RAD-140 vs LGD-4033: Which SARM Is the Best One to Use?

Selective Androgen Receptor Modulators (SARMs) are rapidly gaining attention among athletes and bodybuilders looking to enhance performance, build lean muscle mass, and accelerate recovery — without the harsher side effects commonly associated with anabolic steroids. Two of the most frequently compared SARMs are RAD-140 (Testolone) and LGD-4033 (Ligandrol).

Although both work by binding to androgen receptors to stimulate muscle growth and strength, they differ in potency, safety, cycle length, and optimal application. RAD-140 is considered one of the most powerful SARMs on the market, associated with rapid size and strength gains. LGD-4033, on the other hand, is valued for its controlled lean muscle building and comparatively mild side-effect profile.

What You’ll Learn in This Guide

• What RAD-140 and LGD-4033 are and how they work
  
• Benefits for muscle growth and performance
  
• Recommended cycles and dosing strategies
  
• Stacking options for maximum effect
  
• Side effects and safety considerations
  
• How to choose the right SARM for your goals

What Is RAD-140 (Testolone)?

RAD-140, also called Testolone, is among the strongest and most well-studied SARMs. Originally developed by Radius Health as a potential treatment for muscle wasting and breast cancer, it quickly gained traction in bodybuilding due to its highly anabolic yet tissue-selective effects.

Unlike anabolic steroids, RAD-140 selectively binds to androgen receptors in muscle and bone, promoting growth without significantly impacting other androgen-sensitive tissues such as the prostate or scalp. This makes it particularly attractive to users seeking rapid gains with fewer androgen-related risks.

“RAD-140 exhibits a high anabolic action on skeletal muscle with a minimised action on prostate tissue.”
— Anusha Jayaraman, Endocrinology

Key Points on RAD-140

• Potent anabolic effect → rapid hypertrophy and size gains

• Tissue selective → targets muscle and bone, minimising unwanted androgenic activity

• Performance benefits → increases strength, recovery, and endurance

• Half-life ~16–20 hours → requires daily dosing for stable blood levels

What Is LGD-4033 (Ligandrol)?

LGD-4033, or Ligandrol, is a non-steroidal, orally active SARM developed by Ligand Pharmaceuticals. Originally designed to treat muscle wasting and osteoporosis, it is now one of the most extensively researched SARMs with a strong clinical safety profile.

LGD-4033 binds to androgen receptors in skeletal muscle, stimulating controlled growth with fewer androgenic side effects. Compared to RAD-140, it is less aggressive but better tolerated, making it well-suited for lean gains and body recomposition.

“LGD-4033 generated dose-dependent increases in lean body mass and was well tolerated without significant adverse effects.”
— Shehzad Basaria, Journals of Gerontology

Key Points on LGD-4033

• Clinically supported safety profile → backed by human trials
  
• Controlled lean gains → less water retention compared to RAD-140
  
• Milder anabolic effect → ideal for cutting and recomposition
  
• Half-life ~24–36 hours → once-daily dosing is sufficient

Mechanisms of Action Compared

RAD-140: High Potency and Aggressive Activation

• Very strong binding affinity to androgen receptors in muscle and bone
  
• Rapid increases in protein synthesis and hypertrophy
  
• Neuroprotective properties demonstrated in preclinical studies
  
• Minimal stimulation of unwanted tissues (e.g., prostate)

LGD-4033: Steady and Predictable Response

• Moderate receptor binding affinity compared to RAD-140
  
• Slower but consistent lean mass gains
  
• Less testosterone suppression than RAD-140
  
• Longer half-life provides stable blood levels

Summary:

• RAD-140 → greater, quicker gains; best for bulking
  
• LGD-4033 → slower, leaner gains; ideal for cutting and recomposition

Muscle Growth and Strength Gains

RAD-140 (Testolone)

• Muscle growth: 6–10 lbs lean mass in 8–12 weeks
  
• Strength gains: Rapid and significant increases in compound lifts
  
• Recomposition: Builds muscle while aiding fat loss
  
• Best use: Aggressive bulking and strength cycles

LGD-4033 (Ligandrol)

• Muscle growth: 4–7 lbs lean mass in 6–8 weeks
  
• Strength gains: Noticeable but more gradual
  
• Recomposition: Excellent for lean bulking or cutting
  
• Best use: Controlled gains with fewer side effects

Cycle & Dosing Strategies

RAD-140 (Testolone)

• Beginner: 10 mg daily for 8 weeks → lean bulking & strength
  
• Intermediate: 15–20 mg daily for 8–10 weeks → bulking/recomp
  
• Advanced: 20–30 mg daily for 10–12 weeks (not for first-time users)
  
• PCT: Essential due to strong testosterone suppression

LGD-4033 (Ligandrol)

• Beginner: 5 mg daily for 6 weeks → cutting/recomp
  
• Intermediate: 8–10 mg daily for 6–8 weeks → moderate gains
  
• Advanced: 10–15 mg daily for 8 weeks → controlled bulking
  
• PCT: Lighter than RAD-140, but still recommended

Stacking Options

RAD-140 Stacks

• With MK-677 → enhances GH release and recovery
  
• With YK-11 → synergistic bulking (advanced only)
  
• With Ostarine (MK-2866) → lean retention while cutting

LGD-4033 Stacks

• With MK-677 → recovery and fat-free mass growth
  
• With Ostarine → excellent for cutting cycles
  
• With Cardarine (GW-501516) → boosts stamina and fat loss

RAD-140 + LGD-4033 Together

• Example: RAD-140 (10 mg/day) + LGD-4033 (5 mg/day) for 8 weeks
  
• Requires support supplements for hormonal balance
  
• PCT essential

Side Effects and Safety

RAD-140 Risks

• High suppression of natural testosterone → robust PCT required
  
• Possible mood, sleep, and cholesterol changes
  
• Mild liver enzyme elevation at high doses

LGD-4033 Risks

• Milder suppression, usually reversible post-cycle
  
• Occasional HDL cholesterol reduction
  
• Lower incidence of water retention and mood issues

Summary: RAD-140 is stronger but more suppressive; LGD-4033 is milder with stronger safety data.

Legal Status & WADA Ban

• RAD-140: Research chemical; not FDA-approved; banned in sport
  
• LGD-4033: Also a research chemical; limited approved medical uses; banned in sport
  
• WADA: Both classed under Anabolic Agents (S1) and prohibited in all competition
  
• Detection Windows: RAD-140 detectable up to 8 weeks; LGD-4033 up to 6 weeks

Final Comparison Table

Feature	RAD-140 (Testolone)	LGD-4033 (Ligandrol)
Potency	Very high — strongest SARM	Moderate — controlled gains
Muscle Gains	6–10 lbs (8–12 weeks)	4–7 lbs (6–8 weeks)
Strength Gains	Rapid, significant	Gradual, steady
Recomposition	Strong — builds & burns fat	Moderate — lean support
Half-Life	~16–20 hours	~24–36 hours
Suppression Risk	High → full PCT required	Mild → lighter PCT needed
Clinical Data	Mostly preclinical	Supported by human trials
Best Use	Bulking & strength	Cutting & recomposition
WADA Status	Banned	Banned

Conclusion: Which SARM Should You Choose?

• Choose RAD-140 if: you want rapid muscle and strength gains, and are prepared to manage stronger suppression with a full PCT.
  
• Choose LGD-4033 if: you prefer lean, controlled gains, a milder side-effect profile, and clinical data-backed safety.

For advanced users, stacking RAD-140 and LGD-4033 can provide a hybrid bulking and recomposition effect, but only with strict cycle planning, bloodwork monitoring, and proper post-cycle therapy.

“Both RAD-140 and LGD-4033 deliver impressive anabolic potential. LGD-4033 is better supported in terms of clinical tolerability, while RAD-140 remains unmatched for sheer potency.”