LGD 4033, also known as Ligandrol, is a SARM that gained a lot of popularity in recent years in the bodybuilding community due to its potency to increase lean mass. Let’s explore its mechanism of action, potential benefits and uses, and side effects profile
What is LGD 4033?
LGD 4033 is a selective androgen receptor modulator (SARM) that is currently being researched for its potential use in treating muscle wasting and osteoporosis. It works by selectively binding to androgen receptors in the muscles and bones.
Like most SARMs, it is considered to cause less side effects compared to steroids, making it a popular choice among athletes and fitness enthusiasts who are looking to enhance their performance and gain muscle mass.
Benefits of LGD 4033
Here are some of the most significant benefits of LGD:
Increased Muscle Size and Strength :
LGD 4033 is very potent at building muscle and compares to RAD 140 in terms of muscle building potential (in my experience at least), but is less potent than the stronger SARMs like S23.
Improved Endurance and Recovery
LGD 4033 improves endurance and recovery allowing for longer and more intense workouts. When using LGD I felt like I could train for hours with super high intensity.
Potential Fat Loss
LGD 4033 helps reduce body fat by increasing resting metabolic rate.
LGD 4033 Dosing Guidelines
LGD 4033 has a half-life of around 24-36 hours, which means that it is only necessary to take one dosage per day.
Here are some guidelines to follow when it comes to dosing :
| Experience Level | Dosage |
|---|---|
| Beginner | 5 to 10mg per day for 6-8 weeks |
| Experienced | 10-30mg per day for 6-8 weeks |
It is important to start with a low dosage and increase it over time.
Try to get as much results as possible with the lowest amount before increasing the dosage.
Anecdotal evidence suggest that the sweet spot for maximum gains with minimal side effects is around the 20mg mark.
Potential Side Effects of LGD 4033
While LGD 4033 has been found to be generally safe and well-tolerated by users, it is important to be aware of the potential side effects that may occur.
| Side Effect | Description |
|---|---|
| Testosterone Suppression | One of the most common side effects is testosterone suppression, which can lead to decreased libido, fatigue, and muscle weakness. This effect can be mitigated by using a test base while on cycle and completing a post-cycle therapy at the end of the cycle. |
| Headaches and Nausea | Some users have reported experiencing headaches and nausea while using it. These symptoms may be alleviated by lowering the dosage. |
| Negative Impact on lipids | Just like most steroids and SARMs, LGD 4033 will very likely have a negative impact on your lipid profile in a dose dependent manner. |
| Liver Toxicity | There is some evidence to suggest that it may be toxic to the liver, although the extent of LGD’s toxicity is very low compared to oral steroids. Even in the realms of SARMs LGD is one of the least liver toxic compounds. |
| Bloating/Water Retention | It is not fully understood why LGD might cause this effect as it doesn’t have any direct impact on estrogen levels. The most likely to be true theory is that it changes the electrolytes balance in the body leading to water retention. I personally did not experience this side effect, but it is fairly common according to anecdotal data. |
| Flue like symptoms | Some users reported flue like symptoms that usually lasts between a few days and a week. I personally did not experience it. |
LGD 4033 Results: What to Expect
Using LGD 4033 can lead to significant improvements in muscle gain and body composition.
It is important to note that the results of using LGD will vary based on factors such as dosage, cycle length, individual response and how advanced you were in the gym before starting the cycle.
Generally poeple will be able to gain somewhere between 4 to 8lbs of lean mass using a moderate dose of LGD for an 8 week cycle.
Designing an LGD 4033 Cycle
Here are some guidelines to follow when designing your LGD 4033 cycle:
Duration
The typical LGD 4033 cycle lasts 8-12 weeks. If you plan to go for more than 8 weeks you must implement a proper test base like HCG, Testosterone itself or 4DHEA, at week 4 or 5. If you try to go the SARM + SERM way and your cycle is longer than 8 weeks you will just start feeling suppressed at week 9 or 10 and you won’t be able to make optimal gains.
Dosage
If you want to go the SERM + SARM way, don’t use more than 10mg per day, that would be my recommendation.
If you’ve already done SARMs in the past or Steroids, and you want to use “real” dosages and implementing a proper test base is not an issue, then you could use between 15-30mg per day, with the optimal dosage being around 20mg for most people.
Post-Cycle Therapy
After completing your LGD 4033 cycle, it is recommended to undergo post-cycle therapy (PCT) to help your body recover and maintain gains. A typical PCT protocol may include a selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM) such as Clomid or Nolvadex, as well as supplements to support liver and kidney function.
If you want ton know how to do a proper PCT, go check my full guide on PCT.
Where to Buy LGD 4033
Here are the best source I know to buy quality LGD 4033:
