Top 4 best first sarms stack – Investigational compounds known as selective androgen receptor modulators, better known as SARMs, are non-steroidal agents under examination for their potential role in treating conditions like cachexia in the medical field (1).
This overview will provide guidance on various SARMs available and the choices available for newcomers embarking on their initial SARM regimen.
Here’s an enumeration of SARMs:
- Ostarine (Mk-2866)
- RAD 140 (Testolone)
- S23
- LGD-4033 (Ligandrol)
- Andarine (S4)
Other agents that are often associated with the SARM category but do not strictly fall within its definition include:
- Ibutamoren (MK-677), which stimulates the production of growth hormone.
- Cardarine (GW501516) acts as a PPAR (peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor) agonist.
- YK-11 functions as a myostatin blocking agent.
- Stenabolic (SR9009) works by activating Rev-ErbA.
Optimal First SARM Cycle
For a beginner, the initial experience with SARMs should be a single-agent cycle rather than a combination. Since SARMs can induce moderate adverse effects, the aim is to avoid causing undue harm and rather build tolerance gradually.
It is critical to respect the potency of SARMs, as our medical observation has identified severe side effects even from compounds considered mild when consumed excessively or for prolonged periods.
The SARM most frequently recommended for a first-time cycle is Ostarine (MK-2866), taken at 20 mg/day over 8 weeks.
Ostarine is popular among novices due to its relatively mild side effect profile. As it is the second-most extensively researched SARM after LGD-4033, there is a breadth of information on what users might expect.
Typical results from Ostarine usage include an addition of up to 10 pounds of lean muscle for users while aiding in the reduction of both visceral and subcutaneous fat mass.
After successfully completing an Ostarine cycle, one might consider progressing to more potent SARMs or creating a stack that includes Ostarine for continued advancement.
Note: It’s vital for first-timers to avoid stacking SARMs on their initial cycle to isolate and understand the specific reactions of each compound within their body. For instance, if a certain SARM were to significantly elevate ALT/AST liver enzyme levels, the individual effect would be unclear amidst a stack.
Recommended best First SARMs Stack
Muscle Building Stacks
For objectives centering on muscle and strength gains, one might integrate Ostarine with either LGD-4033 or RAD 140 for their initial stack.
Both S23 and YK-11 are advised against for a first SARM stack due to their more severe nature (noting that technically, YK-11 is not a SARM).
S4 (Andarine) is also less desirable owing to its potence being similar to Ostarine, which means added benefits could be limited. Additionally, S4 has been known to induce temporary vision changes, giving a yellowish tint.
LGD-4033 stands out as a powerful SARM for bulking, known for significant muscle mass and strength enhancement. RAD 140 shares similarities, but it tends to deliver slightly more pronounced strength increments. However, muscle mass increases tend to be more substantial with LGD-4033.
Ostarine and LGD-4033 Stack
- Week 1–8: Ostarine: 20 mg/day, LGD-4033: 6 mg/day
Ostarine and RAD 140 Stack
- Week 1–8: Ostarine: 20 mg/day; RAD 140: 20 mg/day.
Dosages for women: For female users, Ostarine’s dosage can be up to 10 mg/day (for 8 weeks), LGD-4033 up to 2 mg/day (for 4 weeks), and RAD 140 up to 10 mg/day (for 8 weeks).
Ostarine and Ibutamoren Stack
An addition that can be considered for a bulking stack is Ibutamoren (MK-677), recognized for its contribution to an increase in fat-free mass.
In one clinical study, male subjects experienced gains of approximately 7 pounds of lean muscle over two months with doses of 8 mg/day (2).
Ibutamoren fosters an anabolic environment through the stimulation of IGF-1, leading to cellular hyperplasia where muscle fibers divide and form new subunits (3). It also carries lipolytic properties, yet its muscle-building capabilities overshadow its fat-reducing effects.
Though Ibutamoren can reduce subcutaneous fat and enhance lean muscle development, it may also lead to visceral fat accumulation due to its impact on insulin sensitivity.
- Week 1-8: Ostarine: 20 mg/day; Ibutamoren: 20mg/day
- Week 9-16: Ibutamoren: 20mg/day
Fat Reduction Stack
The primary substances often preferred for a preliminary SARM stack designed for fat reduction are Ostarine, Cardarine, and Ibutamoren (MK-677).
A stack containing all three is posited to be highly effective while still maintaining a low risk for severe side effects, particularly considering that only one of these agents is actually a true SARM.Cardarine acts as a PPAR agonist, while Ibutamoren stimulates the secretion of growth hormone. Consequently, these substances are unlikely to substantially impact the hypothalamic-pituitary-testicular axis (HPTA) or cholesterol levels.
Our cholesterol analyses show Cardarine’s beneficial impact on cholesterol levels, and scholarly studies confirm a 23% reduction in LDL cholesterol (4).
Cardarine stands out as an effective compound for fat loss. It enhances insulin sensitivity and glucose tolerance and favorably modulates lipids—markedly boosting the breakdown of fats.
Cardarine shifts the body’s energy preference away from glucose, favoring the burning of fatty acids instead. This transition leads to the body primarily sourcing energy from fat reserves. Additionally, Cardarine possesses a mild anabolic effect; studies have revealed weight gains of 1.3kg with a daily dosage of 10 mg over a 12-week period (5).
A specific case noted a 40-pound loss through a 12-week cycle using Cardarine alone, with dosages starting at 10 mg/day for the initial week, then increasing to 20 mg/day for the remaining eleven weeks.
Optimal best SARMs Stack (For Cutting)
- Weeks 1–8: Ostarine at 20 mg/day; Cardarine at 10 mg/day.
Note: A dosage of 20 mg/day of Cardarine is sometimes utilized; this is generally considered a substantial amount and typically reserved for those with experience. For someone new to stacking, such a dosage could contribute to significant liver toxicity.
Ibutamoren offers less potent fat reduction compared to Cardarine. Though some deem Ibutamoren a valuable addition for cutting due to its effects on subcutaneous fat, its impact on increasing visceral fat might not be advisable. It has the potential to yield a lean yet somewhat distended appearance.
Potential Adverse Effects
The SARMs mentioned for these stacks can cause suppression of testosterone production, an increase in LDL cholesterol, and heightened ALT/AST liver enzyme levels.
This could result in testosterone levels dropping to hypogonadal ranges, elevated blood pressure, and short-term liver inflammation.
Upon discontinuing the cycle, we’ve observed a quick reversal of most side effects, except for the restoration of natural testosterone levels, which may take multiple weeks.
A 4-week course of 20 mg/day Nolvadex is an efficient post-cycle therapy (PCT) to expedite the recovery of testosterone levels. This regimen is recommended following any of the stack protocols discussed in this article.
Our liver function tests reveal that, though Cardarine is a PPAR agonist, it can induce liver inflammation. Studies indicate that very long-term use of high Cardarine dosages may lead to cancer, suggesting users should keep their dosing moderate and cycle lengths reasonable.
For Ibutamoren, the primary side effects noted are water retention and a decrease in insulin sensitivity.
Conclusion
The superior initial stack for SARM users should aim to help reach their objectives while minimizing risks.
Hence, rather than combining two intense SARMs, a preferable approach involves coupling one milder SARM with another of moderate strength.
For muscle growth, Ostarine and LGD-4033 create an excellent pairing for enhancing muscle mass.
To reduce body fat, Ostarine paired with Cardarine offers a powerful combination for swift fat loss and the preservation of muscle mass.
REFERENECES
(1) https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24189892/
(2) https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/9661080/
(3) https://academic.oup.com/endo/article/155/6/2199/2422341
(4) https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18024853/
(5) https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/full/10.1161/ATVBAHA.112.247890
Dr. Grant Fourie, a specialist in male hormones, is based in Cape Town, South Africa. He provides comprehensive treatments for conditions related to low testosterone, such as erectile dysfunction, fatigue, and mood changes. His methods include hormone replacement therapy and other modern treatment options.
Contact me via email or phone to book personal appointment in my clinic: The Village Square, Cape Town - South Africa