- LGD-4033 (ligandrol) is one of the few SARMs tested in healthy people.
- At just 1 mg a day for three weeks, men gained about 1.2 kg of lean mass, and testosterone, SHBG and HDL fell.
- Typical bodybuilding doses are several times higher, with no controlled data.
- Liver injury cases have been reported in recreational users.
LGD-4033 is popular because it’s potent at small doses and has a real human study behind it. That study also shows its downsides clearly. This guide explains what LGD-4033 is, what the research found, and what Canadians should know.
What is LGD-4033?
Ligandrol was developed by Ligand Pharmaceuticals for muscle wasting and osteoporosis. It binds the androgen receptor with high affinity and was designed to favour muscle and bone over the prostate. Development continued under the name VK5211 for hip fracture recovery, but it has never been approved.
What the human trial showed
In a 2013 placebo-controlled trial, healthy young men took 0.1, 0.3 or 1 mg of LGD-4033 daily for 21 days:
- Lean body mass rose by about 1.2 kg at 1 mg
- Total testosterone, SHBG and HDL cholesterol fell in a dose-dependent way
- Hormone levels returned to baseline after stopping
The doses studied were tiny compared with those sold for bodybuilding (often 5 to 10 mg), where suppression and HDL effects are expected to be larger.
Side effects
- Testosterone suppression, even at low doses
- HDL drop, which adds cardiovascular risk
- Liver injury: several published case reports describe drug-induced liver injury in people using LGD-4033
- Water retention is commonly reported
- Women: virilization is possible
Bloodwork
Check testosterone, LH, FSH, a lipid panel and liver enzymes before, during and after use. Book through your family doctor or LifeLabs or Dynacare.
Legal status in Canada
LGD-4033 isn’t approved by Health Canada, and Health Canada has warned about unauthorized SARM products. It isn’t listed in the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act. It’s prohibited in sport, and it’s one of the most common SARMs found in positive tests.
Buying LGD-4033 in Canada
We stock LGD-4033 Zionova, 5 mg tablets in bottles of 50. See the SARMs page for live prices and our SARMs guide for context.
Frequently asked questions
How much muscle does LGD-4033 build?
In the human trial, 1 mg a day for three weeks added about 1.2 kg of lean mass. Higher doses haven’t been studied.
Does LGD-4033 suppress testosterone?
Yes. Even 1 mg a day lowered testosterone in the trial.
Is LGD-4033 bad for the liver?
Liver injury has been reported in published case reports of recreational users.
Is LGD-4033 legal in Canada?
It isn’t approved by Health Canada and isn’t CDSA-listed. Health Canada has warned about unauthorized SARM products.
Products mentioned in this guide
This article is general information for adults in Canada, not medical advice. Talk to a doctor or pharmacist before using any prescription drug, anabolic steroid or research compound, and get bloodwork done. If you’re in crisis, call or text 9-8-8 (Suicide Crisis Helpline) any time.
