Stenabolic is a powerful and relatively new metabolism boosting chemical. Although it works like a SARM, it isn’t one, which confers on it some interesting benefits. We’ll give you the lowdown on what Stenabolic does, what its potential side effects are and more.
Stenabolic, otherwise known as SR 9009, is a powerful product that is often paired with SARMs (selective androgen receptor modulators) or used individually. Although it is usually mentioned in the same breath as SARMs, Stenabolic is not actually a SARM, but it does work in a similar way.
The Stenabolic molecule
In truth, Stenabolic is much more like Cardarine than a true SARM and its effects are broadly the same as cardarine’s. Primarily, Stenabolic enhances fat loss, energy levels and endurance. It’s even been called ‘a workout in a bottle’ because of its ability to increase your body’s metabolic rate and thus burn fat.
If you don’t have a clue about SARMs, we’ve got you covered. Begin here.
It’s worth noting that Stenabolic is non-hormonal, meaning that it doesn’t suppress the body’s production of androgen hormones in any way, unlike SARMs. As a result, you won’t need post-cycle therapy (PCT) as you would for most SARMs, with the exception perhaps of Ostarine.
If you want to know more about PCT, click here.
It’s also worth noting that Stenabolic is classed as a performance-enhancing drug and therefore placed on the scheduled list of prohibited substances by the World Anti-Doping Agency. Although it has been tested on mice and shown positive results, it has never been tested on humans, unlike other SARMs and SARM-like substances, including Cardarine, which is its closest competitor in terms of effects. Stenabolic does have some advantages over Cardarine – and also some disadvantages – which we’ll discuss a little later.
Stenabolic is legal to buy, as a research chemical, and as such we are neither advocating nor warning against its use.
How Does Stenabolic SR9009 Work?
Rev-ErbA proteins
Instead of binding to the androgen receptors, Stenabolic binds to the Rev-ErbA molecule and enhances its activity. Rev-ErbA is a protein found mainly in muscle tissue, fat and the liver. Let’s look at how Stenabolic works in each of these different tissues. Note, before we continue, that these effects are attested in animal studies only; although they are backed up by a wealth of anecdotal evidence that you’ll find on Youtube or in Reddit forums like r/sarmssourcetalk.
By binding to Rev-ErbA in the muscular tissue, Stenabolic increases mitochondria – the energy-generating organelles – resulting in increased endurance and also increased fat-burning. Mice treated with Stenabolic were able to run farther and for longer periods of time.
In the liver, Stenabolic helps to block the production of fat cells, helping to promote fat loss.
In the fat cells themselves, Stenabolic helps block the gene that is responsible for storing fat and encourages the body to use its fat reserves.
Stenabolic also modulates inflammatory response by enhancing the production of cells called macrophages, which remove dead or dying cells.
If you’ve read our article on Cardarine, you’ll probably be thinking that Stenabolic isn’t much different – and you’d be right. Stenabolic and Cardarine can be used for exactly the same purposes, and usually are. But there are some important differences, and they deserve a little discussion.
One obvious benefit of Stenabolic over Cardarine is that you can get the same benefits, more or less, without having to consider the possible risk of cancer that was flagged in a rodent study of Cardarine. In our piece on Cardarine we examined that risk in detail and stated that we believe it to be misleading, but even so, for many it will be a big red flag.
There is less evidence for side effects for Stenabolic, but this may simply be because there are far fewer studies of the drug than of Cardarine. One of the main side effects mentioned with Stenabolic is disrupted sleep patterns. This is because the Rev-ErbA protein is involved in regulating the body’s circadian rhythms.
Some report difficulties sleeping as a result of feeling massively energised.
Others report no difficulties sleeping at all.
It’s worth reiterating what we’ve said in our other articles on SARMs and SARM-like substances: individual responses to these drugs will vary. Even with regard to Ostarine, for example, which is generally regarded as being the least suppressive of the SARMs, some users will experience suppression and need to take PCT after coming off it. When – if – you use these drugs, it is up to you to pay close attention to your response and act accordingly.
One potential downside by comparison with Cardarine is that Stenabolic has a half-life of just four hours, whereas Cardarine has a half-life of 24 hours. This means that to get a similar level of dosing throughout the day as with a single dose of Cardarine, you’d have to take Stenabolic six times at four-hour intervals, which most would find an inconvenience, especially if you have to wake up in the middle of the night.
Another downside appears to be low bioavailability, meaning that if Stenabolic is taken orally, not much of it will make its way into the blood and tissues where it can work its magic. One answer to this problem is to inject the drug. This is likely to put many off taking it, as one of the main advantages of SARMs and SARM-like substances is that they can be taken orally.
Alternatively, Stenabolic can be taken sub-lingually, which will increase the bioavailability. Keep the liquid under your tongue for at least 10 seconds before swallowing it.
Results and Dosages
Image courtesy of onlythebestpeptides.com/
Users who use Stenabolic often report weight loss of 10-15 pounds from an 8-12 week cycle, without cutting their caloric intake.
The effects are dose dependent, as you’d expect, meaning that the effects increase with the dosage. Between 20mg and 40mg a day is recommended, but remember what we said about the half-life above: you’ll need to take it multiple times throughout the day – at least six – to ensure your body has a stable supply.
Of course, you will have to ensure to remain in a calorie deficit, coupled with weight training for best results. You will have a bad time if you continue to eat recklessly and wish to lose fat.
Check out our review of a SARMs cutting stack which contains this supplement.
Disclaimer: we are not medical professionals. If you wish to consume SARMs and/or other performance enhancing drugs, we urge that you take the appropriate channels and consult your physician. Please ensure that you request comprehensive bloodwork to protect your health, under the care of your physician.
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