S23 is a highly effective investigational SARM (Selective Androgen Receptor Modulator) developed to ship intense anabolic results with out the estrogenic uncomfortable side effects of steroids. Initially studied as a possible male contraceptive, S23 has gained reputation in bodybuilding communities for its potential to boost muscle hardness, fats loss, and lean mass retention, particularly throughout reducing cycles.
On this information, we’ll break down:
→ What S23 is and the way it works
→ Its efficiency and physique-enhancing advantages
→ Really useful dosage and stacking methods
→ Publish-cycle remedy (PCT) necessities
→ Potential uncomfortable side effects and security concerns
When you’re contemplating operating a SARM cycle and need most outcomes with minimal water retention, S23 could be the compound you’re on the lookout for—however it comes with critical tradeoffs.
What Is S23?
S23 is an artificial non-steroidal selective androgen receptor modulator (SARM) developed by GTX, Inc., primarily researched for its function in male hormonal contraception. It’s intently associated to different SARMs like RAD‑140, however with even stronger receptor binding affinity, making it one of the vital potent SARMs in existence.
What makes S23 distinctive:
→ Excessive anabolic efficiency with very low androgenic exercise
→ No aromatization (doesn’t convert to estrogen)
→ Full suppression of spermatogenesis in trials—reversible with cessation
→ Designed to imitate testosterone’s muscle-building results with out prostate progress
“S-23 therapy resulted in full suppression of spermatogenesis whereas sustaining lean physique mass and bone mineral density, making it a promising male contraceptive agent.”
— Jones et al., Journal of Medicinal Chemistry
S23 remains to be within the analysis section, however it’s already made waves in efficiency circles for its dry, laborious physique results and critical testosterone suppression—which makes a stable PCT important.
Advantages of S23
S23 is favored by superior customers seeking to shed physique fats, enhance muscle density, and retain lean mass throughout intense calorie deficits or reducing cycles. Its potent anabolic exercise and non-aromatizing nature make it particularly invaluable for physique recomposition and physique refinement.
➤ Key Efficiency and Physique Advantages
→ Lean Muscle Retention
S23 helps forestall catabolism (muscle breakdown) throughout a reduce, permitting customers to protect hard-earned muscle whereas weight-reduction plan aggressively.
→ Elevated Muscle Hardness and Density
Probably the most notable results of S23 is a visibly more durable, drier physique—making it a well-liked alternative pre-photoshoot or competitors.
→ Enhanced Fats Loss
S23 could enhance lipolysis and enhance physique composition by focusing on fats mass whereas preserving or enhancing lean tissue.
→ Zero Estrogenic Results
As a result of S23 doesn’t convert to estrogen, customers don’t expertise bloating, gynecomastia, or water retention.
→ Improved Vascularity and Definition
With much less subcutaneous water, customers report extra pronounced veins and muscle striations.
“SARMs like S-23 exert tissue-selective results on skeletal muscle with minimal exercise in reproductive organs, providing a excessive anabolic:androgenic ratio best for lean mass preservation.”
— Dalton et al., Present Opinion in Scientific Diet and Metabolic Care
When paired with THERM, INTRA for hydration help, and a high-protein eating regimen, S23 provides a cutting-edge benefit for these seeking to get lean and keep laborious.
S23 Dosage and Half-Life
As a result of S23 is just not permitted for human use, there isn’t a formally acknowledged scientific dosage. Nevertheless, based mostly on anecdotal experiences and analysis fashions, efficient bodybuilding dosages fall between 10–30 mg per day, break up into two doses resulting from its quick half-life.
➤ Frequent S23 Dosage Protocol
→ Newbie dose: 10 mg/day (break up into 5 mg AM / 5 mg PM)
→ Intermediate dose: 20 mg/day (10 mg twice every day)
→ Superior dose: 30 mg/day max, break up AM/PM
➤ Half-Lifetime of S23
S23 has a half-life of roughly 12 hours, which implies twice-daily dosing is right to take care of steady serum ranges. Skipping doses or utilizing it as soon as per day could lead to hormonal fluctuations and diminished efficacy.
“S-23 displayed a brief plasma half-life in animal fashions, requiring frequent administration for constant exercise.”
— Kearbey et al., Biology of Replica
S23 is usually cycled for 6–8 weeks max to keep away from extended suppression. It may be stacked with different dry SARMs like Andarine (S4) or Cardarine for a synergistic reducing stack.
Facet Results of S23
S23 is without doubt one of the most suppressive SARMs in the marketplace, which means its uncomfortable side effects usually resemble these of anabolic steroids—notably by way of testosterone shutdown. Whereas it delivers spectacular physique advantages, customers should weigh these beneficial properties towards its impression on pure hormone operate and total well being.
➤ Frequent Facet Results of S23
→ Testosterone Suppression
S23 dramatically reduces luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), resulting in a fast drop in endogenous testosterone manufacturing. Customers usually report libido loss, fatigue, and temper swings post-cycle with out correct PCT.
→ Aggression or Temper Shifts
Some people report elevated irritability or emotional instability whereas on S23, doubtlessly resulting from hormonal fluctuations.
→ Shrinkage in Testicular Dimension
It is a frequent symptom of suppression and sometimes resolves after Tamoxifen or Clomid use throughout restoration.
→ Potential Fertility Influence
As a result of S23 was studied as a male contraceptive, it may absolutely suppress sperm manufacturing. Whereas that is reversible, it requires time and a structured PCT to get better.
→ Evening Sweats or Scorching Flashes
Anecdotally, some customers report elevated physique temperature or evening sweats, possible resulting from hormonal shifts.
“S-23 induced full suppression of spermatogenesis in animal fashions, with results reversible after cessation. Testosterone suppression is critical.”
— Jones et al., Journal of Medicinal Chemistry
S23 ought to by no means be run with out deliberate post-cycle remedy, and ideally beneath steerage from a medical skilled or coach aware of SARM restoration protocols.
Is S23 Authorized?
S23 exists in a authorized grey space. Whereas it isn’t labeled as a managed substance in most nations, it’s not permitted for human consumption and is bought strictly for analysis functions solely. This implies it’s authorized to purchase and possess in lots of areas, however to not market or use as a dietary complement.
➤ Authorized Standing in Key Areas
→ United States
S23 is authorized to buy for analysis use solely. The FDA has not permitted S23 for human use, and it’s prohibited for athletic competitors beneath the World Anti-Doping Company (WADA).
→ United Kingdom / EU
Just like the U.S., S23 is just not a managed substance however can’t be bought for ingestion. Regulatory scrutiny has elevated in recent times.
→ WADA Prohibited Checklist
S23 seems beneath “Different Anabolic Brokers” in WADA’s banned substance record. Athletes topic to drug testing ought to keep away from this compound completely.
“SARMs like S23 are included on the WADA Prohibited Checklist always resulting from their performance-enhancing and hormone-modulating properties.”
— World Anti-Doping Company (WADA)
Whereas S23 is extensively accessible on-line, utilizing it with out correct training, medical supervision, or post-cycle remedy may result in long-term endocrine disruption.
Stacking and PCT Suggestions
S23 is just not a newbie compound and will solely be utilized in superior reducing or recomposition cycles. Its energy makes it best for brief, centered phases—particularly when stacked with different non-estrogenic brokers. However resulting from its extreme suppression, PCT is non-negotiable.
➤ Fashionable S23 Stacks
→ S23 + Andarine (S4)
For enhanced fats loss, muscle hardness, and vascularity with out water retention.
→ S23 + Cardarine (GW501516)
A robust recomp stack—S23 preserves muscle whereas Cardarine improves endurance and fats metabolism. Cardarine is usually added to assist customers push via cardio and coaching quantity.
→ S23 + MK-677 (Ibutamoren)
To offset suppression-related fatigue or urge for food points, MK-677 could also be used for sleep, GH launch, and restoration—however this needs to be completed cautiously resulting from compounding hormonal results.
➤ Required Publish-Cycle Remedy (PCT)
S23 customers usually expertise shutdown similar to anabolic steroid cycles, making a structured PCT important.
Really useful PCT protocol:
→ Tamoxifen (Nolvadex): 20–40 mg/day for 4 weeks
→ Clomid (Clomiphene): 25–50 mg/day for 4 weeks (elective, or together)
→ DHEA: 100 mg/day to help hormone restoration
→ ZMT: 6-capsule nightly dose to help sleep, restoration, and testosterone manufacturing
→ Ashwagandha Gummies: Adaptogenic help for cortisol and hormonal stability
With out correct PCT, customers threat extended low testosterone, temper disturbances, poor libido, and important lack of beneficial properties.
Frequent Newbie Errors with S23
Regardless of its enchantment, S23 is usually misused by new customers on the lookout for fast transformation with out understanding the dangers. Right here’s the place most newbies go fallacious—and what it’s best to keep away from.
➤ Prime S23 Errors to Keep away from
→ Underestimating Testosterone Suppression
Many customers suppose SARMs aren’t suppressive—S23 is the exception. Working it with out post-cycle remedy (PCT) results in plummeting T ranges, zero libido, and despair.
→ Working It Too Lengthy
Something over 8 weeks drastically will increase suppression threat. Follow 6–8 week cycles, with enough restoration time earlier than one other spherical.
→ Neglecting Bloodwork
At all times get pre- and post-cycle labs completed to trace testosterone, LH, FSH, liver enzymes, and lipid panels.
→ Not Splitting Doses
S23’s quick half-life requires break up every day dosing (AM/PM). Taking it as soon as every day results in hormonal dips and diminished efficiency.
→ Skipping Pure Help Dietary supplements
Help dietary supplements like ZMT, DHEA, and adaptogens can dramatically enhance your restoration, temper, and energy post-cycle.
→ Utilizing It as a First-Time SARM
S23 is just not a newbie compound. If it’s your first SARM, contemplate beginning with Ostarine (MK-2866) or LGD-4033 for safer intro cycles.
“The depth of suppression from S23 use mirrors that of robust oral anabolic steroids. Novices usually soar in too quick with out understanding the hormonal dangers.”
— Rahnema et al., Endocrine Evaluations
Conclusion: Ought to You Use S23?
S23 is not for newbies, however for seasoned customers chasing that ultra-dry, chiseled look with minimal water retention, it delivers. With highly effective anabolic results, no estrogen conversion, and excessive hardness, it’s best for reducing phases, picture shoots, or competitors prep—if you’re keen to handle the hormonal penalties.
However let’s be clear: S23 comes with a worth. You’ll possible expertise full testosterone shutdown, and with out structured PCT, that may spiral into long-term restoration points. It’s a software—not a shortcut—and calls for respect, planning, and post-cycle help.
For safer muscle retention or lean beneficial properties, contemplate options like:
→ Ostarine (MK-2866) – delicate and confirmed
→ Cardarine – nice for fats loss with no hormonal suppression
→ BPC-157 – wonderful for tissue restore post-cycle
When you’re desirous about utilizing S23, be sure that your coaching, eating regimen, restoration, and bloodwork are already dialed in. And don’t skimp in your PCT stack—ZMT, DHEA, and Tamoxifen will go a good distance in serving to you bounce again robust.
Subsequent steps:
→ Study extra about SARMs vs Steroids
→ Examine Clomid and Tamoxifen on your PCT
→ Discover the Swolverine Weblog for cutting-edge peptide and anabolic guides