LGD-4033 vs RAD-140: complete comparison (mass SARMs, selectivity, profile)
| Critère | lgd-4033 | rad-140 |
|---|---|---|
| Class | Non-steroidal SARM | Non-steroidal SARM |
| Half-life | ~24-36 h | ~16-20 h |
| Route | Oral | Oral |
| Hepatotoxicity | Moderate | Moderate |
| HPG axis suppression | Moderate to strong | Moderate to strong |
| Typical dose | 5-10 mg/d | 10-20 mg/d |
| Aromatization | No | No |
| Human studies | Phase 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.