Ostarine is a SARM (Selective Androgen Receptor Modulator) that has increased in popularity over the past few years due to the potential muscle-building benefits it has.
In the following article, we will be looking more closely at this particular SARM to see what actual benefits are on offer, whether there are any side effects we need to be aware of, plus several other questions.
Please continue reading to see whether you should add Ostarine to your muscle-building stack.[toc]
What is Ostarine?
Ostarine is one of the most popular SARMs. It was created in the early 2000s by the pharmaceutical company GTx to treat muscle-wasting conditions.
Due to its ability to build muscle mass quickly, this SARM has become popular in bodybuilding circles.
Typical uses for Ostarine include:
- Significantly increased lean muscle mass. Making it suitable for those suffering from cachexia or other muscle-wasting conditions, including cancer or auto-immune disorders.
- Sarcopenia and other age-related muscle loss problems will see an improvement.
- Promising treatment for those who have muscular dystrophy.
- Improved symptoms of breast cancer, urinary incontinence, and a loss of bladder control.
How Does Ostarine Work?
Once taken by mouth Ostarine will attach itself to the androgen receptors; these are proteins found within your body.
After they have attached to these androgen receptors, the drug will alter your genes, leading to an increase in protein synthesis that will help your muscles grow faster.
Potential benefits on offer include:
1. Increased Lean Muscle Mass
Multiple studies are showing that using as little as 1mg of Ostarine daily could help increase muscle mass.
One such study from 2011 saw a group of 120 older men being given either a placebo or a dosage of Ostarine [1]. Those who were given the SARM saw an increase in lean muscle and experienced very few side effects.
2. Improve Physical Performance
As well as increased muscle mass, users of Ostarine reported increased strength and physical performance.
3. Burns Fat & Improves Insulin Resistance
Some users have reported that MK-2866 could help burn fat while also helping maintain that muscle you worked so hard to build.
Reports have also shown that using this SARM could help lower blood glucose levels, which can help with insulin resistance that can benefit those who have diabetes and other metabolic conditions.
It is worth noting that while Ostarine will help build muscle, the results you experience will depend on several other variables.
If your diet is not on point, if you are not following a quality training program and getting adequate rest and recovery post-workout, you will not see the most significant results.
Who Should Use Ostarine?
Ostarine was created to treat conditions such as muscle wasting and osteoporosis.
Nowadays, those looking to increase muscle mass or trying to lose fat while maintaining lean muscle are those who would be looking to use this particular SARM.
The proven benefits of SARMs may lead to professional sports people being tempted to try them. Unfortunately, Ostarine is illegal to use and is banned in professional sports.
Those who have tested positive for SARM use have found themselves banned from their prospective sports.
Is Ostarine Legal?
Ostarine is not legal to buy or use in either the USA or UK. If you are looking to buy Ostarine, then you need to look online via black market sellers.
Unfortunately, buying these illegal drugs has its risks.
For starters, you don’t know what manufacturing standards or techniques have been used, therefore increasing the risk of encountering severe side effects.
Plus, giving away your credit card information for something illegal is probably not the best idea and could result in you being scammed and losing money.
Ostarine Side Effects
Compared to other SARMs, Osterine is relatively mild, as are its side effects. This is not to say that using MK-2866 won’t cause any issues, as this would be misleading.
Potential side effects of Ostarine include:
- High blood pressure
- Headaches
- Nausea
- Hormonal imbalances that may cause baldness and acne
- Pain in the testicles
- Fatigue
The main issue is that using this SARM may lead to a reduction in testosterone levels. To help recover from this issue, it is recommended that you use a good quality post cycle therapy supplement.
Ostarine Dosage
When bulking, it is recommended that you stick to a dosage of between 20-30mg of Ostarine daily. Those cutting (losing fat) should stick to a dosage of between 10-20mg daily.
The half-life of Ostarine is 24 hours, which means you only need a single dosage each day. Other SARMs have shorter half-lives (some as little as 6 hours), which would mean you would need to take it 2-3 times a day to see any benefit.
As for the best time to take Ostarine, there does not seem to be a recommended time. Some have seen better results when supplementing first thing in the morning, while others have taken it later in the day.
Best Ostarine (MK-2866) Alternative
If you are looking for a safe, natural and legal alternative to Ostarine, then look no further than Ostabulk.
Ostabulk is available from Brutal Force and is made using 100% all-natural ingredients that can mimic the effects of Ostarine but without any of the nasty side effects.
Using Ostabulk will help you:
- Gain muscle mass
- Increase testosterone levels
- Boost strength
Ostabulk is made in an FDA registered, and GMP certified facility using only the best quality ingredients. With FREE worldwide shipping on all orders as well as guaranteed results or your money back in full.
FAQs
Here are some FAQs about Ostarine. Please leave a message in the comment section below if you need any specific questions answered.
When Does Ostarine Kick In?
As with most SARMs, you will start to see results after the second week of your cycle.
It takes roughly two weeks until the drug is entirely in your system. Of course, this timeline will differ from person to person.
You will know when it starts working as you will begin to feel stronger during your workouts.
How To Cycle Ostarine?
A typical Ostarine cycle would last between 8-12 weeks.
Beginners should start with the lowest possible dosage for eight weeks; if you feel good after this period, you can choose to extend up to the 12-week mark.
What To Stack With Ostarine?
One of the most effective SARMs to stack with Ostarine is Cardarine. When combined, they will help increase your ability to burn fat while also helping to maintain muscle mass.
You will need to lower your calorie intake during a cut, with an increased risk of losing that hard-earned muscle mass.
However, Ostarine will help maintain this lean muscle even though you are in a calorie deficit.
Cardarine (GW-501516 or Endurobol) is a PPAR agonist that can work alongside Ostarine, helping to increase endurance and stamina.
The benefit of both would be that you will be able to work out that little bit harder, ensuring you can burn off more calories and increasing your fat burn.
It is recommended that you stick to a dosage of 10-20mg of both SARMs daily and to stick to an 8-week cycle. After which, you should undertake a PCT cycle.
Is Ostarine A Steroid?
Ostarine is not a steroid.
While SARMs and steroids sometimes act in similar ways, they are not the same. Steroids are a synthetic form of testosterone, while SARMs target specific receptors found in your muscle fat and bone, resulting in various benefits.
Does Ostarine Affect Sleep?
Yes, there are reports from users that Ostarine may lead to sleep issues, including insomnia.
Can Ostarine Cause Acne?
Yes, unfortunately, Ostarine may cause acne by causing hormonal imbalances.
Is Ostarine Good for Fat Loss?
While the main benefit of Ostarine is that it helps build lean muscle mass.
Bodybuilders can also use it during the cutting stage of a diet, as it has been shown to help maintain muscle while on a calorie deficit.
What Is The Safest SARM?
Ostarine is one of the safest SARMs, with the fewest and mildest side effects. This is why this particular SARM is the one most recommended for beginners.
Final Thoughts
There is little doubt in my mind that using a SARM such as Ostarine will help build muscle mass and increase fat burning (depending on your goal). However, there are plenty of reasons why I would not recommend that you use it.
Research has proven that MK-2866 works, and while its side effects are mild compared to other SARMs, they still exist.
At present, research on this and the other SARMs is in its infancy. Once more research has been made available, and should the FDA reconsider approving it, we may be able to look at this SARM again and recommend it to our readers.
As things stand, we cannot recommend it and would suggest looking at alternatives, such as Ostabulk from Brutal Force.
If you are still adamant that you want to use Ostarine, then my only advice would be to stick to the recommended dosage and cycle information and use an appropriate PCT cycle.