The Complete SARMs Compound Guide: Dosages, Cycles & Recovery

Last Update: 21 August 2026

SARMs come with a lot of noise attached: conflicting dosage advice, vague cycle lengths, and forum threads that contradict each other from one post to the next. This guide cuts through that. It covers every major compound people actually use, how each one works, what to expect, and how to support your body before, during, and after a cycle. Whether this is your first time researching the category or your fifth cycle, you’ll find the specifics here rather than generalities.

New to the category entirely? Start with our Complete Beginner’s Guide to SARMs first, then come back here for the compound-by-compound detail.

What Are SARMs?

Selective Androgen Receptor Modulators (SARMs) bind to androgen receptors throughout the body. Their design targets muscle growth, bone density, and recovery, while avoiding many of the harsher effects tied to anabolic steroids: prostate enlargement, skin issues, liver toxicity, and the rest.

One clarification worth making early: MK-677, SR-9009, and Cardarine are not true SARMs. Different biological pathway, different mechanism entirely. The fitness community lumps them in anyway because people use them toward the same physique and performance goals.

Different compounds suit different goals: muscle building, cutting, endurance, recovery. For the full breakdown by category, see SARMs Types Explained. And if you want the mechanism itself, how selective receptor binding actually differs from a broad-acting compound, see How Do SARMs Work?

Individual Compound Profiles

Each profile below covers the mechanism, dosage, timing, cycle length, expected results, downsides, hormonal impact, and how to adjust training and diet around it.

MK-677 (Ibutamoren)

Class: Growth Hormone Secretagogue, not a SARM

How it works: Activates ghrelin receptors, triggering a steady rise in natural growth hormone and IGF-1. For the full deep-dive, see MK-677 Ibutamoren: The Complete Guide to Growth Hormone Enhancement.

Dosage: 10-25 mg per day. Beginners start at 10 mg; those chasing maximum results run 20-25 mg.

Timing: 30 to 60 minutes before bed, lining up with the body’s natural nighttime growth hormone release and keeping daytime hunger manageable.

Cycle length: Can run continuously for 3 to 6 months or longer. No mandatory breaks.

Best for: Lean muscle, fat loss, faster recovery, better sleep, less joint discomfort, and a bigger appetite if eating enough is the struggle.

Side effects: Increased hunger, mild water retention, first-week tiredness, more vivid dreams, a slight dip in insulin sensitivity, occasional tingling in hands or feet.

Hormonal impact: Does not suppress or shut down natural testosterone.

Training: Progressive overload does the heavy lifting here. Better recovery often means you can train more often without feeling overworked.

Diet: Add 250 to 500 calories above baseline. Target 1.6 to 2.2 g of protein per kilogram of body weight, keep fiber high, and watch blood sugar.

RAD-140 (Testolone)

Class: SARM

How it works: A highly potent androgen receptor agonist. Acts similarly to testosterone but far more targeted, hitting muscle and bone tissue harder than other areas of the body. Full breakdown: RAD140 Testolone: The Ultimate Strength Building SARM.

Dosage: 5-15 mg per day. Beginners: 5-10 mg. 15 mg is the upper limit.

Timing: Once daily, morning. Half-life runs 16 to 20 hours, so one dose holds steady all day.

Cycle length: 6 to 8 weeks. Never past 10.

Best for: Fast lean muscle growth, real strength gains, that “full” muscle feeling, clean bulking or lean-building phases.

Side effects: Lower cholesterol, possible mild liver enzyme shifts, higher hair loss risk if you’re already prone, mood shifts, slight water retention.

Hormonal impact: Strong suppression. Natural testosterone can drop 70 to 90 percent. PCT is not optional here.

Training: Heavy compound lifts. Chase intensity, not extra volume.

Diet: 300 to 500 calorie surplus. Keep protein high, limit saturated fats to protect your cholesterol numbers.

Andarine (S-4)

Class: SARM

How it works: Balances strong anabolic effects against much lower androgenic activity. Binds well in muscle and bone tissue.

Dosage: 25-50 mg per day. Start at 25 mg and see how your body reacts.

Timing: Split into two or three smaller doses across the day. Half-life is only around 4 hours, so splitting keeps levels steady.

Cycle length: 6 to 8 weeks.

Best for: Cutting phases, muscle hardness and definition, vascularity, holding muscle through a calorie deficit.

Side effects: Temporary yellowish tint to night vision (fully reversible once you stop), mild hormone suppression, occasional headaches.

Hormonal impact: Moderate to strong suppression, roughly 50 to 70 percent. PCT recommended.

Training: Keep effort high even on fewer calories. Focus on muscle contraction and blood flow through each set.

Diet: Moderate calorie deficit. High protein to stop muscle loss. Stay hydrated, since dehydration worsens the vision side effect.

RAD-150 (Enhanced)

Class: Next-generation SARM

How it works: Built from RAD-140, engineered to bind more selectively with the goal of trimming side effects.

Dosage: 5-10 mg per day.

Timing: Once daily.

Cycle length: 6 to 8 weeks.

Best for: Lean, dry gains, steady strength, minimal water retention.

Side effects: Less suppression than RAD-140, though cholesterol shifts and mild liver enzyme changes are still possible.

Hormonal impact: Moderate to strong suppression. PCT recommended.

Training: Heavy compound lifts, intensity over volume.

Diet: Slight surplus or maintenance. Clean, nutrient-dense food for the driest results.

S-23 (SARM)

Class: SARM

How it works: One of the most potent SARMs available. A strong tissue-selective agonist that builds muscle while preventing breakdown of existing tissue.

Dosage: 10-30 mg per day. Always start at 10 mg to test tolerance.

Timing: Once daily, or split into two smaller doses.

Cycle length: 6 to 8 weeks.

Best for: Cutting, body recomposition, holding muscle through a strict deficit, muscle hardness.

Side effects: Night sweats, disrupted sleep, changes in sex drive, lower cholesterol, possible liver strain.

Hormonal impact: Very strong suppression, can nearly shut down natural testosterone entirely. PCT is essential, not optional.

Training: Combine strength work with higher-intensity sessions to keep muscle while fat comes off.

Diet: 300 to 500 calorie deficit. Protein needs to be very high. Watch sleep quality, since this compound can disrupt rest.

Ostarine (MK-2866)

Class: SARM, the most researched and most beginner-friendly option on this list

How it works: Activates androgen receptors in muscle and bone in a moderate, balanced way. Gentle but effective.

Dosage: 10-25 mg per day. Stick to 10-15 mg for cutting or recomposition; 20-25 mg for bulking.

Timing: Once daily.

Cycle length: 8 to 12 weeks.

Best for: First-time users, cutting, reshaping physique, easing joint discomfort, supporting injury recovery.

Side effects: Mild hormone suppression, occasional nausea, temporary hair thinning in susceptible people.

Hormonal impact: Mild to moderate suppression, roughly 30 to 50 percent. PCT optional at lower doses, recommended at higher ones.

Training: Works with full-body routines or standard splits. Stay consistent with sets and progression.

Diet: Maintenance, small surplus, or small deficit depending on goal. The easiest compound to combine with flexible eating.

SR-9009 (Stenabolic)

Class: Rev-Erb agonist, not a SARM

How it works: Changes how the body uses energy, mimicking some of the metabolic benefits of exercise. Speeds up metabolism, boosts fat burning, improves endurance. Full guide: How to Get Better Muscular Endurance and How Would SARMs Help?

Dosage: 10-30 mg per day. Start at 10 mg.

Timing: 30 minutes before training, or split into two doses earlier in the day. Avoid taking it late in the evening.

Cycle length: 8 to 12 weeks.

Best for: Stamina, fat burning, resting metabolic rate, getting more out of every workout.

Side effects: Insomnia if taken too late, anxiety, slightly elevated heart rate.

Hormonal impact: No suppression of natural testosterone.

Training: Strong fit for cardio, HIIT, or higher-volume lifting. Expect to push harder and longer.

Diet: Maintenance or deficit. Support thyroid health through good nutrition and stay hydrated.

YK-11 (Myostatin)

Class: SARM / Myostatin inhibitor

How it works: Raises follistatin levels, which blocks myostatin, a protein that caps how much muscle the body can build. Also activates androgen receptors directly.

Dosage: 5-10 mg per day. Start at 5 mg.

Timing: Once daily or split into two doses.

Cycle length: 6 to 8 weeks.

Best for: Breaking long-standing plateaus, fast muscle growth, dense muscle mass.

Side effects: Strong hormone suppression, lower cholesterol, liver stress, tighter joints.

Hormonal impact: Strong suppression. PCT is mandatory.

Training: Progressive overload, compound lifts. Muscles respond well to heavy loading.

Diet: Calorie surplus. Extra protein and omega-3s to protect joints and keep cholesterol balanced.

LGD-4033 (Ligandrol)

Class: SARM

How it works: Strong anabolic effects in muscle and bone tissue, very well absorbed by the body. Full dosing and stacking detail: LGD-4033: Dosage and Cycle Strategies for Optimal Results.

Dosage: 5-10 mg per day. Beginners start at 5 mg.

Timing: Once daily. Long half-life of 24 to 36 hours keeps levels stable.

Cycle length: 8 to 10 weeks.

Best for: Bulking phases, solid lean mass, bone strength support.

Side effects: Noticeable cholesterol drop, some water retention, higher liver enzyme readings, first-couple-weeks tiredness.

Hormonal impact: Strong suppression, around 50 to 70 percent. PCT essential.

Training: Heavy strength work. Ideal for off-season building phases.

Diet: 400 to 600 calorie surplus. Limit alcohol and fried food, add omega-3s to help lipids.

Cardarine (GW-501516)

Class: PPAR-delta agonist, not a SARM

How it works: Shifts how the body burns fuel toward fat instead of storing it, while boosting endurance and aerobic capacity. More on endurance compounds: How to Get Better Muscular Endurance and How Would SARMs Help?

Dosage: 5-10 mg per day.

Timing: 1 to 2 hours before training.

Cycle length: Maximum 6 to 8 weeks.

Best for: Extreme endurance, faster fat loss, workout stamina.

Side effects: Temporary nausea or tiredness.

Hormonal impact: Does not suppress natural testosterone.

Training: Helps long cardio sessions, endurance events, high-volume lifting.

Diet: Maintenance or deficit. Plenty of fiber, avoid heavily processed fats.

Accadrine (AC-262)

Class: AMPK activator

How it works: Regulates energy production inside cells, improving how efficiently the body uses glucose and fat for fuel. Boosts endurance, cuts fatigue, encourages fat burning while helping preserve muscle.

Dosage: 10-20 mg per day. Start at 10 mg to assess tolerance.

Timing: Split into two doses, 30 minutes before meals or before training.

Cycle length: 8 to 12 weeks.

Best for: Better endurance, reduced muscle breakdown during deficits, steady energy, metabolic health.

Side effects: Very mild overall. Occasional stomach discomfort on an empty stomach, or temporary flushing.

Hormonal impact: No effect on testosterone production or hormone balance.

Training: Fits cardio, HIIT, or long sessions. Helps maintain intensity on fewer calories.

Diet: Balanced nutrition, moderate sugar, stay hydrated for best results.

Post-Cycle Therapy (PCT) & Related Compounds

PCT is what you run after a cycle to help restart natural testosterone production, restore hormone balance, and hold onto what you built. Skip it, and you’re looking at low energy, muscle loss, reduced libido, and a far longer recovery window. Full explanation: What Is Post-Cycle Therapy for SARMs Users?

When Do You Need PCT?

• Required: RAD-140, S-23, YK-11, LGD-4033, high-dose Andarine, and any stack combining multiple SARMs
• Recommended: High-dose Ostarine, RAD-150
• Not needed: SR-9009, Cardarine, Accadrine

Timing: Start PCT 3 to 7 days after your final dose. The exact wait depends on how long the compound stays active in your system.

Enclomiphene Citrate

Class: Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulator (SERM), the purified active trans-isomer of clomiphene citrate

How it works: Blocks estrogen receptors specifically in the hypothalamus and pituitary gland, cutting off the “we have enough” signal that circulating estrogen sends to the brain. That triggers a sharp rise in LH and FSH, the two hormones that tell the testes to ramp up natural testosterone production and support sperm function. Unlike older mixed-isomer products, it carries almost none of the zuclomiphene fraction responsible for most mood swings and visual side effects.

Dosage: 12.5-25 mg per day. Beginners or those recovering from mild suppression start at 12.5 mg; users coming off strong SARMs or stacks run 25 mg for the first half of PCT, then drop to 12.5 mg.

Timing: Once daily in the morning, with or without food. Half-life of roughly 10 hours, so consistent daily dosing keeps levels steady.

Cycle length: 4-6 weeks for standard PCT. Confirm recovery with follow-up bloodwork before stopping.

Best for: Post-cycle therapy after suppressive SARM cycles, restarting natural testosterone, restoring hormone balance without shutting down fertility, a cleaner alternative to standard clomiphene. Also used off-label for secondary hypogonadism support.

Side effects: Generally well tolerated. Possible mild, dose-dependent effects: occasional headaches, hot flushes, light nausea, dizziness, temporary fatigue. Mood changes and visual disturbances are rare, far less common than with clomiphene. Discontinue immediately if you notice blurry vision or light sensitivity.

Hormonal impact: Does not suppress natural hormone production. Actively restarts and boosts your own testosterone output while preserving sperm count and testicular function.

Training: Keep training consistent, but avoid pushing to absolute failure during PCT. Energy and strength may dip temporarily as the body readjusts. Focus on form and volume, not new PRs.

Diet: Maintenance or a very small surplus. Keep protein at 1.8-2.2 g per kg of body weight. Prioritize zinc, magnesium, and vitamin D for natural hormone support, and stay hydrated.

General Usage Guidelines

Before You Start

• Bloodwork first: Baseline test covering total and free testosterone, lipid profile, liver and kidney function, fasting glucose, and full blood count. Repeat 2 to 4 weeks after finishing your cycle.
• Know the side effects: Different SARMs carry different risks, from mild appetite changes to cholesterol shifts and hormone suppression. Understand what to expect before starting. Full overview: SARMs Side Effects: What Should You Know Before Starting?
• Product quality matters: Plenty of online sources sell mislabeled, under-dosed, or contaminated product, and there’s no independent regulatory oversight for this category. A genuine third-party Certificate of Analysis is the only reliable way to confirm purity before you take anything. Learn more: Certificate of Analysis (COA): Why Does Lab Testing Matter for SARMs Quality? and Understanding Quality Control in SARM Supplements.
• Support supplements: NAC or milk thistle for the liver, omega-3 fatty acids and plant sterols for cholesterol, extra electrolytes throughout the cycle.

Training Principles

• Consistency beats intensity: Compounds amplify results when training and diet are already solid. They don’t fix bad habits.
• Progressive overload: Add weight, reps, or cut rest time every 1 to 2 weeks. This is how muscle and strength get built.
• Volume control: 10 to 20 working sets per muscle group weekly. Pull back if you’re overly tired or sore.
• Light cardio: Two to three low-moderate sessions weekly protect heart health and keep metabolism running.

Diet Fundamentals

• Protein: 1.6 to 2.4 g per kilogram of body weight daily. The foundation of muscle retention and growth.
• Calories: Surplus for building, slight deficit for cutting, maintenance for reshaping.
• Fats: 0.8 to 1 g per kilogram of body weight, mostly unsaturated, to protect cholesterol.
• Hydration: 3 to 4 litres daily. Reduces cramping, helps with side effects like vision changes, keeps metabolism running smoothly.

Complete SARMs Guide: Bundles, Usage & Stacks

Stacking gives better results than running one compound alone, but it also raises the demands on your body and the risk of side effects. Below: exactly how each bundle works, when to take each component, how long to run it, what PCT you’ll need, and how to adjust training and eating around it. Always start with baseline bloodwork before any stack.

1. Muscle Building Bundle

Compounds: LGD-4033 (Ligandrol) + RAD-140 (Testolone) + MK-2866 (Ostarine) + MK-677 (Ibutamoren)

Goal: Steady, balanced lean muscle growth, solid strength gains, joint protection, minimal water retention. A strong fit for intermediates who want quality mass without looking overly bloated.

Full Cycle Breakdown

• Total length: 8 weeks. Never past 10.
• Daily dosages: LGD-4033: 10-20 mg / RAD-140: 20 mg / MK-2866: 20 mg / MK-677: 20 mg
• Timing: Morning: LGD-4033, RAD-140, and MK-2866 together, since their long half-lives make one dose enough. 30 to 60 minutes before bed: MK-677.
• How to run: Start all four on Day 1 at the same times daily. No need to introduce them gradually.
• Suppression & PCT: Combined effect is strong suppression. PCT is mandatory, starting 3 to 5 days after your final dose.

Training Guide

• Heavy compound lifts: squats, deadlifts, bench press, rows, overhead press.
• Add weight or reps in small increments every 1 to 2 weeks.
• Train 4 to 5 days a week on an upper/lower or push/pull/legs split.
• Keep cardio light, just 2 low-intensity sessions weekly.

Diet Guide

• 300 to 400 calorie surplus above maintenance.
• Protein: 2.0 to 2.4 g per kilogram of body weight daily.
• Whole foods, limited saturated fats to protect cholesterol.
• 3 to 4 litres of water daily.

2. Bulking Bundle

Compounds: YK-11 + LGD-4033 (Ligandrol) + RAD-140 (Testolone) + MK-677 (Ibutamoren)

Goal: Maximum lean mass and strength, for advanced users only, strong for breaking plateaus. Full detail on all top bulking compounds: Best SARMs for Bulking: Compounds Commonly Used for Mass and Strength Gains.

Full Cycle Breakdown

• Total length: 6 to 8 weeks. YK-11 is potent, don’t push longer.
• Daily dosages: YK-11: 10-20 mg, split into two 5-10 mg doses / LGD-4033: 10-20 mg / RAD-140: 20 mg / MK-677: 20 mg
• Timing: Morning: first YK-11 dose + LGD-4033 + RAD-140. Evening: second YK-11 dose. 30 to 60 minutes before bed: MK-677.
• How to run: Start all compounds together. Splitting YK-11 keeps blood levels steady.
• Suppression & PCT: Near-complete suppression. PCT is essential, starting 5 to 7 days after your last dose.

Training Guide

• Low-rep, high-weight sets: 3 to 5 sets of 3 to 6 reps per main lift.
• 1 or 2 accessory exercises per muscle group for extra volume.
• 2 to 3 full rest days weekly. YK-11 puts extra strain on joints and tendons.
• Mobility work to prevent stiffness.

Diet Guide

• 400 to 600 calorie surplus above maintenance.
• Protein: 2.2 to 2.6 g per kilogram of body weight daily.
• Omega-3s from fish oil or flaxseed to protect joints and cholesterol.
• More frequent meals to match the appetite boost from MK-677.

3. Cutting Bundle

Compounds: RAD-140 (Testolone) + GW-501516 (Cardarine) + MK-2866 (Ostarine)

Goal: Fast fat loss while holding onto existing muscle, plus better endurance and definition. Full deep-dive on this exact stack: The Ultimate Cutting Stack: SARMs for Fat Loss.

Full Cycle Breakdown

• Total length: 6 to 8 weeks. Follow Cardarine’s safety limits strictly.
• Daily dosages: RAD-140: 10 mg / GW-501516 (Cardarine): 10 mg / MK-2866: 10 mg
• Timing: Morning: RAD-140 + MK-2866. 1 to 2 hours before your main workout: Cardarine. Rest days: Cardarine first thing in the morning.
• How to run: Start all three together, keep timing consistent.
• Suppression & PCT: RAD-140 causes strong suppression. PCT is mandatory, starting 3 to 5 days after your last dose.

Training Guide

• Keep lifting heavy. Don’t drop weight on compound lifts just because you’re eating less.
• Add 2 to 3 moderate cardio or HIIT sessions weekly. Cardarine helps you go longer.
• Train 4 to 5 days a week, focused on contraction and definition.

Diet Guide

• 300 to 500 calorie deficit below maintenance.
• Protein: 2.0 to 2.4 g per kilogram of body weight daily. This is what stops muscle loss.
• Plenty of fiber and complex carbs for steady energy.
• 3.5 to 4 litres of water daily to reduce fatigue and support metabolism.

Universal Rules for All Bundles

• Bloodwork: Baseline before starting, a check at 2 weeks into the cycle, a final test 2 weeks after PCT finishes.
• Support always: Liver support, cholesterol aids, and electrolytes for the full duration.
• Rest fully: After any cycle or stack, take a full break of at least 12 weeks before starting another. Your body needs that time to fully reset.

Need Help Choosing or Planning?

Every body reacts differently. Picking the right compound, dose, or stack for your goal and experience level can feel like a lot to weigh at once. If anything in this guide raises a question, specific products, cycle length, PCT, bloodwork, whatever it is, our support team is here. Send us a message any time and we’ll get back to you within 24 hours with clear, straight answers tailored to your goals.

Written by the CORE SARMS team. Every compound is third-party lab-tested and independently verified. Browse the full lab-tested catalogue or keep exploring the Knowledge Hub.