S-23 vs SR-9009 (Stenabolic)

Side-by-side comparison of mechanisms, dosing, interactions, and stacking potential.

S-23SR-9009 (Stenabolic)
CategorySARMsSARMs
Standard DoseResearch indicates 10-25 mg daily orally for 8-12 weeks. No human clinical trials — dosing extrapolated from rat pharmacology and anecdotal reports.Research indicates 20-30 mg daily orally, split into 3-4 doses due to very short half-life (~4 hours). Some users prefer sublingual administration for improved bioavailability.
TimingSplit into 2 daily doses due to relatively short half-life (~12 hours). Morning and evening dosing.Split into 3-4 doses throughout the day due to ~4-hour half-life. Example: 7am, 11am, 3pm, 7pm. Avoid late-night dosing as REV-ERB modulation may affect circadian rhythm and sleep.
Cycle Duration8 week cycles maximum recommended. PCT is absolutely mandatory due to profound HPG suppression. Allow full recovery before considering subsequent cycles.8-12 week cycles. No HPG suppression. Cycling recommended due to limited long-term data.
Evidence Levelanimal_plus_anecdotalanimal_plus_anecdotal
A

S-23

SARMs

Mechanism

S-23 is one of the most potent nonsteroidal SARMs developed, originally investigated by GTx, Inc. as a potential male hormonal contraceptive. It binds the androgen receptor with very high affinity, producing near-steroidal anabolic effects in muscle and bone while profoundly suppressing FSH and LH, leading to oligospermia and azoospermia in animal models. S-23 increases lean body mass and bone mineral density while reducing fat mass in a dose-dependent manner. The contraceptive effect was fully reversible in rat studies — spermatogenesis and fertility recovered completely after a 100-day washout period.

Standard Dosing

Research indicates 10-25 mg daily orally for 8-12 weeks. No human clinical trials — dosing extrapolated from rat pharmacology and anecdotal reports.

Timing

Split into 2 daily doses due to relatively short half-life (~12 hours). Morning and evening dosing.

Cycle Duration

8 week cycles maximum recommended. PCT is absolutely mandatory due to profound HPG suppression. Allow full recovery before considering subsequent cycles.

Side Effects

  • Profound testosterone suppression (near-complete LH/FSH shutdown)
  • Temporary infertility / azoospermia
  • Aggression and mood changes (reported frequently)
  • Hair loss (strong androgenic binding)
  • Testicular atrophy
  • Night sweats
  • Prostate effects (despite selectivity claims, S-23 had some prostate stimulation in rats)
  • HDL suppression

Contraindications

  • Desire for fertility in the near term (profound spermatogenic suppression)
  • Pre-existing liver disease
  • Androgen-sensitive cancers
  • Cardiovascular disease
  • Pregnancy and breastfeeding
  • Individuals under 21

Best Stacking Partners

hCG (to maintain testicular function during the profound suppression)MK-677 (non-suppressive GH elevation)NAC / TUDCA (liver support)Enclomiphene (PCT)

Mechanism

SR-9009 is a synthetic agonist of REV-ERBa and REV-ERBb, nuclear receptors that form the repressive limb of the circadian clock and regulate metabolic gene expression. REV-ERB activation represses BMAL1/CLOCK transcription, modulating circadian rhythm. In skeletal muscle, SR-9009 increases mitochondrial count and oxidative capacity by upregulating mitochondrial biogenesis genes. It enhances fatty acid and glucose oxidation, increases exercise endurance, and reduces lipogenesis in the liver. SR-9009 also reduces inflammatory gene expression via NF-kB pathway suppression. Recent research has identified significant REV-ERB-independent effects, suggesting the mechanism is more complex than initially characterized.

Standard Dosing

Research indicates 20-30 mg daily orally, split into 3-4 doses due to very short half-life (~4 hours). Some users prefer sublingual administration for improved bioavailability.

Timing

Split into 3-4 doses throughout the day due to ~4-hour half-life. Example: 7am, 11am, 3pm, 7pm. Avoid late-night dosing as REV-ERB modulation may affect circadian rhythm and sleep.

Cycle Duration

8-12 week cycles. No HPG suppression. Cycling recommended due to limited long-term data.

Side Effects

  • Insomnia or sleep disruption (circadian clock modulation)
  • Anxiety or wakefulness
  • Headache
  • Nausea
  • Potential circadian rhythm disruption with chronic use

Contraindications

  • Circadian rhythm disorders or shift work (may exacerbate disruption)
  • Pregnancy and breastfeeding
  • Individuals under 21
  • Severe insomnia

Best Stacking Partners

Cardarine GW-501516 (complementary fat oxidation pathways)Ostarine (body recomposition — SR-9009 adds metabolic enhancement without suppression)MK-677 (counters potential sleep disruption)

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