LGD4033 (Ligandrol): The Highly Anabolic SARM for Mass

Active Substance: LGD4033 (Also known as Ligandrol, VK5211)1

Manufacturer: Deus Medical

Pack: 1 Box of 2x 25 Tablets ($10 \text{ mg}$ per Tablet)

Form: Oral

What Is LGD4033 (Ligandrol)?

LGD4033 is a novel, non-steroidal compound belonging to the class of Selective Androgen Receptor Modulators (SARMs).² It is currently an investigational drug, originally developed to treat muscle wasting associated with conditions like aging, cancer, and hip fracture recovery.³

Ligandrol is known for binding to the androgen receptor (⁴$\text{AR}$) with high affinity and selectivity.⁵ Its powerful anabolic effects on muscle and bone are comparable to traditional steroids, but it shows robust selectivity for muscle tissue over androgen-sensitive organs like the prostate gland.⁶

Core Performance Benefits

• Potent Anabolic Activity: LGD4033 has been reported to possess some of the highest anabolic capabilities of any known SARM.⁷ Clinical trials have shown it can increase lean body mass (LBM) in a dose-dependent manner, even during short cycles.⁸

• Tissue Selectivity: It acts as a partial agonist on the ⁹$\text{AR}$ in the prostate and sebaceous glands, while acting as a full agonist in muscle and bone.¹⁰ This selectivity is the theory behind its potential to build muscle and bone mass with a reduced risk of androgenic side effects like prostate enlargement.¹¹

• High Oral Bioavailability: As an oral compound, LGD4033 has a long elimination half-life, allowing for convenient once-daily dosing.¹²

• Strength and Recovery: It effectively stimulates protein synthesis and is used by athletes to gain solid muscle mass, increase strength, and enhance athletic performance.¹³

 Usage and Dosage Protocols

LGD4033 is an investigational drug, and its use outside of clinical trials is banned and ill-advised. Black market dosages often exceed research levels.

• Clinical Dose: Clinical trials used very low doses (e.g., ¹⁴$0.1 \text{ mg}$ to ¹⁵$1.0 \text{ mg}$ daily) to assess safety.¹⁶

• Common Abuse Dose (Black Market): Athletes typically misuse $5 \text{ mg}$ to $20 \text{ mg}$ per day, with $10 \text{ mg}$ being a common intermediate dose.

• Duration: Cycles typically last between 8 to 12 weeks.¹⁷

• Storage: Store below $30^\circ\text{C}$. Protect from light. Do not freeze.

 Side Effects and Hormonal Suppression

Although SARMs are marketed as "safer," LGD4033 is associated with significant, dose-dependent side effects.¹⁸

• Severe Hormonal Suppression (Guaranteed): LGD4033 causes a dose-dependent suppression of total testosterone, sex hormone-binding globulin (¹⁹$\text{SHBG}$), and free testosterone.²⁰ This requires a mandatory Post Cycle Therapy (PCT) protocol.²¹ Hormone levels typically return to baseline after treatment discontinuation.²²

• Adverse Lipid Changes: It significantly decreases ²³$\text{HDL}$ cholesterol (good cholesterol) and increases triglycerides, which could theoretically increase the risk of heart attack and stroke.²⁴

• Liver Concerns: Case reports suggest a risk of drug-induced liver injury (²⁵$\text{DILI}$) and elevated liver enzymes (²⁶$\text{ALT}$ and ²⁷$\text{AST}$), especially at high doses or with prolonged use.²⁸

• WADA Prohibition: LGD4033 is on the World Anti-Doping Agency (²⁹$\text{WADA}$) Prohibited List due to its potential for performance enhancement and is illegal in sports.³⁰

 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Does LGD4033 require a Post Cycle Therapy (PCT)?

Yes, absolutely. The first human clinical trials confirmed that LGD4033 causes dose-dependent suppression of natural testosterone and ³¹$\text{SHBG}$.³² Even though hormone levels typically return to baseline after cessation, a proper PCT protocol using SERMs (Nolvadex or Clomid) is necessary to accelerate recovery and prevent the symptoms of low testosterone.

2. How does LGD4033 compare to Ostarine (MK-2866) in terms of potency?

LGD4033 is generally considered to be more potent and anabolic than Ostarine. LGD4033 is typically favored for bulking and significant mass gain, whereas Ostarine is preferred for cutting, joint support, and maintaining mass on a caloric deficit.

3. Is LGD4033 liver toxic?

While not as hepatotoxic as oral ³³$17\alpha$-alkylated steroids (like Dianabol), LGD4033 is an oral compound that can cause liver strain.³⁴ Clinical trials noted elevated liver enzymes, and there are case reports of severe Drug-Induced Liver Injury (³⁵$\text{DILI}$) associated with its misuse, particularly at high doses and long durations.³⁶ Liver enzyme monitoring is advised.

4. Why is LGD4033 often marketed as having "reduced side effects" on the prostate?

The claim stems from animal studies showing its tissue selectivity: LGD4033 demonstrated potent anabolic activity in muscle and bone but weaker (partial agonist) activity in the prostate gland compared to traditional steroids.³⁷ The theory is that this selectivity avoids unwanted prostate enlargement, though long-term human safety remains unestablished.