SR9009 (Stenabolic) SARM 101: The Bodybuilder’s Guide

Do you want to know how Stenabolic works and whether it is right for you? I’ve got all the info you’ve ever wanted about SR9009. This PED causes confusion and conflicting opinions in the bodybuilding community for several reasons. But one thing is sure: when SR9009 works as it’s meant to, it works incredibly well.

Without the typical side effects we have to deal with when using most SARMs or anabolic steroids, Stenabolic holds a lot of appeal. But is it something you should be using? Read on to find out all the must-know facts about SR9009.

What is Stenabolic?

SR9009 holds some exciting potential for medical use, but the performance effects are the most interesting for us.

The main benefits and effects of SR9009 that are of most interest to us as bodybuilders or athletes are not directly related to its main areas of medical research interest. As you’ll see, Stenabolic is very similar to Cardarine in many ways, not the least of which is its somewhat unintentional but very valuable effects on performance.

History and Overview

Stenabolic is a compound whose creation comes back to one man: Professor Thomas Burris. It was developed only about ten years ago, but to date, the only data we have available on its effects comes from studies on mice.

No clinical studies or trials with human participants have been published. This means we have to primarily rely on performance users’ reports and personal experiences to get the good and bad of Stenabolic.

What was learned in the pre-clinical mouse study included that SR9009 has an effect on the circadian rhythm, and as a result, it may have similar effects in humans.

One of the goals was to research whether Stenabolic could be a potential drug for treating disorders relating to sleep and metabolism. Still, until more research comes to light, we won’t know the full medical potential of SR9009.

Along with possible future treatment for sleep-related conditions and metabolic conditions, there’s even some interest in Stenabolic being useful for addressing jet lag thanks to its effects in “resetting” the body’s natural circadian clocks.

Professor Burris has also gone on to develop SR9011, a Rev-ErbA alpha and beta agonist that is thought to have higher oral bioavailability than SR9009. While it’s not yet as popular or well-known as SR9009 in the athletic community, SR9011 is one to keep an eye on in the future.

Mechanism of Action

As a REV-ERB agonist, SR9009 is a unique compound among those usually chosen by us bodybuilders. The main focus on Stenabolic in pre-clinical research has been on its ability to alter the circadian rhythm, which affects our sleep and metabolic function.

Rev-ErbA alpha (REV-ERBa) is one of the two proteins of this type found in its nuclear receptor family, and it was discovered over 30 years ago that REV-ERBa is vital for its role in regulating the body’s circadian clock.

Because some other body processes are also impacted or controlled by the circadian clock, these are also regulated to an extent by REV-ERBa. These include pathways related to the immune system and the metabolic system.

So, I know what you’re thinking: These are interesting effects, but how does that make Stenabolic desirable for bodybuilders or athletes? Just like Cardarine (which Stenabolic is often directly compared to), the “accidental” benefits of increased endurance and stamina have become evident to a large number of people who have used SR9009 as a performance-enhancing compound.

SR9009 sits back in second place in popularity compared to Cardarine, despite the known risks of Cardarine, which Stenabolic does not have (see more on this when I compare these two PEDs later).

Why do most people prefer Cardarine over SR9009? Primarily, it comes down to convenience; SR9009 has a very effective mechanism of action, but with a short half-life, it requires frequent dosing throughout the day – making it one of the more burdensome compounds to use.

Effects of SR9009 (Benefits)

SR9009 is a fast-acting compound, and we often use it pre-workout for that reason. Effects start becoming noticeable quickly after taking your dose, but most will also start wearing off quickly (see my information about Stenabolic’s half-life below).

It’s now widely agreed that to get the maximum benefits of SR9009 while you’re training, you should take it about an hour before working out.

Increased Endurance

The cardiovascular performance effects of SR9009 are, without a doubt, its most valued benefit. Endurance and stamina are boosted to a very high level, which is the number one reason you’ll want to time your dosage before you work out.

Some users of oral Stenabolic can find endurance increases somewhat, but for the most potent effects on stamina and performance, you will want to look at using injectable Stenabolic.

Better Sleep

The sleep effects of SR9009 can go one way or the other, but when it’s used right, you should notice an improvement in your sleep (on the other hand, some find that insomnia becomes a problem).

To get the full benefits of Stenabolic’s activity on the circadian rhythm, you will want to commit to a healthy lifestyle, which means having a consistent sleep pattern – which will ultimately help with your recovery and results.

REV-ERBa agonists are already known to be a potential drug to target the treatment of sleep disorders, with this being one of its primary areas of research^[1]. SR9009 may also help you recover, function, and generally feel more energized even if you haven’t slept well. Some users find that after sleeping for just 5 or 6 hours while consistently using Stenabolic, they still feel rested the next day and able to perform at a high level.

Fat Loss

With the massive boost to stamina and endurance, you’re naturally going to be able to burn significantly more fat than average. But Stenabolic may also have more direct actions on how your body uses and burns fat for energy. After all, altering the circadian rhythm, which is the primary function of Stenabolic, has a well-known impact on the regulation of the metabolism!

It’s known that SR9009 boosts the rate of metabolism while the body is at rest (in mice, at least), which essentially means you are able to burn calories even while you’re in a sedentary state (sitting down, sleeping, and so on). When on a calorie-deficit diet, this can result in noticeably faster fat loss, although it won’t be as significant as you can get with a dedicated fat burner compound.

Cholesterol Support

SR9009 will have the opposite effect on cholesterol of many SARMs and steroids, in that Stenabolic can improve your HDL levels and decrease LDL levels. Studies have shown that SR9009 can decrease cholesterol and triglycerides^[2].

It’s worth noting that Cardarine is also well known as a compound that can decrease cholesterol and is often used as a cholesterol-supportive compound in a stack. Users who want an alternative to Cardarine to provide cholesterol support can find Stenabolic to be an effective option.

Anti-inflammatory

Multiple studies have revealed SR9009’s anti-inflammatory effects on different areas of the body. While we can’t pinpoint exactly what types or severity of inflammation in humans Stenabolic could help reduce, this is always a welcome effect, no matter how minor.

SR9009 Dosing and Administration

Standard dosing of SR9009 will be in the range of 10mg to 40mg per day. Whatever your dose is, consider splitting it into at least a twice-daily administration (but three or even four times can be more beneficial).

Doses

There have been no clinical studies on humans with SR9009, so we have no scientific data on its effective or potentially dangerous doses for people. Minimal studies on rodents often made use of very high doses, which, on a body weight basis, would be inappropriate for humans to use.

So that leaves us with the experiences of people who have long used Stenabolic for performance and have, over the years, determined a dosage range that can deliver the effects we want.

Again, I must emphasize that injecting Stenabolic (the preferred method of use) is going to normally require a lower dose than taking it orally. Here’s a general guide to Stenabolic bodybuilding doses for different experience levels:

Beginner

New users might look at using Stenabolic once per day and just limiting its use to a pre-workout compound. Whether this is an effective strategy for lasting benefits is debatable, but in the short term, it can get you used to SR9009’s effects on your training. A 10mg dose about an hour before working out is a good beginner’s strategy.

Intermediate

Once you move to the next level, you’re likely to want to maintain more consistent levels of Stenabolic in your system. This means dosing it twice to three times throughout the day (but try to avoid taking your last dose 5-6 hours before bed). 10mg twice daily for a total of 20mg is an adequate intermediate dose that will keep those metabolic effects going. If timed correctly before training, you should see reduced fatigue during workouts.

Advanced

The most advanced users usually take up to 30mg daily; some will even go to 40mg. Splitting it into three doses will maintain levels all day. At a minimum, a higher dose in this range needs to be split into at least two administrations, but I prefer three if I’m going to do a 40mg daily dose.

Bioavailability, Half-life, and Cycle Length

Stenabolic has a very short half-life. The exact half-life isn’t known, but it’s thought to be around 4 hours.

This has made it a compound we will often take as a pre-workout PED. Since it isn’t going to last long, and its effects are directly needed during the workout (more endurance specifically), you can time your dose before a workout to take advantage of the short half-life.

But then we have another big issue with Stenabolic, and it concerns just how effective it will be. The bioavailability of SR9009 in oral form is thought to be extremely low. In fact, it’s so low that it could be close to zero when taken orally.

I know what you might be thinking, though:

You read about people who used it orally and insist they’re feeling or seeing significant effects and results. This could be possible. But it could also be something of a placebo effect. Remember that we’re talking about increased endurance and stamina, not measurable effects like muscle gains.

There’s another possible explanation for users who find that the oral version of SR9009 gives them noticeable results: the product may not be pure Stenabolic! It’s never out of the question that something else has been put into the formula and sold as SR9009!!!

Some users suggest that some amount of Cardarine might be substituted into SR9009 by some of the more unscrupulous suppliers (reminding us again why buying from reliable sources is essential).

However, far more people have tried using Stenabolic orally, and it has had no effect whatsoever. Without a doubt, bioavailability is very low orally, and for most of us, Stenabolic isn’t worth using in that form.

Yes, most suppliers still sell Stenabolic in liquid and capsule form, and unsuspecting users will buy it and think it will work as well as any oral SARM. But the truth is that for the highest bioavailability, you need to be injecting SR9009. And that won’t be everyone’s cup of tea.

Stenabolic cycles can be as short as eight weeks (especially if you’re stacking it with a PED that requires an 8-week cycle), but many users will take it for 12, 16, or even 20 weeks or more. With no suppression or cholesterol impacts, you won’t be dealing with those downsides on a longer SR9009 cycle.

Dosing Schedule and Administration Methods

This is where we have to focus on possibly the biggest drawback of using Stenabolic: that you need to administer it up to four times per day thanks to that short half-life I just mentioned.

Don’t even think about taking Stenabolic just once a day and think the effects will last all day – it will be a waste of time and money. Some users will take it just twice daily and time the doses around training. This can work if you’re disciplined enough to plan your doses properly.

In these cases, taking half the dose in the morning and the second half around midday can give you the effects of Stenabolic for the bulk of the day and let it wear down in the evening.

It’s not unusual for users to have sleep issues (even full-on insomnia) if a dose is taken later in the evening, which is another good reason to take your first dose as early as possible in the morning.

If you want to try Stenabolic orally (just be prepared for no effects in most cases), take it like a SARM and ideally hold it under the tongue for several seconds before swallowing.

But here’s the kicker when it comes to injecting Stenabolic:

Injecting SR9009 involves purchasing an injectable form of the compound. Do not go injecting the liquid form of Stenabolic. This is a major health risk, as the formula is not sterile and can lead to lethal blood infections.

What’s the best way to inject SR9009, you might be wondering?

I’ve heard of people doing both subcutaneous (or Subq) using an insulin syringe or intramuscular. Again, we don’t have the data to know what’s the better option. Needless to say, plan whether you’ll be going for oral or injectable SR9009 before purchasing, and make sure you buy the correct product.

SR9009 Cycles

Stenabolic can be used a little differently from your standard SARM cycles, usually limited to 8 or 12 weeks. Many SR9009 users will consider this PED a longer-term use compound instead of one requiring a specific cycle limit.

The lack of known side effects also makes it possible to use Stenabolic for longer periods comfortably, but this will solely depend on your goals. If long-term performance is what you want, it makes sense to extend the cycle, whereas a cutting cycle can be short and sharp, including Stenabolic to boost stamina and fat loss.

SR9009 Cycle for Men

We will see a lot of different opinions and personal experiences from men who have used SR9009. Those using the oral form will often be disappointed in the results, but I’ve come across some guys who swear on good results using the liquid.

Stenabolic will often be run at a longer cycle than SARMs. Twenty weeks and longer is not uncommon. Often, one or more other PEDs will be included in part of the cycle to bring a point of focus to results: fat burning in particular. At the same time, Stenabolic provides the endurance boost to keep your workouts going at a high level over several months.

Results

The types of results to expect when using SR9009 on a cycle, either on its own or stacked, will always revolve around that very noticeable increase in energy, endurance, and stamina where you’re going to be less fatigued when training at high intensity.

Men will find gym performance to be much higher than without Stenabolic, especially when it’s taken around an hour before training (think of it like a pre-workout compound).

I’ve often also come across guys noting their mood and well-being have improved on Stenabolic. Again, this isn’t a measurable result either, but it could be related to how SR9009 makes you feel more energized overall.

User Reviews

Positive reviews from men about Stenabolic focus on its effects, good results, and the lack of side effects. This is a nice little bonus if you’re used to using just about any other PED that causes troubling side effects (including suppression).

Any negative reviews and comments from men about experiences with Stenabolic will not surprisingly be focused on the fact that there can be no effects at all when oral SR9009 is used. This can come as a great shock to guys who had no idea about the bioavailability issues. For this reason, it does pay to do your homework when using a new compound!

Another negative issue some guys find is sleep difficulties, even progressing to insomnia, when a dose is taken later in the day.

SR9009 Cycle for Women

SR9009 is not a hormonal compound, so it’s not thought to bring about any different or additional side effects for female users. Results to expect will be identical to male users.

Women can expect excellent stamina, endurance, and noticeable fat loss even when not on a hardcore diet (thanks to Stenabolic’s ability to burn calories while you’re at rest).

There’s probably a good reason why Stenabolic is not very popular among women, who will almost always choose other PEDs instead: because relatively few females compared to men have experience with injecting steroids. Without that prior injecting experience, females may be more reluctant to attempt injectable Stenabolic.

And with the knowledge that oral SR9009 has low enough bioavailability to make it not worth using, we have very little in the way of anecdotal female experiences with SR9009 to learn from.

SR9009 vs. Other PEDs

There are dozens of SARMs, steroids, and other types of PEDs we can compare Stenabolic to and weigh up the pros and cons to decide on what’s better to use.

I want to look at a few of the more commonly asked-about comparisons and how SR9009 stacks up against some of the most popular PEDs like Cardarine and Anavar:

SR9009 vs. Cardarine

Cardarine is so similar to SR9009 that they are often directly compared and even substituted.

Stenabolic has one benefit over Cardarine: it hasn’t been shown to be a cancer risk in pre-clinical studies. That reason alone can turn a lot of us straight onto SR9009 and away from Cardarine.

But then there’s this:

Stenabolic needs to be injected if you want to get the same level of effects and results as with oral Cardarine. Otherwise, Cardarine is by far the superior compound if you compare them when taken orally.

What about stacking these two?

You can stack Cardarine and Stenabolic to double up on the benefits (see my description of this stack below).

SR9009 vs. Anavar

Anavar is a popular oral steroid for both men and women. Still, it’s especially valued by female users for cutting and contest prep, thanks to its relatively mild side effects at low doses (as far as steroids go).

Would a female be better off using Stenabolic or Anavar? Anavar will provide more muscle gains and more strength than Stenabolic. Both will provide excellent endurance and cardio performance, but Anavar does run the risk of virilizing side effects if used for too long.

Regarding male Anavar users, one advantage of using SR9009 instead is eliminating the need to run a testosterone base thanks to Stenabolic being non-hormonal and not suppressive.

Males will also need PCT after using Anavar, but this isn’t required with SR9009. Oral Anavar is a liver-toxic compound, whereas SR9009 may potentially have benefits for the liver.

So, while I often see people asking whether one or the other is a better choice, I would leave Anavar to females who want a more hardcore cycle while being prepared to deal with harsher side effects than SR9009.

As for males, Anavar is often thought of as not worth using at lower doses, and at higher doses, you will be facing some substantial side effects, which you won’t have to deal with at all with Stenabolic.

Stacking SR9009

Stacking SR9009 is going to provide a solid support base for a cutting or recomp stack, mainly by boosting your athletic capabilities with its well-known endurance and stamina effects.

You can then choose the PEDs you stack it with based on a specific goal you’re trying to achieve: fat loss, contest prep, cutting, recomp. Even a bulking cycle can include SR9009 with the right approach.

SR9009 + Cardarine (Cutting/Performance Stack)

Why choose between Stenabolic and Cardarine when you can stack them? Well, mainly because many of us don’t feel comfortable using Cardarine for well-known reasons. But if you’re happy to use Cardarine, consider this the ultimate non-SARMs cardio stack!

Benefits

• Massive endurance and stamina
• Fat loss
• Mental and physical energy
• Improved sleep
• Cholesterol support
• Muscle maintenance

Dosing

• Cardarine: 20mg daily
• Stenabolic: 20mg daily
• Cycle length: 6-8 weeks, with Stenabolic, extended to 16 weeks or more if desired.

Possible Side Effects

• Headaches
• Insomnia
• Cancer risk of Cardarine

Results

If fat loss is your goal, losing 10 lbs or more on this stack over eight or more weeks is possible. Keeping Stenabolic going for the longer term will have you losing more body fat, but diet and exercise will play a huge role.

You should find it easier to retain existing muscle, and the sleep benefits can have you feeling more rested and energized throughout the day, even if you don’t get an ideal night’s sleep.

PCT

No PCT is required from this stack as neither compound is suppressive.

SR9009 + Ostarine (Cutting/Recomp Stack)

The inclusion of Ostarine will help you build and retain more muscle, even helping break through a plateau mid-cycle. With the right strategy, this cycle can have you both losing some fat while gaining muscle and achieving a toned physique.

Benefits

• Maintain muscle and strength on a calorie deficit
• Fat loss
• Endurance and stamina boost
• Cholesterol support
• Increased bone density
• Faster recovery

Dosing

• Ostarine: 20mg daily
• Stenabolic: 20mg daily
• Cycle length: 12 weeks

Possible Side Effects

• Testosterone suppression
• Increased cholesterol
• Possible liver toxicity from Ostarine

Results

Fat loss, muscle maintenance, stamina, and overall cardio performance will be improved significantly. Even if you’re on a strict calorie deficit, you should see your strength levels maintained and even boosted with Ostarine.

With a simultaneous gaining of muscle and loss of body fat, this is an effective recomp cycle, or it can be run as a pure cutting cycle. Ostarine is known to raise cholesterol somewhat, but SR9009 can counteract this to an extent. Bloodwork is recommended if you have concerns about cholesterol levels.

PCT

Ostarine may cause moderate suppression in some men. Only bloodwork will be able to reveal the status of your testosterone. But if PCT is required or desired, a basic cycle of Tamoxifen for four weeks (20mg/day for three weeks, 10mg/day for week 4) will typically be sufficient.

SR9009 + RAD-140 (Bulking/Recomp Stack)

This is a more unusual stack, but with their differing mechanisms of action (RAD-140 is a true SARM), you can get some good synergy and results with the overall goal of being able to build significantly more muscle than you could on the two other stacks I’ve detailed above.

Benefits

• Significant muscle gains
• Strength gains
• Some fat loss
• Endurance and stamina
• Increased bone density
• Fast recovery

Dosing

• Stenabolic 20mg daily
• RAD-140 10mg daily
• Cycle length: 8-week limit for RAD140; Stenabolic can be used for 16-20 weeks if desired.

Possible Side Effects

• Testosterone suppression
• Insomnia
• Raised cholesterol
• Hair shedding

Results

RAD-140 is a dry compound, so this cycle can result in excellent body recomposition, with muscular definition and vascularity being prominent. Simultaneous fat loss is possible, more so if you take advantage of Stenabolic’s cardio effects by including more of that type of training in your workouts.

RAD-140 can have a more substantial negative impact on your cholesterol, to the point where Stenabolic’s positive cholesterol effects may not necessarily be offset (therefore, consider including cholesterol-supportive supplements and dietary changes on-cycle).

PCT

PCT will be required when using RAD-140 above 5mg daily. Clomid or Nolvadex for four weeks at standard doses is usually sufficient, with HCG rarely required.

SR9009 PCT

One of SR9009’s appealing attributes is that it is not a suppressive compound. Because Stenabolic is a REV-ERBa agonist, it has no hormonal effects and doesn’t impact your testosterone production or function. If you’re stacking SR9009 with any suppressive compounds, post-cycle therapy will almost always be needed for males.

SR9009 Side Effects

SR9009 is remarkably side-effect-free for most users. That doesn’t mean you won’t experience any unexpected side effects. After all, there is still a lot to learn about Stenabolic’s effects, and individuals will always have different responses to compounds.

There is only one recognized side effect of SR9009, and this relates to sleep. Stenabolic alters the circadian rhythm, which is our body’s natural clock. This alteration will affect people differently, but most commonly, we find that if an SR9009 dose is taken too late in the day, you might find it difficult to fall asleep or stay asleep. In the most severe cases, insomnia can develop.

This can almost always be avoided by taking your doses earlier in the day and setting a limit for the timing of your last dose (according to your schedule and when you usually sleep). My recommendation is to avoid taking a dose of SR9009 within no less than 6 hours before going to bed.

What about testosterone suppression?

As a non-steroidal and non-hormonal compound, SR9009 does not affect your testosterone function. It will not reduce circulating testosterone or suppress testosterone production. This means you don’t have to think about PCT when using Stenabolic on its own.

There’s more:

Usually, taking oral SARMs or steroids will result in some degree of stress to the liver, including a high risk of liver toxicity with the more potent compounds. However, taking oral SR9009 doesn’t pose a risk to the liver. In fact, SR9009 may even have benefits for liver health. One study on mice found that SR9009 improved overall liver health and suppressed liver damage and inflammation^[3].

Where to Buy SR9009?

Buying SR9009 is as easy as purchasing any SARM or other non-AAS PED. But before you go shopping, have a careful think about HOW you want to take Stenabolic and the possible pitfalls of using the more commonly sold liquid form.

So, where to buy it? Here are my top picks:

Availability of SR9009

SR9009 is widely available at all the usual SARMs and peptides suppliers. Note the types sold: many suppliers will stock tablets, capsules, powder, liquid, and injectable Stenabolic. Not all suppliers are created equal! And importantly, cost does not necessarily reflect the quality of your SR9009.

Over the years, some users have suspected that other compounds like Cardarine have been included in Stenabolic products (either intentionally or not), which could explain why some oral SR9009 users see better than expected results from what is an otherwise low bioavailable format of this PED.

What’s my point?

While SR9009 is readily available for purchase, you must do your due diligence to find a quality supplier selling high-purity Stenabolic.

Is SR9009 Legal?

The performance effects of Stenabolic are well recognized, and so it’s listed on the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) Prohibited List and is tested for in routine drug testing. This gives it the same legal status as anabolic steroids in the world of professional sports; in other words, it is completely prohibited from being used in competitions.

For the personal user like many of you and me, however, Stenabolic is easy to purchase and use without any legal issues in most countries. Like SARMs and other non-AAS PEDs, SR9009 is categorized as a research chemical. You can legally buy it from online research chemical suppliers.

While these sellers are required to include a statement or disclaimer that Stenabolic is being sold only for research purposes (and not for human consumption), as the buyer, you won’t be checked or investigated as to how you’re using SR9009.

Typical Pricing

Pricing of SR9009 will vary according to a few factors:

• Which country you’re in or looking at purchasing it from
• The form: liquid, capsule, powder, or injectable
• The supplier: Higher prices do not necessarily mean a higher quality product!

Despite the bioavailability issues I’ve covered in depth here, liquid SR9009 is still the single most commonly sold and easiest-to-find version. Typically, it will come in a 30ml bottle, measured at a concentration of 20mg/ml, for under $70.

Injectable Stenabolic can be found in different strengths, with a standard option being 10mg/64mg per ml. The cost of these bottles will often be around $100.

Capsules and tablets are sold in a range of quantities, and since Stenabolic is often used for much longer cycles than SARMs, you’ll want to plan to work out how many capsules you’ll need. This can be expensive, considering the required 2-4 times daily dosing. A typical pack of 60 x 20mg capsules can set you back up to $150.

Most suppliers now promote the fact that their Stenabolic is third-party tested for 99% or 99.9% purity. They will provide the certification, but buyers should always beware: it’s ultimately up to you to decide if these certifications are legitimate, as this is simply an optional action for suppliers rather than a legal requirement.

Final Thoughts

Although some will still disagree, my personal opinion is that if you’re going to use SR9009, then make it injectable. I find Stenabolic not worth using otherwise, and if you take it orally, there’s a good chance you’re wasting your time (and a stack of cash). Injectable SR9009, on the other hand, delivers some exceptional performance results, and I also like the cholesterol and liver-supportive benefits of this PED.

SR9009 is a good alternative for anyone who doesn’t feel confident using Cardarine. It has its place in some stacks like those I’ve listed above. But I must say that the very best results with Stenabolic come when you’re injecting it two or three times each day, and that can get tired real quick – so understandably, many people will look to easier-to-use compounds to take instead.

Related:

• Andarine SARM 101: The How-To Guide to S4
• S23 SARM 101: The Bodybuilder’s Guide
• LGD-4033 SARM 101: The How-To Guide to Ligandrol

— Furious Joe