S4 (Andarine)

Introduction

Andarine, commonly known as S4 in the market, comes under umbrella of wide group of drugs called SARM (Selective Androgen Receptor Modulator), but S4 is considered to be more potent and beneficial as compared to other similar SARMs like LGD-4033. It was first manufactured by GTX labs during its research aiming for treatments of senile- onset muscle wasting diseases like muscular dystrophy, osteoporosis and benign enlargement of prostrate.

It has shown promising results during animal trials and currently, numerous medical research teams are conducting various human trials to elicit more beneficial effects on skeletal muscle mass, strength and bone density. Even though S4 is yet to be prescribed by practitioners, it is widely included in body fitness regime of aspiring athletics. Moreover, the selectivity of the drug eliminates numerous side effects that traditional steroids bring.

Mechanism of action

Similar to other SARMs, Andarine has greater affinity to androgen receptors, the common site of action of male sex hormone- testosterone. While traditional synthetic steroids bind to androgen receptors indiscriminately, SARMs are very specific in its mode of action, affecting only the ones present in skeletal muscles and bones. Undoubtedly, this selectivity gives Andarine an edge over steroids. Some of the remarkable benefits of Andarine include increase in lean muscle mass, lipolysis and boosting of stamina and strength.

Benefits

Since a large number of researches are going around regarding S4, varieties of benefits have been reported world-wide. Some of these are listed below.

1. Bioavailability of Andarine is very high as opposed to other SARMs. This means Andarine is very potent and a smaller dose is enough to exhibit significant benefits. Moreover, according to research journals, Andarine doesn’t undergo aromatization (the process of conversion of testosterone to estrogen). This eliminates the risk of estrogenic side effects like water retention, hair loss, gynecomastia.
2. S4 increases the release of testosterone, and by doing so it helps to increase the energy level, improving stamina and strength.
3. Improvement in metabolic activity enhances the increase in muscles and weight loss.
4. Even though reports have suggested there is a slight suppression in natural testosterone levels, there is no related user report on this.  The suppression could be potentially due to its anabolic activity but researchers claim that lower doses don’t cause severe hypothalamic pituitary suppression and there is no need for a PCT (post cycle therapy).

Uses

Role in fitness industry

S4 is very popular among athletics for ‘cutting’ and ‘bulking’ purpose. Even with less consumption of calories, users have shown to increase strength and muscle mass. Within short span of time, you can increase your training hours in the gym without feeling fatigue. Andarine promotes fat oxidation and reduces lipoprotein lipase activity. This decreases fat accumulation and hence helps maintain their weight but converting the stored fats into new muscle tissues. These are the characteristics desired by fitness freaks, athletics and bodybuilders. Some might want to stack S4 with other SARMs for synergic action.

Effects on reproductive system

Studies have shown S4 to be selective to prostrate and could be clinically beneficial in treating benign prostrate hyperplasia (commonly occurring in elderly men).  S4 does this by inhibiting dihydrotestosterone to bind to the androgen receptors and helps in treatment of BPH.

Treatment of osteoporosis and degenerative diseases.

Owing to its ability to prevent muscle wasting, S4 could be a possible option for treating senile-onset osteoporosis. This is a disease seen in elderly post-menopausal women where pathological fractures are very common. There is an imbalance in bone formation and bone degeneration. Andarine increases bone mineral density and improve the bone matrix, increasing strength and stamina.

Aids in weight loss

In today’s modern world, obesity is a main concern because of unhealthy life styles choices and lack of physical activity. When sedentary lifestyle is prevailing, exercise is becoming old-fashioned. Even with balanced low calorie diet, promoting fat loss still remains an exhausting task. With Andarine, there is a boost in metabolism of body which not only promotes fat loss but gain of lean muscle mass, significantly provide the perfect body shape which most professionals, including athletics, models, bodybuilders desire.

Adverse Effects

Even though the suppressive action on pituitary gland of Andarine is not prominent, like any other medicinal compounds, this drug also reported to have milder side effects. However, male breast enlargement, raised blood pressure, hair loss, appearance of masculine traits in females and hepatotoxicity are not seen with SARMs, owning to their selective action on muscles and bones.

With Andarine, users have reported to issues of seeing small yellow dots with problems to vision in dim light. This is because S4 molecule binds to receptors in retina. Users usually note this at night, while moving from dark to bright areas. However, this effect is reversible and immediately disappears when users stop the drug.

Dose Schedule and half-life

According to recent studies, Andarine has a short half-life of approximately 3-4 hours.  But, this drug is so potent and effective that low doses are sufficient. The recommended dose is to start from 25mg up to a maximum dose of 50mg per day. However, female users should start at a lower dose.  Normally, one cycle should last for 8-12 weeks. Users can divide the dose in morning and evening sessions with snacks as per wish.

Doping and WADA

Since the last 10 years, wise spread availability of SARMs has been reduced due to prohibition from US Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) and World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA). This is because users of SARMs have an unfair advantage over non-users, if they are in to competitive sports.

Conclusion

In a nutshell, Andarine is a promising drug for treatment of osteoporosis and muscle-wasting along with huge number of benefits in medicine but research work is still undergoing. Even though WADA has prohibited the use of drug among athletics, sales of the drug has peaked globally in the recent past for building muscles, improving stamina and rapid weight loss. Users can notice significant change in a shape after 2 weeks of use.