SARMs (Selective Androgen Receptor Modulators) are performance-enhancing therapeutic compounds that are proven to increase muscle mass, build strength, and facilitate rapid exercise recovery, according to research.1
While SARMs are compounds that stimulate anabolism and have steroid-like properties, they are not steroids.
SARMs are synthetic ligands binding to the body’s androgen receptors (ARs), acting like steroids by promoting desired cellular activity minus the harmful side effects of anabolic steroids.
While there are many different SARMs on the market, Ostarine (MK-2866) is one of the most popular.
Originally developed to help patients that suffer from cachexia, also known as wasting syndrome, related to AIDS and certain cancers, Ostarine’s ability to quickly build muscle makes it a popular choice for athletes, particularly bodybuilders.
This article offers a detailed review of Ostarine MK-2866, which, in addition to its muscle-building capabilities, can boost testosterone levels and regulate body fat levels.
IMPORTANT: The below supplements are NOT intended for those under the age of 18. If you are under the age of 18, do NOT consider taking them under any circumstances whatsoever.
Also, if you’re planning on joining the military, cease using this (and really any) supplement at least a couple months before going to MEPS.
They can cause a false positive on a drug test, and will affect your chances of joining!
Table of Contents
What is Ostarine (MK-2866)?
Note: Click Here to buy MK-2866 legally online from our #1 rated source, Sports Technology Labs.
Ostarine MK-2866 works by attaching itself to proteins known as androgen receptors in the body and then triggers the receptors to help grow muscle faster.
Ostarine MK-2866 isn’t the only chemical that acts in this way.
Steroids, for example, have a similar effect on a user’s body.
However, people choose Ostarine MK-2866 because it does not have the side effects of steroid use.
Taking Ostarine MK-2866 improves a user’s lean body mass.
That makes Ostarine MK-2866 the go-to supplement for those suffering from wasting syndrome, those who suffer from sarcopenia, and those who experience muscle loss issues related to old age.
Studies have also shown that Ostarine MK-2866 may help treat muscle loss and weakness associated with muscular dystrophy.2
While there is less research, some evidence suggests that Ostarine MK-2866 can help ease specific breast cancer symptoms, including bladder control loss and urinary incontinence.3
Healthy individuals, particularly bodybuilders, use Ostarine MK-2866 to increase muscle mass, lose body fat more rapidly, and increase their strength during cutting and bulking cycles.
More Detailed Benefits of Taking Ostarine MK-2866
This next section will take a deep dive into the benefits of taking Ostarine MK-2866 as part of your bulking and cutting routines.
Ostarine MK-2866 Increases Muscle Mass
One study, which researched the effect that Ostarine MK-2866 had on the body’s muscle mass, showed a drastic increase with zero side effects.4
Another study found that using 1mg to 3mg of Ostarine MK-2866 over 16 weeks resulted in a two- to three-pound increase in lean muscle mass.5
These results are not surprising when you consider that Ostarine MK-2866 was created to mimic anabolic steroids without ugly side effects like gynecomastia, acne, and testosterone suppression.
Ostarine MK-2866 Can Reduce Body Fat
Because it binds so well with the body’s androgen receptors, Ostarine MK-2866 can effectively reduce body fat by diminishing fatty tissue.
It does so rapidly by increasing the body’s metabolic rate.
As Ostarine MK-2866 builds muscle, it burns calories faster, allowing users to burn fat while building muscle quickly.
Ostarine MK-2866 Increases Bone Density
In addition to increasing lean muscle mass, Ostarine MK-2866 will increase bone density and potentially prevent bone fractures in at-risk populations such as those suffering from obesity, older populations, and menopausal women.
Ostarine MK-2866 Dosage and Cycle Instructions
Most bodybuilders who use Ostarine MK-2866 find that a 15mg daily dose sufficiently yields rapid muscle gain and an accelerated loss of fat.
It’s recommended that beginners start with 15mg of Ostarine MK-2866 a day for an eight-week cycle.
It’s not uncommon for experienced users to take as much as 25mg of Ostarine MK-2866 daily.
It’s typically recommended that you take Ostarine MK-2866 in 24-hour intervals, which means that you can use Ostarine MK-2866 daily, any time.
But It’s often advised that users avoid taking Ostarine before or during workouts.
The optimal time to take Ostarine MK-2866 is morning or immediately following a workout.
That said, most research has shown that Ostarine can be used at any time of the day, but it should be taken daily at the exact same time for the maintenance of stable plasma levels.
Because Ostarine MK-2866 has a 24-hour half-life, multiple daily doses are not necessary.
SARMs are typically taken in 8- or 12-week cycles, depending on the user’s experience and desired results.
When on-cycle, remember to increase your protein and macronutrient consumption.
A beginner’s standard MK-2866 cycle is as follows:
- Weeks 1-8: 15mg of MK-2866, once daily
- Weeks 9-12: Post Cycle Therapy (PCT)
- Weeks 12-16: Take a break
It’s typically recommended that Ostarine MK-2866 users break for at least four weeks between cycles, giving the body needed recovery time to reach equilibrium.
Results of Ostarine MK-2866 Scientific Studies
The benefits of taking Ostarine MK-2866 for lean muscle building, body fat reduction, and increased bone density are clear from numerous published scientific studies.
One of those studies noted an “improvement in total lean body mass and physical function and was well tolerated” in healthy elderly men and postmenopausal women taking Ostarine MK-2866.4
Another study declared that “Ostarine and drugs like it appear to safely and effectively increase muscle mass.”6
At the same time, an analysis of the effects of MK-2866 on bone density saw an increase in bone mineral density and bone volume density.7
Ostarine MK-2866 Reviews
“I did 10mg for 12 weeks on a low kcal deficit, about 1000kcal. While maintaining my training volume and intensity, workouts were a breeze and increased volume.”
– Shazknee in r/sarmssourcetalk
“Try 10mg for 10 weeks. You won’t get the full benefits of ostarine for 2-3 weeks. 10mg works well for me and is one of my favorites for cutting.”
– android9909 in r/sarmssourcetalk
“Ostarine is a good PED to get started with, It’s very mild but you’ll still notice that your gaining more muscle than usual. Ostarine isn’t very expensive I’d suggest 20mg eD for 8-12 weeks. 5weeks is too little it takes a few weeks for ostarine to get to it’s peak effect.”
– placebopappe in r/sarmsourcetalk
“I loved it! Very euphoric! Gained 11lbs lean muscle on a 8 week cycle and only lost 3lbs after cycle. Some love it some don’t. You won’t know until you experience it.”
– CosmicFlow111 in r/sarmssourcetalk
“Ostarine is a great starting place… You will definitely be able to add some lean mass and decent strength gains. Just make sure your goals and expectations are realistic, and that you’re still training hard.”
– kcraybeck in r/sarmsourcetalk
“All in all, great compound. Was very surprised I lost fat, as I was on a huge surplus. I am going to put this down to having accelerated muscle memory from ostarine. Putting muscle on that quick probably ramped up my metabolism big time, and the fat loss halted once I was back to baseline. Muscle gains themselves were very minor, but certainly noticeable after the 4-6 week mark. Mental effects were amazing, felt really good on cycle. Visual effects on the muscle were also lots of fun. Overall, would defo recommend for a first cycle.”
– IAmEdible in r/sarmsourcetalk
“Didn’t feel a thing except maybe a little suppression by the time I was halfway through, I was trying to bulk on it which was a mistake because it didn’t do much. If not for better tendon recovery in rock climbing, I would say it was a complete waste of time.”
– code4broke in r/sarmsourcetalk
“Ostarine is great; it’s great for tendon health, maintaining muscle mass during a cut and speeding up recovery time. It’s not gonna make you big, not even if you drink the whole bottle. That’s not what it’s for.”
– Randomveg in r/sarmsourcetalk
There are also a ton of positive reviews of Ostarine on Youtube, here’s one of the more interesting ones:
Ostarine MK-2866 Side Effects
MK-2866 is a non-toxic compound with very few, if any, side effects.
That makes it a popular and safe enhancer for those who want to up their game at the gym.
Potential reported Ostarine MK-2866 side effects include:
Headaches
MK-2866 users typically report zero side effects, but some users have experienced headaches when they first start using the product.
Should you notice the development of headaches while using Ostarine MK-2866, consider a lower dosage.
You can also take aspirin before taking your dose to reduce the headache risk.
Nausea
There have been limited reports of nausea among users of Ostarine MK-2866 due to altered estrogen levels.
This side effect is usually experienced in the very beginning, as the body adjusts to the Ostarine MK-2866.
Depression
Individuals that have used Ostarine MK-2866 in high doses and over prolonged periods have reported feelings of depression.
The condition is usually temporary, but anyone who experiences a severe emotional reaction to using Ostarine MK-2866 or any other SARMs should stop using them immediately.
Joint pain
For those using Ostarine MK-2866 for muscle building, joint pain is expected as the body learns to adjust to the supplement.
If you experience serious discomfort, consider taking a 1-3 week break from your Ostarine MK-2866 cycle until the pain subsides.
Other reported Ostarine MK-2866 side effects include:
- HDL Level Decrease
- Back Acne
- Hair Loss Acceleration
- Increased Hunger
Stacking Ostarine MK-2866, Cardarine (GW501516), & Stenabolic
If you are looking for a stack that produces fat loss coupled with lean muscle mass gains, you’ll want to stack Ostarine MK-2866 with Cardarine GW501516 and SR-9009 (Stenabolic).
The 3 really synergize with one another.
They all promote fat loss, and the Ostarine MK-2866 and SR9009 ensures muscle retention during your cut cycle.
GW-501516 is technically not a SARM. It’s a PPAR receptor agonist with several great benefits for cutting.
Cardarine GW-501516 is known to enhance stamina and endurance while promoting fat loss.
These claims are backed by numerous studies, including one such study that determined that Ostarine MK-2866 increased test subjects’ running performance and was also found to increase fat metabolism within muscle tissue.8
Users taking Cardarine GW501516 on its own have reported experiencing muscle loss with their fat cell loss.
Lastly, Stenabolic (SR-9009) helps to increase calorie metabolism, increase glucose metabolism, improve endurance, and improve your overall metabolic rate.
By combining the 3 properly, you will see enormous gains in as little as a couple weeks.
A stacking cycle of Ostarine MK-2866 Cardarine GW501516, and Stenabolic should last eight weeks.
As for how to take it, you should take a daily dose of 25mg of MK-2866 and 20mg of Cardarine GW501516 and Stenabolic respectively, followed by a four-week PCT.
Stacking Ostarine MK-2866 with Cardarine GW501516 and SR9009 should produce the following results:
- Accelerated growth of your lean muscle mass.
- Increased power and strength overall.
- Faster recovery time for your muscles.
- Improved muscle hardness and density.
- Rapid loss of stubborn fat.
- Enhanced stamina, workout capacity, and overall endurance.
When considering who to buy this stack from, we recommend the Sports Technology Labs brand.
With the Sports Technology Labs Advanced Stack, users get the following:
-
- 2 bottles of 30ml Ostarine (MK-2866) – 25mg / ml
- 2 bottles of 30ml Stenabolic (SR-9009) – 20mg / ml
- 2 bottles of 30ml Cardarine (GW-501516) – 20mg / ml
Each bottle includes a granulated 1ml glass dropper for convenient measurement, as expected.
In addition, the glass bottles are UV resistant, and include tamper-proof seals for purity.
Click Here to pick this stack up on the Sports Technology Labs official site.
Where to Purchase Ostarine MK-2866
When buying Ostarine MK-2866, we recommend Sports Technology Labs Ostarine MK-2866 SARM liquid.
Click Here to see their page on MK-2866.
Sports Technology Labs boasts more than an 80% returning customer rate for their products, including its Ostarine MK-2866.
A third party tests all the company’s SARMs for concentration, purity, and identity.
They offer free shipping for US orders over $99 and free shipping for international orders over $199.
Note: If you prefer powder instead of liquid, check out the Sports Technology Labs page on that here.
Conclusion
The research and reviews surrounding Ostarine MK-2866 are crystal clear.
Ostarine MK-2866 is an awesome SARM for helping to build lean, high-quality muscle.
It’s better than steroids because it produces the same great results without all of the harmful health issues or side effects.
Using Ostarine MK-2866 will have many positive effects on the body, but misuse of this or any SARM can be dangerous, so be sure to use this and other SARM products wisely.
Ostarine MK-2866 is one of the most potent and effective SARMs on the market, and it has been clinically proven to be effective in building muscle, even in low dosages.
It’s always wise to follow up any SARM cycle with a PCT, whether taking Ostarine MK-2866 or other SARMs alone or stacked with additional products like Cardarine GW501516, for maximum safety.
All in all, Ostarine MK-2866 is the perfect choice for athletes and bodybuilders looking to increase lean muscle mass and lose fat quickly.
References / Resources
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Solomon ZJ, Mirabal JR, Mazur DJ, Kohn TP, Lipshultz LI, Pastuszak AW. Selective Androgen Receptor Modulators: Current Knowledge and Clinical Applications. Sex Med Rev. 2019;7(1):84-94. doi:10.1016/j.sxmr.2018.09.006 (source)
- Roch PJ, Henkies D, Carstens JC, et al. Ostarine and Ligandrol Improve Muscle Tissue in an Ovariectomized Rat Model. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne). 2020;11:556581. Published 2020 Sep 17. doi:10.3389/fendo.2020.556581 (source)
- Narayanan R, Ahn S, Cheney MD, et al. Selective androgen receptor modulators (SARMs) negatively regulate triple-negative breast cancer growth and epithelial:mesenchymal stem cell signaling. PLoS One. 2014;9(7):e103202. Published 2014 Jul 29. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0103202 (source)
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Dalton JT, Barnette KG, Bohl CE, et al. The selective androgen receptor modulator GTx-024 (enobosarm) improves lean body mass and physical function in healthy elderly men and postmenopausal women: results of a double-blind, placebo-controlled phase II trial. J Cachexia Sarcopenia Muscle. 2011;2(3):153-161. doi:10.1007/s13539-011-0034-6 (source)
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Dobs AS, Boccia RV, Croot CC, et al. Effects of enobosarm on muscle wasting and physical function in patients with cancer: a double-blind, randomised controlled phase 2 trial. Lancet Oncol. 2013;14(4):335-345. doi:10.1016/S1470-2045(13)70055-X (source)
- Lambert CP. Should the FDA’s criteria for the clinical efficacy of cachexia drugs be changed? Is Ostarine safe and effective?. J Cachexia Sarcopenia Muscle. 2021;12(3):531-532. doi:10.1002/jcsm.12695 (source)
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Hoffmann DB, Komrakova M, Pflug S, et al. Evaluation of ostarine as a selective androgen receptor modulator in a rat model of postmenopausal osteoporosis. J Bone Miner Metab. 2019;37(2):243-255. doi:10.1007/s00774-018-0929-9 (source)
- Chen W, Gao R, Xie X, et al. A metabolomic study of the PPARδ agonist GW501516 for enhancing running endurance in Kunming mice. Sci Rep. 2015;5:9884. Published 2015 May 6. doi:10.1038/srep09884 (source)
See Also
MK-677 Review: Ibutamoren Dosage, Cycle Length, & More
Best SARMS For Bulking & Cutting
Best Supplement Stacks For Muscle Gain
Best Fat Burning Supplement Stacks For Cutting
Born and raised in Woodbridge, NJ, he graduated from the New Jersey Institute Of Technology with an MBA in eCommerce.His hobbies include beach volleyball, target shooting, and lifting.
Rob is also a Commercially rated pilot and Certified Flight Instructor (CFI), with over 1,500 hours of flight time.
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