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LGD-4033 vs Masteron: side-by-side comparison

SARM

Ligandrol · LGD4033 · Anabolicum

A non-steroidal SARM highly effective for mass accrual. One of the most studied SARMs with clinical trial data supporting its muscle-building effects.

6.0/10 natty
Full breakdown →
VS
Anabolic Steroid

Drostanolone · Mast · Drostanolone Propionate

A DHT-derived compound used primarily as a cosmetic finisher for competition. Provides muscle hardness, dryness, and acts as a mild anti-estrogen.

6.0/10 natty
Full breakdown →

6 / 10 natty scale / 6

Same lane

Both sit in the same class, but they are pointed at different goals: LGD-4033 at bulking, recomposition, Masteron at cutting, cosmetic.

The tape

Core ratings

The same three rulers every entry on the site is scored with, read head to head.

LGD-4033Masteron
6.0

Natty scale

1 natural · 10 heavy

6.0
4.0

Effectiveness

Documented effect · of 5Δ0.5

3.5
3.0

Side-effect severity

Documented burden · of 5Δ0.5

2.5

Cost side

Body-load fingerprint

Where each one actually lands its strain, on the calculator's thirteen channels. Tap a row for what it means and which labs track it.

LGD-4033Masteron

Cardiometabolic

Organ strain

Hormonal

Systemic

Injection & site care

Bars show strain at each one's typical protocol, not your dose. marks values inferred from side-effect data or category rather than hand-graded. For your numbers, run the calculator.

Logistics

The vitals

LGD-4033Masteron
SARM
Class
Anabolic Steroid
Oral
Route
Injectable (IM)
5-20 mg/dayOnce daily oral
Typical dose
300-600 mg/weekPropionate: EOD minimum, daily preferred for stable levels; Enanthate: 2x/week
24-36 hours
Half-life
2-3 days (Propionate), 7-10 days (Enanthate)
8-12 weeks
Typical run
6-10 weeks
Research chemical
Legal status
Controlled substance
ProhibitedS1. Anabolic Agents
WADAmatch
ProhibitedS1. Anabolic Agents

Benefit side

What each is for

Shared goals carry both dots; a goal with one dot belongs to that side alone.

LGD-4033Masteron
BulkingRecompositionCuttingCosmetic

Run for

Mass BuildingOne of the best SARMs for adding significant muscle mass.
Strength GainsProduces noticeable strength increases throughout the cycle.
Recovery EnhancementImproves recovery between training sessions.

Documented upside

  • Significant muscle mass gains
  • Increased strength
  • Enhanced recovery
  • No estrogen conversion
  • Oral administration
+1 more on the full page

Run for

Competition PrepUsed in the final weeks before competition to enhance muscle hardness and dryness.
Estrogen MaskingActs as a mild AI, helping to control estrogen-related side effects.
Aesthetic EnhancementImproves muscle definition and vascularity for a more polished look.

Documented upside

  • Enhanced muscle hardness and density
  • Increased dryness and vascularity
  • Anti-estrogenic properties
  • Increases free testosterone via SHBG binding
  • No water retention
+1 more on the full page

The downsides

Side effects, aligned

Each entry's documented side effects, sorted onto the same body systems so the gaps and the overlaps are visible. Tap any effect for the detail.

LGD-4033Masteron
Lipids

None documented

Blood pressure & water

None documented

None documented

Hair, skin & prostate
Suppression & fertility

None documented

The exit

Hormonal fallout & recovery

What each does to your own hormone axis while on, and what leaving it costs.

LGD-4033Masteron
severe
HPTA suppression
moderate
none
Aromatization
none
low
Liver toxicity
none
moderate
Hair-loss risk
high
No
DHT-derived
Yes
No
19-nor / progestogenic
No
Required
PCT
Required
Semi-permanent
What sticks
Semi-permanent

LGD-4033

Mini-PCT with Enclomiphene (6.25-12.5mg daily) for 4 weeks, or Nolvadex if heavily suppressed.

Masteron

Standard SERM PCT (e.g. Nolvadex 40/40/20/20). Start timing by ester: ~2 weeks after the last Enanthate pin, ~3-4 days after Propionate. Masteron does not aromatize, so estrogen rebound is not the concern; restoring natural testosterone is.

Read-out

How they separate

  1. 01

    Enhancement

    They land at almost the same point on the natty scale (6/10 vs 6/10): a similar distance beyond natural.

  2. 02

    Side-effect bill

    LGD-4033's documented side-effect severity is heavier (3/5 vs 2.5/5). The body-load fingerprint above shows where that weight actually lands.

  3. 03

    Body load

    The widest gap at typical protocols is liver strain (LGD-4033 2.8/10 vs 0/10), then blood thickness (Masteron 5.5/10 vs 2.8/10).

  4. 04

    Coming off

    Both suppress natural testosterone production: coming off either means a recovery phase, not just stopping.

  5. 05

    Logistics

    LGD-4033 runs as oral, Masteron as injectable (im); typical runs are 8-12 weeks vs 6-10 weeks.

  6. 06

    Tested athletes

    Both are WADA-prohibited: neither belongs anywhere near tested competition.

Generated from each entry's data file. Descriptive, not a recommendation; nothing here is medical advice.