MK-2866 vs LGD-4033: What are They?

Ostarine (MK-2866) and Ligandrol (LGD-4033) are unquestionably two of the most popular Selective Androgen Receptor Modulators (SARMs) in the world of fitness and bodybuilding. Over the past few years, both have gained a lot of popularity as muscle-building compounds. However, the question on everyone’s mind is: which one is better?

 

Ostarine vs Ligandrol: Origins and Similarities

Let us first start with what Ostarine (MK-2866) and Ligandrol (LGD-4033) share in common, and then we will proceed to break down the differences. 

Both Ostarine and Ligandrol are SARMs that were initially manufactured by pharmaceutical companies as alternatives to androgen replacement therapy. It is worthwhile to note here that this therapy is intended for individuals who are struggling with health complications. These might include, but are not limited to conditions which cause muscle wasting, such as cancer, osteoporosis, and growth deficiencies, as well as post-surgery treatment and specific muscle wasting conditions. 

Basically, pharmaceutical companies wanted solutions that were not as severe on the body as traditional anabolic steroids. 

Hence, they decided to create Selective Androgen Receptor Modulators (SARMs) such as Ostarine (MK-2866) and Ligandrol (LGD-4033). These are non-steroidal compounds used for treatment such as those listed above. 

Both of these SARMs have the ability to bind to androgen receptors in the bone and tissue. This promotes growth in these areas, speeding up muscle gain and strengthening bone density. 

As their name suggests, SARMs are selective in the androgen receptors that they bind to. This is not the case with designer steroids, which may just easily bind to the heart, prostate, or other reproductive organs. Growth in these areas is severely harmful. 

This is exactly the reason why SARMs are considered to be safer than anabolic steroids. However, it should be noted that no substance like this is completely without risk. SARMs are currently not approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for consumption. 

Research has only started taking place in the last couple of decades, and is not yet advanced enough to identify the long-term effects of using substances like Selective Androgen Receptor Modulators. 

While this early research shows medical benefits, this should not cloud the potential increased risk of conditions like heart attack and liver damage. 

LGD-4033 and MK-2866, both SARMs, are not for pregnant and lactating women, or those who may be pregnant. They are also not for use by children. Similarly, they should not be considered by those with a hypersensitivity to their active or inactive ingredients. No reputable medical professional will prescribe any SARM if you meet these criteria. 

It is important for potential users of Ostarine (MK-2866) and Ligandrol (LGD-4033) to seek prior medical guidance, and to only take further steps with approval from their doctor. Moreover, dosages of these SARMs should never be abused in the hopes of quick results. This will always result in side effects - whether mild or severely dangerous. 

Users should seek medical guidance immediately if they experience any abnormality. Furthermore, you should only ever buy MK-2866 or buy LGD-4033 from a reputable SARMs store. This will ensure that they come from a quality seller that deals only in legitimate supplements. 

Potential Benefits of LGD-4033: LGD vs Ostarine

Ligandrol, also known as LGD-4033, is probably one of the most popular of all mass-building SARMs. It has an anabolic to androgenic ratio of 10:1 - that is enough to suggest its potency. 

The use of Ligandrol is associated with dramatic enhancements in bone mineral density, which are under research for their treatment of severe health conditions like osteoporosis. 

In addition to this, Ligandrol shows efficacy in providing strength to muscles. It helps to keep users’ body mass consistent, and has the potential to produce lean muscle mass without accumulating more fat. This fat is your adversary if you are a regular at the gym! 

In other words, LGD-4033 ensures that there is less breakdown of muscle between intense bodybuilding and workout sessions. It’s no wonder, then, that some users claim it is easier to lose body fat. Not only this, but Ligandrol has the unique ability of increasing the distribution and uptake of glucose. From this, it may improve the usage and dispersal of carbohydrates, protein, and other nutrients. 

For muscle building in men, Ligandrol is most often used in doses of 10mg per day, with a cycle lasting 8-12 weeks. It is preferably taken with meals. Female users, on the other hand, should use a smaller dose and a shorter cycle: 5mg per day with meals, in a cycle lasting between 6 and 10 weeks. 

It is important to remember that the use of Ligandrol is best complemented with a balanced diet and guided workout sessions. Not only are they essential for wellbeing in general, but those looking to shred fat or gain muscle cannot do so without some input from their lifestyle. These supplements are not intended to be a quick fix or replace exercise: they are medications still early in their research, designed to help its users towards a body structure that is healthier for them. 

This is yet another reason why you must seek medical advice and wait to be prescribed SARMs: everyone’s body is different, and the body composition they should work towards is totally individual. 

Considering the question of “Ligandrol vs Ostarine”, Ligandrol is geared towards increasing muscle mass and so is not advised if you are looking to decrease your overall body weight. 

This supplement can be made a part of both bulking as well as cutting cycles, where the aim is to lose body fat while still building lean muscle mass. When considering Ligandrol vs Ostarine, Ligandrol is a little more suppressive, more potent, and more anabolic than MK-2866, and is therefore sometimes referred to as the “big brother of MK-2866”. LGD-4033 is best suited to kick-start, for on-cycle use, and as part of a bridge. 

If you are an athlete tested under the World Anti-Doping Agency, it is important for you to note that LGD-4033 is considered as a performance-enhancing drug (PED) and is hence banned. Therefore, you must not use this drug if you are performing competitively or if you are going to be tested within the next 4-6 weeks. 

Potential Benefits of MK-2866: Ostarine vs Ligandrol

MK-2866, also known as Ostarine, Ostabolic, or Enobosarm, is a Selective Androgen Receptor Modulator that has the ability to directly bind with androgen receptors to increase protein synthesis in the bones and muscle. 

It is noted as one of the most effective SARMs when it comes to preserving muscles in a caloric deficit and holding onto strength while getting shredded. 

Many people value being able to keep their gains while still being able to lose body weight, adding this as a potential factor in the “Ostarine vs Ligandrol” debate. All too often, athletes spend time and effort gaining mass, only to notice the scales rise. Then, they will try to lose weight - and the muscles disappear! Users should not notice a difference in their overall strength level if they lose weight, as long as it is gradual and within a healthy range for the individual. 

This should also be considered in the reverse when it comes to treating conditions such as muscle wasting issues. It is important not too let body mass drop too low, especially if muscle mass is already low. Using supplements that exacerbate weight loss can be incredibly dangerous if the individual is already of a low BMI. Again, this is something that you and your doctor should discuss before they prescribe any kind of treatment. 

One of the biggest advantages of Ostarine is that it is very mild in comparison to other Selective Androgen Receptor Modulators. This is one of the largest points to consider when weighing up the question of LGD vs Ostarine. If you are new to SARMs, it is always best to start slowly and carefully. 

Not only this, it has the unique potential to preserve and build muscle mass. If that is not all, it helps to pack a lot of stamina and strength along with a decent amount of muscle mass and size. The most impressive effect is that the gained size will be dry, lean muscle tissue. 

MK-2866 makes it extremely easy for users to notice anywhere between 5 and 10lbs of quality muscle gains, within a period as short as 4-6 weeks. These gains are “keepable” on top of that!

Furthermore, MK-2866 also demonstrates efficacy in reducing the risk of degenerative diseases and complications. This is especially if the users are recovering from surgeries or other similar health conditions. Moreover, the anabolic effects of MK-2866 are equally good to target not just the muscle tissue but also to reach the skeletal and bone muscle tissue. 

When it comes to MK-2866 vs LGD-4033, MK-2866 is also useful to improve physique and boost athletic performance. This SARM is reported to provide similar advantages to anabolic steroids, but with a decreased risk of some of their side effects. 

Some of these may include prostate enlargement, hair loss, acne, mood swings, heart hypertrophy, liver toxicity, high blood pressure, and natural testosterone suspension. 

These risks are significantly lower than with anabolic steroids, but never impossible; so please remember to exert complete caution and do your research before considering any kind of supplement. 

 

Ligandrol vs Ostarine: What Next?

The ideal dosage of Ostarine is 25-50mg every day for men, in a cycle of 8-12 weeks. Ideally, it should always be taken with meals. Female users may use this SARM in a cycle of 6-8 weeks at a daily dosage of 12.5mg every day.

It is best suited for recomposition, bulking, or cutting. However, it is mostly used as a cutting cycle drug that helps users maintain muscle mass and strength during intense bodybuilding, cardio, and workout sessions. 

It is suggested that users follow a full post-cycle therapy (PCT) after each cycle of MK-2866. Learn more about post-cycle therapy and its importance in our blog post here. 

It is also vital to note that MK-2866 is considered a performance-enhancing drug (PED) and hence banned. If you are an athlete tested under the World Anti-Doping Agency, you must not use this drug if you are to compete or be tested within 4-6 weeks. 

 

LGD vs Ostarine: What are the Differences?

• Ostarine is a SARM that was developed for treating both muscle wasting conditions and osteoporosis. On the other hand, LGD-4033 was developed to treat muscle mass because of different health complications.
• LGD-4033 has a half-life of 24-26 hours, while Ostarine has a half-life of 20-24 hours. This doesn’t necessarily mean that they should be taken more or less often than the other: once daily with a meal is the average recommendation for both. It is worth considering that the effects of Ligandrol will last very slightly longer; however, if you eat, sleep, and exercise within the correct timeframes, you may not notice this 0-6 hour difference. 
• Ostarine vs LGD: Ostarine use can lead to a slight hike in the levels of estrogen, while Ligandrol use can cause a slight reduction in the levels of sex hormone-binding globulin and testosterone.
• Ostarine vs LGD: Ostarine is minimally suppressive and LGD-4033 is comparatively more suppressive. 
• LGD-4033 is more suited for users who have already dabbled into a few cycles of SARMs. Ostarine, on the other hand, is more ideal for beginners as well as experienced users.
• MK-2866 vs LGD-4033: LGD-4033 is best suited for bulking cycles, and MK-2866 is ideal for cutting cycles.

Ostarine vs LGD: The Verdict?

Both Ostarine (MK-2866) have their own benefits and drawbacks, and the final selection between the two entirely depends on the specific requirements of users. If you’re looking to increase muscle, LGD-4033 is better suited, and MK-2866 is a popular choice for a cutting cycle SARM. The question of “Ligandrol vs Ostarine” is down to you, your research, your goals, and the guidance of your doctor alone.