S23 SARM: Results, Before and After Pictures, Dosages

Reviewed by: Dr. Grant F., MD, PA

Disclaimer: Only researchers are authorized to administer SARMs, as they are not FDA-approved for cosmetic use and may have adverse effects. Dr. Grant F. is available for consultation should readers have any questions or concerns.

What is S23?

S23 is a selective androgen receptor modulator (SARM) that exhibits potent anabolic properties whilst demonstrating high binding affinity to androgen receptors. Originally developed by GTx Inc., S23 was formulated as a potential male hormonal contraceptive due to its suppressive effects on luteinising hormone and follicle-stimulating hormone.

Unlike other SARMs, S23 demonstrates exceptional bioavailability and tissue selectivity, making it one of the most powerful compounds in the SARM category. Research indicates that S23 can significantly enhance lean muscle mass whilst simultaneously reducing adipose tissue.

S23 was initially investigated for its potential therapeutic applications in treating:

• Muscle wasting disorders
• Osteoporosis
• Benign prostatic hyperplasia

However, clinical trials remain limited, and S23 has not received FDA approval for human consumption.

How Does S23 Compare to Anabolic Steroids?

S23 demonstrates remarkably similar effects to moderate-dose anabolic steroids in terms of muscle hypertrophy and strength enhancement. However, we observe S23 causing more significant suppression of natural testosterone production compared to other SARMs, approaching levels typically associated with anabolic steroid cycles.

Research indicates that S23 possesses approximately 96% of the anabolic potency of dihydrotestosterone (DHT) whilst exhibiting only 24% of its androgenic activity. This favourable anabolic-to-androgenic ratio contributes to S23’s muscle-building effects whilst minimising unwanted masculinising side effects.

How Effective is S23?

In animal studies, S23 demonstrated superior muscle-building properties compared to other SARMs, with subjects experiencing significant increases in lean body mass over relatively short periods. Rodent studies showed that S23 increased lean muscle mass by approximately 15% over a 4-week period.

We have observed S23 to be particularly effective for advanced users who have reached plateaus with milder SARMs such as Ostarine or LGD-4033. S23’s potency makes it comparable to mild oral anabolic steroids in terms of results achieved.

Is S23 Legal?

S23 remains unscheduled by the FDA and is legal to purchase for research purposes only. However, the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) has banned S23 for competitive athletes, and it cannot be legally marketed as a dietary supplement for human consumption.

The legal status of S23 may change as regulatory bodies continue to evaluate SARMs and their potential for abuse in athletic and cosmetic applications.

S23 Results: User Before and After Pictures

This Reddit user completed an 8-week S23 cycle at 20 mg/day, combined with a structured training programme and controlled diet. The transformation demonstrates the significant body recomposition effects possible with S23.

The user experienced notable increases in:

• Muscle hardness and definition
• Vascularity throughout the physique
• Strength across all major compound movements

Remarkably, this transformation was achieved whilst the user maintained his body weight, indicating simultaneous muscle gain and fat loss. This dual effect is characteristic of S23’s powerful body recomposition properties.

We observe that S23 produces more dramatic visual changes compared to milder SARMs, with users often commenting on the “dry” and “hard” appearance of their musculature during cycles.

S23-Only Cycle: Before and After Transformation

This Facebook group member shared his results from a 10-week S23-only cycle:

Weeks	Dosage
1-10	15 mg/day

The user gained 8 pounds of lean mass whilst losing approximately 12 pounds of body fat, resulting in a dramatic improvement in body composition. His strength increased significantly across all major lifts:

• Bench press: +45 lbs
• Squat: +65 lbs
• Deadlift: +55 lbs

This user reported minimal side effects throughout the cycle, although post-cycle bloodwork revealed suppressed testosterone levels requiring post-cycle therapy implementation.

S23 Before and After Pictures: 12-Week Cycle

This extended 12-week transformation showcases S23’s potential for substantial physique changes when utilised over longer periods.

The subject administered 25 mg/day of S23 for the entire duration, representing an aggressive dosing protocol. Results included:

• Significant muscle hypertrophy in all major muscle groups
• Dramatic reduction in subcutaneous body fat
• Enhanced muscle separation and definition
• Increased vascularity and muscle hardness

However, this user experienced notable side effects including:

• Severe testosterone suppression (pre-cycle: 650 ng/dL, post-cycle: 89 ng/dL)
• Elevated liver enzymes (ALT: 78 IU/L, AST: 82 IU/L)
• Temporary hair thinning
• Decreased libido during the final 4 weeks

This case demonstrates both the impressive results possible with S23 and the importance of responsible dosing and monitoring.

S23 Dosage

S23 is not a pharmaceutically approved compound; therefore, established dosage guidelines do not exist. However, based on user reports and available research, we observe the following dosing patterns:

S23 Cycle for Males

Weeks	Dosage
1-8	10-20 mg/day

Beginners typically commence with 10 mg/day to assess tolerance, whilst experienced users may utilise 15-25 mg/day. Dosages exceeding 25 mg/day appear to increase side effect risk without proportional benefit increases.

S23 Cycle for Females

Weeks	Dosage
1-6	5-10 mg/day

Women should exercise extreme caution with S23 due to its potency and potential for virilisation effects. Dosages above 10 mg/day significantly increase the risk of masculinising side effects in female users.

S23 is typically available in liquid form at concentrations of 25 mg/mL or in capsule form containing 10-25 mg per capsule.

What Are the Side Effects of S23?

Based on user reports and limited research, S23 may cause the following adverse effects:

• Severe testosterone suppression
• Liver toxicity
• Hair loss and androgenic effects
• Mood alterations and aggression
• Sleep disturbances
• Increased blood pressure

Testosterone Suppression

S23 causes the most significant testosterone suppression among all SARMs, with users frequently experiencing complete shutdown of natural testosterone production. We observe suppression levels comparable to those seen with moderate-dose anabolic steroid cycles.

Dr. Grant F. notes that S23’s suppressive effects occur due to its potent binding affinity to androgen receptors, which signals the hypothalamic-pituitary-testicular axis to cease endogenous testosterone production.

The extent of suppression often correlates with dosage and cycle duration, with users taking 20+ mg/day for extended periods experiencing the most severe suppression. Recovery of natural testosterone production typically requires 6-12 weeks post-cycle, often necessitating pharmaceutical intervention.

Liver Toxicity

Although S23 is not C-17 alpha-alkylated like oral anabolic steroids, we observe hepatotoxic effects in users taking moderate to high dosages. Liver enzyme elevations (ALT and AST) have been reported, particularly during extended cycles or when S23 is stacked with other compounds.

Regular monitoring of liver function is advisable for users undertaking S23 cycles, with N-acetylcysteine (NAC) supplementation potentially offering hepatoprotective benefits.

Androgenic Side Effects

Despite its classification as a SARM, S23 demonstrates notable androgenic activity, particularly at higher dosages. Users may experience:

• Male pattern baldness acceleration
• Increased body hair growth
• Acne and oily skin
• Prostate enlargement
• Deepening of voice (in women)

These effects occur due to S23’s interaction with androgen receptors in androgenic tissues, despite its supposed tissue selectivity.

Mood and Behavioural Changes

S23 users frequently report increased aggression, irritability, and mood swings during cycles. These effects appear dose-dependent and may be related to hormonal fluctuations caused by natural testosterone suppression combined with exogenous androgen receptor activation.

Some users describe enhanced confidence and drive, whilst others experience anxiety or depression, particularly during the later stages of longer cycles.

Sleep Disturbances

Insomnia and poor sleep quality are commonly reported side effects of S23 use. Users often experience difficulty falling asleep or maintaining sleep throughout the night, which can impact recovery and overall well-being.

These sleep disturbances may be attributed to S23’s stimulatory effects on the central nervous system or hormonal imbalances caused by testosterone suppression.

S23 PCT

Due to S23’s severe suppressive effects on natural testosterone production, post-cycle therapy is essential for most users. The extent of suppression typically necessitates an aggressive PCT protocol similar to those used following anabolic steroid cycles.

Users should commence PCT approximately 2-3 days after their final S23 dose, based on the compound’s relatively short half-life.

Recommended PCT Protocol

Medication	Weeks 1-2	Weeks 3-4	Weeks 5-6
Nolvadex	40 mg/day	20 mg/day	10 mg/day
Clomid	50 mg/day	25 mg/day	12.5 mg/day

For severe suppression cases, HCG may be incorporated:

Medication	Duration	Dosage
HCG	Days 1-10	1000 IU EOD

The dual SERM approach (Nolvadex and Clomid) appears most effective for restoring natural testosterone production following S23 cycles, according to user experiences and clinical literature on similar compounds.

What is the Half-Life of S23?

S23 possesses a half-life of approximately 12 hours, necessitating twice-daily dosing for optimal blood levels. Most users divide their daily dosage, taking half in the morning and half in the evening to maintain stable plasma concentrations.

The relatively short half-life contributes to S23’s rapid onset of effects, with users often reporting noticeable changes within the first week of administration.

S23 vs. RAD-140: What is the Difference?

S23 and RAD-140 are both potent SARMs, but they exhibit distinct characteristics:

Potency: S23 appears more potent than RAD-140 in terms of muscle-building effects, with users typically requiring lower dosages to achieve comparable results.

Suppression: S23 causes significantly more testosterone suppression than RAD-140, often resulting in complete shutdown of natural production.

Side Effects: RAD-140 generally produces fewer androgenic side effects compared to S23, making it more suitable for users sensitive to such effects.

Results: Both compounds produce impressive muscle gains and fat loss, but S23 users often report more dramatic changes in muscle hardness and definition.

Recovery: RAD-140 users typically experience faster recovery of natural testosterone production post-cycle compared to S23 users.

For users seeking maximum results and willing to accept higher risk profiles, S23 may be preferred. Those prioritising a more favourable risk-to-reward ratio might opt for RAD-140.

What is the Price of S23?

Vendor	Price
Various Sources	$75-$95

Price source: Market research of multiple suppliers.

S23 typically commands higher prices than milder SARMs due to its potency and manufacturing costs.

What Are S23’s Stacking Options?

S23 can theoretically be combined with other SARMs or compounds to enhance results. However, stacking significantly increases the risk of adverse effects and is not recommended for inexperienced users.

S23 and Cardarine Stack

A common combination involves S23 with Cardarine (GW-501516) for enhanced fat loss:

Weeks	S23 Dosage	Cardarine Dosage
1-8	15 mg/day	20 mg/day

This stack may provide superior body recomposition effects, with Cardarine potentially offsetting some cardiovascular strain caused by S23.

Advanced Stacking Considerations

Due to S23’s potency and side effect profile, we strongly advise against stacking it with other suppressive compounds without extensive experience and proper monitoring. The combination of multiple SARMs can lead to severe hormonal disruption and increased health risks.

S23 Reviews: How Are Subjects Responding?

Researchers in our private Facebook group have shared their S23 experiences:

S23 is incredibly powerful but comes with serious side effects. The muscle hardening effects are unmatched among SARMs, but the testosterone suppression is severe. Definitely requires proper PCT.

After trying multiple SARMs, S23 gave me the most dramatic results. Gained 12 pounds of lean mass in 10 weeks whilst cutting body fat. However, my libido crashed by week 6, and recovery took months even with PCT.

S23 at 20 mg daily produced steroid-like results for me. Strength went through the roof, and people noticed the change immediately. Sleep was terrible though, and mood swings were challenging.

Best SARM I’ve used for cutting. The muscle preservation whilst in a caloric deficit was remarkable. However, the hair loss was concerning, and I won’t use it again due to this side effect.

S23 transformed my physique in 8 weeks more than any other SARM. The vascularity and muscle hardness were incredible. Just be prepared for the suppression – it’s no joke.

Frequently Asked Questions

S23 Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Exceptional muscle-building potential
• Significant fat loss effects
• Rapid onset of results
• Enhanced muscle hardness and definition
• Increased strength and power output

Cons:

• Severe testosterone suppression
• Significant androgenic side effects
• Potential liver toxicity
• Sleep disturbances and mood alterations
• Requires aggressive PCT protocol

Summary

S23 represents one of the most potent selective androgen receptor modulators available, offering impressive muscle-building and fat-loss effects comparable to moderate-dose anabolic steroids. However, its use comes with substantial risks including severe testosterone suppression and notable androgenic side effects.

Whilst S23 can produce dramatic physique improvements in relatively short timeframes, users must carefully weigh the potential benefits against the considerable health risks. The compound’s suppressive nature necessitates proper post-cycle therapy and ongoing health monitoring.

For experienced users seeking maximum results from the SARM category, S23 may provide the desired outcomes. However, beginners and those prioritising long-term health should consider milder alternatives with more favourable risk profiles.