LGD-4033, also known as Ligandrol, is a SARM (Selective Androgen Receptor Modulator) developed to treat muscle wasting diseases like osteoporosis and others.

It didn’t take long before bodybuilders and athletes learned about the effects it has on increasing muscle mass, maintaining muscle, and increasing strength.

In this article, we will go into-depth about the results, benefits, side effects, and dosages of LGD-4033.

 

What is LGD-4033?

As we mentioned, Ligandrol is a SARM, which is short for Selective Androgen Receptor Modulator. It has anabolic properties similar to anabolic steroids, but has less unwanted side-effects.

Ligandrol Pharmaceuticals developed it as a possible safer alternative to androgenic anabolic steroids (AAS) for the treatment of certain medical conditions.

LGD 4033 is one of the best-researched SARMs on the market, along with MK-2866 (Ostarine) and is currently in stage 2 of clinical trials.

How does LGD-4033 work?

Like all SARMs, Ligandrol works by binding to the androgen receptors in a tissue-selective manner. This means it has similar benefits that steroids do but with less side effects.

LGD 4033 works by binding to the androgen receptors in skeletal muscle. As a result, it exerts anabolic effects that increase muscle mass and bone density.

But unlike their steroid counterparts, SARMs have little to no affinity for the androgen receptors in organs such as the prostate, liver, and prostate. As a result, they have fewer unwanted side effects than AAS.

Is LGD-4033 legal?

Many people are unsure if LGD-4033, and other SARMs, are legal. In almost every country in the world, except Australia, it is legal as a research chemical. Because the FDA has not approved it for human consumption, it can be sold as a supplement.

This means LGD-4033 is legal to buy and use, but it is illegal for companies to sell them as supplements. But all SARMs, including Ligandrol, can be sold for research purposes.

The only exception to this rule is Australia, where LGD-4033 is a Schedule 4 prescription only compound. This means that it’s only legal if you have a doctor’s prescription for it.

Ligandrol and other SARMs are prohibited if you are a professional athlete. Almost all sports bodies, including the Olympics, banned SARMs because of the obvious unfair advantages they give in sports.

LGD-4033 benefits

Ligandrol has a number of incredible benefits, including:

• Increased muscle mass
• Improved strength
• Faster recovery
• Improved bone health

Increased muscle masS

One study that was carried out among 76 healthy men showed that test subjects made impressive gains, even on a low dose. When given only 1.0mg a day, they gained close to 3lbs of lean muscle mass in only 3 weeks.

This makes LGD 4033 the most effective SARM in increasing muscle mass, with anabolic properties 8 times stronger than those of Ostarine (MK-2866).

 

Improved strength

Besides increasing muscle mass, Ligandrol also improves strength. You can expect to be able to lift heavier weights and increase the intensity and duration of a training session. LGD 4033 is one of the strongest SARMs when it comes to anabolic activity.

Faster recovery

Recovery is a very important factor in training. Muscles aren’t built in the gym but in bed. This means that faster recovery equals better results.

One of the most noticeable benefits of LGD-4033 is a shorter recovery time.

Improved bone health

Preventing bone loss and increasing bone formation is key to protecting against osteoporosis. The standard therapy for osteoporosis is far from ideal. SARMs may prove to be a safer option for increasing bone strength and bone healing.

The androgen receptors (AR) SARMs are crucial for maintaining bone mass. They allow for the healing of fractures.

LGD 4033 studies by Viking Therapeutics are currently underway. This SARM may see approval in the future for improving recovery after hip fracture surgery. Initial research on LGD-4033 has proven to be effective in encouraging the bone formation and preventing bone loss. 

LGD 4033 side effects

The whole idea of SARMs such as LGD 4033 is that they offer many benefits, with limited side effects. User reports, as well as studies, show that this compound is well tolerated.

The most common side effects associated with the use of LGD are:

• Nausea
• Headaches
• Water retention
• Fatigue
• Testosterone suppression

Testosterone suppression

The most noticeable side effect of Ligandrol is the suppression of natural testosterone production. Unlike anabolic steroids, this will not result in a so-called shutdown and for most people, testosterone will return to baseline quickly after ending a cycle.

But to restore natural testosterone production after a cycle, we still recommend some form of PCT (Post Cycle Therapy).

LGD-4033 dosage

We know from the research done on Ligandrol, that dosages as low as 1mg provide significant results on lean muscle mass and strength. Typically, you’ll see that many users take an LGD 4033 dosage of between 5 to 20mg per day. Going any higher doesn’t offer much additional benefit while increasing the risk of unwanted side effects.

Half-life

LGD-4033 has a relatively long active half-life of 24 to 36 hours. Therefore, a single dose per day is sufficient.

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LGD-4033 dosage per day	5mg	5mg	5mg	5mg	5mg	5mg

A closer look at Ligandrol

Clinical trials

According to a clinical trial conducted at the Boston Medical Center’s Section of Endocrinology, Ligandrol can help improve lean body mass and muscle strength.

From another study conducted in January 2013, we know that Ligandrol increases lean muscle mass.

Use in sport

Because of the performance-enhancing effects, LGD-4033 is considered doping by both the WADA and the USDA. As such, Its use is strictly forbidden in professional sports. Several athletes have been caught using LIgandrol and have been banned as a result.

“SARMs have shown superior side effect profiles compared with anabolic steroids, which arguably makes them attractive for use by individuals seeking an unfair advantage over their competitors”

LGD 4033 long-term side effects

SARMs such as Ligandrol are very popular among bodybuilders and athletes. But it is important to keep in mind that none of the SARMs are approved for human consumption by the FDA. We simply do not know if LGD 4033 is safe in the long term because there isn’t enough evidence available.

Stacking LGD-4033

While this compound is very potent when taken solo, it is even more effective in a stack. We will go over some popular LGD4033 stacks.

RAD 140 and LGD 4033 stack

The combination of Ligandrol with Testolone is great for building dry, lean, muscle mass and improving strength. Many users report spectacular results with this stack.

RAD 140, MK 677 and LGD 4033 stack

A triple SARM stack including LGD4033, RAD140, and MK677 provides even more impressive results for bulking. Muscle mass, and strength, go through the roof, drastically reducing the time needed for recovery.

For more info, read our article Stacking SARMS: The ultimate guide

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