RAD-140 vs LGD-4033: The Complete Bulking SARM Comparison

Pharmacological Profiles: How They Differ at the Molecular Level

RAD-140 (Testolone)

Developed by Radius Health Inc. for breast cancer treatment and muscle wasting prevention. RAD-140 was designed with an explicit goal: achieve the anabolic effects of testosterone while minimizing prostate stimulation.

The 60-hour half-life is notably longer than LGD-4033, meaning RAD-140 accumulates more in the system and takes longer to clear. This has implications for both efficacy and post-cycle recovery timing.

RAD-140 also demonstrates unique neuroprotective properties. A 2014 study in Endocrinology showed that RAD-140 protected hippocampal neurons against kainate-induced excitotoxicity — a mechanism relevant to Alzheimer's disease. Users frequently report improved mental clarity, focus, and aggression during RAD-140 cycles, which may be related to this CNS activity.

LGD-4033 (Ligandrol)

Developed by Ligand Pharmaceuticals (now licensed to Viking Therapeutics) for muscle wasting and osteoporosis. LGD-4033 is the most clinically studied SARM with completed Phase I and Phase II human trials.

LGD-4033's defining clinical finding: In the Basaria et al. (2013) Phase I trial, 1mg/day produced 1.21 kg (2.67 lbs) of lean mass gain in just 21 days in healthy young men without resistance training. This remains the most impressive lean mass gain demonstrated by any SARM at any dose in a controlled clinical setting.

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Head-to-Head Comparison: 10 Critical Dimensions

1. Mass Gain

Winner: LGD-4033

At equivalent cycles (8 weeks), LGD-4033 consistently produces more total weight gain:

• LGD-4033 (5-10mg): 6-12 lbs
• RAD-140 (10-20mg): 5-10 lbs

The difference is approximately 2-3 lbs in LGD's favor. However, a significant portion of LGD's additional weight is glycogen-bound water. When comparing dry lean tissue gain (weight retained 4 weeks post-cycle), the gap narrows to approximately 1 lb.

2. Strength Gain

Winner: RAD-140

RAD-140 produces superior strength increases relative to bodyweight gained:

• RAD-140: 20-35% increase on major compound lifts
• LGD-4033: 15-25% increase on major compound lifts

Users consistently report that RAD-140 provides a more pronounced "strength surge" — particularly in pressing movements. This may relate to RAD-140's CNS effects and potentially greater neuromuscular drive.

3. Aesthetics / Dryness

Winner: RAD-140

This is not even close. RAD-140 produces visually drier, harder-looking gains with minimal subcutaneous water retention. LGD-4033 produces fuller, softer-looking gains with notable water retention that blurs muscle definition.

If you are already lean (sub-12% body fat) and want to look better immediately on cycle, RAD-140 delivers a more impressive visual transformation. If you are bulking in a caloric surplus and prioritize scale weight, LGD-4033's fuller appearance is acceptable.

4. Suppression

Verdict: Similar — slight edge to LGD-4033

Both compounds suppress natural testosterone production. The degree varies by individual, but aggregate community data suggests:

• LGD-4033 (5-10mg): 30-60% testosterone suppression
• RAD-140 (10-20mg): 40-70% testosterone suppression

RAD-140 appears marginally more suppressive at common doses, possibly due to its longer half-life (60 hours vs 24-36) creating greater steady-state accumulation. The 2013 Basaria study on LGD-4033 showed dose-dependent suppression of free testosterone by 40-60% at the 1mg dose over 21 days — suggesting that at commonly used recreational doses (5-10mg), suppression is substantial.

Both compounds require PCT consideration. Neither should be treated as "mild enough to skip recovery."

5. Hair Safety

Winner: LGD-4033 (slightly)

Hair loss is dose-dependent and genetically determined for both compounds. However, anecdotal community reports consistently identify RAD-140 as more likely to cause shedding in MPB-predisposed individuals.

The proposed mechanism: RAD-140's higher androgenic receptor binding affinity in scalp tissue (relative to its selectivity ratio) may create more follicular miniaturization than LGD-4033 at equivalent muscle-building doses.

If you have a family history of male pattern baldness and this is a significant concern, LGD-4033 is the marginally safer choice. Neither is "safe" for hair — both activate the androgen receptor, and any AR agonist can accelerate genetic hair loss.

6. Cognitive Effects

Winner: RAD-140

RAD-140 crosses the blood-brain barrier and demonstrates neuroprotective properties in preclinical research. Users frequently report:

• Improved focus and mental clarity
• Slightly increased aggression/motivation (not to the degree of trenbolone)
• Enhanced workout intensity

LGD-4033 is generally cognitively neutral — users do not report significant mental changes in either direction.

7. Liver Impact

Verdict: Similar — both mild

Neither compound is 17-alpha-alkylated (the modification that makes oral steroids hepatotoxic). However, both can produce mild, transient elevations in liver enzymes (AST/ALT) at recreational doses. These elevations are typically subclinical (1.5-2x upper normal range) and resolve within 2-4 weeks of cessation.

RAD-140 has shown slightly more hepatic signal in case reports, with a few documented instances of drug-induced liver injury at higher doses (20mg+). A 2020 case report in ACG Case Reports Journal documented cholestatic liver injury from RAD-140 at 20mg/day.

At standard doses (RAD 10-15mg, LGD 5-10mg), liver impact is minimal for both.

8. Cardiovascular Impact

Verdict: Similar

Both suppress HDL cholesterol (the "good" cholesterol) by approximately 20-40% during the cycle. Both leave LDL relatively unchanged or mildly elevated. Both effects reverse post-cycle.

Managing this:

• Omega-3 supplementation: 3-4g EPA/DHA daily
• Regular cardiovascular exercise (30 min, 3-4x/week)
• Limit saturated fat intake
• Monitor via mid-cycle bloodwork

9. Cost

Verdict: Similar

In the Canadian market, both RAD-140 and LGD-4033 are priced comparably:

• RAD-140: $50-80 CAD per 30ml bottle (10mg/ml concentration typical)
• LGD-4033: $50-80 CAD per 30ml bottle (10mg/ml concentration typical)

Cost is not a differentiating factor between these two compounds.

10. Clinical Evidence

Winner: LGD-4033

LGD-4033 has completed Phase I and Phase II human clinical trials with published data demonstrating safety and efficacy. The Basaria et al. (2013) study provides concrete, peer-reviewed numbers for lean mass gain and hormonal suppression at specific doses.

RAD-140 has Phase I safety data and is currently in Phase II trials for breast cancer — but less published human efficacy data for muscle building is available compared to LGD-4033.

For those who prioritize evidence-based decision-making, LGD-4033's clinical portfolio is more robust.

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Summary Comparison Table

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Who Should Choose RAD-140?

RAD-140 is the superior choice if:

1. You are doing a recomposition (building muscle while losing fat simultaneously). RAD's drier profile and strength focus support caloric maintenance or mild deficit while still gaining lean tissue.

2. Strength is your primary metric. If you measure progress by numbers on the bar rather than numbers on the scale, RAD-140 delivers more force production enhancement per unit of suppression.

3. You are already lean (sub-12% body fat). RAD's dry gains and lack of water retention mean the muscle you build is immediately visible. You will look better on-cycle without the blurred definition that LGD produces.

4. You want cognitive enhancement. If mental sharpness, workout focus, and mild aggression enhancement are valuable alongside physical gains, RAD-140 provides this unique bonus.

5. You are cutting or maintaining. In a caloric deficit, RAD-140 preserves muscle while allowing fat loss without the confounding variable of water retention obscuring your progress.

[Internal Link: /rad-140-testolone/]

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Who Should Choose LGD-4033?

LGD-4033 is the superior choice if:

1. Your primary goal is maximum size. If the scale going up and filling out your frame is the goal, LGD-4033 produces more total mass. The additional water actually benefits muscle fullness and joint comfort during heavy training.

2. You are in a committed caloric surplus. LGD-4033 shines during a proper bulk — the glycogen supercompensation and water retention enhance pumps, recovery, and training capacity.

3. Hair preservation is important to you. If you have MPB genetics and want to minimize follicular damage, LGD's slightly lower androgenic scalp impact gives it the edge.

4. You prefer more clinical backing. If making decisions based on published human data matters to your risk assessment, LGD-4033's trial data is more comprehensive.

5. This is your first SARM cycle. For a pure beginner with no reference point, LGD-4033 at 5mg is arguably the most conservative and well-characterized starting protocol available.

[Internal Link: /lgd-4033-ligandrol/]

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Can You Stack RAD-140 and LGD-4033 Together?

Yes, but understand the trade-offs.

Stacking both compounds is common among experienced SARM users seeking maximum anabolic stimulation. The rationale: both bind the androgen receptor but may have slightly different tissue distribution profiles and downstream signaling cascades. Running them together provides greater total AR saturation than either alone.

Typical Stack Protocol

• RAD-140: 10mg/day
• LGD-4033: 5mg/day
• Duration: 8 weeks
• PCT: Mandatory — Nolvadex 20mg/day for 4-6 weeks

Expected Results (Stacked)

• Mass gain: 10-15 lbs (more than either alone)
• Strength: +25-40% on compound lifts
• Suppression: Significantly higher than single-compound use (60-80% testosterone reduction)
• Recovery time: 6-8 weeks to restore baseline testosterone

The Suppression Warning

Stacking doubles the suppressive signal. Both compounds compete for the same androgen receptor, but total androgenic load on the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis is cumulative. Users who stack RAD + LGD frequently report:

• More pronounced lethargy in weeks 6-8
• Lower post-cycle testosterone values
• Longer recovery timelines
• Greater libido impact during suppression

This stack is NOT recommended for first-time SARM users. Run each compound individually first, assess your personal suppression response, then make an informed decision about stacking in future cycles.

Alternative: Sequential Cycling

A less suppressive approach: run LGD-4033 for 8 weeks (bulk phase), recover for 6-8 weeks, then run RAD-140 for 8 weeks (recomp/cut phase). This gives you the benefits of both compounds with only single-agent suppression per cycle.

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Dosing Comparison

RAD-140 Dosing

Dose ceiling: Diminishing returns above 20mg. Suppression increases linearly while gains plateau. Some advanced users push to 30mg but this is aggressive territory with unclear benefit-to-risk.

LGD-4033 Dosing

Dose ceiling: Diminishing returns above 10mg. The Basaria study showed near-maximal lean mass gains at 1mg in clinical conditions — recreational doses of 5-10mg already represent significant receptor saturation.

Key Dosing Insight

LGD-4033 is effective at lower absolute doses than RAD-140. A 5mg LGD cycle produces comparable results to a 10mg RAD cycle. This means:

• LGD is more potent per milligram
• RAD requires approximately 2x the dose for equivalent AR stimulation
• Cost per cycle is similar (RAD costs more per mg but uses more mg)

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Side Effect Comparison: Real-World Reports

Hair Loss

• RAD-140: ~25-30% of MPB-predisposed users report noticeable shedding
• LGD-4033: ~15-20% of MPB-predisposed users report noticeable shedding

Insomnia

• RAD-140: Some users report difficulty sleeping (CNS stimulation)
• LGD-4033: Rarely reported; if anything, mild sedation in later weeks

Aggression / Irritability

• RAD-140: Mild increase in aggression reported by ~30% of users
• LGD-4033: Generally mood-neutral

Joint Comfort

• RAD-140: Some users report mild joint dryness at higher doses
• LGD-4033: Water retention often improves joint comfort

Appetite

• RAD-140: Generally no change
• LGD-4033: Slight appetite increase reported by some users

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PCT Requirements: Head-to-Head

Both compounds require post-cycle therapy consideration. The protocol is identical:

Standard SARM PCT:

• Nolvadex 20mg/day for 4 weeks
• Begin 3-5 days after last LGD dose OR 5-7 days after last RAD dose (longer half-life)
• Retest testosterone 2 weeks after completing PCT

When PCT is likely needed:

• After 8 weeks of either compound at standard doses, approximately 60-70% of users will benefit from PCT
• Users with lower pre-cycle testosterone baselines are more likely to need PCT
• Always decide based on post-cycle bloodwork, not assumptions

[Internal Link: /nolvadex-tamoxifen/]

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The Verdict: Decision Matrix

Ask yourself these three questions:

1. What is my primary goal?

• Maximum size → LGD-4033
• Maximum strength → RAD-140
• Best aesthetics → RAD-140
• Recomposition → RAD-140
• Pure bulk → LGD-4033

2. What is my body fat percentage?

• Above 15% → Either works; LGD's water won't bother you
• 12-15% → Lean toward RAD for visual impact
• Below 12% → RAD-140 (LGD's water will blur your conditioning)

3. What concerns me most?

• Hair loss → LGD-4033
• Water retention → RAD-140
• Suppression severity → LGD-4033 (marginally)
• Sleep disruption → LGD-4033
• Want clinical backing → LGD-4033

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Which SARM is better for a first cycle — RAD-140 or LGD-4033?

For a pure first-time user with no prior PED experience, LGD-4033 at 5mg has a slight edge due to more extensive clinical data, slightly lower average suppression at starter doses, and a more predictable response curve. However, RAD-140 at 10mg is also a valid first cycle — the difference is marginal. Choose based on your primary goal (mass vs strength/aesthetics).

Q: Can I switch from RAD-140 to LGD-4033 mid-cycle?

This is inadvisable. Both compound's half-lives mean you would have overlapping blood concentrations during the transition, making suppression unpredictable. Complete one compound's cycle, recover fully (confirmed by bloodwork), then start the other.

Q: Do RAD-140 and LGD-4033 affect testosterone equally?

No compound affects all users equally. However, at commonly used recreational doses, RAD-140 appears marginally more suppressive. Individual variation is large — some users report 30% suppression from RAD-140, while others on the same dose show 70%. Bloodwork is the only reliable assessment tool.

Q: Which has better long-term safety data?

Neither compound has long-term (multi-year) human safety data. LGD-4033 has more published short-term clinical data (21-day and 12-week studies). Both are investigational drugs without regulatory approval for recreational use. Long-term safety is genuinely unknown for both — a fact that should inform your risk assessment.

Q: Is there a "best of both worlds" SARM?

S-23 is sometimes described as having properties of both (dry gains + significant mass), but it is substantially more suppressive than either RAD or LGD — approaching steroid-level shutdown. For most users, choosing one of RAD-140 or LGD-4033 based on goals and cycling them on alternating runs is more practical than seeking a single compound that does everything.

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Conclusion: Both Are Excellent — Your Goals Determine the Winner

There is no universally "better" compound between RAD-140 and LGD-4033. They are different tools for different objectives:

RAD-140 is the precision instrument. It builds quality, dry lean tissue. It enhances strength disproportionately. It sharpens mental focus. It makes you look better while you are on it. It is the choice of the athlete who values performance and aesthetics over pure mass.

LGD-4033 is the mass builder. It fills out your frame. It provides clinically validated muscle growth at remarkably low doses. It is gentler on hair. It is more extensively studied. It is the choice of the athlete who wants maximum size and has the discipline to let post-cycle water drop before assessing results.

Choose one. Run it properly. Get bloodwork. Assess your individual response. Then you will have the personal data to make an informed decision about future cycles — whether that means repeating the same compound, switching to the other, or combining both with full awareness of the trade-offs.

[Internal Link: /sarms-complete-guide/] [Internal Link: /pct-supplements/]

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Disclaimer: This article is for educational purposes only. SARMs are not approved for human consumption in Canada and are sold as research chemicals. Consult a healthcare professional before using any investigational compound. Regular bloodwork monitoring is essential for any hormonal protocol.

References:

1. Basaria, S., et al. (2013). The safety, pharmacokinetics, and effects of LGD-4033, a novel nonsteroidal oral, selective androgen receptor modulator, in healthy young men. Journals of Gerontology Series A, 68(1), 87-95.
2. Miller, C.P., et al. (2011). Design, synthesis, and preclinical characterization of the selective androgen receptor modulator (SARM) RAD140. ACS Medicinal Chemistry Letters, 2(2), 124-129.
3. Jayaraman, A., et al. (2014). Selective androgen receptor modulator RAD140 is neuroprotective in cultured neurons and kainate-lesioned male rats. Endocrinology, 155(4), 1398-1406.
4. Narayanan, R., et al. (2018). Selective androgen receptor modulators (SARMs) as function promoting therapies. Current Opinion in Clinical Nutrition and Metabolic Care, 21(3), 233-240.
5. Barbara, M., et al. (2020). Drug-induced liver injury associated with RAD140. ACG Case Reports Journal, 7(9), e00470.