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LGD-4033 vs Primobolan: 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

Primo · Methenolone · Methenolone Enanthate

A DHT-based steroid favored for its high safety profile and low side-effect burden. Often used in high doses for lean mass preservation. Long rumored in bodybuilding lore to have been Arnold Schwarzenegger's favorite steroid.

6.0/10 natty
Full breakdown →

6 / 10 natty scale / 6

Same lane

Both sit in the same class and are run for recomposition. This is a like-for-like comparison: read the gaps as real trade-offs.

The tape

Core ratings

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

LGD-4033Primobolan
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 5Δ1

2.0

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-4033Primobolan

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-4033Primobolan
SARM
Class
Anabolic Steroid
Oral
Route
Injectable (IM)
5-20 mg/dayOnce daily oral
Typical dose
400-800 mg/week2x/week injection
24-36 hours
Half-life
10-14 days
8-12 weeks
Typical run
12-20 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-4033Primobolan
BulkingRecompositionCutting

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

Lean Mass PreservationExcellent for maintaining muscle during caloric deficits and cutting phases.
Quality MuscleProvides slow but high-quality lean muscle gains without water retention.
Female UseOne of the few steroids considered relatively safe for female athletes due to low virilization risk.

Documented upside

  • No estrogen conversion (no gyno or water retention)
  • Mild on hair (compared to other DHT derivatives)
  • Good for cutting and maintaining lean mass
  • Relatively safe for long cycles
  • Suitable for women at low doses
+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-4033Primobolan
Lipids
Blood pressure & water

None documented

None documented

Hair, skin & prostate
Suppression & fertility

The exit

Hormonal fallout & recovery

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

LGD-4033Primobolan
severe
HPTA suppression
moderate
none
Aromatization
none
low
Liver toxicity
none
moderate
Hair-loss risk
moderate
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.

Primobolan

Standard PCT required. Due to long half-life, wait 2-3 weeks after last injection before starting PCT.

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). The body-load fingerprint above shows where that weight actually lands.

  3. 03

    Body load

    The widest gap at typical protocols is cholesterol / apob (LGD-4033 7.8/10 vs 2.8/10), then liver strain (LGD-4033 2.8/10 vs 0/10).

  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, Primobolan as injectable (im); typical runs are 8-12 weeks vs 12-20 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.