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If you search for “muscle-building supplements,” you’ll notice that anabolic steroids, SARMs, and peptides are all discussed on the same level.

 

Even if you’ve heard of them, you probably don’t really know how much of a strain each one puts on your body—I imagine many of you have landed on this page feeling exactly that way.

 

Let me start by saying that the ingredients grouped under the single term “muscle-building supplements” actually have quite different levels of impact on health.

 

Although they appear to be lined up on the same shelf, they are actually completely different.

 

In this article, I’ll explain step by step why opinions are so divided and what criteria BIANCA Clinic uses to narrow down the options.

 

[Doctor’s Point]

When I get asked for advice about muscle-building supplements, people actually often ask me, “Why are you avoiding anabolic steroids?” before even asking, “What should I use?”

 

According to medical textbooks, the main concern with steroids is the wide range of effects they have on liver function, the cardiovascular system, hormonal balance, and mental health.

 

However, based on our experience in the field, the main reason we’ve decided not to treat this condition at our clinic is that we’ve seen many cases where “once hormonal balance is disrupted, the effects linger longer than expected.”

 

I’d rather prioritize what lasts over efficiency.

Why are the evaluations so different even though they're both "enhancers"?

Anabolic steroids are substances that have effects similar to those of male hormones themselves.

 

While its potency is well known, it can easily affect various parts of the body, and the types of reported side effects are wide-ranging.

 

It is believed that the sheer breadth of the effects—including the strain on liver function, impacts on the cardiovascular system, hormonal imbalances, and mood swings—directly correlates with the magnitude of the risk.

 

On the other hand, compounds known as SARMs (selective androgen receptor modulators) and peptides that stimulate the secretion of growth hormone are ingredients designed to act within a more limited range.

 

Born from the idea of “targeting only specific areas, such as muscles and bones,” it can be described as the next-generation option, so to speak.

 

However, there is one thing I don’t want to be misunderstood about here.

 

People often say that SARMs and peptides are “safer than steroids,” but this is only half true—and half an exaggeration.

 

This is because the fact that the design objectives are limited and the fact that safety has actually been established are two entirely different matters.

 

These products are also not officially approved as pharmaceuticals in Japan or abroad, and it cannot be said that sufficient long-term safety data has been accumulated.

 

I think it’s closer to the reality to assume that there’s still a gap between “not as strong as steroids” and “safe.”

Why BIANCA Clinic Does Not Prescribe Anabolic Steroids

At BIANCA Clinic, in accordance with our policy of prioritizing health, we do not carry anabolic steroids.

 

The reason is simple: it stems from a philosophy that prioritizes health, given the wide variety and severity of the reported side effects.

 

Rather than focusing on short-term results, we prioritize helping each person move toward their goals in a way that is gentle on their body and does not strain their health.

Instead, it contains three ingredients: LGD-4033, ipamorelin, and tesamorelin.

 

LGD-4033 is a compound classified as a SARM, and research has been conducted with the aim of having it act selectively on muscle tissue; however, it is an unapproved substance both domestically and internationally, and there have been reported cases of its adverse effects on liver function.

 

Ipamorelin is a type of peptide that stimulates the secretion of growth hormone; while it is considered to have a relatively mild effect compared to other similar compounds, there is not yet sufficient data on its long-term use.

 

Although tesamorelin has been approved overseas for the treatment of a specific condition—abnormal fat distribution associated with HIV infection—its use for the purpose of altering muscle mass or body composition falls outside the scope of that approval.

 

None of these ingredients have been approved in Japan, and they are treated as part of private medical care.

 

During the consultation, we provide detailed explanations regarding how to obtain the medication, safety information from overseas, and whether there are any similar drugs approved in Japan.

 

Rather than making a decision based solely on numbers or ingredient names, we hope you will consider your options through discussion, taking into account your own physical constitution and any pre-existing conditions.

 

To be honest, even as a doctor who works with these ingredients, this is an area where I can’t say with absolute certainty that they’re safe.

 

That is precisely why I believe it is essential to manage this condition by monitoring your physical condition through regular blood tests and other means.

Things to Keep in Mind Before Seeking Results

It's only natural to want to maximize the benefits of your workouts and build more muscle.

 

However, these nutrients are only effective when combined with a foundation of training; they do not build muscle on their own.

 

In addition, results and physical effects vary from person to person, so we cannot guarantee that using this product will definitely produce results.

 

If you have a pre-existing liver or heart condition, are undergoing treatment that affects your hormonal balance, or are planning to become pregnant, you should consult with your doctor more carefully before starting this treatment.

 

Conversely, for those who are already training regularly but do not want to take on the same level of risk as anabolic steroids, these options may be worth considering.

 

I hope you will make your decision based on an understanding of the risks associated with each ingredient, rather than simply choosing a product based on the assumption that “since it contains an unapproved ingredient, it must be safer than steroids.”

Frequently Asked Questions

Even after reading this far, you may still have some questions. Here are answers to a few frequently asked questions.

Are they safer than anabolic steroids?

Although the types of reported risks are said to be few, as these are unapproved ingredients, their safety cannot be considered established. It is more accurate to view them not as “safer,” but as posing “a different kind of risk.”

Can I use my insurance?

Since this is a private medical service, it is not covered by public health insurance.

Will it be effective even if I don't exercise?

These ingredients are intended to be used in conjunction with exercise. We do not guarantee their effectiveness when used alone.

How long does it take to notice a change?

There are significant differences depending on a person's physical constitution and training regimen, so it's not something we can generalize about.

If you're interested, please let us know.

It’s surprisingly little known that the term “muscle-building supplements” encompasses such a wide range of options.

 

That is precisely why I hope you will not base your decision solely on names or rumors, but rather consider whether a product is right for you after understanding the role each ingredient plays.

 

At BIANCA Clinic, we prioritize your health and are available to discuss LGD-4033, ipamorelin, and tesamorelin.

 

Even if you're just at the stage where you're thinking, "I want to avoid anabolic steroids, but I'd like to know what other options are out there," feel free to reach out for a consultation if you're interested.

 

I completely understand the desire to find a shortcut to getting in shape. However, even if it seems like a detour, I believe that proceeding while monitoring your physical condition is ultimately the approach that will serve you best in the long run.

 

Please feel free to ask any questions you may have during your appointment. Let’s work together to find a pace that works for you.

 

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