LGD-4033 vs RAD-140: complete comparison (mass SARMs, selectivity, profile)

Key takeaways

  • ●LGD-4033 (ligandrol): potent non-steroidal SARM, strong muscular selectivity, Basaria 2013 demonstrated +1.2 kg lean mass in 3 weeks at 1 mg/d.
  • ●RAD-140 (testolone): SARM more androgen-like in practice, more marked gains but less documented safety profile in humans.
  • ●Both moderately to strongly suppress the HPG axis (dose-dependent), PCT required even in short cycle.
  • ●No long human RCT on these SARMs — corpus mainly preclinical and limited phase 1/2. Risk-benefit to evaluate.
Critèrelgd-4033rad-140
ClassNon-steroidal SARMNon-steroidal SARM
Half-life~24-36 h~16-20 h
RouteOralOral
HepatotoxicityModerateModerate
HPG axis suppressionModerate to strongModerate to strong
Typical dose5-10 mg/d10-20 mg/d
AromatizationNoNo
Human studiesPhase 1 (Basaria 2013)Preclinical + phase 1

Quand choisir lgd-4033

Ligandrol (LGD-4033) is one of the best documented SARMs in humans: Basaria 2013 (phase 1, 76 subjects, 1 mg/d × 21 days) demonstrated +1.2 kg of dose-dependent lean mass with acceptable short-term tolerance profile. Choose it for: (1) a first SARM cycle oriented toward lean mass, (2) a 'bridge' cycle between AAS cycles to maintain gains with moderate HPG suppression, (3) an oral alternative to injectable AAS for users preferring to avoid injections. Pharmacological profile (Solomon 2019, Bhasin 2009): non-steroidal so no complete androgenic structure, muscular selectivity proven in animal and human preclinical, no aromatization, no 5α-reduction so less cutaneous androgenic effect. Drawbacks to anticipate (Pope 2014, Endocrine Society): moderate to strong dose-dependent HPG suppression (at 10 mg/d, endogenous testo suppression of 50-70%), PCT required even in short cycle, possible ALT/AST elevations (5-15% of users), slightly degraded lipid profile. Typical dose 5-10 mg/d × 6-8 weeks, single morning intake (half-life ~24-36 h). Post-cycle PCT with nolvadex 20 mg/d × 4 weeks. Not suited for women (virilization possible) nor adolescents.

Quand choisir rad-140

RAD-140 (testolone) is a SARM more potent in raw anabolic effect than ligandrol, but with a more marked androgen-like profile in practice (Miller 2010, Solomon 2019). Choose it for: (1) a SARM cycle oriented toward faster muscular gains, (2) a definition cycle with strength preservation, (3) a user looking for a more 'potent' SARM at the cost of a less documented profile in humans. Pharmacological profile: non-steroidal SARM with high affinity to the androgen receptor, clear muscular selectivity in preclinical (Miller 2010), no aromatization. Empirical user feedback suggests faster perceptible strength and volume than with LGD-4033. Drawbacks to anticipate (Pope 2014): more marked HPG suppression (50-80% at 20 mg/d), more rigorous PCT required, sometimes degraded lipid profile, possible transaminase elevation, isolated reported cases of more marked hepatotoxicity. No long human RCT published to date — the corpus rests mainly on preclinical (animal) trials and limited phase 1. Typical dose 10-20 mg/d × 6-8 weeks, single intake (half-life ~16-20 h). PCT clomid + nolvadex 4-6 weeks.

Combinaison ?

The LGD-4033 + RAD-140 combo is possible but not particularly recommended: two simultaneous SARMs cumulate HPG suppression without truly additive anabolic benefit (saturation of muscular androgen receptor occupancy). If sought, scheme: LGD-4033 5 mg/d + RAD-140 10 mg/d × 8 weeks, immediate PCT with clomid 50/25/25/25 mg + nolvadex 40/20/20/20 mg. Always consider this as the equivalent of a moderate AAS cycle in terms of suppression. Biological monitoring: T total, LH, FSH before cycle, mid-cycle (W4), and 4 weeks post-PCT to confirm recovery. Hepatic panel (ALT, AST) at W0, W4, W8 (possible toxicity although less than 17α-alkylated oral AAS). Complete lipids at same intervals. Regular zone 2 cardio to support cardiovascular profile during suppression. Sample 8-week stacked timeline: W0 baseline complete panel (CBC, CMP, lipids, T total, LH, FSH, E2), W2 first ALT/AST check, W4 mid-cycle full panel, W6 lipids and T total recheck, W8 last dose, W8 PCT start immediately (short half-lives), W12 PCT end, W16 post-PCT recovery confirmation. Independent lab testing recommended before starting: send 100 mg of each compound to Janoshik or AnaboLab (~50 € total) to confirm content and dose. The SARM underground market has 40-60% off-label products per various independent analyses. Practical dose split: take both compounds in single morning dose with breakfast — provides ~24 h coverage with daily peak in the morning aligned with training timing.

FAQ

LGD-4033 or RAD-140 for a first SARM cycle?
LGD-4033, for two reasons: (1) pharmacological profile better documented in humans (Basaria 2013 phase 1), so tolerance and dose-response more predictable; (2) moderate anabolic effects allowing assessment of individual response before ramping up with RAD-140 or other SARMs. Start at 5 mg/d × 8 weeks, clean PCT, complete biological panel, then consider RAD-140 on the next cycle if tolerance is good. Never combine with other compounds on first cycle.
Are SARMs safer than AAS?
Less toxic in theory (muscular selectivity, no cutaneous androgenic transformation or aromatization), but the human safety corpus remains limited to short phase 1/2 studies. Pope 2014 (Endocrine Society) emphasizes that case reports of acute hepatotoxicity (cholestatic jaundice) and DILI (drug-induced liver injury) under recreational SARMs accumulate — often with underground products without purity control. Net: SARMs are not 'harmless', but their profile appears more tolerable than oral 17α-alkylated AAS. Comparable HPG suppression, PCT required.
Do you really need a PCT after a SARM cycle?
Yes in most cases. Basaria 2013 documented dose-dependent endogenous testosterone suppression in all subjects from 1 mg/d of LGD-4033. At recreational doses (5-10 mg/d × 8 weeks), endogenous testo typically drops 50-70% and LH/FSH are suppressed. Minimal PCT: nolvadex 20 mg/d × 4 weeks. If T total panel < 300 ng/dL at W4 post-cycle, extend or add clomid 25 mg/d. Complete biological panel at W6 post-PCT to confirm recovery.
How much realistic gains with LGD-4033?
At 5-10 mg/d × 8 weeks in intermediate user with adapted nutrition and training: +3 to +5 kg net lean mass retained at 3 months post-PCT. Strength up +5-10% on main lifts. Dry profile with no notable retention. The gains/side effects ratio is generally more favorable than testosterone alone at equivalent dose (similar suppression but comparable gains with fewer cutaneous androgenic effects and no aromatization).
Does RAD-140 cause hair loss?
Possible in those predisposed to androgenetic alopecia. Although non-steroidal SARM, RAD-140 activates the cutaneous androgen receptor in some users, causing acceleration of hair loss. Variable and individual effect: some see no effect, others see moderate loss during and after cycle. No effective protection during cycle (finasteride blocks 5α-reduction which is not the relevant pathway here). Mitigation with topical minoxidil and stop if marked loss.
Are SARMs detectable in anti-doping control?
Yes, all of them. LGD-4033 and RAD-140 are on the WADA list since 2008 and 2009 respectively, with sensitive LC-MS/MS detection methods. Detection window: LGD-4033 about 2-4 weeks after last intake, RAD-140 about 1-3 weeks. For any tested athlete, SARMs are to be absolutely avoided — even out of competition for WADA-affiliated sports (which can test in off-season). Many WADA positivity cases since 2010.
What purity to expect from underground SARMs?
Very variable, and that is the main risk of the current market. Several independent studies (laboratory analyses of products bought online) show that 30-60% of commercialized SARMs contain a different dose than advertised, contaminants (other SARMs, AAS, undeclared prohormones), or a substitute without activity. Independent laboratory tests (Janoshik, etc.) useful before cycle. Favor reputable vendors with public tests. The SARM market is not regulated.
LGD-4033 or ostarine for a first SARM?
Ostarine, for its even milder tolerance profile. Dalton 2011 documented +1.4 kg lean mass at 3 mg/d × 16 weeks in seniors with very moderate HPG suppression. LGD-4033 is more potent in anabolic gains but suppresses the HPG axis more (50-70% at 10 mg/d). Start SARMs with ostarine 20 mg/d × 8 weeks, assess individual tolerance (transaminases, lipids, T total), then consider LGD-4033 on the next cycle for more marked gains.