Do SARMs cause hair loss?

Hair loss is a relatively common side effect of anabolic steroids, but can the same be said for SARMS? In this article, we'll explore whether SARMS cause hair loss and what you can do about it.

Selective Androgen Receptor Modulators, known as SARMs , are substances with properties similar to anabolic steroids, but with fewer androgenic properties or, better yet, with localized androgenic properties.

SARMS are able to bind to androgen receptors in the body, exerting effects only on specific tissues. The main goal of SARMs is to offer the benefits of anabolic steroids, such as increased muscle mass and fat reduction, but with fewer androgen-related side effects, such as skin problems, prostate enlargement, and hair loss.

SARMs are still in various stages of research and development. While some, such as Ostarine and Ligandrol, have been studied in clinical trials, many others have not yet been approved for human use by regulatory agencies such as the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

This is mainly due to concerns about possible adverse effects and a lack of information about the long-term safety of SARMs.

For this reason, SARMs are often marketed as "research chemicals" rather than supplements or drugs. Despite their potential for muscle gain and other therapeutic applications, such as treating osteoporosis and muscle atrophy, their use in clinical settings remains limited.

Yes, SARMs can cause hair loss. Although the risk and degree of hair loss are lower than with anabolic steroids, it can indeed occur.

Sarms are designed to selectively stimulate androgen receptors in certain tissues (such as muscle and bone), as a result, they can alter other hormones, including those that impact hair health.

Many SARMs influence the production and regulation of testosterone and its derivatives, such as dihydrotestosterone (DHT). DHT is a potent androgen known to play a significant role in hair loss.

More specifically, most SARMs are able to reduce SHBG, or "sex hormone-binding globulin." Since SHBG binds to testosterone with greater affinity than DHT, if you have less SHBG, you'll have more free testosterone, and more testosterone means more DHT.

Therefore, by increasing DHT levels or altering the way it interacts with hair follicles, especially in individuals genetically predisposed to hair loss, some SARMs may induce or worsen hair loss.

Furthermore, the use of SARMs can lead to a reduction in the body's natural testosterone production, which, paradoxically, can also impact hair health. Decreased testosterone levels can disrupt the normal hair growth cycle, leading to the resting phase or premature hair loss.

This effect is often seen during or after the end of SARM cycles, as the body tries to return to producing testosterone naturally.

However, it is worth noting that hair loss with SARMs is something that varies from person to person, depending on genetic factors and the specificity of the SARM used.

In some cases, SARM-induced hair loss may be temporary, but in others, especially with prolonged use or high dosages, the effects may be more lasting. It's important to consult a healthcare professional before using any SARM, especially for individuals concerned about hair health.

Among SARMs, some are more likely to cause hair loss than others. These are the most likely to cause the problem:

RAD 140 is notorious for causing hair loss. Although it's considered only a moderately potent SARM, it's known to cause more hair loss than other SARMs in its class.

Part of this is attributed to the initial DHT increase that all SARMs cause by decreasing SHBG. However, many users theorize that RAD 140 is not selective enough and can bind to androgen receptors in the scalp, directly causing hair loss. This has not yet been proven.

Hair loss caused by RAD 140 is usually not permanent and is completely reversible. Reports suggest that hair loss may stop once the cycle ends. However, everyone's response is different, so if you're already experiencing hair loss and are concerned about worsening it, avoid RAD 140 completely.

YK11 is a type of SARM (Selective Androgen Receptor Modulator) that also exhibits steroid characteristics.

It is often classified as a derivative of the nandrolone structure (19-Nor), with the peculiarity of acting as an inhibitor of myostatin, a protein that limits muscle growth.

YK11 may contribute to this side effect due to its androgenic activity. It can increase dihydrotestosterone (DHT) levels by decreasing SHBG, similar to other SARMs, but more pronouncedly.

S23 is one of the newest and most potent SARMs (Selective Androgen Receptor Modulators), known for its strong anabolic effect, which promotes muscle mass gain and fat reduction.

Despite its promise as a potential male contraceptive due to its ability to temporarily suppress sperm production, S23 is also associated with androgenic side effects such as hair loss.

There are several SARMs on the market that are considered “friendly” for those prone to hair loss and, if taken correctly, should not cause any problems.

Ostarine , or "MK 2866," is not only one of the most common SARMs, but also one of the mildest. It's generally accepted that ostarine doesn't cause hair loss, at least not at the lowest doses.

Ligandrol , or LGD 4033, is another standard SARM commonly used by people looking for “dry” gains while losing fat (not hair).

Although a minority of people taking Ligandrol experience some form of hair loss, fortunately, hair growth begins again shortly after finishing its initial cycle.

MK-677 , or “Nutrobol”, is a growth hormone secretagogue and not a SARM.

While SARMs bind to the androgen receptor, MK 677 promotes the production of natural growth hormones. Of course, since MK 677 isn't a SARM, we can safely assume it shouldn't cause hair loss.

In fact, many people take MK 677 because it can help prevent hair loss and keep hair follicles healthy.

Similar to Mk 677, Cardarine does not fall into the SARM category. Cardarine or "GW 50156" does not promote or impact naturally produced testosterone and, as such, should not play a role in hair loss or thinning.

Stenabolic or "SR9009" is often mentioned in the same conversations when discussing SARMs, even though it isn't one itself. Stenabolic is "non-hormonal," meaning it shouldn't affect your testosterone levels and, subsequently, your hair follicles and hair loss.

Used responsibly and at the correct dosage, Andarine should not cause hair loss or thinning. A small number of users have experienced mild hair loss while taking S4, but again, it's unclear whether this is due to S4 or lifestyle factors such as stress and anxiety.

Anyone who says that hair loss doesn't occur with SARMs is either lying or minimizing the problem.

However, hair loss with SARMs is less when compared to anabolic steroids and is a problem mainly for those who already have a predisposition to baldness.