compound, other than what we just mentioned.
- Zero negative effects on other organs, like the liver, the heart and the prostate. Andarine does not cause prostate enlargement nor is it liver toxic.
- It does not trash your lipids like other SARMS and steroids do. Your LDL, HDL ratio will be untouched.
- It does not aromatize.
- It gives you decent strength gains. Don’t expect anything too dramatic. But you will be able to add to your lifts and you won’t feel like shit when you are in the gym. There’s a general positive feeling which helps.
- Helps prevent dihydrotestosterone from binding to androgen receptors in the prostate. This means that the chances of experiencing the side effects related to DHT are almost nil.
- You can eat in a calorie surplus without worrying about gaining fat.
How to run S4
That’s the most challenging part of this SARM and one of the reasons for the negative publicity that it has received.
Different people exhibit varying levels of sensitivity to the sides.
A friend of ours can run 100mg without the slightest of problems whereas a bloke in the gym can’t even touch 50mg before the sides make it impossible to run.
So, the ideal dosage protocol for you would require some trial and error.
Start with 25mg a day for a week or two. If you don’t experience the vision sides, up the dose to 50mg a day for another week or so.
If you are sensitive to the vision sides, it will kick in extremely fast. S4 is one of those SARMS that don’t take weeks to kick in.
There’s also a 5:2 dosing protocol where you use Andarine for 5 days a week and take 2 days off which has gained popularity recently. According to some users, it helps avoid the side effects. We can’t vouch for this as we haven’t tried it personally.
50mg would be the upper limit that we recommend as the returns start to diminish drastically after that.
Run a 6-8-week cycle. Take a break.
Can you keep the gains after the cycle?
S4 is one of those compounds that don’t cause very dramatic gains in lean muscle. It’s not Dianabol.
With a good diet, workout routine and ample rest, you should be able to gain 5-6 lbs. of lean muscle with it.
These gains are keepable unless you start lollygagging in the gym and eating like a hog after the cycle.
Does S4 cause vision problems?
It depends on how sensitive you are to the vision related sides, the dosage and the amount of time that you run it for.
Andarine binds to certain receptors in the eye which some vision related sides.
- Some people see a yellowish tinge in their vision. This seems to be amplified when they are indoors.
- Others experience a lack of peripheral vision.
- There can be difficulties in transitioning from dark to light. Such as when you are driving in the dark and a car comes up from the bend. (Potentially risky situation). Or when you get up to piss in the night and switch on the lights.
These side effects are temporary and wear off in about 6-8 days after you stop using the drug.
Do you need PCT with Andarine?
No you don’t. Andarine is a relatively mild SARM that would only cause very minor suppression at best.
You don’t need a PCT unless your LH and Test levels have crashed totally, which is only possible if you have used a prohormone or a steroid instead of a SARM. Always buy sarms from trusted sources folks. ESARMS is one of the best ones out there currently.
Andarine Vs. Ostarine
You can select one of these depending on your body building goals.
If you are looking for the best compound to supplement your cut, then go with Ostarine
On the other hand if you are looking for a good muscle hardener with vascularity, then S4 would be the better pick.