As an athlete, you're always looking for ways to gain an edge on the competition. Whether it's through training, diet, or supplementation, there's always something you can do to improve your performance. But what about your hormone levels? Could optimising your hormone levels be the key to taking your game to the next level? This is where SERMs come in.
What’s a SERM?
A selective estrogen receptor modulator, or SERM, is a compound that binds to and activates the estrogen receptor. SERMs can have estrogenic and antiestrogenic effects in different tissues throughout the body, meaning that they can either increase or decrease estrogen levels, depending on the SERM and the targeted tissues (Lonard, D. M., 2022). For example, estrogens promote growth and development in muscle tissue, whereas estrogen can promote proliferation and cancer growth in breast tissue.
Selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMs) were originally developed to treat hormone-responsive breast cancers (Y Maximov, P., 2013). However, researchers soon discovered that SERMs also had potential benefits for athletes. SERMs can help improve bone density, reduce the risk of fractures, lower cholesterol levels, and increase lean muscle mass. They can also reduce hot flashes and night sweats, two common side effects of menopause. Additionally, SERMs can help to protect the heart and reduce the risk of stroke. As a result, SERMs offer a wide range of potential benefits for athletes, both men and women, and have become an essential part of many athletes' training regimens.
How do SERMs help athletic performance?
As identified above, SERMs have a range of health benefits, depending on the SERM used and the tissue targeted. SERMs used to improve athletic performance do so in a variety of ways;
Increase muscle mass and strength
One way that SERMs increase muscle mass and strength is by increasing the levels of follicle-stimulating hormone and luteinising hormone in the body. These hormones play an important role in stimulating the production of new muscle cells. Additionally, SERMs can directly stimulate muscle growth by activating signalling pathways that promote protein synthesis, which helps the cells to grow and repair themselves. As a result, muscles can grow larger and stronger. It has also been established that SERMs can increase the production of testosterone, further enhancing muscle growth.
Reduce fat mass
SERMs can aid in the reduction of fat tissue in the body, which can be beneficial for athletes trying to improve their overall muscle-to-fat ratios and give muscles a more defined appearance (Lonard, D. M., 2022). SERMs have been verified to reduce body fat in both animal and human studies. In rats, SERMs have been shown to decrease abdominal fat and increase lean body mass. Additionally, the rats' metabolic rates increased, meaning they burned more calories at rest. In humans, SERMs have been demonstrated to reduce both subcutaneous and visceral fat. The mechanism by which SERMs reduce body fat is not fully understood, but it is thought that they may act on estrogen receptors to modulate lipid metabolism.
Reduce the risk of and improve recovery from injury
Athletic injuries can be a significant problem for individual athletes and the sports community as a whole. While there are many different approaches to prevention, the use of SERMs has shown promise in reducing the risk of injury in athletes. SERMs work by binding to estrogen receptors, thereby reducing the effects of estrogen on the body. This can lead to a decrease in joint and ligament laxity, which is thought to be a significant contributing factor to sports-related injuries. In addition, SERMs improve collagen production and bone density, both of which can help to reduce the risk of fractures. While more research is needed, the use of SERMs represents a promising strategy for preventing athletic injuries.
Introducing Ichor from Inception Labs
One of Inception Labs’ flagship products, Ichor, combines the latest innovation in muscle-building tech with clinically-dosed, high-quality raw ingredients to bring you a highly-potent muscle building, fat metabolising SERM.
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| Inception Labs Ichor |
Ichor blends two scientifically researched SERMs in optimal ratios to aid in body composition goals without any nasty side effects;
Cyanotis vaga extract (with beta-ecdysterone)
Cyanotis vaga extract is a phytochemical compound derived from the dried root of the African Cyanotis vaga plant. The extract contains several active compounds, including beta-ecdysterone, a plant steroid with well-established anabolic properties. In animal studies, beta-ecdysterone has been proven to increase protein synthesis and muscle size. It also promotes the release of growth hormone and insulin-like growth factor-1, both of which are important for muscle growth. Cyanotis Vaga extract also has estrogenic effects, which may account for its ability to promote muscle growth in both men and women. In addition to its anabolic effects, beta-ecdysterone also appears to improve exercise performance by increasing VO2 max and reducing fatigue. These properties make Cyanotis Vaga extract a promising ingredient for athletes looking to improve their strength and endurance.
Oleoylethanolamide (OEA)
Oleoylethanolamide (OEA) is a naturally occurring fatty acid derivative and plays an important role in regulating metabolism. In recent years, OEA has gained attention as a potential performance-enhancing compound for athletes. OEA has been shown to preferentially bind to and activate the estrogen receptor in muscle tissue, making it a valuable tool for athletes looking to improve their performance. OEA can increase blood sugar availability for muscular energy, leading to improved exercise performance. Additionally, OEA appears to help reduce body fat by stimulating lipid metabolism. Studies in animals have shown that OEA can increase muscle mass and strength, and it is thought that it may have similar effects in humans. These effects make OEA an attractive option for athletes looking to improve their performance and body composition.
Directions for use
Ichor should be consumed before your largest meal of the day, ensuring adequate carbohydrate intake. Consumption on an empty stomach can result in dizziness and nausea and is strongly discouraged. Always follow the directions on the label and do not exceed the daily recommended dosage. This product works optimally in conjunction with adequate nutritional intake - it is advised to consistently maintain your daily protein requirements for optimal results.
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| Inception Labs Ichor |
For more info check out https://inception-labs.com/ichor
Author
Elise Walley, 2022. SERM’s - A high level breakdown
References
Lonard, D. M., & Smith, C. L. (2002). Molecular perspectives on selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMs): progress in understanding their tissue-specific agonist and antagonist actions. Steroids, 67(1), 15-24.
Y Maximov, P., M Lee, T., & Craig Jordan, V. (2013). The discovery and development of selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMs) for clinical practice. Current clinical pharmacology, 8(2), 135-155.