--- title: Is this super SARM worth the risk? | Ligandrol (LGD-4033) Meta-Analysis - Limitless Mindset description: Ligandrol (LGD-4033) is a formidable SARM, a biohack for accelerated bodybuilding and lean muscle mass growth. author: Jonathan Roseland url: https://www.limitlessmindset.com/nootropic-ingredients/1607-ligandrol-lgd-4033 --- ![Ligandrol (LGD-4033)](https://www.limitlessmindset.com/data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAP///wAAACH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAICRAEAOw==) # Ligandrol (LGD-4033) [![Ligandrol (LGD-4033)](https://www.limitlessmindset.com/data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAP///wAAACH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAICRAEAOw==)](https://www.limitlessmindset.com/media/reviews/photos/original/f3/20/77/ligandrol-lgd-4033-41-1775802778.webp "Ligandrol (LGD-4033)") Ⓒ By **Jonathan Roseland** Applied Neuroscience Strategist, K-Selected Biohacker, Tantric husband, Promethean peaceful parent, Adventuring philosopher, Raconteur, and Author. He spent +14 years researching the intersection of human performance enhancement and advanced personal growth in his obsessive quest - spanning three continents - to find real-life "NZT-48." --- ## **The *Super* SARM** #### [**Ligandrol** (**LGD-4033**)](https://www.limitlessmindset.com/Ligandrol) is a formidable SARM, a biohack for accelerated bodybuilding and lean muscle mass growth. **Disclaimer**: This is a legal [“NOT for human consumption” research chemical](https://www.limitlessmindset.com/blog/766-not-for-human-consumption) - if you don’t understand what that means, don’t order it. Ligandrol, referred to in shorthand as *LGD*, is for some bodybuilders a shortcut for putting on 10-15 pounds of muscle relatively quickly. There are a handful of [scientific papers on it on PubMed](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed?term=(Ligandrol%5BTitle%2FAbstract%5D)%20OR%20LGD-4033%5BTitle%2FAbstract%5D), and notably, an [American placebo-controlled study](https://www.limitlessmindset.com/#boston) of 76 healthy young men was done in 2013. Here we’ll look at what to expect from LGD and how to responsibly use it... **What to expect from LGD** **Noticeably bigger muscles and accelerated fat loss often in as little as 3-4 weeks.** - LGD bulking cycles are typically 4 - 12 weeks, with 8 weeks being the *sweet spot*. In 2-3 months, you can expect to add a not inconspicuous amount of muscle. - More power output in the gym, so don’t be surprised when you start beating a lot of your personal records (PRs). - SARMs are potent fat-loss accelerators. Do you want a shredded six-pack to show off on Instagram? **Subjectively**... - You can tell that you’re on something. Typically, it *kicks in* on day one and begins impacting workout performance the first week. - Apparently, it makes you feel really “alpha” - I bet this stuff is good for picking up chicks (and getting in bar fights!) - Anecdotally, you’ll hear that it can both stimulate or suppress libido depending on the person. You’ll have to try it to see how it affects your sex life. - It’s commonly taken orally, and the taste of the liquid LGD solution is nasty, think of some of the *meaner shots of liquor* that you’ve stomached. *10 - 15 pounds of muscle, really?* Yes, it’s possible to put on this much muscle in a bulking cycle if you’re aggressive about lifting, eating everything in sight, and pushing yourself to failure in lifts. *What are **SARMs**?* ![image](https://www.limitlessmindset.com/media/reviews/photos/original/28/60/ee/ligandrol-lgd-4033-41-1704795626.webp) ***Selective Androgen Receptor Modulators* are a quintessential biohack**; they are a *real-life cheat code* for lean muscle mass growth. They were developed initially to treat muscle-wasting diseases. SARMs are safer than classic steroids because, as the name implies, they selectively target androgen sites; they don’t have as wide-ranging systemic effects. SARMs enhance bone density, which is great for those suffering from wasting diseases and also for bodybuilders taking risks in the gym, moving a lot of heavy metal. Stronger bones make you less vulnerable to injuries. ***Is LGD a steroid?*** This seems to be a contentious question among YouTube bodybuilding gurus, although the [Boston study](https://www.limitlessmindset.com/#boston) asserts that it’s *Nonsteroidal*. **The science** ![Ligandrol (LGD-4033)](https://www.limitlessmindset.com/media/reviews/photos/original/f5/0f/aa/ligandrol-lgd-4033-29-1584887034.webp) LGD stands out among SARMs and performance-enhancing research chemicals because it has undergone a [pilot clinical trial](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4111291/) at the Boston University School of Medicine. - 76 healthy men participated in the study, which makes it relevant to bodybuilders; an LGD study done with sick or aging participants would be less helpful. - The study was double-blinded, randomized, and placebo-controlled. - The study lasted 21 days, which is a bit shorter than ideal, considering most bodybuilders use it in 4-12 week cycles. - The study was funded by the company that invented LGD, which is a conflict of interest, but the data reveal that LGD didn’t outperform the placebo by much. So it’s likely not a *liar study*. [If you understand the placebo effect](https://www.limitlessmindset.com/books/762-you-are-the-placebo), you know that a drug that outperforms or even *equals* the placebo effect is worth using. At least half the benefit of any drug or supplement you take is due to the placebo effect. - **The study emphasized its safety**; *LGD-4033 was well tolerated. There were no drug-related serious adverse events*. It concluded... > LGD-4033 was safe, had favorable pharmacokinetic profile, and increased lean body mass even during this short period without change in prostate-specific antigen. ### **Hip fracture recovery** ![Hip fracture](https://www.limitlessmindset.com/media/reviews/photos/original/c9/b3/a3/ligandrol-lgd-4033-44-1775717514.webp) In a [2016 trial](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGD-4033#:~:text=In%20a%20phase%202%20clinical%20trial%20in,2%20mg/day%20after%2012%20weeks%20of%20treatment.) involving 108 patients recovering from hip fractures, LGD-4033 increased lean body mass by 9.1% at just 2 mg/day over 12 weeks. This suggests that LGD is significantly more potent per milligram than older SARMs like Enobosarm (Ostarine). ## **Sources** None of my preferred, vetted Biohacking vendors offer it. So I searched high and low, and I believe that [Chemyo's**LGD-4033 Solution**](https://www.limitlessmindset.com/Ligandrol) is the most credible source. Distinguished by the fact that it's 3rd-party lab-verified as pure and toxin-free, with a certificate of analysis from an accredited American lab.  ![Ligandrol (LGD-4033) solution](https://www.limitlessmindset.com/media/reviews/photos/original/32/ae/db/ligandrol-lgd-4033-49-1775628489.webp) If you want COA-verified capsule stuff in North America, you're outta luck! In the EU, a Bulgarian vendor offers [**capsuled LGD-4033**](https://www.limitlessmindset.com/Ligandrol-EU), purity-verified with a COA from a Czech lab (don't trust Chinese COAs or COAs with unclear origin). ### ![Capsuled Ligandrol (LGD-4033)](https://www.limitlessmindset.com/media/reviews/photos/original/8c/3c/7d/ligandrol-lgd-4033-38-1775629996.webp)But **Buyer BEWARE**... **It’s estimated that 75% of the SARMs sold online are fake or contaminated, so demand to see a certificate of analysis before ordering**. But good news... ***Downloadable*Ligandrol is*a thing*** You may be interested in taking it as an [*infoceutical*](https://www.infopathy.com/en/infoceuticals/lgd-4033-peptide?invite=18735093) - a non-pharmacological, side-effect-free version of the supplement that takes advantage of the phenomenon of *water memory*, which is imprinted on water via quantum collocation and electromagnetism using this device... Infocueticals typically have 1/3 or half the effect of the actual medicine being imprinted. If you're skeptical of Infopathy, that's understandable; it's a game-changing application of a little-known scientific phenomenon. But I'd urge you to evaluate the scientific evidence (presented in my biohacker review) that *downloadable medicine is no longer science fiction...* **Usage** and **dosage** - Dosage is 10-20 milligrams daily. - **Optimal usage is dosing twice a day**, with one dose taken about 30 minutes before a workout. - In the Boston study, subjects took their first dose fasted in the morning - so it’s fine to take it on an empty stomach.  - The Boston study found that even a 1.0 mg daily dose for 21 days increased lean body mass by approximately 1.2 kg. **Side effects** #### *Is LGD a SARM that does not harm?* **SARMs remain so popular because side effects are minimal, manageable, and temporary**. Bodybuilders using LGD sometimes report hair loss, lowered testosterone, and high blood pressure. - If you’re concerned about your testosterone on LGD, keep the dosage moderate and be disciplined about your testosterone-supporting habits and lifestyle (stay away from booze and stress, eat clean, etc.) - While early trials showed LGD was "well-tolerated," more recent [case reports](https://www.boltpharmacy.co.uk/guide/lgd-4033-hair-loss#:~:text=Elevated%20liver%20enzymes%20and%20drug%2Dinduced%20liver%20injury,database.%20This%20is%20a%20serious%20potential%20risk.) have documented incidents of drug-induced liver injury (DILI). Hepatoxicity is a concern; it’s not nearly as bad as a lot of drugs, but if you’re going to use things like LGD, take Adaptogenic herbs like [Schisandra](https://www.limitlessmindset.com/Schisandra), which tonify the liver and kidney. - LGD is potentially a *contraceptive for men*. You might want to stay away from it if you and *your queen* are working on *spawning your own army of little Spartans*.  These side effects are acceptable to many bodybuilders because the muscle gains are worth it to them! You’ll have to soberly evaluate your priorities in choosing to use LGD. #### The "LGD Flu" and the water weight The gap between clinical data (1–2 mg) and real-world usage (5–10 mg) is where the "weird and wacky" side effects emerge. - **The LGD Flu**: A frequently reported phenomenon where users experience lethargy, headaches, and mild fever-like symptoms during the first week of a cycle, likely due to a sudden shift in hormonal signaling. - **Water Retention**: Unlike the "dry" gains of RAD-140, LGD is notorious for "wet" gains. Users often report a significant increase in water weight and a "fuller" look, which can lead to increased blood pressure—a "red pill" for those who think SARMs are side-effect-free. - **The Suppression Wall**: By week 4 or 5 of an unmonitored cycle, many users report a "crash" (low libido and irritability), as their natural testosterone production is suppressed by the compound’s high affinity for androgen receptors. ## **Experiential** #### **What "lab rats" are saying about it**... Ilya N. > “It’s is great. I lift heavier. My strength has increased by a lot. All around I feel great. Thanks.” David W. > “A+ results. Older test subject displayed enhanced recovery with significant strength gains. No apparent negative sides.” You need this! - Robert M. > “Very pleased, this is definitely the real deal. Excellent results, prompt delivery, very friendly customer support. Great prices too! Thank you!” **Banned** by WADA [![banned](https://www.limitlessmindset.com/images/Icons/banned-badge-700.webp?time=1)USADA.org is NOT a fan of LGD](https://www.usada.org/spirit-of-sport/education/5-things-to-know-about-lgd-4033/); it’s banned by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA). If you’re a professional or amateur athlete and anticipate being drug tested, stay away from it. ## Is LGD-4033 **worth the risk?** I’ll be blunt: **I don't recommend this research chemical for the average Biohacker**. We are playing a high-stakes game of "biological arbitrage." On one hand, you have a compound that can demonstrably add 10+ pounds of muscle in a few months. On the other hand, you are yielding a tool that is unlicensed, unapproved by the FDA, and associated with potential liver toxicity and HPG axis shutdown. The "Limitless Mindset" philosophy is built on antifragility: making yourself stronger without introducing catastrophic "black swan" risks. LGD-4033, in its current grey-market form, is the opposite of that. You are risking your long-term endocrine health for a short-term aesthetic "pump." Until we have more medium-term human data, there's a much smarter risk management move in the muscle-building department: variable resistance training (read Dr. John Jaquish's [book on the topic](https://amzn.to/4mdWvEO)). Here's me doing it with the X3 bar... If you choose to dance with LGD, do so with a COA in one hand and an abundance of liver-repairing Adaptogens in the other! --- #### Listen to this **punk rock song about bodybuilding** (the wrong way)... ### Nootropic Ingredients [Subscribe to the Limitless Podcast](https://www.limitlessmindset.com/LM-Podcast) To Listen on the Go ### Photos [![Ligandrol (LGD-4033)](https://www.limitlessmindset.com/data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAP///wAAACH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAICRAEAOw==)](https://www.limitlessmindset.com/media/reviews/photos/original/f5/0f/aa/ligandrol-lgd-4033-29-1584887034.webp "Ligandrol (LGD-4033)") [![Sarm mechanism - Diagram](https://www.limitlessmindset.com/data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAP///wAAACH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAICRAEAOw==)](https://www.limitlessmindset.com/media/reviews/photos/original/28/60/ee/ligandrol-lgd-4033-41-1704795626.webp "Sarm mechanism - Diagram") [![Ligandrol (LGD-4033)](https://www.limitlessmindset.com/data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAP///wAAACH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAICRAEAOw==)](https://www.limitlessmindset.com/media/reviews/photos/original/c9/b3/a3/ligandrol-lgd-4033-44-1775717514.webp "Ligandrol (LGD-4033)") {{title}} {{#ratings}} {{#editor}}   ({{count}}) {{/editor}} {{#user}}   ({{count}}) {{/user}} {{/ratings}} {{title}} {{#ownerCreatedBlock}} - {{#url}} {{#avatarSrc}} {{/avatarSrc}} {{^avatarSrc}} {{& avatar}} {{/avatarSrc}} {{name}} {{/url}} {{^url}} {{#avatar}} {{& avatar}} {{/avatar}} {{name}} {{/url}} - {{/owner}} {{#created}} - {{created}} {{/ownerCreatedBlock}} {{#category}} Category: {{category.title}} {{/category}} {{#fields}} {{#showLabel}} {{label}}: {{/showLabel}} {{& text}} {{/fields}} -