LGD-4033 (Ligandrol) vs SR-9009 (Stenabolic)

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

LGD-4033 (Ligandrol)SR-9009 (Stenabolic)
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 20-30 mg daily orally, split into 3-4 doses due to very short half-life (~4 hours). Some users prefer sublingual administration for improved bioavailability.
TimingOnce daily, consistent timing. Half-life approximately 24-36 hours. No food timing requirements.Split into 3-4 doses throughout the day due to ~4-hour half-life. Example: 7am, 11am, 3pm, 7pm. Avoid late-night dosing as REV-ERB modulation may affect circadian rhythm and sleep.
Cycle Duration8-12 week cycles maximum. PCT strongly recommended after all but the shortest/lowest-dose cycles.8-12 week cycles. No HPG suppression. Cycling recommended due to limited long-term data.
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

SR-9009 is a synthetic agonist of REV-ERBa and REV-ERBb, nuclear receptors that form the repressive limb of the circadian clock and regulate metabolic gene expression. REV-ERB activation represses BMAL1/CLOCK transcription, modulating circadian rhythm. In skeletal muscle, SR-9009 increases mitochondrial count and oxidative capacity by upregulating mitochondrial biogenesis genes. It enhances fatty acid and glucose oxidation, increases exercise endurance, and reduces lipogenesis in the liver. SR-9009 also reduces inflammatory gene expression via NF-kB pathway suppression. Recent research has identified significant REV-ERB-independent effects, suggesting the mechanism is more complex than initially characterized.

Standard Dosing

Research indicates 20-30 mg daily orally, split into 3-4 doses due to very short half-life (~4 hours). Some users prefer sublingual administration for improved bioavailability.

Timing

Split into 3-4 doses throughout the day due to ~4-hour half-life. Example: 7am, 11am, 3pm, 7pm. Avoid late-night dosing as REV-ERB modulation may affect circadian rhythm and sleep.

Cycle Duration

8-12 week cycles. No HPG suppression. Cycling recommended due to limited long-term data.

Side Effects

  • Insomnia or sleep disruption (circadian clock modulation)
  • Anxiety or wakefulness
  • Headache
  • Nausea
  • Potential circadian rhythm disruption with chronic use

Contraindications

  • Circadian rhythm disorders or shift work (may exacerbate disruption)
  • Pregnancy and breastfeeding
  • Individuals under 21
  • Severe insomnia

Best Stacking Partners

Cardarine GW-501516 (complementary fat oxidation pathways)Ostarine (body recomposition — SR-9009 adds metabolic enhancement without suppression)MK-677 (counters potential sleep disruption)

Buy these compounds

Fast buy links (we may earn a small commission at no extra cost).

Search LGD-4033 (Ligandrol) on Amazon →Search SR-9009 (Stenabolic) on Amazon →Search LGD-4033 (Ligandrol) on iHerb →Search SR-9009 (Stenabolic) on iHerb →

Not sure which is right for you?

Take our free assessment to get personalized recommendations based on your health goals, current stack, and biomarkers.

Get Your Free Protocol →or take the assessment →