Ostarine and Osteoporosis

Ostarine MK-2866 and Osteoporosis: Understanding SARMs for Bone Density 

Ostarine (also known as MK-2866 and Ostabolic) is a Selective Androgen Receptor Modulator that is routinely prescribed to patients with health conditions such as osteoporosis. 

Let us find out how Ostarine can provide significant relief to individuals who are diagnosed with osteoporosis. Before this, it makes sense to learn about this health condition and its causes, to gain a clear and complete understanding. 

 

What is Osteoporosis?

Osteoporosis is a health complication that is characterised by impaired fracture healing and reduced bone mass. 

Though it’s widely viewed as a “woman’s disease”, it can affect anyone and 20 percent of sufferers are men. There are factors which increase risk but it is important for everyone to be aware of the signs. 

Osteoporosis develops slowly over a period of many years. In this health condition, bones get weakened that make them fragile and at an increased risk of breaking. It is usually only diagnosed when a sudden impact or minor fall causes a bone fracture. 

The most common injuries in people who are diagnosed with osteoporosis are:

  • Hip fractures
  • Wrist fractures
  • Fractures of the vertebrae (spinal bones) 

However, the injuries can also happen in other bones, like in the pelvis or the arm. At times, a sneeze or cough can also cause a rib fracture or the partial collapse of a spinal bone. 

Osteoporosis affects more than 3 million people in the United Kingdom alone. Every year, more than 500,000 people receive medical treatment for fragility fractures as a result of osteoporosis. 

 

As mentioned before, anyone can develop osteoporosis. However, there are some factors which increase the risk:

  • Low body mass index (BMI);
  • A family history of osteoporosis;
  • Heavy drinking and smoking;
  • Long-term use or abuse of oral corticosteroids;
  • Medical circumstances such as malabsorption issues, inflammatory conditions, or hormone-related conditions
  • Prolonged use of specific medications that can affect hormone levels or bone strength. 

Conditions, Diseases, and Medical Procedures that May Cause Bone Loss 

There are a few medical procedures and many health conditions that may also increase the likelihood of osteoporosis. 

The list may include, but is not limited to:

  • Rheumatoid arthritis (RA);
  • Multiple sclerosis;
  • Gastrectomy;
  • Ankylosing spondylitis;
  • Gastrointestinal bypass procedures;
  • Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD);
  • Weight loss surgery;
  • Leukaemia and lymphoma;
  • Sickle cell disease;
  • Thalassemia;
  • Depression and eating disorders;
  • Low levels of testosterone and estrogen in men;
  • Premature menopause or irregular periods;
  • Poor diet, including malnutrition;
  • Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), including emphysema;
  • Chronic kidney disease;
  • Hyperparathyroidism and hyperthyroidism. 

Ostarine and Osteoporosis: How Can it Help?

Both men and women face an increased risk of health complications with age, as bone-protective sex hormones reduce over time. This increases the risk of osteoporosis and poor bone health. 

Osteoporosis, as well as other bone diseases, can have a huge impact on a person’s daily life. Their physical capabilities will likely become limited, and the resulting fractures can be painful. Those with the condition may find themselves unable to do the things they once could. They may develop issues with their mental health due to pain, fear of hurting themselves, or the limiting effects on their day-to-day activities.

Once identified, osteoporosis can be treated, but a total cure is not likely. It is mainly focused on strengthening the bones, maintaining quality of life, and preventing further injuries. 

As a result, prevention is the most vital step to take. Some of the best ways to keep your bones strong include: 


Getting adequate levels of calcium and vitamin D: A balanced diet is generally enough for the recommended intake. However, they may also be taken as supplements.

Sources of calcium include: milk, cheese and dairy products; green leafy vegetables (except for spinach); and fish where you eat the bones (such as sardines). 

Most milk alternatives such as soya, oat, and almond milk contain added calcium and vitamin D. Vitamin D is found in oily fish, red meat, and egg yolks. Some breakfast cereals and non-dairy spreads are also fortified with vitamin D. 

Performing strength training exercise: A regular strength training routine helps to keep the bones in action. Like with muscle, it builds and maintains their strength over time. 

Getting enough protein: Protein is another aspect of your diet which contributes to healthy bones. Most athletes are already conscious of their protein intake - but here’s yet another reason why it’s important. You can find protein in: lean meats and poultry; eggs; nuts, beans, and pulses; and low-fat dairy products. Protein powders and shakes are becoming increasingly popular to increase protein consumption, too. 

Maintaining a healthy weight: Low body mass index (BMI) is a risk factor for brittle bones, as are sudden fluctuations in a person’s weight. Even if you are cutting, it’s vital to consume enough calories for your body and mind to support itself. Some studies have shown that regaining weight after a significant loss does not reverse the toll taken on bone density. 

The risk of bone fractures can be reduced by increasing muscle mass and bone mineralisation. This is where Ostarine and osteoporosis comes into the picture. 

Ostarine can improve bone strength, as well as strengthening the skeletal system in general. Low testosterone is one of the risk factors identified in the list above. By mimicking the effects of testosterone in the bones and muscles, Ostarine helps to prevent bone diseases. 

According to studies, MK-2866 demonstrates beneficial effects on bone properties, general physical function, and muscle wasting. Because of these links, it is celebrated for its ability to promote injury healing and speed recovery time. We have a separate blog post on this, which you can read here


Medical Research on Ostarine Bone Healing 

Ostarine and osteoporosis has not been studied for long enough to witness the effects of use over decades - so it is imperative to consider that the long-term effects are largely uncertain. However, medical research is in progress. Above all is the suggestion that Ostarine is effective in improving bone density and healing bone: 

One piece of research studied a postmenopausal osteoporotic bone in a rat osteoporosis model. During the study, an ovariectomy was performed of 46 of 56 three-month-old female Sprague-Dawley rats.

Ostarine was orally administered on a daily basis eight weeks after ovariectomy in dosages of 0.04 (low, OVX + Ost. 0.04), 0.4 (intermediate, OVX + Ost 0.4), and 4mg/kg (high, OVX + Ost. 4) body weight.

Another group of ovariectomised rats received no Ostarine as a control. The effects of intermediate and high dosages were compared overall. 

Primarily, improvements were seen in structural properties like bone volume density and bone mineral density. This study also disclosed that short-term treatment of osteoporotic bone with MK-2866 can result in improvement of many microstructural bone indices. The researchers reported that long-term Ostarine bone healing treatment has the potential to improve biomechanical properties. 

 

What Else Can I Expect?

Ostarine is celebrated for its advances in treating low bone density. However, there are other potential beneficial effects which will leave its users feeling strong and ready to improve their fitness. 

One of the biggest advantages of Ostarine for bone density is that the results gained with it are easier to maintain. This is a wonderful advantage and more important than its more apparent and huge muscle-bulking effects. Obviously, there is nothing more worrying for athletes and bodybuilders than losing all the muscle mass gained (shortly after the cycle) after months and years of hard work. 

Ostarine users can expect to receive clean, dry, and pure lean muscle gains that are characterised by increased protein synthesis. As a Selective Androgen Receptor Modulator, Ostarine binds to the androgen receptors in muscle and bone cells. 

This triggers an increase in osteo- and myo-selective anabolic activity. Finally, these changes promote muscle protein synthesis (MPS), the bodily process responsible for the increase of muscle growth.  

Ostarine’s bone density benefits are by far the most important when considering long-term health. However, in addition, Ostabolic may also improve stamina, lift endurance, and boost strength. 

Best of all, the use of Ostarine during a SARMs cycle is not associated with post-cycle crashes. 

Please note that Ostarine must be used within legal guidelines. It is currently not approved by the American Food & Drug Administration. We urge you to do your research before considering SARMs for bone density, and you must only use it under prescription from your doctor. 

Speaking to a medical professional will not only help you stay within the rules in your country, but it will keep you as safe as possible. Your health is more important than anything else, and still you have the best chance of healthy and successful strength gains. 


If you have any questions, SARMs Store UK is more than happy to answer! Due to differing laws around the world, we cannot provide tailored advice on SARMs - this is for your doctor. However, we love to hear from you and chat through your queries.