LGD 4033 (Ligandrol)

LGD-4033, known also as Ligandrol and Anabolicum, is the strongest orally bioavailable, non-steroidal, selective androgen receptor modulator (SARM) currently on the market.

Popular with athletes, power lifters and bodybuilders for its ability to both bulk and cut, Ligandrol produces steroid-like results without the side effects.

It’s considered an excellent supplement for those looking to recomp: reduce their body fat and increase lean muscle mass.

From a medical perspective, Ligandrol is being studied to treat conditions such as muscle wasting linked with acute and chronic diseases, age-related muscle loss, Osteoporosis and cancer.

Let’s take a closer look…

History Behind LGD 4033

LGD-4033 was originally discovered by Ligand pharmaceuticals and is currently under development by Viking Therapeutics as VK5211.

From the start, LGD-4033 has been anticipated to yield the healing benefits of testosterone with better safety, admissibility and patient acceptance due to the tissue-selective mechanism of action and its oral form of administering.

How it Works

Ligandrol works in the same way as other SARM’s: by selectively activating androgen receptors to promote anabolic activity exclusively in muscle and bone.

Studies show [1] that LGD-4033 has a high-affinity muscle and bone AR’s rather than prostate, liver or sebaceous glands, which makes it an ideal SARM for building and preserving muscle mass and bone mineral density.

Clinical Trials

Since its initial discovery, two phases of clinical trials have been completed to study the application of LGD-4033 for muscle and bone growth.

Clinical Trial Phase 1: Effects on Lean Body Mass & Muscle Strength

The first phase of the clinical trial involved 76 healthy male adults who took a placebo or 0.1mg, 0.3mg, or 1.0mg of LGD-4033 for a 21-day period. [1] The study observed the effect of Ligandrol on lean body mass, muscle strength, stair-climbing power, and sex hormones and the results are extremely promising.

Read the study here, or read on for everything you need to know about LGD-4033.

Clinical Trial Phase 2:

The second phase clinical trial is currently underway by Viking Pharmaceuticals to investigate LGD-4033’s ability to benefit individuals recovering from hip fracture surgery.

Ligandrol’s ability to stimulate and preserve lean body mass, improve muscle strength and improve bone mineral density is favorable for elderly individuals most at risk of falls and morbidity associated with hip fractures.

The Side Effects of LGD 4033

As with all supplements, some side effects have been noted by both users of Ligandrol and during studies. However, it’s worth noting that the side effects of LGD-4033 appear to be not only minimal and reversible but outweighed by the benefits.

The primary Clinical Trial Phase 1 showed that LGD-4033 was well-tolerated and safe at all doses.

However, some side effects reported by users online include:

• Headaches
• Hair growth as well as shedding
• Nausea
• Fatigue
• Muscle Pumps

However, whether these side effects can be attributed to Ligandrol is hard to say, as some users do not purchase their SARMs from reputable sources.

Keep in mind that results and side effects vary by individual, particularly as a minimally-studied, non-FDA approved supplement.

Bottom Line: There have been no serious or long-lasting negative effects reported as a result of taking LGD 4033.

And with its 24-hour half-life, anything you DO experience will go away pretty quickly. I also recommend you limit each cycle to a maximum of 6 to 8 weeks and take a full month off before you take it again.

Don’t be stupid, or irresponsible, and always be aware of how your body is responding to it and you’ll be okay.

Does LGD-4033 cause temporary suppression of testosterone?

An interesting side effect of Ligandrol is a dose-dependent suppression of total testosterone and hormone-binding globulin levels. Although Ligandrol increased lean body mass, the study showed testosterone suppression from baseline to day 21 of the three-week study. [1]

However, once LGD-4033 was discontinued, testosterone levels returned to their normal baseline by day 56. A mini-PCT (Post Cycle Therapy) should assist the body in returning to baseline. You could also purchase a test booster just to be on the safe side.

LGD 4033 Dosing Guidelines

Benefits have been documented with dosages as little as 3-10mg every 24 to 36 hrs. Research subjects have been known to tolerate therapy with notable benefits after 2 weeks with improvements continuing for up to 5 months (20 weeks). Note that research recognizes an increase in tolerance after 3 months with benefits continuing to decrease.

Many male users report the upper ideal limit for LGD to be 10mg per day in the morning for twelve weeks.

Although some women have reported using LGD-4033, it has been suggested that it may cause masculinization lower doses are recommended. Females are advised to stick to an upper limit of 5mg per day.

• For Bulking: A protein-rich diet is also necessary as well as higher caloric intake if you plan to beef up by at least 10 lbs.
• For Cutting: Use LGD-4033 with SARMS triple pack (GW-501516, S-4 and LGD-4033) to make it more effective as you are aiming to add more size while cutting fat. Suggested dosage is 3-5 mg a day for 8 weeks.
• For Recomping: LGD-4033 is best used for recomping. Many users have said that they’ve observed a boost in lean body mass and fat loss. Using it together with other SARMS such as GW-501516 or Cardarine will give you a stronger and better recomp. Suggested dosage is 5-8 mg per day for 8 weeks.

In the studies done on Ligandrol, they are using sometimes as little as 1mg and still seeing pronounced muscle gain. This randomized, double-blind study showed that it was safe even up to 22 mg per day for average people.

This compound is not harsh on the liver and does not lead to issues like high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and prostate problems etc. The recommended dosage for LGD 4033 is 10 mg per day and the ideal cycle duration is 8 to 12 weeks. However, for women, it is advised to cut the dosage into half.

The half-life of this anabolic compound is 24 to 36 hours, so one dose per day is sufficient. Moreover, it does not matter if you take your dose with food or on an empty stomach, or during the day or night.

Post Cycle Therapy (PCT)

Post Cycle Therapy (PCT) is required when taking SARMS to help preserve muscle gains, prevent fat accumulation, maintain mood and motivation, and retain strength in muscles. Cycling also helps to allow hormone levels to return to their natural state in order to prevent unwanted dependency.

Typically, a PCT will last the same duration as supplementation. So if a user supplemented with a hormone for 12 weeks, a PCT of 12 weeks would also be required to bring their hormones back to baseline.

But do I need a PCT when taking SARMs?

Typically, SARMs do not disrupt hormone levels in the body, which means that a traditional PCT is not necessary. However, studies and user reviews show that LGD-4033 temporarily decreases testosterone levels. These levels are quickly reversed when supplementation is stopped, and a mini PCT can help speed up the recovery process.

Rad140 Vs LGD 4033

Both compounds have gained considerable popularity due to their proven fitness results. They come with a wide range of benefits and a high anabolic to androgenic ratio. The best thing about these compounds is that they don’t convert into estrogen. So you’re safe from all the nasty estrogenic effects like gynecomastia, acne, hair loss, and libido issues etc.

Another good thing about these supplements is that they do not have any serious side effects. The only known adverse effect in these supplements is a hormonal imbalance and this is exactly why experts recommend the users to go for a proper post cycle therapy after completing their cycle.

Most of the users believe that LGD 4033 and RAD 140 should be cycled no longer than 12 weeks. However, it is still recommended to keep your cycle as short as 8 to 9 weeks. It should be noted here that both these supplements aren’t made for beginners. They are highly potent and can lead to irreversible damage to your health if you haven’t taken SARMs before.

So it is advised for the beginners to go for Andarine and Ostarine before moving to LGD 4033 or RAD 140. You can also consider Epiandrosterone as a starting option.

Benefits of RAD140 vs LGD

When it comes to a range of benefits, RAD 140 takes the lead as it can be applied to various fitness goals. It is a perfect bodybuilding supplement to gain strength and muscle mass. At the same time, it does wonders when it comes to shedding body fat and enhancing cardiovascular endurance. It is also perfect for recomposition.

However, RAD 140 may not be the best option when it comes to bulking, whereas LGD-4033 is known for its bulking abilities. So if you’re in your bulking phase, you might actually want to go for LGD-4033 instead of RAD 140.
RAD 140 has a very highly anabolic to androgenic ratio (90:1) which means that this supplement is highly potent and anabolic but does not do well when it comes to cell growth. Its androgenic effects are minimum which is again a benefit.

LGD 4033 Stacks

Although great on its own, LGD-4033 can be stacked with other SARMs for added benefits tailored to your individual needs, such as bulking or cutting.

Many users suggest stacking LGD-4033 with RAD140 (Testolone), MK677 (Nutrabol) and S4 (Andarine) for a 12-week bulking cycle that boosts growth hormones, burns fat and improves sleep.

Final Review

Renowned in the bodybuilding industry as the strongest SARM on the market, LGD-4033 is considered one of the best supplements to build lean muscle without the side effects of steroids.

Thanks to its anti-catabolic plus anabolic activity, Ligandrol is perfect for recomp as it allows users to both bulk and cut simultaneously. This makes it a stand out supplement in your bodybuilding toolkit that stacks well with other SARMs for incredible results.

Where LGD shines compared to other SARMs is the level of human clinical studies. Although it has not been approved for human use and trials are still being investigated, it has already been proven in some studies to increase lean muscle mass in humans rather than rats or primates.

Additionally, these trials showed promising results in as little as 3 weeks, and anecdotal user reviews support quick gains that last after a 12-week cycle is complete.

Because it selectively targets muscle and bone tissue, LGD-4033 doesn’t have the side effects caused by steroid use.

The only obvious concern with Ligandrol is the dose-related testosterone suppression that needs to be monitored while cycling. However, the fast return to baseline testosterone levels once a cycle and mini PCT has been complete is a huge drawcard for LGD.

If you’re looking for increased endurance, stamina, fat loss and muscle gains without the side effects of testosterone, LGD-4033 is a great choice for your next cycle.

In Terms of Muscle Gains

People who have already given LGD 4033 a go share that its anabolic effects are not instantaneous, but can be truly felt in just a few days’ time. They also experienced a noticeable change in muscle hardness and vascularity while using the product.