LGD-4033 (Ligandrol): Dosage and Cycle Guide for Best Results

Last Update: 21 August 2026

Of all the compounds in this category, LGD-4033 has one of the strongest research trails behind it. Clinical work backs its lean muscle mass benefits directly, which is a big part of why it’s such a common choice for anyone building a physique-focused cycle.[1] Here’s what the research actually shows, and how to dose and cycle it properly.

Key Takeaways

• LGD-4033 supports several athletic performance goals: muscle growth, strength gains, faster post-workout recovery, and lean mass preservation.
• Standard dosing is one 10mg dose each morning with food, or split into two 5mg doses across the day.
• Cycle length runs 8 to 12 weeks, followed by a 4-week break before starting again.

What Is LGD-4033?

LGD-4033 is a selective androgen receptor modulator, meaning it works similarly to steroids but with one key difference: it targets bone and muscle tissue specifically rather than acting broadly across the body. It’s also one of the more thoroughly researched SARMs on the market, with documented minimal side effects alongside real support for building and holding onto lean muscle.

New to the category entirely? Start with our Complete Beginner’s Guide to SARMs.

Want the full compound-by-compound reference? See our main guide: Complete SARMs Compound Guide: Dosages, Cycles & Recovery. It covers this compound alongside every other popular SARM, with full profiles, stacking guides, cycle protocols, and post-cycle support in one place.

LGD-4033 (Ligandrol) Benefits

Ligandrol’s popularity comes down to the athletic benefits behind it. Research has established lean muscle mass support even at doses as low as 1mg per day.[1] Beyond that, it’s associated with:

• Strength gains
• Faster recovery
• Improved bone density

The benefits aren’t limited to athletes, either. A 2018 study looked at LGD-4033 in adults over 65 recovering from hip fractures and found gains in both lean muscle mass and mobility, a striking result outside the typical athletic-performance context.[2]

When and How to Take LGD-4033: Dosage and Cycling

Dosage

Ligandrol works on a fixed daily total of 10mg, split one of two ways:

• 1x 10mg daily: taken in the morning with breakfast.
• 2x 5mg daily: one dose with breakfast, one with lunch.

Cycling

Cycle length isn’t identical for everyone; pay attention to how your body responds. That said, the typical window runs 8 to 12 weeks.

Once the cycle ends, a mild post-cycle therapy helps restore normal hormone function. Give yourself at least 4 weeks off before considering another cycle.

Stacking Other SARMs with LGD-4033

Stacking is common practice with Ligandrol. The typical combinations:

• Muscle growth support: MK-677
• Muscle strength support: YK-11
• Fat-loss support: SR-9009

Conclusion

LGD-4033 stands out as one of the best-researched SARMs for building muscle mass. The standard approach is 10mg daily across an 8 to 12 week cycle, taken either as a single morning dose or split into two smaller ones. Stacking it with a complementary compound is a straightforward way to push results further.

Sources:

1. Basaria, S., Collins, L., Dillon, E. L., Orwoll, K., Storer, T. W., Miciek, R., Ulloor, J., Zhang, A., Eder, R., Zientek, H., Gordon, G., Kazmi, S., Sheffield-Moore, M., & Bhasin, S. (2013). The safety, pharmacokinetics, and effects of LGD-4033, a novel nonsteroidal oral, selective androgen receptor modulator, in healthy young men. The Journals of Gerontology. Series A, Biological Sciences and Medical Sciences, 68(1), 87-95. https://doi.org/10.1093/gerona/gls078
2. Viking Therapeutics, Inc. (2018, October 1). Viking Therapeutics presents results from Phase 2 study of VK5211 in patients recovering from hip fracture in plenary oral presentation at ASBMR 2018 annual meeting. https://ir.vikingtherapeutics.com/2018-10-01-Viking-Therapeutics-Presents-Results-from-Phase-2-Study-of-VK5211-in-Patients-Recovering-from-Hip-Fracture-in-Plenary-Oral-Presentation-at-ASBMR-2018-Annual-Meeting