Lower numbers = closer to natural. Higher numbers = more enhanced.
Why this rating?
Andarine binds androgen receptors in muscle tissue and produces a genuine hardening/strength effect, but it is explicitly characterized in the pharmacy literature as "comparatively weaker than other popular SARMs", a 25mg/day dose is described as mainly improving mood/wellness, with 50mg/day only "modestly" boosting strength, lean mass and fat loss (US Pharmacist, 2020). That modest ceiling is why it is usually stacked with stronger compounds (RAD-140, LGD-4033) rather than run alone for mass, placing its actual muscle-building potency closer to Ostarine (MK-2866, rated 5) than to the more anabolic SARMs. It still produces real testosterone suppression requiring PCT and dose-dependent, systemic androgen-receptor activity (reflected in its signature visual side effects), which keeps it above the "basically natty" tier. Rated 5, on par with Ostarine as one of the milder SARMs for actual mass/strength.
Overview
A SARM valued for muscle "dryness"/hardening and modest strength gains, generally regarded as milder than SARMs like LGD-4033 or RAD-140 and often stacked with them. Notable for its unique visual side effects that can occur at higher doses.
Important Warnings
- •Unique vision side effects (yellow tint, poor night vision) can affect night driving
- •Not approved for human use
- •Vision effects are dose-dependent (worse above ~50 mg/day) but reversible on discontinuation
- •Moderate testosterone suppression: run PCT and confirm recovery with bloodwork
- •SARM hair loss is androgen-receptor-mediated. Finasteride/dutasteride will NOT prevent it
Purpose & Use Cases
Muscle Hardening
Provides a dry, hard appearance to muscles similar to cutting steroids.
Strength Enhancement
Increases strength while maintaining or losing body weight.
Cutting
Preserves muscle during caloric deficits while enhancing definition.
Benefits
- Muscle hardening and dryness
- Strength increases without weight gain
- Enhanced definition and vascularity
- Fat loss support
- No water retention
Good to Know
The yellow-tint / night-vision issue is unique to Andarine
Andarine causes a yellow tint to vision and poor dark adaptation (thought to reflect an effect on the retina, though the exact mechanism is not established), especially above ~50 mg/day and in low light. This is the one SARM side effect that can genuinely impair night driving. Crucially, it is dose-dependent and fully reverses after discontinuation, no permanent damage has been reported, but it is a real reason people abandon the compound.
Short half-life means split dosing and cyclic protocols
With only a ~4-6 hour half-life, Andarine is dosed 2-3 times daily, and many users run "5 days on, 2 days off" specifically to let the compound clear the eyes and blunt the visual sides. This is unusual among SARMs (most are once-daily) and is driven by the ocular effect, not by anabolic considerations.
Still suppressive, still hair-relevant: and finasteride still will not help
Andarine causes moderate testosterone suppression that warrants PCT, and it can accelerate hair loss in predisposed men. As with all SARMs, the loss is direct androgen-receptor activation at the follicle, so finasteride/dutasteride (which only block DHT production) are useless against it.
A hardening/cutting tool, not a mass builder
Andarine is valued for a dry, hard, "cut" look rather than size, which is why it is used in deficits and prep-style contexts. It is an unapproved research chemical with limited human data and variable grey-market quality.
Dosage Guidelines
| Experience Level | Dosage Range |
|---|---|
| Beginner | 25 – 25 mg/day |
| Intermediate | 25 – 50 mg/day |
| Advanced | 50 – 50 mg/day |
Often dosed using "5 days on, 2 days off" protocol to minimize vision side effects.
Side Effects
Visual Disturbances
commonYellow tint to vision and difficulty adjusting to darkness, especially at higher doses.
Use "5 days on, 2 days off" protocol. Reduce dose or discontinue if vision effects are problematic.
Testosterone Suppression
commonModerate suppression of natural testosterone.
PCT required after cycle.
General Mitigation Strategies
The "5 days on, 2 days off" protocol helps clear the compound from eyes, reducing vision side effects. These effects are reversible upon discontinuation.
Support Supplements
Ancillary supplements commonly run alongside S-4 to manage side effects, support the target tissue, or fill nutrient demands it creates.
Lipid support (omega-3)
Like other androgenic SARMs, Andarine can pressure HDL. Omega-3 supports triglycerides and cardiovascular health.
- Dose
- Omega-3 2-4 g/day
- Timing
- With meals
- When
- Secondary to the vision issue for most users, but worth covering on longer cycles.
Post Cycle Therapy (PCT)
Standard SARM PCT with Enclomiphene or Nolvadex recommended.
How It Works
S-4 binds to androgen receptors with good selectivity for muscle tissue. It provides a hardening effect similar to DHT derivatives, enhancing muscle density and definition without water retention.
Hormonal & Androgenic Profile
Androgen-receptor partial agonist; it also produces signature visual side effects (yellow tint, poor night vision) that other SARMs do not, via a mechanism that is not fully established.
Does not aromatize, no AI needed. Andarine's appeal is a dry, hard look precisely because there is no estrogenic water retention.
Not a 5-alpha-reductase substrate; finasteride/dutasteride do nothing for any Andarine-related shedding, which is receptor-mediated rather than DHT-driven.
Can lower HDL like other androgenic SARMs; no estrogenic water retention. The distinguishing risk is ocular, not cardiovascular.
Fundamentals
Reference on the practices relevant to S-4: how they are done and where they go wrong. Not a recommendation to use it.
Legal Status
Sold in the USA as a research chemical, not for human consumption.
Legal status varies by country and changes over time. This is a general summary, not legal advice.
WADA Status
Andarine (S-4) is explicitly listed as a prohibited SARM under S1.2 Other Anabolic Agents.