Ligandrol (LGD-4033) — Dosing, Cycles, Half-Life & Side Effects

Ligandrol (LGD-4033) is a selective androgen receptor modulator (SARM) with a half-life of 24-36 hours. WARNING: FDA has issued safety warnings about SARM-associated liver injury. Potent SARM for muscle mass and strength. Not approved for human use - research chemical only. Limited human data (single Phase 1 study). This page is educational harm-reduction reference compiled from peer-reviewed literature — not medical advice, not an endorsement, not a recommendation to use. Consult a licensed clinician before any decision.

Quick Facts

ClassSelective Androgen Receptor Modulators
Half-life24-36 hours
Detection window30 days
AromatizationNo
HepatotoxicityMedium
Suppression6/10
17α-alkylatedNo
Administrationoral

Typical Dosing Ranges

Common dose range: 5-15mg/day (based on limited human data)

Cycle length: 8-12 weeks (recommend 8 weeks max due to liver concerns)

Time to steady state: ~6 days

Dose ranges are compiled from published pharmacokinetic studies and community-reported usage. Where a value is community-reported rather than clinically studied, this page and its structured data flag it. Lower end of any range is always the safer starting point.

Stacking Considerations

  • No structural stacking blockers. Standard harm-reduction rules apply: minimize total androgen load, minimize oral exposure, and monitor bloodwork.

PCT Requirements

  • This compound causes clinically meaningful HPTA suppression. Post-cycle therapy is recommended.
  • Depot clearance estimate: ~6 days post-last-dose before SERM start (5 × apparent depot half-life of 30h).
  • Never stack two SERMs. Extend a single SERM (tamoxifen OR enclomiphene/clomiphene) rather than combining.
  • Use the cycle planner to generate a full protocol based on your complete stack, not this compound alone.

Side Effect Profile

  • FDA WARNING: SARM-associated liver injury reported
  • Higher suppression than claimed - dose dependent
  • Water retention
  • Hepatotoxicity risk - monitor liver enzymes
  • Not approved for human use
  • Limited human studies (single Phase 1 trial only)
  • WADA prohibited
  • Expensive

Known Interactions

  • RAD-140 (Testolone) + Ligandrol (LGD-4033)

    moderate — suppressive

    Stacking two suppressive SARMs increases HPTA suppression significantly.

    Recommendation: May require PCT. Consider lower doses or test base.

    Monitor: LH, FSH, Total testosterone

Related compounds

Monitoring (Bloodwork & Vitals)

  • Comprehensive metabolic panel (baseline, mid-cycle, post-cycle)
  • Lipid panel (total cholesterol, HDL, LDL, triglycerides)
  • CBC (hemoglobin, hematocrit — watch for erythrocytosis)
  • Sex-hormone panel (Total T, Free T, Estradiol sensitive, SHBG, LH, FSH)
  • Blood pressure (weekly self-check; flag systolic >140 or diastolic >90)

Baseline bloodwork is recommended before any cycle. Discontinue if liver enzymes exceed 3× upper limit of normal or if hematocrit exceeds 54%.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the half-life of Ligandrol (LGD-4033)?

Ligandrol (LGD-4033) has a half-life of approximately 24-36 hours. Clearance estimate: 30h � 5 = 150h = 6.25 days. This figure is used to determine injection frequency (for esters) and post-cycle clearance timing.

What is the typical dose range for Ligandrol (LGD-4033)?

Commonly reported ranges for Ligandrol (LGD-4033): 5-15mg/day (based on limited human data). Cycle length: 8-12 weeks (recommend 8 weeks max due to liver concerns). These are compiled from published studies and community-reported usage — individual response varies and lower end is always preferred.

Does Ligandrol (LGD-4033) suppress natural testosterone?

Ligandrol (LGD-4033) causes strong suppression of the HPTA axis (score 6/10). Post-cycle therapy (PCT) is recommended after use.

Is Ligandrol (LGD-4033) liver toxic?

Hepatotoxicity rating: Medium. Non-17αα compound — liver stress is lower but still warrants periodic monitoring during a cycle.

Does Ligandrol (LGD-4033) aromatize to estrogen?

Aromatization profile: No. Minimal to no aromatization expected, so aromatase inhibitors are not typically indicated for this compound alone.

What is Ligandrol (LGD-4033) typically used for?

Ligandrol (LGD-4033) is commonly used for: EXPERIMENTAL - Not approved for human use, Research purposes only. Intended-use context does not imply safety — every use case carries the same underlying pharmacological risks.

Citations

  1. Basaria S et al.. 2013. J Gerontol A Biol Sci Med Sci — Half-life approximately 24-36 hours; dose-proportional with approximately 3x accumulation by day 21
  2. Barbara M et al.. 2020. Clinical case report — Cholestatic hepatitis case report with LGD-4033
  3. Liu E et al. (SARM class extrapolation). 2025. Subst Use Misuse — LGD-4033 HDL suppression documented in phase 1 trial; CV impact lower than AAS; supports cardioStrain 4/10
  4. Basaria S, et al. The safety, pharmacokinetics, and effects of LGD-4033, a novel nonsteroidal oral, selective androgen receptor modulator, in healthy young men. J Gerontol A Biol Sci Med Sci 2013 (ONLY completed human study)
  5. FDA Safety Statement: 'SARMs have been linked to serious safety concerns including increased risk of heart attack, stroke, and liver damage'

Disclaimer

StackItSmart is an independent harm-reduction reference. The content above is compiled from peer-reviewed literature and is not medical advice, not an endorsement, and not a recommendation to use Ligandrol (LGD-4033). Performance-enhancing compounds carry legal, endocrine, cardiovascular, and hepatic risks. Consult a licensed clinician before any decision. StackItSmart does not provide sourcing, procurement, or dosing prescriptions.

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