What It Means, How It Happens & Why It Matters in Research
Endocrine disruption refers to the process by which external chemicals interfere with the body’s hormonal (endocrine) system – often with far-reaching health effects. These disruptors can mimic, block, or alter hormone signals, leading to changes in development, fertility, metabolism, or even behaviour.
If you’re working with hormone-related compounds like SARMs, SERMs, or synthetic hormones, understanding endocrine disruption is essential.
At the hypothalamus or pituitary, altering hormone signalling (e.g., LH, FSH)
At the receptor level, mimicking or blocking normal hormone action
At the gene expression level, by altering transcription of hormone-responsive genes
Some compounds, like SARMs, are designed to act on androgen receptors, but may also impact endogenous testosterone production, which is a form of endocrine modulation – or disruption, if unregulated.
Ever wondered what a “ligand” actually is when people talk about SARMs?You’ll see the word tossed around in studies, forums, and product descriptions – but what does it really mean? Let’s break it down in simple, science-backed terms.Spoiler: understanding ligands is key to understanding how SARMs work. What Is a Ligand? A ligand is simply …
A – Z Glossary Using This Glossary Feel free to bookmark this page and refer back whenever you encounter unfamiliar SARMs terminology. We update it regularly as new research and compounds emerge. Want this glossary embedded in your product or compound pages? Ask us about integrating it into your site layout or linking via tooltips. …
Androgen Receptor (AR) Definition:The androgen receptor (AR) is a type of nuclear receptor – a protein found inside cells that binds to androgens, the body’s natural male sex hormones such as testosterone and dihydrotestosterone (DHT). Once activated, it moves into the cell nucleus and switches on genes responsible for muscle growth, strength, and sexual development. …
SERMs are a class of compounds that selectively bind to estrogen receptors, acting as either agonists or antagonists depending on the tissue type. They’ve been widely used in medicine – and more recently studied in performance and hormone-related contexts. But what exactly are SERMs, and how do they differ from SARMs or anabolic steroids? What …
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Glossary: Endocrine Disruption
What It Means, How It Happens & Why It Matters in Research
Endocrine disruption refers to the process by which external chemicals interfere with the body’s hormonal (endocrine) system – often with far-reaching health effects. These disruptors can mimic, block, or alter hormone signals, leading to changes in development, fertility, metabolism, or even behaviour.
If you’re working with hormone-related compounds like SARMs, SERMs, or synthetic hormones, understanding endocrine disruption is essential.
What Is the Endocrine System?
The endocrine system is the body’s network of glands that produce and regulate hormones. These hormones control:
Key components include the hypothalamus, pituitary gland, thyroid, adrenals, testes/ovaries, and feedback loops that tightly control hormone levels.
What Is an Endocrine Disruptor?
An endocrine-disrupting chemical (EDC) is any substance – natural or synthetic – that can interfere with this hormonal signalling.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO):
EDCs can:
Examples of Known Endocrine Disruptors
How Does Endocrine Disruption Happen?
Disruption can occur at multiple levels:
Some compounds, like SARMs, are designed to act on androgen receptors, but may also impact endogenous testosterone production, which is a form of endocrine modulation – or disruption, if unregulated.
See PMC2726844 – Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals for an in-depth review.
Further reading: Enclomiphene Mechanism
Health Risks Associated with Endocrine Disruption
The U.S. National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS) lists potential effects of endocrine disruptors:
Further reading: Ostarine Side Effects
Regulatory Perspective
Many endocrine-disrupting chemicals are restricted or banned in the EU, UK, and US due to reproductive toxicity or carcinogenic potential.
The EU’s REACH regulation defines an EDC as a substance of very high concern (SVHC).
UK/EU researchers should consult:
Further reading: UK Sarms Law
Summary: What You Should Know About Endocrine Disruption
Back to SARMs Glossary
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