LGD-4033 (Ligandrol) Review: Before and After Results [with Pictures]

In a previous post, I mentioned that I had started to experiment with SARMs. This came after suffering back problems from a car accident. After a year of being laid up with vertebral fractures and compressed discs. I was pretty out of shape and needed to do something fast. Since I was looking to build back the muscle I’d lost while shedding the pounds. I started using Andarine, a selective androgen receptor modulator (SARM) that had earned a lot of free press on online forums. But this got me thinking. Why limit myself to Andarine cycles when there are so many SARMs hitting the market? So, after doing a decent amount of research, I came across Ligandrol and decided to give it a try.

Below, I will go into more detail about my personal experience with LGD-4033 (Ligandrol), but first, let’s talk a bit about how it works and what you need to know before using it.

Important: What to Consider Before Buying Ligandrol

Before I continue: I got mine Ligandrol, aka LGD-4033, online from Proven Peptides.

But before you go there and grab a tincture, you should get an idea of its mechanism of action.

Ligandrol (also known as LGD-4033, or LGD, or LGD4033) is a selective androgen receptor modulator (SARM). SARM’s can bind to the androgen receptor of muscle and bone, and create similar results to oral steroids without the adverse side effects.

It was initially discovered to be effective in clinical trials that examined the effects of Ligandrol on patients with cancer. Researchers believed that the SARM could help to prevent symptoms of muscle wasting during cancer treatment, and they were correct.

Study participants who took Ligandrol saw increases in their muscle mass and overall better physical function.

While the drug hasn’t been approved for this specific purpose, it’s popular amongst bodybuilders in a bulking phase. Like steroids, Ligandrol mimics increased levels of testosterone in the body allowing you to build more muscle quickly.

However, unlike Ligandrol is well-tolerated, safe for most users, and does not affect prostate-specific antigens in the body.  Elevated levels of prostate specific antigen, like what you would see in someone using steroids, can put you at an increased risk of developing prostate cancer.

The fact that Ligandrol does not produce this dangerous side effect makes it a far safer choice than the anabolic alternatives.

How does Ligandrol work

LGD-4033 works by binding to the androgen receptor in your body. When it attaches to this receptor, LGD-4033 mingles with testosterone, influencing its capacity for gene production. This is what promotes muscle and bone growth.

Androgens are the hormones responsible for producing male characteristics in our physiology like the growth of facial hair, a deep voice, larger muscle mass, and lower levels of body fat. The best-known androgen is testosterone, but it’s not the only one the body produces.

The selective anabolic activity yields extra protein which contributes to muscle development. It’s sort of like steroids, working in much the same way but without all of the extreme side effects of ‘roids.

In fact, studies have shown it to be relatively free from side effects and it is said to be tolerated at all doses administered in at least one trial.

Consequently, it has been carefully considered for the treatment of several health conditions including osteoporosis, muscle wasting, certain types of cancer and sarcopenia (age-related loss of muscle mass and strength).

Researchers have also studied its effects on sex hormones and stair-climbing power, and their findings are very interesting. There was evidence of Ligandrol’s androgenic activity and substantial suppression of testosterone, HDL cholesterol levels and more.

This is all rather promising, but it’s important that you understand it is not without side effects in the long term. Some users have noted that Ligandrol can lower LH/FSH which affects the testicles and the production of testicular hormones. This can have an impact on adrenal hormones as well.

While Ligandrol is on the market primarily to treat age and illness related muscle-wasting diseases, there are applications for bodybuilders as well. Someone looking to gain significant muscle mass in a short period should research how to take LGD 4033 to achieve those results.

Is Ligandrol legal?

Ligandrol is a legal substance to buy and isn’t banned anywhere in the US. Outside of collegiate or professional athletes who are prohibited from taking performance enhancing drugs, anyone can Ligandrol for sale at a variety of retailers.

In 2015, the Florida Gators quarterback Will Grier received a one-year suspension for testing positive for a performance-enhancing substance.

Reports say that the drug in question was Ligandrol. While it is not a steroid, it is on the list of banned substances by the NCAA.

Grier says he began taking the supplement after a trip to a local nutrition store. He wanted to gain weight, and a clerk recommended the product to him. While reports say he put on a reported 40 pounds of muscle, Grier says the total increase in muscle was more like 22 pounds as a result of taking the supplement.

Unfortunately, he did not first check with his coaches and trainers to ensure that the supplement met NCAA standards before taking it.

LGD-4033 (Ligandrol) Pros and Cons

So now we know that Ligandrol has been proven to be effective as a treatment for several muscle-related ailments, even playing a vital role in overall body composition. But what are the other perks of taking Ligandrol?

It comes in pill, powder or liquid form, and can typically be taken safely in the short or long term to achieve mild gains.

This supplement may be a viable alternative to other muscle-building formulas for those looking to trim down and work on their lean muscle mass. But it is absolutely essential that users combine supplementation with a protein-rich, heart-healthy diet and routine exercise.

Pros:

• Readily and legally available when ordered online in the US
• Clinically-proven to have positive effects on men, young and old alike
• No significant changes to liver enzymes or prostate-specific antigen when administered daily
• Can be taken orally as a daily supplement with no need for injections or visits to a doctor
• Natural peptide with no known contraindications
• May increase resistance to exercise-related fatigue
• AR antagonist with a proven influence on human growth hormone
• Said to be 11 x stronger than Ostarine, a similar SARM

Cons:

• May cause tiredness, fatigue or exhaustion
• May cause decreased libido
• May suppress testicular hormones

Ligandrol Side Effects

While Ligandrol is considered to be the side effect free version of steroids, it isn’t without possible complications.

Found to be safe at doses of 1 mg daily or less, when taking it in the five to 10 mg per day range may have different results.

At higher levels, users might experience temporary testosterone suppression while taking the supplement. Testosterone levels should return to normal within two to three weeks after cycling off LGD-4033.

Estrogen and liver function is not affected by Ligandrol, so users shouldn’t experience any issues with libido, digestion, or their skin while on the cycle.

Anecdotally, users report losing a small percentage of the weight they gained while taking the supplement once they cycled off of the product.

Proper Dosing

It is always imperative that users stick to recommended dosages when experimenting with supplements, particularly in the case of SARMs which are technically classified as research or investigative chemicals.

A healthy individual considering how to take Ligandrol could use the results of a scientific study that proved the safety of the drug over 21 days on young men as a starting point. Participants were given doses of between 0.1 mg and 1 mg daily for 21 days without any adverse effects.

Anecdotally on forums and within the bodybuilding community, users report a daily dose of up to 10 mg (5 mg taken twice daily) produces significant muscle growth.

LGD 4033 is sold as an oral supplement either via liquid or pill form with various dosages. Check the packaging for information on the potency of the dose in each serving.

Some liquids may hold as many as 10 mg/ml, while in pill form you might find a less potent mixture. It’s important to know the amount of active ingredient you’re consuming for the best results.

Bodybuilders who take the supplement also recommend using it as part of a 6 to 12-week bulking cycle combined with a high-protein diet to build muscle mass.

Unlike pharmaceuticals and anabolic steroids, you will not find yourself requiring larger doses after long-term use. On the contrary, many users have found Ligandrol to be effective in a smaller dose over time.

What Other People Are Saying About Ligandrol

Experiences with SARMs vary widely with many extolling their virtues and others claiming that they flat-out do not work. In the case of Ligandrol, the vast majority agree that it’s awesome for cutting and gains.

Reports suggest you can expect to gain between one and 1.5 pounds of muscle per week taking Ligandrol. These results will depend on your diet and exercise protocol during the cycle. Users equate the gains to being as significant what you might see while taking steroids.

One forum member had this to say: “I’ve been taking it now at 5mg ED for the last two weeks. So far I’ve noticed a positive increase in my mood, and sex drive.

“The most noticeable difference is that I feel more amped in the gym and my workouts lasts a lot longer now which I love because before I would want to leave after about 30 minutes. Currently using it to cut rather than bulk but still feel that it is helping much more than if I were taking nothing.”

In response, a humble young man by the web handle Muscle Mechanic wrote, “Lgd puts on more size than ostarine. It is really good and can be used as kick start. No problems to speak of at all.

Some users have reported experiencing night sweats while taking Ligandrol, but they were also quick to point out that they didn’t require as much sleep while taking Ligandrol.

Another user said that an eight-week cycle of Ligandrol made him feel “weird” and decreased his libido, but this user was also quick to add that, after completing his cycle, he felt confident and stronger.

My Personal Results with Ligandrol

I don’t want to belabor the point, but again, I was in really bad shape when I started taking SARMs and I’ve been incredibly impressed with the results. While I haven’t tried everything that’s out there, I can safely say that, by and large, they are strong alternatives to more traditional, mainstream medications.

I’d also say that Ligandrol was way stronger than Andarine and definitely contributed to more notable gains. Whereas Andarine seemed to aid in my weight loss goals, an eight-week cycle of Ligandrol seemed to influence my muscle-building more effectively.

After about a month and a half of daily dosing, I saw more pronounced refinement of my biceps and chest. To put it another way, my moobs (man boobies) were firming up and my arms were cut like a freakin’ statue compared to what they looked like before.

As far as any side effects cropping up, I really didn’t notice much during that initial month or so. The first week was a little rough with some serious perspiration.

I remember walking into a pharmacy to pick up an unrelated item and feeling kind of self-conscious that sweat was literally pouring off my face in a sheet, dripping off my earlobes and whatnot, but that’s really not uncommon when I’m coming from the gym.

Before and After Ligandrol

Before

Here’s what I looked like before I started my Andarine and Ligandrol cycles.

As you can see, I wasn’t exaggerating when I said I was becoming a real porker. My sex drive was down, Crunchwrap Supremes had become my daily comfort food and the more out of shape I got, the more defeated I got. That defeat only made me more stagnant until, one day, I went to buckle my belt and I’d run out of belt holes.

That was it. I had to change my lifestyle. That’s when I started researching SARMs and came across LGD-4033. The results weren’t immediate, but the effects were. I don’t know if it was just the placebo effect or something, but after I took my first SARM dosage, I felt motivated and energized, ready to bust out my first rep.

I started small because I didn’t want to exert myself and I didn’t want to overdo it with the new medication either. My first dose of Andarine was 5 mg. Later, when I discovered Ligandrol, I stuck to the same initial dosage.

Gradually, I made my way up to 8 mgs and that’s when I started to notice a difference. I actually felt more sinewy. My muscles would burn after a workout which is always a good sign, and I found myself capable of busting out multiple reps a lot easier than I normally would, even before I had the accident and gained all the weight.

Here’s what I look like after taking Ligandrol.

After

Not too shabby if I say so myself. I’m not one to brag, but this is the best I’ve looked since I was twenty years old and that’s saying a lot since I was in pretty solid shape before the fender bender. Still, even though I was active for many years, I was never would have labeled myself a “bodybuilder.”

It took me more than a year of taking SARMs, eating right and working out like mad to get this cut, but I couldn’t be happier with how I look and feel.

Sure, I did a casual regimen of exercises at the gym, mostly cardio to stave off high blood pressure. But now I can honestly say I’m a true blue bodybuilder. Since I’ve started cycling with Andarine and Ligandrol, I’ve tackled workouts I never dreamed of before. I’m into a bit of everything these days from that workout you’ve probably seen on TV to lunges, marching in place, long jump rope sessions, free weights, etc.

You name it, I’ve tried it on Ligandrol, and I’ve watched as each of my muscle groups has ballooned. I’m not one of those hucksters who’s gonna say that Ligandrol is for everybody, but I know one thing for sure—Ligandrol is definitely my new favorite SARM.

Where to Buy Ligandrol

If you’re searching online for Ligandrol, Amazon might be your first stop. Unfortunately after reading the labels carefully, I have not found anything that has LGD-4033 as an ingredient in the formula.

Take the time to read the reviews, check the dosage instructions, and look for the potency of the product before you make your purchase. Liquid versions taking orally with a dropper are believed to be more effective, but the pill versions are traditionally less expensive.

Expect to pay anywhere from $50 to $150 for the product. Depending on your dose, that could last one week to 30-days.

Closing Thoughts

I think it’s clear that Ligandrol is the right choice for building a rockin’ bod. It’s a clinically-proven tonic for muscle wasting and a great way to build up your muscles and stay fit.

There are hundreds of different muscle-building supplements on the market today, and Ligandrol is easily one of the most effective. Studies show that it allows users to gain tremendous muscle in a short period, and is one of the best mimics of anabolic steroids on the market.

Unlike steroids, it’s found to be safe and without any long-term negative side effects. If you’re looking to increase your size quickly, Ligandrol combined with diet and exercise might be a great solution for you.

If you’re looking for gains that you can clearly see when you look in the mirror, Ligandrol’s the SARM for you.

Have you tried Ligandrol or similar SARMs? If so, drop us a line to let us know how it worked out for you in the comments below! Thanks and be well.

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