ResearchSafe

LGD-4033 (Ligandrol (LGD-4033))

Category: Muscle Growth. Status: Investigational.

A non-steroidal SARM with high affinity for muscle and bone tissue. One of the most researched SARMs with demonstrated lean mass gains.

How it works

Selectively binds androgen receptors in muscle and bone, activating anabolic gene transcription while avoiding prostate activity.

Key facts

  • Molecular weight: 338.25 Da
  • Half-life: ~24-36 hours
  • Bioavailability: ~90% oral
  • Storage: Room temperature, protect from moisture and light.

Dosing overview

  • Typical dose: 5-10 mg
  • Frequency: Once daily
  • Duration: 6-8 weeks
  • Route: Oral

Reported benefits

  • Significant lean mass gains
  • Bone density improvement
  • Oral convenience
  • Selective tissue activity

Possible side effects

  • Testosterone suppression
  • Mild headache
  • Water retention
  • Fatigue

Research

  • LGD-4033 Phase 1 dose escalation (2013): Dose-dependent lean mass increases (1.21kg at 1mg/day) over 21 days with reversibility.
  • SARMs for muscle wasting (2020): Preserved lean mass in cancer cachexia without prostate stimulation.

Community reviews of LGD-4033

Rated 4.8 out of 5 from 5 community reviews by ResearchSafe members.

  • research_marcus rated it 5/5 - Noticed clear benefits within weeks: Added LGD-4033 to my protocol about 3 weeks ago and it has earned its place. The benefits became noticeable around week 2-3 and have been consistent since. What I appreciate about this compound is the predictability. It does what the research suggests it should do, at roughly the timeline you would expect. No surprises, no dramatic swings, just steady improvement. No notable side effects to report at my dose. Sourcing is always the challenge with research compounds, insist on third-party testing. Storage and reconstitution per standard protocols. Plan to continue.
  • quiet_gains rated it 5/5 - Genuinely effective after 3 weeks: Been using LGD-4033 for about 3 weeks and the results are clear. Not overnight dramatic, but a steady, consistent improvement that became undeniable by the end of the first month. The mechanism makes sense based on what I have read in the literature, and my subjective experience matches the expected timeline. Benefits built gradually and plateaued at a good level. Side effects were minimal to none at the dose I used. Followed proper protocols for sourcing, storage, and administration. Would recommend to others who have done their research and have realistic expectations.
  • bio_optimal rated it 5/5 - Worth adding to the protocol: LGD-4033 has been a worthwhile addition. I am data-driven and tracked relevant markers before, during, and after. The improvement is measurable and correlates with the intervention timeline. What sets this apart from some compounds I have tried is the consistency. Benefits did not fluctuate wildly or disappear. They built up and maintained. That gives me confidence in the mechanism. Tolerance has been excellent. Nothing in my bloodwork or subjective experience raised any flags. This is the kind of compound that does its job quietly without causing problems. Exactly what you want.
  • early_chemist rated it 4/5 - Gave my winter training block a nudge: I tried LGD-4033 during a long, dreary winter in the UK when my lifting had gone a bit stale and my joints felt cranky after teaching yoga all day. Over about six months, I did notice steadier strength and a little more lean size around my shoulders and legs, which was chuffed to see. The catch was a mild dip in natural energy if I pushed it too hard. For me, that kept it at 4 stars, not 5.
  • sasha_j rated it 5/5 - Solid 4 Weeks, Noticeable Leaner Look: I tried LGD-4033 for about 4 weeks because, honestly, at 40-something and running a startup in the South, I wanted something that fit into real life and my lifting routine without a lot of fuss. For me, the biggest change was that my workouts felt more productive, and I filled out a bit without looking puffy. Clothes sat better, and I seemed to recover faster between sessions. That is just my experience, of course, not a promise for anybody else. I kept my training and food pretty steady, and I was genuinely happy with how it moved the needle. 5 out of 5 for what I wanted.

Compare LGD-4033

Research and educational reference only. Not medical advice.