AC 262 536 is a research chemical in the class of selective androgen receptor modulators (SARMs). It was originally developed by Acadia Pharmaceuticals for treating muscle wasting conditions and osteoporosis.
Nowadays AC 262 536 is mostly used by bodybuilders, and other athletes, for its muscle-building properties paired with its tissue selectivity which make it a more feasible alternative to AAS for performance enhancement.
In terms of potency, AC 262 536 is comparable to Ostarine, ACP-105, and Andarine in both the side effects and benefits spectrum.
This article is the most comprehensive guide on AC 262 536 you’ll find online. It is based on the latest academic data and analysis of hundreds of anecdotal experiences and reports from users online.
Empirical Data
AC-262536 used to be one of the rarest SARMs in terms of availability from well-known companies, but in the last year or so, that has changed and now ALL of the top companies sell it.
As a result, we have fortunately had more and more anecdotal reports on its effects. As far as academic data goes, it hasn’t clinically tested in humans so we only have pre-clinical models for its properties.
From empirical data, this is what we know so far:
Potency
AC-262 is a mild SARM by all means, and it falls in the same category as S4, MK-2866, and ACP-105. Most users that HAVE tried it say that it’s slightly stronger than Ostarine.
Another thing that’s interesting is that a lot of the users are reporting no suppression whatsoever, which I personally find suspicious, as bloodwork is scarce.
Again, this is just empirical data, so nobody can say for sure.
This one report from Reddit user u/VinnTrilloquist is very promising:
He took AC-262 for eight weeks at a dose of 10mg. The user notes that the suppression of LH and FSH was moderate, with a slight decrease in free testosterone. However, the user did gain six pounds with minimal side effects, and there was a mild improvement in strength. Bloodwork showed a decrease in lipid values, and there was no effect on the kidney, thyroid hormones, or prolactin. There was an increase in mental acuity and memory recall and mild improvements in libido.
Benefits
While AC 262 536 is often compared to Ostarine and Andarine by users, the truth is that the clinical evidence it has is very limited and pales in comparison.
The benefits undermentioned are based on the sample size of users that have given detailed reports about their experience with AC 262 536, as well as the pre-clinical data we have on it.
Lean Muscle Gains
AC 262 536 will build a modest but noticeable amount of lean muscle mass.
- On a caloric surplus that translates to ~ 4 to 5 lbs of lean muscle mass.
- On a caloric deficit, it will definitely retain muscle mass and can potentially build muscle for some individuals (training variables & genetics).
Again, users who tried it compared the increase in muscle gains to that of Ostarine, Andarine, and ACP-105.
Strength and Performance
AC 262 535 will increase your strength and improve your stamina & endurance, and overall physical performance.
The extent of these effects is most likely to the same level as something with Ostarine, Andarine, or ACP 105.
Fat Loss
AC 262 536 does not cause fat loss. It is not a fat burner.
But, what it will do though is help retain muscle while on a caloric deficit.
Bones & Joints
AC 262 536 will drastically increase the strength and density of your bones, much like all SARMs do. But, the impact it will have on your joints is unclear.
Some users have reported experiencing dry and achy joints while running it.
Recovery
AC 262 536 will speed up your recovery, after all, it is a performance-enhancing drug. You’ll be less sore, tired, and fatigued after a workout. You will recover faster, allowing you to hit the gym a lot sooner.
Your minimal effective volume will decrease, and your maximum recoverable volume will increase.
That’s not to say that you should go ham and obliterate your connective tissue while running it.
Cosmetic Benefits
AC 262 536 will not cause any water retention, just like Ostarine and Andarine. This trait makes it an ideal lean bulking or cutting agent assuming you want to look your best.
You will also experience better pumps, more vascularity, tightness, and a firm & sturdy look. Perfect for photoshoots, or beach season.
Side Effects
The side effects undermentioned are also based on a sample size of users that shared detailed reports about their experience with AC 262 536 online. It’s also going off of the pre-clinical (non-human) data we have on it.
Take them with a grain of salt, and make sure to take preventative measures to mitigate them if you decide to try out AC-262.
Testosterone Suppression
AC 262 536 will suppress your natural testosterone levels. Compared to other SARMs this suppression of testosterone is rather mild and similar to that of Ostarine and Andarine.
As previously stated, there are many claims that the suppression is even lesser than that of Ostarine and Andarine, but we still can’t tell for sure as we lack comprehensive reports that include bloodwork.
In any case, assume that the suppression will equal that of SARMs in the same category.
Testosterone suppression can manifest in the following symptoms:
- Lethargy
- Lack of motivation
- Decreased libido
- Weaker erections
- Testicular pain
- Testicular atrophy
Most users will only experience one or two of these symptoms at most for a very brief timeframe, typically near the end of the cycle or for a week or two after it.
SHBG Suppression
AC-262536 will decrease SHBG (sex hormone-binding globulin).
This will result in increased free testosterone, which will lead to an increase in motivation, libido, and overall well-being.
This effect lasts for the first few weeks of the cycle and will later be offset by the suppression of total testosterone.
Cholesterol
AC 262 536 will cause dyslipidemia. Your HDL will decrease and your LDL will increase during an AC-262 cycle.
The extent of this side effect can be compared to that of similarly strong SARMs.
HDL – good cholesterol
LDL – bad cholesterol
Bloodwork after your cycle is the only way to show the impact of AC 262 536 on your lipid panel.
Liver Toxicity
There is no scientific data to suggest that AC 262 536 is liver toxic. And there are also very few anecdotal reports claiming that it had an impact on their liver.
But, it would be safe to assume that it can potentially elevate liver enzymes, like most other SARMs.
Other Side Effects
The following side effects can happen to anyone who alters their endocrine balance, regardless if they’re taking AC-262 or something else:
- Gynecomastia – men who had pubertal gyno are at risk of redeveloping it if they take AC-262536
- Hair shedding (temporary and completely reversible)
- Insomnia
While these side effects are incredibly rare, they are still risk factors for some people who are prone to them.
Dosing Protocol
- Half-life: Unclear
- Dose: 20-30 mg/day
-
Timing and Frequency:
2-3x a day | Morning, Noon, Night - Cycle Length: 8-12 weeks
- PCT: Not Always Required
The recommended dose range and cycle length for AC-262536 is:
- 20 – 30 mg/day
- taken for 8 – 12 weeks.
The half-life of AC-262536 is still clinically unknown, so split up the dose two or three times throughout the day. This will ensure stable active substance levels at all times.
Take AC 262 536 once in the morning, once at noon, and once at night.
The majority of users that take SARMs for the sole purpose of gaining muscle typically experience a halt in progress after the 8-week mark. So the ideal cycle length for bulking is 8 weeks.
If your goal is to retain muscle during a cut, then a 12-week cycle is doable.
Some users recommend taking AC-262 only on training days. But this is not a good idea for many reasons. Take AC 262 536 every single day during your cycle, even on rest days.
P.S. Make sure the AC-262 you’re getting is legit. These are my recommended sources for the highest-quality stuff available:
- US – Use: “POP10” For Highest Discount Possible
- EU – Currently Unavailable
PCT for AC-262536
AC 262 536 is very mild when it comes to testosterone suppression, and most users will be able to get away without doing a PCT.
But one should always have a SERM at hand just in case.
This is how to determine whether you need to PCT after an AC 262 cycle or not:
If Bloodwork Shows: | Symptoms of Suppression: | Then PCT: |
|---|---|---|
Total Testosterone & LH within reference range (even if close to bottom) | No | Optional |
Total Testosterone & LH within reference range (even if close to bottom) | Yes | Yes |
Total Testosterone & LH below reference range | Yes/No | Yes |
Can't Do Bloodwork (For Whatever Reason) | No | Optional |
Can't Do Bloodwork (For Whatever Reason) | Yes | Yes |
Protocol
SERMs (selective estrogen receptor modulators) are drugs that enhanced athletes use to kickstart their endogenous testosterone production after a suppressive cycle in order to return it to baseline levels as fast as possible.
Mild SARMs like AC 262 536 rarely require a PCT. But those users who do end up needing one should take a single SERM (any) at a low dose for 3 weeks following their cycle.
Any of the SERMs will work as a PCT, but, I would pick between Tamoxifen or Enclomiphene over any of the others. On either of these two will feel your best for the duration of the PCT compared to the other SERMs.
For exact dosing reference the dosing chart below (pick only one SERM and take that dose every single day for the timeframe):
WEEK 1 | WEEK 2 | WEEK 3 | WEEK 4 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
TAMOXIFEN | 10mg/day | 10mg/day | 5mg/day | |
ENCLOMIPHENE | 6.25mg/day | 6.25mg/day | 3.125mg/day | \ |
TOREMIFENE | 30mg/day | 30mg/day | 15mg/day | \ |
CLOMIPHENE | 25mg/day | 25mg/day | 12.5mg/day | \ |
RALOXIFENE | 30mg/day | 30mg/day | 15mg/day | \ |
Conclusion
AC 262 536 is an excellent PED for bodybuilders and athletes that want to delve into performance enhancement without exposure to serious risks.
But, because AC 262 536 is still on the grey side of research, similar SARMs like Ostarine and Andarine may be better options at least until more academic data comes out & we have a larger sample size of users to learn from.
Things to remember:
- AC 262 536 is still very young in terms of anecdotal sample size and academic research
- Always have a PCT ready to deploy – no matter how confident you are in your ability to recover
- Do bloodwork to accurately see the true impact this SARM had on your lipid panel and enzymes
