Turkesterone Vs. SARMs: Which is the Best Alternative?
Turkesterone and SARMs are fast gaining popularity in the fitness community.
Both supplements promise to enhance muscle growth and athletic performance just like anabolic steroids. But how do they stack up against each other?
Below, we dive deep into each supplement’s benefits and potential drawbacks to help you decide which to add to your fitness regimen.
Turkesterone Vs. SARMS: What Is the Difference?
What Is Turkesterone?
Turkesterone is a plant-based bodybuilding supplement that contains the ecdysteroid extract found in plants and insects.
You’ve probably noticed how some insects are deadly and have strong shells and skeletal frames and how some plants deter pests from preying on them. Well, that’s the work of the ecdysteroid hormone.
Turkesterone is particularly extracted from a perennial flower, Ajuga turkestanica. This Southeast Asian plant also contains up to 14 ecdysteroid derivatives, but turkesterone and 20-hydroxyecdysone are the most potent steroid hormones on that list.
What Are SARMs?
SARMs (selective androgen receptor modulators) are lab-synthesized drugs touted as a safer alternative to traditional anabolic steroids. They’re said to help users bulk up and gain strength, but with less harmful steroidal side effects. You can take them orally in liquid or pill form, but not through injections.
SARMs act the same way as natural androgens and activate the androgen receptors in the body. But they don’t bind to all androgen receptors as with anabolic androgenic steroids.
Instead, they target specific androgen receptors involved in muscle and bone tissue development.
Pros and Cons of Using Turkesterone
Pros | Cons |
---|---|
Significant muscle growth: Turkesterone may promote lean muscle gains by activating muscle protein synthesis. It can also potentially suppress hormones that inhibit muscle growth. | Turkesterone supplements are expensive. |
Increases strength and stamina: Turkesterone may increase the body's ability to produce metabolites in the muscles. Some of these metabolites include creatine phosphate and ATP. They provide energy to drive processes such as muscle contractions and chemical synthesis. | Taking it on an empty stomach may cause nausea, memory loss, and lightheadedness. |
Quick post-workout recovery times: Lactic acid buildup is the main reason your muscles feel tired and sore after a grueling session in the gym. It may take a few days before the body flushes out the lactic acid for you to feel re-energized. Turkesterone may speed up the process of flushing out of the lactic acid in your muscles, leading to faster recovery. | |
It's suitable for men and women: This naturally occurring steroid hormone doesn't stimulate the androgen system to produce anabolic effects. Hence, it may not cause hormonal imbalances as with anabolic steroids. So, both genders can use this natural supplement without worrying about virilization symptoms. |
Pros and Cons of Using SARMs
Pros | Cons |
---|---|
Increase in muscle mass: SARMs bind to specific androgen receptors in the muscle cells and bone tissue and impersonate testosterone that can potentially stimulate faster bone and muscle building. | Users may eventually need to go through post-cycle therapy because SARMs suppress the body’s normal testosterone production. |
Helps shed weight: SARMs may reduce the activity of the genes responsible for lipogenesis (fat cell creation). It may also deceive your body into thinking that you’re starving, making it convert stored body fat into energy. | SARMs may encourage the development of male characteristics in women. |
Increases endurance: It may activate the secretion of the PPAR gene, resulting in an increase in the body’s oxygen uptake. The more oxygen your muscle fibers use, the more endurance you get. |
Frequently Asked Questions
How old do you have to be to take turkesterone?
The recommended age by doctors is for bodybuilders, athletes, and gym-goers over 18 years.
Are SARMs safe?
It’s marketed as a safer alternative to anabolic androgenic steroids. Yet, it produces some harmful side effects, such as liver toxicity, risk of heart attack, and infertility problems.
How long can you use turkesterone?
Most people use the supplement for 8-12 weeks before measuring the results and progress. Of course, you can continue using the supplement indefinitely because it doesn’t warrant a standard cycle.
Do you take turkesterone before or after a workout?
You can use it before or after your workout.
Is SARM a steroid?
No. SARMs aren’t anabolic steroids but artificial ligands that bind selectively to androgen receptors.
Does turkesterone suppress testosterone?
No. Turkesterone stimulates anabolic pathways without suppressing natural testosterone production in the body. That’s why you don’t need post-cycle therapy (PCT) after a cycle of your recommended turkesterone dosage.
What is the recommended daily dosage for turkesterone?
500 mg to 1000 mg is the recommended daily dosage. Take your dose between meals to avoid complications, such as nausea or dizziness.
Is turkesterone legal?
Yes, turkesterone is legal. You can buy it online or in physical stores. It won’t show up positive on a drug test.
Does turkesterone produce side effects?
So far, there are no known negative steroidal side effects associated with turkesterone. This natural supplement doesn’t trigger androgen receptor activity or hormonal imbalances.
Are SARMs legal?
Selling and buying SARMs branded as dietary supplements or for human consumption is illegal. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not approved SARMs in bodybuilding products.
Do SARM users experience any side effects?
Yes. SARMs may cause steroidal side effects such as:
- Mood swings
- Acne
- Shrinking testicular size
- Liver toxicity. This threat is particularly high when you ingest large doses or when you stack SARMs with other supplements or drugs.
- High risk of stroke and heart attack.
- Male infertility, including low sperm count or reduced libido.
- Mental health problems like aggression, depression, or suicidal thoughts.
- Virilization symptoms
Turkesterone Vs. SARMs: Which Is Better?
The lack of FDA approval and the risk of negative side effects make SARMs a lesser preferred option by many fitness enthusiasts. Turkesterone, on the other hand, ticks all the boxes of a good supplement. It’s natural, safe, legal, and effective.
When choosing between turkesterone vs. SARMs as your fitness supplement, remember that achieving your fitness goals entails so much more than taking any supplement. You must still work out and eat right to achieve your desired physique or athletic performance.