Rad 140 vs Lgd 4033 | Differences & Which One Is Better for You

Rad 140 and LGD 4033 are often looked at as equals in terms of their lean muscle-building potential, and their natural testosterone production suppression. But is that all there is to it? And if so why even bother to choose one over the other?

While they do add a very similar amount of muscle, RAD 140 and LGD 4033 differ tremendously in their remaining properties.

When picking one over the other, it all comes down to assessing:

1. What do you want out of the cycle
2. What side effects are you willing to risk

Each SARM has its own unique strengths and weaknesses, and on paper, there is no winner. The point of comparing them is to find which one suits you best based on their properties and how well your body responds to each. By familiarizing yourself with the properties of each compound, you are putting yourself in the best possible position to make an educated decision.

This article will help you do exactly that.

/*! elementor - v3.12.2 - 23-04-2023 */ .elementor-widget-divider{--divider-border-style:none;--divider-border-width:1px;--divider-color:#0c0d0e;--divider-icon-size:20px;--divider-element-spacing:10px;--divider-pattern-height:24px;--divider-pattern-size:20px;--divider-pattern-url:none;--divider-pattern-repeat:repeat-x}.elementor-widget-divider .elementor-divider{display:flex}.elementor-widget-divider .elementor-divider__text{font-size:15px;line-height:1;max-width:95%}.elementor-widget-divider .elementor-divider__element{margin:0 var(--divider-element-spacing);flex-shrink:0}.elementor-widget-divider .elementor-icon{font-size:var(--divider-icon-size)}.elementor-widget-divider .elementor-divider-separator{display:flex;margin:0;direction:ltr}.elementor-widget-divider--view-line_icon .elementor-divider-separator,.elementor-widget-divider--view-line_text .elementor-divider-separator{align-items:center}.elementor-widget-divider--view-line_icon .elementor-divider-separator:after,.elementor-widget-divider--view-line_icon .elementor-divider-separator:before,.elementor-widget-divider--view-line_text .elementor-divider-separator:after,.elementor-widget-divider--view-line_text .elementor-divider-separator:before{display:block;content:"";border-bottom:0;flex-grow:1;border-top:var(--divider-border-width) var(--divider-border-style) var(--divider-color)}.elementor-widget-divider--element-align-left .elementor-divider .elementor-divider-separator>.elementor-divider__svg:first-of-type{flex-grow:0;flex-shrink:100}.elementor-widget-divider--element-align-left .elementor-divider-separator:before{content:none}.elementor-widget-divider--element-align-left .elementor-divider__element{margin-left:0}.elementor-widget-divider--element-align-right .elementor-divider .elementor-divider-separator>.elementor-divider__svg:last-of-type{flex-grow:0;flex-shrink:100}.elementor-widget-divider--element-align-right .elementor-divider-separator:after{content:none}.elementor-widget-divider--element-align-right .elementor-divider__element{margin-right:0}.elementor-widget-divider:not(.elementor-widget-divider--view-line_text):not(.elementor-widget-divider--view-line_icon) .elementor-divider-separator{border-top:var(--divider-border-width) var(--divider-border-style) var(--divider-color)}.elementor-widget-divider--separator-type-pattern{--divider-border-style:none}.elementor-widget-divider--separator-type-pattern.elementor-widget-divider--view-line .elementor-divider-separator,.elementor-widget-divider--separator-type-pattern:not(.elementor-widget-divider--view-line) .elementor-divider-separator:after,.elementor-widget-divider--separator-type-pattern:not(.elementor-widget-divider--view-line) .elementor-divider-separator:before,.elementor-widget-divider--separator-type-pattern:not([class*=elementor-widget-divider--view]) .elementor-divider-separator{width:100%;min-height:var(--divider-pattern-height);-webkit-mask-size:var(--divider-pattern-size) 100%;mask-size:var(--divider-pattern-size) 100%;-webkit-mask-repeat:var(--divider-pattern-repeat);mask-repeat:var(--divider-pattern-repeat);background-color:var(--divider-color);-webkit-mask-image:var(--divider-pattern-url);mask-image:var(--divider-pattern-url)}.elementor-widget-divider--no-spacing{--divider-pattern-size:auto}.elementor-widget-divider--bg-round{--divider-pattern-repeat:round}.rtl .elementor-widget-divider .elementor-divider__text{direction:rtl}.e-con-inner>.elementor-widget-divider,.e-con>.elementor-widget-divider{width:var(--container-widget-width,100%);--flex-grow:var(--container-widget-flex-grow)} /*! elementor - v3.12.2 - 23-04-2023 */ .elementor-heading-title{padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1}.elementor-widget-heading .elementor-heading-title[class*=elementor-size-]>a{color:inherit;font-size:inherit;line-height:inherit}.elementor-widget-heading .elementor-heading-title.elementor-size-small{font-size:15px}.elementor-widget-heading .elementor-heading-title.elementor-size-medium{font-size:19px}.elementor-widget-heading .elementor-heading-title.elementor-size-large{font-size:29px}.elementor-widget-heading .elementor-heading-title.elementor-size-xl{font-size:39px}.elementor-widget-heading .elementor-heading-title.elementor-size-xxl{font-size:59px}

Benefits & Side Effects Comparison

Both RAD 140 and LGD 4033 are classified as moderately strong and suppressive SARMs, meaning that a cycle of either one will require a PCT for the majority of users. Both will also cause dyslipidemia (cholesterol panel disbalance). Their remaining properties all differ:

Ligandrol (LGD 4033)

.elementor-widget-progress{text-align:left}.elementor-progress-wrapper{position:relative;background-color:#eee;color:#fff;height:100%;border-radius:2px}.elementor-progress-bar{display:flex;background-color:#69727d;width:0;font-size:11px;height:30px;line-height:30px;border-radius:2px;transition:width 1s ease-in-out}.elementor-progress-text{flex-grow:1;white-space:nowrap;text-overflow:ellipsis;overflow:hidden;padding-left:15px}.elementor-progress-percentage{padding-right:15px}.elementor-widget-progress .elementor-progress-wrapper.progress-info .elementor-progress-bar{background-color:#5bc0de}.elementor-widget-progress .elementor-progress-wrapper.progress-success .elementor-progress-bar{background-color:#5cb85c}.elementor-widget-progress .elementor-progress-wrapper.progress-warning .elementor-progress-bar{background-color:#f0ad4e}.elementor-widget-progress .elementor-progress-wrapper.progress-danger .elementor-progress-bar{background-color:#d9534f}.elementor-progress .elementor-title{display:block}@media (max-width:767px){.elementor-progress-text{padding-left:10px}}.e-con-inner .elementor-progress-wrapper,.e-con .elementor-progress-wrapper{height:auto}

Muscle Mass
70%
Strength
65%
Testosterone Suppression
50%
Side Effects
50%

Benefits

• Muscle Growth
• Strength Gain
• Increased Performance
• Increased Bone & Joint Density
• Faster Recovery
• Better & Fuller Pumps

Side Effects

• Testosterone Suppression
• Cholesterol (Dyslipidemia)
• LGD Flu
• Water Retention

Very Rare Side Effects

• Gyno
• Hair Shedding
• Insomnia

For those wondering, the LGD flu is a Ligandrol-specific symptom that manifests by an upper respiratory tract infection for no apparent reason. The majority of users do not experience it, and when it does happen it lasts 3 to 5 days. The symptoms are that of the common flu.

For a more comprehensive breakdown of each one of these benefits and side effects, read my comprehensive LGD 4033 guide.

Testolone (RAD 140)

Muscle Mass
70%
Strength
80%
Testosterone Suppression
50%
Side Effects
60%

Benefits

• Muscle Growth
• Strength Gain
• Increased Performance
• Increased Bone Density
• Faster Recovery
• No Water Retention
• Increased Vascularity
• Better Pumps

Other / Possible Benefits

• Prostate Shrinkage
• Fights Breast Cancer (Proven)
• Better Mood
• Neuroprotective (In Rats)

Side Effects

• Testosterone Suppression
• Cholesterol (Dyslipidemia)
• Elevated Liver Enzymes (Liver Toxic)
• Hair Shedding
• Aggression

Very Rare Side Effects

• Gyno
• Insomnia

For a more comprehensive breakdown of each one of these benefits and side effects, read my comprehensive RAD 140 guide.

Key Differences

As you can see RAD 140 and LGD 4033 have a plethora of differences.

In terms of benefits, those are:

• RAD 140 will make you stronger than LGD 4033
• RAD140 will not make you retain water while LGD 4033 will
• RAD 140 has other possible benefits beyond performance
• RAD 140 is known to cause hair shedding, which is a dealbreaker for many

In terms of side effects, those are:

• LGD 4033 can have fewer side effects for some people
• LDG 4033 causes water retention which can get out of hand if you have a bad diet and/or are stacking it with MK677

Of course, the spectrum of side effects across both varies from person to person. But generally, going by these, you are able to make a distinction on which one would suit your goals better.

For more detailed information, read my more comprehensive guides which I linked to above.

Results & Expectations

LGD 4033 is people’s go-to compound for bulking cycles, while RAD 140 is more versatile and can be used for both bulking and cutting cycles.

From an 8-week LGD 4033 cycle one can expect gains of up to:

• 10 – 15 lbs (up to 2-5 lbs of water) while on a caloric surplus
• on a caloric deficit, LGD 4033 will increase and retain muscle, but its rarely used for cutting so we can’t make an accurate estimation as to how much muscle it will add

From an 8-week RAD 140 cycle one can expect gains of up to:

• 8 lbs of lean muscle mass on a caloric surplus
• possibly 2 – 4 lbs of lean muscle on a caloric deficit, if training variables are perfect, while retaining muscle is guaranteed

For a more detailed and visual picture of what you can expect from RAD 140 and LGD 4033 take a look at these 15 before and after RAD 140 transformations and these 12 before and after LGD 4033 transformations.

How to Use Each

Both RAD 140 and LGD 4033 should not be taken for over 8 weeks. Users often experience a plateau and diminishing returns after 8 weeks. The reason why is still unknown, but many speculate that it’s just because of an increase in myostatin.

In terms of suppression: 

• PCT will oftentimes be necessary for both RAD 140 and LGD 4033 as they have a very similar level of testosterone suppression, which is considered moderate among SARMs

To determine whether to PCT or not after a RAD 140 or LGD 4033 cycle visit my PCT for SARMs guide where I explain it in great detail.

NOTE: If you’re using either one for a cutting cycle, you will have to do a PCT, and possibly even a test base.

Protocol cheat sheets:

LGD 4033 Cheatsheet

• Half-life: 24 – 36 hours
• Dose: 10-20 mg/day
• Timing and Frequency:
  2.5 – 10 mg/day
• Cycle Length: 8 weeks
• PCT: Recommended

RAD 140 Cheatsheet

• Half-life: 60 hours
• Dose: 10-20 mg/day
• Timing and Frequency:
  1x a day – in the morning
• Cycle Length: 8 weeks
• PCT: Recommended

Stacking RAD 140 and LGD 4033

You should never stack RAD 140 and LGD 4033 because they work by the same mechanism of action, and will end up competing instead of complimenting with each other.

This is a universal practice that applies to all SARMs. Everyone wants to stack LGD 4033 and RAD 140, or MK2866 with RAD 140, or S4, etc… 

Combining “normal” SARMs is not optimal, and carries much more risks and far less benefits than just running one SARM at a higher dose.

The theory is that SARMs fight to attach to the same androgen receptors, and that the SARM with the higher binding affinity ends up kicking the other SARM out of the receptor (making it useless).

There is no scientific proof to back this theory up, but there are heaps of anecdotal cases that make it obvious. If we look at users that combined RAD 140 and LGD 4033, almost all of the time what happens is a miniscule increase in muscle compared to just running one. On top of that the test suppression and other side effects (lipid panel, enzymes) go through the roof.

Instead combine SARMs that have a different mechanism of action to create a synergy:

– YK11 (myostatin pathway) with SARM (androgen pathway)

– MK677 (GH pathway) with SARM (androgen pathway)

– SR-9009 / Cardarine (endurance) with SARM (androgen pathway)

Conclusion

While RAD 140 and LGD 4033 are equals when it comes to the amount of lean muscle they can build and the level of suppression they cause, they differ tremendously in other areas.

You should by now be fully aware of their unique properties, and be able to make an educated decision on which one better fits your goals and expectations. To conclude, there is no winner. Both have their pros and cons, and different people will have a different reaction to either one.