LGD-4033 (Ligandrol) vs RAD-140 (Testolone)

Side-by-side comparison of mechanisms, dosing, interactions, and stacking potential.

LGD-4033 (Ligandrol)RAD-140 (Testolone)
CategorySARMsSARMs
Standard DoseResearch indicates 5-10 mg daily orally for 8-12 weeks. Phase 1 data showed significant lean mass gains at 1 mg/day.Research indicates 10-20 mg daily orally for 8-12 weeks. Phase 1 clinical trial (oncology) identified 100 mg as the maximum tolerated dose.
TimingOnce daily, consistent timing. Half-life approximately 24-36 hours. No food timing requirements.Once daily, consistent timing. Very long half-life (~60 hours) means stable plasma levels even with once-daily dosing. Morning preferred.
Cycle Duration8-12 week cycles maximum. PCT strongly recommended after all but the shortest/lowest-dose cycles.8-12 week cycles. PCT mandatory due to significant HPG axis suppression.
Evidence Levelmoderate_humananimal_plus_anecdotal

Mechanism

LGD-4033 is a potent nonsteroidal selective androgen receptor modulator with high AR binding affinity (Ki of approximately 1 nM). It demonstrates strong anabolic activity in muscle and bone with significantly reduced androgenic activity in prostate tissue, achieving an anabolic-to-androgenic ratio of approximately 10:1. LGD-4033 activates the AR with full agonist efficacy in muscle, upregulating the PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway for protein synthesis and satellite cell recruitment. It produces dose-dependent suppression of SHBG, total testosterone, LH, and FSH, indicating significant HPG axis suppression even at low doses.

Standard Dosing

Research indicates 5-10 mg daily orally for 8-12 weeks. Phase 1 data showed significant lean mass gains at 1 mg/day.

Timing

Once daily, consistent timing. Half-life approximately 24-36 hours. No food timing requirements.

Cycle Duration

8-12 week cycles maximum. PCT strongly recommended after all but the shortest/lowest-dose cycles.

Side Effects

  • Significant testosterone suppression (dose-dependent; occurs even at 1 mg/day)
  • Suppressed SHBG, LH, and FSH
  • Elevated liver enzymes / hepatotoxicity (case reports of cholestatic liver injury)
  • HDL cholesterol suppression
  • Headache
  • Fatigue (late-cycle, from suppression)
  • Water retention

Contraindications

  • Androgen-sensitive cancers
  • Pre-existing liver disease or elevated liver enzymes
  • Pregnancy and breastfeeding
  • Individuals under 21
  • Athletes subject to WADA/anti-doping testing

Best Stacking Partners

Cardarine GW-501516 (endurance without additional suppression)MK-677 (GH secretagogue for recovery)NAC / TUDCA (liver protection)

Mechanism

RAD-140 is a potent nonsteroidal SARM with high oral bioavailability and selectivity for muscle and bone AR over prostate. It acts as a full agonist at the AR in muscle tissue, promoting nitrogen retention and protein synthesis via mTOR/p70S6K pathway activation. RAD-140 also demonstrates neuroprotective properties, acting against beta-amyloid-induced neurotoxicity through AR-mediated MAPK/ERK signaling. Preclinical data show greater anabolic potency than testosterone propionate at equivalent doses with significantly reduced prostate stimulation.

Standard Dosing

Research indicates 10-20 mg daily orally for 8-12 weeks. Phase 1 clinical trial (oncology) identified 100 mg as the maximum tolerated dose.

Timing

Once daily, consistent timing. Very long half-life (~60 hours) means stable plasma levels even with once-daily dosing. Morning preferred.

Cycle Duration

8-12 week cycles. PCT mandatory due to significant HPG axis suppression.

Side Effects

  • Significant testosterone suppression
  • Hepatotoxicity (multiple published case reports of drug-induced liver injury)
  • HDL suppression and LDL elevation
  • Aggression and mood changes
  • Hair shedding (androgenic effect despite 'selective' designation)
  • Insomnia
  • Headache

Contraindications

  • Pre-existing liver disease
  • Androgen-sensitive cancers
  • Cardiovascular disease (LDL elevation concern)
  • Pregnancy and breastfeeding
  • Individuals under 21
  • Athletes subject to anti-doping testing

Best Stacking Partners

MK-677 (GH secretagogue for enhanced recovery and countering suppression symptoms)Cardarine GW-501516 (endurance)NAC / TUDCA (liver protection — essential)

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