Selective Androgen Modulator Receptors (SARMS) are a class of therapeutic compounds which have similar properties to anabolic agents, but with reduced androgenic properties.

This allows SARMS to benefit from the specificity of androgen receptors, from selectivity with respect to tissues, and from a lack of secondary side-effects associated with steroids.

Some of the possible side-effects of anabolic steroid use include acne, damage to the liver, development of mammary tissue, and shrinking of the testicles in males; deepening of the voice, growth of facial hair, hair on the stomach, and on the upper back, and abnormal menstrual cycles for women.

SARMS have the ability to separate out anabolic and androgenic activity, which offers the potential for therapies for various medical conditions, including muscular problems, osteoporosis, cancer and hypogonadism.