Is LGD 4033 to Blame for Shayna Jack’s Ban?

LGD 4033 or Ligandrol is a potent Selective Androgen Receptor Modulator (SARM). It is among the performance enhancing drugs. It was originally created to cure muscle wasting. It was specifically for cancer or aging patients. But years later, it somehow got to the fitness world for something quite different: bodybuilding.

Unlike steroids, LGD 4033 is selective and non-steroidal. It targets the receptors in muscle and bone without affecting other organs to a large extent. This is why it’s appealing to bodybuilders who want the gain without the usual steroid side effects. But it’s not harmless.

Actually, it’s prohibited by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA), and it’s illegal to use it in sport unless you have a medical reason. And that is where stories such as Shayna Jack feature.

Benefits of LGD 4033

Although prohibited in sports competitions, LGD-4033 is still used by bodybuilders and athletes. Why? Because it is effective.

This SARM has gained a cult following for providing significant muscle and strength gains. Usually, it has fewer side effects than other anabolic steroids. Let’s take a closer look at why so many continue to keep LGD-4033 on the top SARMs list for muscle building.

1. Lean Muscle Gain With Minimal Excess Water Retention

One of the largest reasons athletes take LGD-4033 is that it can be added to raw lean muscle mass. Where steroids tend to make one balloon or hold water, the user can add clean and cut size.

• Gain 5–10 pounds of lean muscle without water retention on a single 6–8 week cycle.
• Weight gain is “dry” and hard, not soft or watery.

This is perfect for cutting or recomp cycles where looks are concerned.

2. Builds Power and Training Performance

Increased power output and gym endurance are other benefits most commonly cited. LGD-4033 allows weightlifters to lift heavier and recover quicker between sets. They report breaking through plateaus and lifting more in only 2 weeks. The SARM stimulates muscle receptors without straining the liver or producing ugly side effects. This also makes it extremely popular among strength athletes or anyone who’s plateaued at a training plateau for some time.

3. Maintains Muscle During Cutting Fat

LGD-4033 isn’t only for bulking, it’s also incredible support during caloric deficit. For cutters, the general fear is losing muscle along with fat. LGD preserves gained lean mass even when calories are low. It maintains anabolic activity even on low calorie intake.

Users experience increased fat loss with increased muscle definition when stacking LGD with diet and cardio. Weightlifters stack it with other popular SARMs such as Cardarine (GW-501516) for cutting purposes.

4. Faster Muscle Recovery

The second highly significant reason for LGD’s popularity is increased muscle recovery. Onset soreness following training is usually minimized. Recovery rate following training is accelerated, enabling more regular training. Injuries or overtraining fatigue are less likely to be experienced on a cycle. This recovery enhancement enables users to train more frequently and with more intensity, boosting results .

5. High Bioavailability at Low Doses

LGD-4033 produces a considerable impact even at low doses (5–10 mg/day) because of its high binding affinity to androgen receptors. To wit, users do not have to mega-dose to notice gains. It’s affordable and more effective compared to other SARMs.

Actually, most LGD-4033 cycles are relatively short in duration (6–8 weeks) and still produce much muscle gain. Such effectiveness is the reason it’s typically being sought after under search phrases such as “LGD 4033 dosage” or “LGD-4033 liquid benefits.”

6. Non-Methylated (Less Liver Toxicity)

As opposed to some oral steroids, LGD-4033 is not methylated and, as such, does not put as much stress on the liver. Users must be cautious, but the net liver toxicity is less than that of most other PEDs. Some users omit internal support during the on-cycle (although PCT is still recommended later on). Not entirely risk-free, but this cleaner profile makes it more attractive to first-timers or those who want a safer edge.

7. Increased Sense of Well-Being and Concentration

This isn’t always mentioned, but some users do experience subtle mental gains on LGD cycles:

• Minor increase in motivation, confidence, or intensity at the gym.
• Possible androgenic effect on mood, to be more “tuned in” to training.

While not scientifically proven across the board, anecdotal advantages go towards explaining LGD-4033’s prevalence beyond the physical benefits.

The Shayna Jack Doping Case

Let’s travel back in time to 2019. Australian swimmer Shayna Jack, at the age of only 20, was preparing for competition in the World Aquatics Championships. A young talent and focal point of Australia’s relay squad, she was about to make waves.

Then came the bombshell. A week or so from the competition, Jack tested positive for LGD-4033 via an out-of-competition test. She was withdrawn from competition. Provisional ban handed down. Her Olympic aspirations were thwarted.

Jack maintained she didn’t knowingly consume LGD 4033. She said it was an accidental ingestion, perhaps in a contaminated supplement, and protested the charge.

Following a year-long court battle, with a hearing in front of the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), her four-year suspension was cut to two. CAS agreed that she never doped on purpose. But by anti-doping rules, athletes are liable for all that goes into their bodies, even inadvertently.

So, Jack didn’t completely get away scot-free, but she missed out on the career-killing four-year punishment.

Why Is LGD 4033 So Controversial?

Because it works.

LGD 4033 users often report gains in strength, lean muscle mass, and recovery, all within weeks. That’s why it’s been added to most SARM stacks, especially bulking ones.

But that’s precisely the reason why it’s banned. LGD-4033 is among some of the best performance enhancing drugs.

And here’s the kicker: even tiny, trace amounts can produce a positive test. SARMs like Ligandrol linger in urine for weeks, depending on dose and frequency. That’s how even “accidental” exposure, or cross-contamination, can destroy a career.

LGD 4033 and the Swimming World

Shayna Jack is not the sole swimmer or athlete who has been impacted by Ligandrol. Although her situation was made public, dozens of athletes competing in sports other than swimming have been caught using it in the past.

The Anti-Doping Database shows that there are over 60 Ligandrol-related offense cases. They include:

• Irish triathlete Ben Shaw was suspended for 4 years in 2020
• Australian rugby player Liam Moseley, suspended for 3 years

The appeal is growing. But so is the concern.

Especially after top athletes like Joakim Noah (NBA) and several MMA fighters were caught using similar SARMs.

Professional athletes, including powerlifters, cyclists, and MMA fighters, who comprise UFC/WWE-sponsored competitors

The trend is obvious: Ligandrol is not a secret substance. It’s an excellent SARM for bulking, and athletes are simply willing to take the risk, knowingly or unknowingly.

For athletes such as Jack, who are under very strict doping control, small amounts count. And that’s why her positive test was a factor in global outrage. It was not simply around Ligandrol, but around fairness, intent, and burden of proof in contemporary sport.

What Is LGD 4033 Used For?

That’s where the bodybuilding need comes in.

Outside of clinical trials, LGD-4033 is used quite extensively in the fitness world for:

• Gaining lean muscle mass
• Increasing strength output
• Increasing recovery times
• Maintaining muscle while losing fat

It is also taken on a caloric deficit to keep gains during cutting. Some take it with SARMs such as Ostarine or RAD-140 for synergistic results. But again, all this is unofficial. No FDA approval, and it’s still a research chemical. But of all the SARMs that are available online, Ligandrol is probably one of the most searched and bought on the internet.

LGD 4033 Dosage

Standard cycles range from 6 to 8 weeks but can be 10 weeks. Standard dosage for men is:

• 5–10 mg daily
• Advanced users may take 10–15 mg, but that raises risks

Women, if at all (which occurs less often), typically begin with 2–5 mg daily.

Following the cycle, there are certain users who will be taking a Post-Cycle Therapy (PCT) to allow natural hormone levels to rebound. Although LGD is not a steroid, it will suppress testosterone.

Key note: these are user forums and anecdotal observations, and not medical advice.

LGD 4033 Liquid

Yet another super popular question online: What is LGD 4033 liquid?

It’s actually Ligandrol in a liquid carrier, typically 10mg/mL strength. The liquid makes it easier to administer sublingually by placing it under the tongue, allegedly enhancing bioavailability.

Some like it because it’s simpler to measure and does not need weighing the dose on a scale. Aside from that, LGD 4033 powder, capsules, and liquid contain the same compound.

LGD-4033 vs Other Common SARMs

One reason LGD-4033 remains popular is its potency. But how does it compare with other SARMs?

Takeaway: LGD-4033 sits comfortably between beginner-friendly Ostarine and the ultra-potent RAD-140. It’s ideal for users who want visible strength and mass gains without jumping straight into heavier suppression risks.

Where to Buy LGD 4033?

Now the catch.

LGD 4033 is not technically for sale legally as a supplement. It’s only sold for research, and legitimate sellers will put disclaimers on that it’s not for human consumption.

But people haven’t let that stop them.

If you type “buy LGD 4033” or “best SARMs for sale,” you’ll find quite a few dealers to choose from. The catch is quality control.

What are you searching for?

• Third-party lab testing
• Certificate of analysis (concentration and purity)
• No counterfeit additives or prohormones blended in
• Reasonable packaging and no misbranded medical claims

Steer clear of suspicious websites, generic marketplaces, or mysterious sellers. In certain nations, even buying the best SARMs online will put you in legal jeopardy, such as seizures by customs.

Why US Bodybuilders Continue Using LGD 4033

Because it works. Period.

To most bodybuilders, LGD 4033 is a “softer” cousin of anabolic steroids with the same chance of hard muscle gain but with less severe side effects. It does not even need to be injected, making it more attractive to new users.

The user gains 5–10 pounds of lean body mass in one cycle. Strength increases. Gym performance increases. Recovery is faster.

But then, as always, there’s a give-and-take. Suppression, liver stress, and unknown long-term side effects are real risks. Not to mention the legal cloud it hangs in.

Legal Status and Where to Buy LGD-4033

LGD-4033 is neither FDA-approved nor accepted by most worldwide health regulators. It is nonetheless purchasable from “research chemical” suppliers. This does not make it legal to consume.

In the majority of nations:

• Legal ownership for one’s own use, but technically in legal limbo.
• Sale for human use is illegal.
• Importation of LGD-4033 may risk seizure by customs.
• If you do still want to buy LGD-4033 online, only deal with vendors who provide:
• Third-party lab analysis
• Certificate of Analysis (COA)
• Clear ingredient declaration

Don’t deal with mystery vendors or products with no lab reports. Mislabeling is rampant, and contamination is one of the most common causes of unintentional doping. Research Compounds Hub has brought you an all-in-one solution to finding quality SARMs. We fulfill all the criteria for your safe purchases.

Should You Take LGD-4033?

On a strictly athletic basis, LGD-4033 stirs dramatic gains in:

• Muscle fullness and hardness
• Exercise recovery
• Strength output
• Fat-to-muscle ratio

But there is a price for gains:

• Suppression of endogenous testosterone
• Potential lipid or liver toxicity
• Legal and ethical issues
• Relying on cycles and PCT

With sportsmen, it is even higher. A single trace, compliments of filthy supplements, dirty powders, or even dermal contact, can take years off your eligibility.

Bottom line: For risk-taking bodybuilders, LGD-4033 might be worth the risk. But for clean athletes and health-conscious people, natural supplements or licensed supplements could be the intelligent choice.

Is Doping Always Intentional?

That’s the tough question. Sometimes yes, sometimes no.

SARMs are frequently contaminants in supplements, particularly in products marketed as “fat burners” or “test boosters.” The issue is that the supplement industry is poorly regulated. So cross-contamination occurs, or worse, ingredients are added deliberately without disclosure.

That’s why WADA regulations don’t differentiate between deliberate and otherwise. Strict liability. If you’ve got it in your system, you’re to blame.

Shayna Jack’s lighter punishment was unusual. Two to four years is what most athletes who are found guilty of taking LGD 4033 get, with intent no exception.

Conclusion

The story of LGD 4033 and Shayna Jack isn’t a swimming tale. It’s about how performance enhancing drugs are on the thin border between science and danger, promise and punishment. For athletes, it’s a warning. One tainted supplement can ruin your life.

For bodybuilders, it’s a wake-up call that the best SARMs, such as Ligandrol, though potent, are not playthings. They’re researching medication with actual consequences in real life, legal, hormonal, and health.

For the fitness community, it serves to remind them of the imperative for better education and regulation. It is because the thin line between legit enhancement and doping disaster is thinner than most realize.

FAQs

What is LGD 4033 Liquid?

Plain Ligandrol (LGD-4033) in liquid solution, typically at a specific concentration (typically 10 mg/mL), is sold by research labs. Due to being in liquid solution, it’s simple to take a dose via a dropper, no need to weigh. It’s essentially the same SARM, just in liquid carrier rather than tablets.

What is LGD 4033 used for?

LGD-4033 is utilized as a muscle builder. Bodybuilders and athletes consume it to add lean muscle mass, strength, and recover better with less fat. It was initially studied for the prevention of muscle wastage in patients. A few also consume it during dieting periods to help maintain muscle. In each instance, its use is for sport performance enhancement, and thus, it’s prohibited in sport.

How to take LGD 4033 liquid?

The most popular way is sublingual dosing. She measures your dose using the dropper, places the liquid under your tongue, keeps it there for 30–60 seconds, and swallows afterwards. This is peak absorption. Typical therapy is 5–10 mg daily, usually divided into two doses. Use only the supplied pipette and shake the bottle if necessary. Post-cycle therapy (PCT) is used by the majority of users after a cycle to regain natural hormones.

What is doping?

Doping refers to the use of prohibited drugs or practices to get an unfair competitive advantage. It encompasses anabolic steroids, SARMs, hormones, stimulants, and even some medications (in the absence of a TUE). Anti-doping regulations exist to uphold the integrity of sport and to encourage athlete well-being. Offences generally lead to multi-year bans, lost medals, and damage to reputation.

Where to buy LGD 4033 liquid?

Legally, LGD-4033 is not found in stores. It’s usually purchased over the internet from “research chemical” vendors. If a decision is made to buy it, the main concern is safety: only buy from vendors who have third-party lab testing of purity. Look for a certificate of 100% LGD-4033 at the stated dosage and absence of any other chemicals. Avoid purchasing from generic platforms or spontaneous vendors. Keep in mind that selling SARMs is a legal gray area or illegal in most locations, and the authorities will sometimes intercept shipments.