The combination of biohacking and SARMs (Selective Androgen Receptor Modulators) is opening new possibilities for improving human performance and health. With the biohacking market projected to reach $149.6 billion by 2029, an increasing number of people are exploring evidence-based ways to enhance their biology. This guide explains how SARMs work within biohacking practices and how they may help those seeking to optimize their health and performance responsibly.
What are SARMs?
SARMs, or Selective Androgen Receptor Modulators, are compounds that interact with androgen receptors found mainly in muscle and bone tissue. Unlike traditional anabolic steroids, which influence receptors throughout the entire body, SARMs are engineered to act selectively, primarily targeting specific areas. This selective approach helps minimize unwanted effects on other organs, such as the liver or prostate.
By stimulating these receptors within muscle tissue, SARMs support the growth of lean muscle mass and enhance bone strength, all while reducing many of the side effects commonly linked to steroid use.
What is Biohacking?
Biohacking is the practice of improving physical and mental well-being through strategies aimed at optimizing the body’s performance. It combines science, technology, and self-experimentation to enhance health, cognitive function, and longevity. Biohacking can include simple habits like intermittent fasting or cold exposure, as well as more advanced techniques such as red light therapy, nootropics, and wearable devices that monitor sleep, heart rate, or glucose levels.
At its core, biohacking is driven by data and experimentation. By tracking key biomarkers and fine-tuning lifestyle or supplement protocols, individuals can make informed, systematic changes to enhance their overall health and performance.
Why SARMs Align with Biohacking
SARMs fit well within biohacking because they:
- Target specific pathways: They promote muscle protein synthesis and bone density with fewer unwanted effects elsewhere in the body.
- Allow measurable progress: Users can track lean muscle gains, strength improvements, and recovery using objective metrics.
- They are practical for experimentation: Many SARMs are taken orally, making them easier to use consistently without injections.
This precision and measurability align with biohacking’s data-driven philosophy, enabling users to test interventions while tracking outcomes clearly.
Is Biohacking Dangerous
Biohacking offers opportunities to improve health and performance, but requires caution. While SARMs can aid muscle and bone health, they may:
- Reduce natural testosterone production
- Affect cholesterol levels
- Impact liver function
Risks are often due to inadequate monitoring, using unverified products, or improper dosing. Additionally, the supplement industry lacks strict regulations, increasing the chances of receiving products with impurities or incorrect dosages.
For safe and effective biohacking, it is essential to:
- Monitor regularly
- Follow evidence-based protocols
- Consult healthcare professionals when possible
Which SARMs to consider for Biohacking
Different SARMs serve different goals. Selection should align with personal objectives, experience, and risk tolerance.
Ibutamoren MK677
Technically a growth hormone secretagogue rather than a true SARM, Ibutamoren MK677 stimulates the release of growth hormone and insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) by mimicking the hormone ghrelin. Research shows MK-677 increases growth hormone levels and has over 60% oral bioavailability.
Benefits include:
- Increased lean muscle mass
- Improved bone density
- Enhanced recovery and better sleep quality
- Increased appetite
Studies suggest MK-677 can help reverse muscle loss caused by calorie restriction or illness, making it beneficial for those seeking to improve body composition and recovery.
Ostarine MK2866
Ostarine is one of the most researched SARMs, with clinical trials supporting its safety and effectiveness. It shows strong anabolic effects on muscle while having minimal activity in other tissues.
Benefits include:
- Helps preserve muscle during calorie restriction
- Supports lean muscle gain
- Useful for muscle-wasting conditions
Ostarine is valued by users aiming to maintain muscle while reducing body fat and is often considered a good entry-level SARM due to its mild nature and solid research backing.
Ligandrol LGD4033
Ligandrol is known for its potent anabolic properties, promoting significant muscle mass gains. Research indicates it can produce dose-dependent increases in lean muscle, with visible effects within a few weeks.
Benefits include:
- Noticeable muscle mass increases
- Supports bone health
- Improves strength and power output
While effective for muscle building, Ligandrol can suppress natural testosterone levels, requiring careful management of dosage and post-cycle therapy to support hormonal balance.
Testolone RAD140
Testolone is among the most potent SARMs, offering anabolic effects comparable to traditional steroids while retaining selectivity for muscle tissue.
Benefits include:
- Rapid muscle growth
- Enhanced strength and performance
- Potential neuroprotective effects
Due to its potency, RAD-140 may increase the risk of testosterone suppression and mild liver stress, making monitoring and proper cycle planning essential for safe use.
NMN (Nicotinamide Mononucleotide)
NMN is not a SARM but is highly relevant within biohacking. It acts as a precursor to NAD+, a coenzyme critical for energy production, DNA repair, and cellular health.
As NAD+ levels naturally decline with age, NMN supplementation can help support:
- Cellular energy metabolism
- DNA repair and mitochondrial function
- Circadian rhythm and sleep
- Inflammation reduction and immune health
This makes NMN a valuable addition to biohacking protocols focused on longevity and cellular health, complementing SARMs that target muscle and performance outcomes.
Other Ways of Biohacking
While SARMs can be powerful tools for building muscle and enhancing recovery, effective biohacking goes beyond a single intervention and thrives on a holistic, lifestyle-driven approach. Nutrition and supplementation form the foundation, with a focus on whole foods, targeted nutrients, and compounds like NMN and adaptogens that support cellular energy, resilience, and recovery. Environmental interventions, such as cold exposure, red light therapy, and improving air quality, can significantly enhance cellular health and accelerate recovery, supporting your body’s adaptability to stress.
Technology-assisted monitoring using wearable devices and continuous glucose monitors empowers individuals to track how lifestyle changes impact their biology in real-time. This feedback-driven approach makes it easier to refine protocols and ensure they align with your goals. Incorporating structured exercise, mobility work, and adequate recovery practices not only improves performance but also reduces the risk of injury, ensuring you can maintain consistent progress over time. When combined with SARMs, these biohacking strategies create a comprehensive system that supports health, performance, and longevity in a measurable, sustainable way.
Summary
Integrating SARMs into a responsible biohacking plan offers a science-based approach to improving muscle growth, bone density, and recovery while maintaining a focus on safety and measurable progress. To use SARMs effectively within biohacking, it is essential to align them with clear personal goals, monitor biomarkers, and track outcomes to understand how your body responds to each intervention. Using high-quality, lab-tested products while following evidence-based protocols ensures safety and effectiveness, while combining SARMs with lifestyle optimization and holistic biohacking strategies amplifies results.
This layered approach creates a path toward comprehensive human optimization, allowing you to enhance your health and performance while minimizing risks.
