Do SARMs Increase Testosterone? Here’s What the Research Actually Says

By Victoria Atkinson, DPhil

Published December 23, 2025 · Updated January 27, 2026 · 5 min read

SARMs promise muscle gains without the side effects of steroids – but can they actually increaseyour testosterone levels? It’s a loaded question. With fitness forums buzzing and supplement companies marketing SARMs as “testosterone boosters,” the science tells a more complicated story.

Let’s break it down – what happens to your testosterone during and after SARMs use, and which compounds (if any) might offer a benefit without shutting you down.

Key Takeaways

• Most SARMs suppress testosterone, especially at moderate to high doses
• Suppression is dose- and duration-dependent – longer cycles = more suppression
• Some compounds (like Enclomiphene) are used to increase testosterone
• SARMs don’t convert to estrogen or DHT – which reduces side effects, but also limits hormonal boosts
• PCT is often required post-cycle to restore natural testosterone levels
• No SARM is currently approved as a testosterone booster in the UK or US
• Contaminated SARMs may cause difference effects, always make sure you purchase your SARMs from a reputable source

Understanding the Role of SARMs and Testosterone

SARMs (Selective Androgen Receptor Modulators) bind to androgen receptors in muscle and bone tissue, mimicking some of the effects of testosterone – without being actual anabolic steroids.

But here’s the catch: your body has a feedback loop. When external androgens activate receptors, your brain assumes you have enough testosterone and reduces natural production via suppression of LH (luteinizing hormone) and FSH (follicle-stimulating hormone).

Result? Your natural testosterone levels often drop.

Suppression ≠ Shutdown: Not all SARMs completely suppress testosterone – but all have the potential to reduce it, especially with prolonged use.

Initial understanding: Guide to understanding SARMs

SARMs That Suppress Testosterone

Here’s what the research shows on common SARMs:

SARM	Effect on Testosterone	Study Data / Notes
Ostarine (MK-2866)	Moderate suppression (esp. >10 mg/day)	Human trials showed LH/testosterone decrease in 3–4 weeks
Ligandrol (LGD-4033)	Strong suppression (1 mg/day+)	Suppression seen in just 21 days
RAD-140	High suppression potential	Animal studies show steep testosterone drop
YK-11	Very limited data, likely suppressive	Lacks human data; considered a myostatin inhibitor more than a SARM
S-23	Designed to be fully suppressive	Investigated as male contraceptive

Bottom line: Almost all anabolic SARMs reduce natural testosterone while you’re on cycle – sometimes severely.

Are There Any SARMs That Boost Testosterone?

Technically, no anabolic SARMs increase testosterone – but there is one compound often lumped into the “SARM” category that does the opposite:

Enclomiphene (Not a true SARM)

Enclomiphene is a selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM) – not a SARM. It works by blocking estrogen at the hypothalamus, which stimulates LH and FSH, triggering more natural testosterone production.

“In clinical trials, Enclomiphene increased testosterone levels in hypogonadal men – without reducing sperm count.”

It’s currently being explored as an alternative to TRT (testosterone replacement therapy), particularly for men seeking fertility preservation.

⚠️ Important: Enclomiphene is not anabolic. It won’t directly build muscle, but it may restore test levels without issues such as ED post-research.

How Long Does Testosterone Take to Recover After a SARMs clinical trial?

That depends on:

• Which SARM you were involved in the study of (and dose)
• Cycle duration (2 weeks vs 8 weeks)
• Individual baseline hormone health
• Whether you run a PCT (post-cycle therapy)

Without PCT:

• Recovery may take 4–12 weeks or more
• Symptoms of low T may linger (fatigue, libido loss, brain fog)

With PCT (e.g., Enclomiphene or Clomid):

• Recovery often begins within 7–10 days
• Faster normalization of LH, FSH, and testosterone levels

Many experienced users run bloodwork post-cycle to confirm hormonal recovery before starting another cycle.

Can SARMs Be Used to Treat Low Testosterone?

As of 2025, no SARMs are licensed for treating hypogonadism or low testosterone.

Clinical trials have focused on SARMs for:

• Muscle wasting (e.g., in cancer or HIV)
• Osteoporosis
• Cachexia

But none are currently approved as a safer alternative to TRT – primarily because of their suppressive effects and long-term safety concerns.

SARMs vs TRT: Key Differences

SARMs	TRT (Testosterone Replacement Therapy)
Suppress natural testosterone	Replaces testosterone directly
Oral or injectable (research use)	Injectable or transdermal (clinical)
Not legally approved for therapy	Prescribed by endocrinologists
May aid muscle gain	Supports libido, energy, mood
Often requires PCT	Long-term commitment, usually no PCT needed

Should You Be Worried About Testosterone Suppression?

Only if you’re unaware or unprepared.

If you’re running SARMs recreationally or for research purposes, assume some degree of suppression will occur. Plan accordingly:

• Keep studies short (≤6 weeks)
• Run bloodwork (baseline and post-cycle)

Legal & Safety Disclaimer

SARMs sold in the UK are strictly for research use only. They are not licensed for human consumption or as supplements. Always check the COA (certificate of analysis) and buy only from reputable suppliers.

Max Muscle Labs products are ≥99% purity, COA-verified, and labelled for research use only.

Key Takeaways

• SARMs do not increase testosterone – they generally suppress it
• Enclomiphene is the one compound in this space that can boost testosterone levels naturally
• Suppression severity depends on dose, duration, and compound
• No SARMs are currently approved to treat low T in the UK or US

FAQs

• Do SARMs increase testosterone naturally?
  No. Most SARMs suppress natural testosterone. They bind to androgen receptors, which signals the body to reduce its own testosterone production. Only Enclomiphene (a SERM, not a SARM) increases testosterone by stimulating LH and FSH.
• Which SARM is best for boosting testosterone?
  None. SARMs are not designed to boost testosterone. However, Enclomiphene is often used in post-cycle therapy to increase natural T levels after a SARM cycle.
• How long does it take for testosterone to recover after SARMs?
  Recovery varies by SARM, dose, and individual. With PCT, recovery may take 2–4 weeks. Without PCT, it can take several months. Blood tests are the only way to know for sure.
• Can you take SARMs with testosterone replacement therapy (TRT)?
  Some users do – especially older men already on TRT. In these cases, suppression doesn’t matter since testosterone is externally provided. But this approach should only be done under medical supervision.
• Is Enclomiphene a SARM?
  No. It’s a SERM – selective estrogen receptor modulator. It works differently from SARMs and is used to increase testosterone, not build muscle directly.
• What about other side effects?
  SARMs can cause other side effects, such as liver toxicity

Written by

Victoria Atkinson, DPhil · Freelance

Freelance science journalist

Victoria Atkinson is a freelance science journalist based in York. Victoria specialises in chemistry and its interface with the natural and human-made worlds, and has written for Chemical and Engineering News, Live Science, Physics World and Technology Networks. Victoria was formerly a science content developer at the University of Oxford and a member of the Chemistry World editorial team, and was nominated for the Association of British Science Writers Newcomer of the Year award in 2023.