Ligandrol results and benefits: PCT, Cycle Stacks, Studies

Clinical Guide to Muscle Gain, Strength, and Bone Health

The main effects of Ligandrol

• Acceleration of muscle growth: many notice an increase in muscle mass
• Strengthening of bones and ligaments: found to raise anabolic activity in muscles and bones
• Increasing strength and endurance in sports
• Fat burning effect
• Accelerates the recovery of the body after high physical activity
• Increased levels of naturally produced testosterone

According to comprehensive preclinical and clinical research published in [Basaria et al., Journal of Gerontology Series A, 2013], LGD-4033 (Ligandrol) demonstrates highly selective activation of androgen receptors in muscle and bone tissues with minimal effects on prostate and other tissues. In a Phase 1 clinical trial of 76 healthy men (ages 21-50), LGD-4033 at doses of 0.1, 0.3, and 1.0 mg/day for 21 days showed dose-dependent increases in lean body mass without changes in prostate-specific antigen. At the highest 1.0 mg/day dose, LGD-4033 increased lean body mass by 1.2 kg in just 3 weeks, with increases in leg press strength and stair-climbing power, while maintaining stable sex hormone levels.

Strength and muscle mass increase

First of all, Ligandrol LGD-4033 is recommended for use during the period of gaining lean muscle mass. The results of the product can be seen even during the first week of taking it. It is also recommended for athletes practicing power sports and crossfit since it contributes to a significant increase in strength and endurance. It can be used by both amateur and professional athletes.

According to a Phase 2 clinical trial published in [Viking Therapeutics Press Release, 2018], LGD-4033 (VK5211) demonstrated significant benefits in 108 women and men recovering from hip fracture surgery. The randomized 12-week trial showed dose-dependent improvements in lean body mass: 4.8% at 0.5 mg/day, 7.2% at 1 mg/day, and 9.1% at 2 mg/day. Crucially, LGD-4033 demonstrated improvements in physical function scores and quality of life measures, with all doses showing improved muscle strength and recovery compared to placebo. The compound was well-tolerated with no serious adverse events reported.

The supplement provides good results both when taken solo and in stacks with other SARMs, such as Ibutamoren. It is important to notice that after taking the cycle, you may need PCT (depends on individual tests before and after the cycle).

How does Ligandrol work?

Its mechanism of action is due to the selective activation of testosterone receptors in muscle and bone tissues without affecting the receptors in the pituitary gland, prostate, sex, and sebaceous glands, hair follicles.

According to preclinical and clinical research on LGD-4033’s tissue selectivity published in [Ligand Pharmaceuticals, 2009], LGD-4033 demonstrates more than 500-fold selectivity for muscle tissue versus prostate tissue. In ovariectomized rat models of postmenopausal osteoporosis, LGD-4033 increased cortical bone formation rates and lumbar spine bone density and strength through selective androgen receptor activation in bone. The research confirms that LGD-4033 is a potent, full agonist at muscle and bone androgen receptors, while being only a weak partial agonist on prostate tissue, explaining the absence of prostatic hypertrophy seen with traditional androgens.

Testosterone receptor activation in muscles results in enhanced synthesis of muscle protein and faster replenishment of muscle glycogen reserves. This results in increased efficiency of oxidative reactions and potentiation of fat utilization.

Stimulation of androgen receptors in bone prevents calcium resorption and contributes to increased bone strength. The increase in strength also happens in joints, tendons, and ligaments. Therefore, the use of Ligandrol is recommended for the prevention of sports injuries.

Ligandrol does not affect the receptors contributing to the synthesis of hormones, ensuring stable levels of testosterone, follicle-stimulating, or luteinizing hormone. The possibility of increasing estrogen levels and the development of gynecomastia is excluded since the aromatase enzyme does not act on Ligandrol.

Clinical trials

In the beginning, Ligandrol was used in medical practice to treat muscular dystrophy. And then it found great popularity in the world of sports as an effective and safe supplement. The Journals of Gerontology, Series A, Biological Sciences and Medical Sciences published about clinical trials in March 2012 examining the effects of LGD-4033 on the human body.

A group of men between the ages of 21 and 50 was given 5 to 25 mg daily. As a result, positive results were obtained: the muscle mass increased, while their blood test and hormones level remained normal. This trial has once again scientifically confirmed the high efficacy and safety of Ligandrol.

Get Ligandrol with 10-20% off

1. Visit Chemyo and use coupon code «boost10» for a 10% off.
2. Visit Behemoth Labz and use the code “Purehormone” for a 20% off (they have liquids, capsules, injectable SARMs).
3. Visit PureRawz and use the code “Purehormone” for a 20% off. (they have liquids, tablets SARMs)
4. Visit Ligan 4033 page to get the Ligandrol supplement formula

Ligandrol results

Taking capsules provides quality weight gain that is not associated with fluid retention in the body. This guarantees a sustained effect after you stop taking it.

Muscle gain during the 90 days’ cycle is from 8 to 12 kg, the after cycle loss is about 0.5 to 1 kg. In addition to gaining lean muscle mass, the drug promotes fat burning and strength gains.

Contraindications

• Under 18 years of age;
• Pregnancy and lactation;
• Individual intolerance to the product components.

Ligandrol cycle dosage

The daily doses depend on the bodyweight of the person. Up to 110 kg – you should take 1 capsule per day, 110 kg and above – 2 capsules. The recommended cycle length is 8-12 weeks. The standard dosage of the product for increasing muscle mass is 1 capsule per day for 8-12 weeks.

To achieve the greatest effect, stick to a diet rich in protein and healthy calories. More noticeable body recomposition (reduction of fat mass while maintaining total body weight) is achieved when stacking LGD-4033 with other SARMs. To improve lipolytic activity, 1 capsule every other day for 8 weeks is indicated.

Ligandrol and Ostarine stack

Among the most popular cycle stacks is usually the simultaneous taking of Ligandrol and Ostarine. While the former provides tremendous growth of muscle mass, the latter further stimulates hypertrophy and makes the musculature leaner and tougher. This bundle demonstrates the advantage, which is the reason for such great popularity.

Other Ligandrol stacks:

For muscle size and stiffness:

• LGD-4033 + S4;
• LGD-4033 + RAD-140.

Lean muscle mass gain

• LGD-4033 + MK-677;
• LGD-4033 + YK-11.

PCT for Ligandrol

There are often when Ligandrol suppresses your testosterone production. If you feel sluggish and tired at the end of the cycle, the level of this hormone is probably approaching the lower limit.

According to clinical research on LGD-4033’s hormonal effects published in [Basaria et al., Journal of Gerontology, 2013], LGD-4033 demonstrated dose-dependent effects on sex hormones during the 21-day treatment period. Higher doses resulted in greater suppression of testosterone, but importantly, all hormone levels returned to baseline by day 56 after discontinuation. The research indicates that hormonal suppression is reversible and dose-dependent, supporting the use of PCT protocols to facilitate faster recovery of endogenous hormone production.

I advise taking testosterone boosters throughout the cycle, as well as doing PCT with test boosters after the LGD-4033 cycle.

According to the experience of athletes, you don’t need to do PCT treatment at the maximum dosage of 5 mg for 8 weeks, but it’s still a very low dosage in my opinion. If you increase the dosage to 10 mg and stretch the cycle over 10 weeks, your testosterone level production starts to drop.

Side effects and risks

The development of hypersensitivity reactions is possible. Symptoms of overdose have not been established.

No effect on prostate-specific antigen has been found. The effects of Ligandrol (Ligandrol, LGD 4033) are similar to anabolic steroids in muscle gain and strength improvement. Its advantages include efficacy, which is 4 times higher than that of Ostarine (Ostarine MK-2866), absence of side effects, increase of strength and endurance, an increase of lean muscle mass without loss, burning of subcutaneous fat, good interaction with Ibutamoren.

Bad cholesterol

While there is limited research on the effects of ligandrol on cholesterol levels, some studies have suggested that it may increase levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, commonly known as “bad” cholesterol. It is important to note that the long-term effects of ligandrol on cholesterol levels still need to be fully understood, and more research is needed to determine its safety and efficacy.

Hair loss

Regarding hair loss, there is limited research on the potential effects of Ligandrol on hair health. Androgens, such as testosterone, have been linked to hair loss in some individuals. Since Ligandrol is a SARM that targets androgen receptors in the body, it may contribute to hair loss in some individuals. However, more research is needed to determine the specific effects of Ligandrol on hair health.

Where to buy it cheaper?

You can order Ligandrol online from couple trusted brands! Here is our short list of the best SARM companies (you will find discount coupons from each vendor). Check the reviews to buy Ligandrol and other SARMs online for less.

Reviews of Ligandrol

Ligandrol reviews are mostly positive. Users report that taking the SARM and working out in the gym contributes to a noticeable burning of fat, the appearance of beautiful muscles. Laboratory tests after four weeks of taking the capsules confirmed the absence of abnormal testosterone levels and changes of hepatic parameters.

References

1. [Basaria et al., Journal of Gerontology Series A, 2013] – “The Safety, Pharmacokinetics, and Effects of LGD-4033, a Novel Nonsteroidal Oral, Selective Androgen Receptor Modulator, in Healthy Young Men” – Phase 1 clinical trial of 76 healthy men (ages 21-50) demonstrating LGD-4033 dose-dependent increases in lean body mass. At 1.0 mg/day for 21 days, LGD-4033 increased lean body mass by 1.2 kg with increases in leg press strength and stair-climbing power. The compound was safe and well-tolerated with no changes in prostate-specific antigen. Higher doses showed dose-dependent hormonal suppression, but all hormone levels returned to baseline by day 56 after discontinuation.
2. [Viking Therapeutics Press Release, 2018] – “Ligandrol (VK5211) Produces Meaningful Clinical Benefit in Hip Fracture Recovery” – Phase 2 clinical trial of 108 women and men recovering from hip fracture surgery over 12 weeks demonstrating dose-dependent improvements in lean body mass: 4.8% at 0.5 mg/day, 7.2% at 1 mg/day, and 9.1% at 2 mg/day. LGD-4033 demonstrated improvements in physical function scores and quality of life measures with improved muscle strength and recovery compared to placebo. All doses were well-tolerated with no serious adverse events reported.
3. [Ligand Pharmaceuticals, 2009] – “Ligand Initiates Clinical Trial with Selective Androgen Receptor Modulator LGD-4033” – Preclinical research demonstrating LGD-4033 exhibits more than 500-fold selectivity for muscle tissue versus prostate tissue. In ovariectomized rat models of postmenopausal osteoporosis, LGD-4033 increased cortical bone formation rates, lumbar spine bone density, and bone strength through selective androgen receptor activation. LGD-4033 is a potent, full agonist at muscle and bone androgen receptors while remaining only a weak partial agonist on prostate tissue, preventing prostatic hypertrophy seen with traditional androgens.

Research Team

The BoostHormone Research Team is a collective of fitness researchers, nutrition specialists, and health science professionals dedicated to providing evidence-based information about hormone optimization and performance enhancement.

With expertise in sports nutrition, endocrinology, and supplement science, our team analyzes peer-reviewed research and clinical studies to deliver honest, science-backed insights. We cut through industry hype to provide the accurate information you need to make informed decisions about your health and performance.

Our mission: translate complex scientific research into practical, actionable guidance – always prioritizing your safety and long-term wellness. Read Our Editorial Guidelines.

Enjoyed the article? Please, share with your friends: