Written by DR. GEORGE TOULIATOS, MD
27 October 2020

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Dr. Testosterone
By George Touliatos, MD
 
Q&A: Are SARMs Safe? Which AAS Are Safer?
 
Q: ARE SARMs SAFE?
 
A: Selective androgen receptor modulators (SARMs) are a new class of anabolic agents. They
are considered are supplements with anabolic properties, banned from WADA/USADA and IOC.
Their chemical structure is not of a steroidal molecule, as with AAS. As their name implies, they
have a selective role in androgenic receptors. Meaning they don’t harm certain tissues with
androgenic receptors, such as the prostate, scalp, and skin. However, they are supposed to bind
the androgens receptor and have a potent anabolic effect. Therefore, they act as strong anabolics
with minimal androgenic side effects. Among them, Ostarine is the most popular (MK-2866).
Other SARMs include Andarine, Ligandrol, Enobosarm, RAD140 and the YK-11.
 
From my personal experience, that involves reports of my patients, the conclusion was that these
substances are not as innocent and harmless as some speculate. There are specific deviations in
laboratory results, showing that SARMs are hepatotoxic, HPTA suppressive and atherogenic.
 
Transaminemia (AST, ALT >100) reveals their hepatotoxicity. LH, TT, FT suppression shows that
they lower endogenous testosterone production. While a drop in HDL means they can lead, in the
long term, to cardiovascular disease. In reality, there are quite familiar findings with 17-alkylated
orals. Therefore, I am quite skeptical and suspicious, regarding how legit they are. Moreover,
Andrarine is reported to cause visual disturbances, such as blurred vision. This is probably due to
the retina’s disturbances, or the cornea’s.
Considering these facts, it is suggested that SARMs not be used for more than two months, while
tapering of their dosage ensures the HPTA suppressive effects are minimal.
 
Q: WHICH AAS ARE SAFE(R)?
 
A: Generaly all the non 17-alkylated compounds (mainly injectables). Therefore, testosterone,
nandrolone, methenolone, drostanolone, boldenone and mesterolone. Among them methenolone,
mesterolone and nandrolone are still considered to be pharmaceutical-grade anabolics and
considerably more reliable and legitimate. While drostanolone and boldenone are not (UGL and
veterinary use.)
 
Trenbolone is not considered as a 17-alkylated anabolic, yet its high androgenicity has some
negative impact in certain tissues (mental status, HPTA). Nevertheless, prolonged use turns into
abuse throughout duration; thus, the side effects may have an accumulating effect. The classic
systems that are affected are cardiovascular, renal and hepatic. This reflects in blood work of
lipids, liver enzymes and kidney assessment values. Someone can cruise by using safer
anabolics along with TRT, as an overall age-managment protocol.
 
George Touliatos, MD is an author, lecturer, champion competitive bodybuilder and expert in medical
prevention regarding PED use in sports. Dr. Touliatos specializes in medical biopathology and is the medical
associate of Orthobiotiki.gr and Medihall.gr, Age Management and Preventive Clinics in Athens, Greece.
 
He is the author of four Greek books on bodybuilding, has extensively developed articles for www.anabolic.org
and is the medical associate for the book Anabolics, 11th Edition (2017). Dr. Touliatos has been a columnist
for the Greek editions of MuscleMag and Muscular Development magazines, and has participated in several
seminars across Greece and Cyprus, making numerous TV and radio appearances, doing interviews in print
and online.  His personal website is https://gtoul.com/
 
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