S4
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Mechanism of Action & Benefits:
S4, also known as Andarine, is a Selective Androgen Receptor Modulator (SARM) that has been investigated for various potential applications, including the treatment of muscle wasting diseases and osteoporosis. In the context of bodybuilding, S4 is used off-label for its anabolic effects.
Mechanism of Action
S4 works by selectively binding to androgen receptors in the body, particularly in muscle and bone tissues. It acts as a full agonist in muscle tissue, promoting anabolic activity which leads to muscle growth and increased strength. In the prostate and other sexual organs, S4 acts as a partial agonist, which means it has a weaker effect compared to traditional anabolic steroids. This selective action allows S4 to stimulate muscle growth and bone density with reduced impact on the prostate and other organs, potentially minimizing the side effects commonly associated with steroids.
Benefits in Bodybuilding
The benefits of S4 in a bodybuilding context include:
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Increased Muscle Mass: S4 has been shown to increase muscle tissue and size due to its high affinity for androgen receptors and its ability to act as a full agonist in muscle tissue.
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Fat Loss: While the exact mechanism is not fully understood, S4 is believed to help with fat loss, possibly by increasing the metabolism of body fat and suppressing hormone-sensitive lipase (HSL).
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Muscle Hardening: S4 can contribute to a harder, drier, and more vascular appearance of muscles, which is desirable in bodybuilding.
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Increased Strength: Users have reported improvements in strength and endurance, which can be beneficial for training and performance.
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Prevention of Muscle Wasting: S4 was originally designed to combat muscle wasting, making it potentially useful for preserving muscle mass during cutting phases.
Side Effects & Interactions:
Side Effects
The side effects of S4 can be significant and include:
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Visual Disturbances: S4 has been associated with vision-related side effects, such as a yellow tint to vision or difficulty adjusting to night vision. This is due to the compound's high binding capabilities to ocular receptors.
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Testosterone Suppression: S4 can lead to suppression of testosterone, which may result in symptoms such as lethargy, low libido, and changes in mood.
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Liver Damage: Some reports suggest that S4 may cause liver damage, although this is not fully established.
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Cardiovascular Risks: There are reports of heart attacks and strokes in some people taking drugs like S4, although these are not fully substantiated.
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Other Side Effects: Other reported side effects include acne, high blood pressure, and changes in testicular size.
Interactions
Currently, there is limited information on how S4 interacts with other medications or conditions. This lack of information is due to the fact that S4 is still an investigational drug and has not been fully studied in humans.
Usage Guidelines:
The general dosing guidelines for S4, also known as Andarine, in a bodybuilding context vary depending on the source and the user's experience level.
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Beginners are often advised to start with a dose of 20-25mg per day.
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Intermediate users might take around 50mg per day.
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Advanced users may take up to 75-100mg per day, but this is generally considered the upper limit and is associated with a higher risk of side effects.
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It's common to split the daily dose into 2-3 smaller doses throughout the day to maintain an even concentration in the blood.
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After 2 weeks, users may assess their progress and consider increasing the dose by 5mg per week if progress has slowed or stopped.
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It's generally recommended not to exceed a cycle length of 6-8 weeks.
**The information provided on this post is intended solely for educational purposes and should not be considered a replacement for professional medical advice. Additionally, it is important to note that research chemicals are intended solely for laboratory study by professional researchers and are not intended for human consumption.