Ligandrol (LGD-4033):
A Comprehensive Overview

What is LGD-4033?

LGD-4033, also known as Ligandrol, is one of the most potent Selective Androgen Receptor Modulators (SARMs). It enhances muscle growth, increases strength, and promotes fat loss.

LGD-4033 is a relatively new SARM and was first scientifically documented in 2010. It is currently being studied in several Phase 2 clinical trials in humans and could potentially be used in the future to treat muscle wasting and hip fractures [R].

LGD-4033 mechanism of action

As already mentioned, LGD-4033 belongs to the class of selective androgen receptor modulators (SARMs). This means that LGD binds with high affinity to the androgen receptors [R] This interaction leads to the anabolic effects of LGD-4033: It promotes muscle growth, increases strength, and supports fat loss.

A similar mechanism is known from testosterone, which also binds to the androgen receptor and thereby develops its muscle-building effect. In contrast to testosterone, however, LGD-4033 specifically targets the receptors in muscle and bone tissue. This has the advantage that unwanted side effects such as enlargement of the prostate or long-term hair loss occur less frequently.

How much muscle mass can be built with LGD-4033?

A study demonstrated the impressive effect of LGD-4033: Participants received 1 mg of the SARM daily for 21 days – without strength training or dietary adjustments. Nevertheless, they gained 1 kg of fat-free muscle mass in just three weeks.

This result is very remarkable, as the dose of 1 mg per day is relatively low and the study duration of 3 weeks is relatively short.

Typically, a Ligandrol cycle lasts longer, usually eight weeks or more. Extrapolated, such a cycle under the same conditions would lead to a gain of around 2.66 kg of muscle mass.

With resistance training, a change in diet, and higher doses (as typically used by bodybuilders), one should be able to build even significantly more with LGD-4033.

Anecdotal reports suggest that 3 to 6 kg of fat-free muscle mass are realistically achievable.

How long does LGD-4033 take to work?

LGD-4033 starts to really work for most people from week 2 to 4. Based on experience reports, we have created the following timeline [R]:

Note that this timeframe and effects depend on various factors, which is why results may vary from person to person.

Is LGD-4033 legal?

Is LGD-4033 legal in Germany?

Ligandrol falls under the Anti-Doping Act in Germany. The sale and trade of LGD-4033 is therefore illegal and could be prosecuted.

It is "legal" to possess small amounts of Ligandrol for personal use, as long as you don't want to gain a competitive advantage. According to the Doping Substance Quantity Ordinance (DmMV), possession of up to 540 mg is permitted. This is regulated by the so-called "not small quantity." [R]

Is Ligandrol banned by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA)?

Yes, Ligandrol has been banned by WADA since 2020 and is listed on the prohibited list under "S1.2. Other Anabolic Agents" [R]. Anyone who tests positive for this SARM must therefore expect disqualification or even suspension.

LGD-4033 Before and After

A user shared his experiences with LGD-4033 on Reddit. He conducted an 8-week cycle, taking 10 mg daily for the first five weeks and increasing the dose to 15 mg per day for the last three weeks. Additionally, he supplemented the cycle with 20 mg of MK-677 daily.

Find his Reddit post here.

Strength Gains

During the 8-week cycle, he was able to achieve significant increases in his strength:

• Bench press: from 275 lbs to 300 lbs
• Squat: from 315 lbs to 355 lbs
• Deadlift: from 495 lbs to 540 lbs

From week 4, LGD-4033 developed its full effect, and he made the greatest progress in training. The negative aspect for him was that he experienced mood swings and his libido was significantly weakened by the SARM.

Ligandrol Dosage

The effect of LGD-4033 has been studied in clinical trials with different dosages. In studies where the SARM was administered over a longer period, the dosages ranged between 0.1 and 2 mg per day. Single doses of up to 22 mg have also been tested. [R]

In the bodybuilding scene, significantly higher dosages are often used than in clinical studies, for example 5 - 15 mg per day. [R]

Does LGD-4033 suppress testosterone?

Yes, like all SARMs, LGD-4033 can suppress the body's own testosterone production. Although LGD-4033 does not directly increase testosterone levels, its binding to the androgen receptor leads to inhibition of luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH). These two hormones are essential for natural testosterone production.

How strongly does LGD-4033 suppress testosterone?

A Phase 1 study examined the effects of LGD-4033 (Ligandrol) on total and free testosterone levels. In this study, 76 healthy men aged 21 to 50 years were randomized to receive either a placebo or 0.1 mg, 0.3 mg, or 1.0 mg LGD-4033 daily for 21 days. [R]

Result: At a daily dose of 1 mg, total testosterone levels decreased by 50%, while free testosterone levels decreased by 40% [R].

Compared to other SARMs such as Ostarine or Andarine, LGD-4033 shows a relatively strong suppression of testosterone levels.

Does testosterone level recover after discontinuation?

The study also examined the recovery of hormone levels. After discontinuing 1mg LGD-4033, testosterone levels normalized to baseline within 56 days.

Post-cycle therapy (PCT) can help to bring hormone levels back to the usual level more quickly. Especially with higher doses of more than 1 mg, testosterone levels could remain even more strongly and longer suppressed, making a PCT useful.

Does LGD-4033 cause hair loss?

Like most SARMs, LGD-4033 can cause hair loss. This temporary hair loss, known as "shedding," often occurs during intake, but in most cases, the hair grows back after discontinuation.

Why does LGD-4033 lead to hair loss?

Normally, about 90% of hair follicles are in the growth phase (anagen phase) and 10% in the resting phase (telogen phase).

• In the growth phase, you lose an average of 100 hairs per day.
• However, due to sudden hormonal changes, such as those caused by SARMs like LGD-4033, a larger proportion of hair follicles (up to 30%) can transition to the resting phase.
• This leads to up to 300 hairs falling out per day.

After discontinuing LGD-4033, this process normalizes again. In most cases, the hair follicles return to the growth phase within 1-2 weeks, so the hair slowly grows back again.

Ligandrol Stacks

LGD-433 and RAD-140 Stack

The combination of RAD-140 (Testolone) with LGD-4033 is a popular stack as both SARMs work synergistically. LGD-4033 is known for building muscle mass and strength, while RAD-140 additionally offers a stronger anabolic effect with some fat-burning support. The combination of both SARMs leads to significantly faster muscle building.

Advantages: Rapid muscle building, strength gain, no / low fat gain

Risks: Hormonal suppression, worsened liver and lipid values

LGD-4033 and MK-677 Stack

Another popular stack is LGD-4033 with MK-677 (Ibutamoren). While MK-677 does not act on the androgen receptor, it increases the body's own production of growth hormone and IGF-1. It can also help in the mass phase as it increases appetite. Additionally, it promotes appetite, which can be particularly advantageous in the mass phase. The synergy of both substances can lead to improved muscle growth and optimized recovery.

Advantages: Increased muscle building, faster recovery, increased appetite, more growth hormones and IGF-1

Risks: Water retention, insulin resistance, hormonal suppression

How to Store LGD-4033

Ligandrol is available in both liquid and powder form. The same storage conditions apply to both variants:

• Keep LGD-4033 dark, away from direct light exposure.
• Store at room temperature between 15°C and 30°C (59°F to 86°F).
• Avoid significant temperature fluctuations.
• While freezing is an option, it is not ideal.