Understanding RAD 140 (Testolone)
RAD 140 is a synthetic compound known as a selective androgen receptor modulator (SARM) that mirrors the muscle-building abilities of anabolic steroids without the steroidal structure by targeting androgen receptors.
Developed primarily for patients dealing with conditions like osteoporosis, cachexia, and anemia, SARMs like RAD 140 offer a preferable alternative to anabolic steroids, which are known for their significant side effects on the cardiovascular system, liver, and hormonal balance.
Designed to choose muscle and bone over other tissues, tissue selectivity is a defining factor of RAD 140, which seeks to promote gains in muscle strength and mass while minimizing adverse reactions.
First introduced in 2010 by the American company Radius Health, RAD 140 is relatively new, and as a result, long-term impacts on humans are not fully understood.
Among its counterparts, RAD 140 stands out due to its heightened anabolic potency observed in animal models when compared with testosterone propionate.
Research involving primates has highlighted RAD 140’s potential after test subjects saw a 10% increase in lean body mass after 28 days of treatment [1].
Beyond its muscle-building capacity, RAD 140 is also implicated in fat loss and strength improvements, owing to its strong affinity for androgen receptors, akin to traditional steroids.
Legal Status of RAD 140 (Testolone)
Currently, RAD 140 has not attained approval for human consumption by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
It is, however, permitted for purchase when intended for research applications, especially those involving animal studies.
Nonetheless, bodybuilders and other athletes often obtain SARMs via the internet, where they are sold legally as long as they are marketed as research chemicals rather than dietary supplements.
Additionally, the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) has prohibited RAD 140 use among professional competitors [2].
User Experiences with RAD 140: Before and After
One individual combined RAD 140 with another SARM called LGD-4033 and supplemented the stack with MK-677, a growth hormone secretagogue often mistakenly classified as a SARM due to its anabolic properties.
This particular regimen led to impressive muscle enlargement, although it also promoted a rise in visceral fat, indicated by a noticeable expansion in belly size.
The rise in visceral fat may be largely due to the effects of MK-677, which has a reputation for promoting insulin resistance and subsequent fat accumulation in the abdominal area.
The gains in muscle mass for this person were moderate when compared to what might typically result from a first steroid cycle.
Estimating visually, this individual might have added about 10 lbs (4.5kg) of lean muscle, with around 4.5 lbs (2kg) potentially attributable to RAD 140’s effect.
Despite promising animal study results suggesting RAD 140 greatly increases muscle mass, human applications show a considerably more subdued response.
Studies align with this, comparing testosterone enanthate and SARMs. Where SARMs added 1–1.5 kg of lean muscle in 4-6 weeks, testosterone enanthate added a more substantial amount, between 5-7kg [3].
Observations from a RAD 140-Only Cycle
Another user detailed taking RAD 140 at 17 mg/day over a 12-week span, noting modest muscle definition enhancements paired with an increase in subcutaneous fat.
This individual gained 5 lbs (2.3kg), some of which represented fat accumulation likely due to a minor caloric surplus during the 12-week period.
It is plausible that RAD 140 may have contributed to 1-3 pounds of muscle mass gain.
Comparatively, this individual did not have as much visceral fat accumulation as the first, suggesting the latter scenario’s gain was principally linked to MK-677.
There is a possibility that the less pronounced results might indicate that the RAD 140 used was either impure or weakened, although this user’s source was confirmed as reputable.
RAD 140 Experience Report: 8-Week Cycle Assessment
A different user documented using less than 10 mg/day of RAD 140 throughout an 8-week cycle. Despite a low dosage, the user reported significant fat loss, enhanced muscle density, definition, and a more pronounced muscular appearance.
Although he put on 10 pounds, he expressed that the outcomes did not justify the use of RAD 140 for him due to only mild improvements and the experience of hair shedding.
The deliverable maintains a neutral and informative tone throughout the translation.The account reported by this individual suggests that taking modest amounts of RAD 140 could improve the benefits-to-risks balance, as evidenced by a 10-pound muscle gain alongside a significant reduction in subcutaneous fat.
RAD 140 Recommended Usage
Lacking FDA endorsement, RAD 140 is not commercially available as a pharmaceutical product, hence official dosing recommendations are absent.
Nevertheless, it’s observed that males generally consume 10–20 mg per day over a span of 6–12 weeks to achieve improved body composition.
Females, on the contrary, often adhere to a lower intake of 5–10 mg daily across a similar period. This regimen allows them to derive the advantages of RAD 140 while avoiding masculinizing effects typically linked to steroid use.
RAD 140 is usually packaged in 10mg capsules or provided as a 10 mg/mL liquid solution.
Potential Adverse Effects of RAD 140
In preclinical trials with animals, RAD 140 has shown a safer profile compared to testosterone replacement therapy when given to rodents [4], which is noteworthy considering the well-established safety reputation of testosterone that has secured its FDA-approved status.
Conversely, in human subjects, RAD 140 seems to present more serious side effects.
Liver Damage
Even though RAD 140 is a relatively novel compound, there is emerging evidence of its potential to induce hepatocellular-cholestatic liver injury [5].
A case involved a 49-year-old individual who used RAD 140 continuously for 4 weeks, followed by intermittent usage. This subject had also been on an antidepressant (venlafaxine) for 11 months.
It should be noted that this man’s consumption of alcohol was minimal; thus, the mix of hepatotoxic antidepressants and SARMs could be particularly harmful, even for those leading otherwise healthy lives.
Moreover, another user in the second set of RAD 140 before and after photos reported significantly elevated liver enzymes (ALT/AST), indicating liver strain.
According to Dr. Grant Fourie, based on his experience with over 2,000 patients on SARMs for more than ten years, the impact of SARMs is akin to taking anavar, a steroid, at 50 mg/day.
The oral consumption of RAD 140 is probably a significant factor in this hepatic stress since it must first pass through the liver to enter the bloodstream, similar to the c-17 alpha-alkylated oral steroids, which can overburden the liver.
Cardiovascular Concerns
It has been discovered that RAD 140 and other SARMs have a dose-dependent impact on cholesterol [6], heightening the danger of atherosclerosis and heart attacks**.**
The second individual who documented his labs after a RAD 140 cycle alone indicated a pronounced increase in blood pressure.
The potential cause is SARMs passing through the liver stimulates the hepatic lipase enzyme activity, leading to a decline in HDL cholesterol, which is important for heart health as high levels can reduce arterial plaque [7].
Another factor that may unfavorably affect blood lipid profiles is RAD 140’s lack of aromatization; while various anabolic steroids convert into estrogen and have a less severe impact on cholesterol, estrogen is beneficial for HDL levels. Therefore, inhibiting this conversion is not ideal for maintaining heart health.
Testosterone Suppression
RAD 140 can greatly suppress natural testosterone production due to its strong affinity for the androgen receptor, quite similarly to anabolic steroids.
The precise level of this suppression is still unclear, but anecdotal evidence points to it being considerable. One user, after administering 17 mg/day for 12 weeks, saw his testosterone levels drastically drop from 750 to 193 ng/dL.
This suggests that clinical hypogonadism is a potential risk with RAD 140 use, which could harm the HPTA (hypothalamic-pituitary-testicular axis) and long-term fertility.
All SARMs are known to suppress natural testosterone to some degree, yet RAD 140 appears to cause a more pronounced effect given its potency.
Gynecomastia and Fluid Retention
RAD 140 does not undergo aromatization to convert into estrogen; however, it might still indirectly raise estrogen levels through another mechanism. When SARMs enter the system, they battle with endogenous testosterone for AR (androgen receptor) binding sites. Due to their higher binding affinity, SARMs often win this battle leaving more free testosterone to be converted into estrogen or DHT (dihydrotestosterone), thus increasing the levels of these hormones.
Higher levels of estrogen can lead to fluid retention, bloating, and gynecomastia. Therefore, possessing a mild AI (aromatase inhibitor) like Arimistane could be beneficial when commencing a cycle with RAD 140.Based on what we’ve observed, stronger AIs like letrozole, aromasin, or anastrozole might be overly intense for a SARM cycle and could lead to an adverse effect—a deficiency in estrogen. These robust AI options are ideally reserved for steroid cycles where estrogen can increase to much greater levels.
Hair Loss and Prostate Enlargement
Studies in animals suggest that RAD 140 might serve as a promising approach to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia, thanks to its ability to selectively target tissues and induce prostate reduction.
In the case of rats, RAD 140 demonstrated minimal androgenic properties, requiring a dosage 60 times greater than that of testosterone to produce the same enlargement of the prostate.
Nonetheless, some individuals using RAD 140 have reported experiencing hair loss. This outcome may be linked to the increased conversion of their natural testosterone to DHT since it isn’t as readily bound to androgen receptors.
Elevated DHT can intensify inflammation and contribute to the shrinking of hair follicles on the scalp.
Temporary hair thinning may reverse itself after discontinuing RAD 140 use as hormone levels normalize. However, prolonged usage and continuously high DHT can potentially heighten the risk of androgenic alopecia.
It’s also possible for RAD 140 to lead to an uptick in sebum production, which might result in acne vulgaris for those with sensitive skin.
In theory, the selective action of RAD 140 should mitigate any androgenic side effects, as indicated by animal studies. Yet the indirect effects on natural testosterone and its transformation into DHT present challenges for users.
RAD 140 PCT
RAD 140 can suppress testosterone levels by reducing FSH and LH due to its strong affinity for binding to the androgen receptor.
After completing a RAD 140 cycle, some users may opt to have their testosterone levels assessed and find significant suppression, prompting them to undergo PCT (post-cycle therapy).
Considering RAD 140’s brief half-life of 60 hours, PCT can be started 12 days post-cycle. The elimination time is calculated by multiplying the half-life by 5.5.
For PCT, clomid or nolvadex are typically the choices, with nolvadex being the more potent drug for reinstating natural testosterone. Hence, clomid could suffice for a solo RAD 140 cycle PCT, but nolvadex might be better if combining RAD 140 with other SARMs.
For PCT regimen with RAD 140, a daily dose of 25 mg of clomid for 30 days, or 20 mg of nolvadex for the same duration, is commonly recommended.
FAQ
What is the half-life of RAD 140 (Testolone)?
Studies of RAD 140 pharmacokinetics indicate a half-life of about 60 hours.
Despite this, users frequently adhere to a daily dosing schedule, initially assuming the half-life was around 20 hours.
RAD 140 vs LGD-4033
LGD-4033, also known as Ligandrol, is considered more potent on a milligram-to-milligram basis. Users often see considerable effects with doses ranging from just 2–10 mg.
For RAD 140, the typical dosage lies between 10–20 mg.
RAD 140 seems to take the lead when it comes to enhancing muscle pumps and facilitating subcutaneous fat loss, traits desirable for those looking to improve their beach body or stage presence.
Whereas LGD-4033 might not leave its users looking quite as cut, it’s a powerful SARM for bulk building and won’t promote the same definition that RAD 140 might.
Some of RAD 140’s fat loss benefits could stem from its role as an appetite suppressant, in contrast to LGD-4033.
When comparing the two for muscle growth and strength, LGD-4033 appears to prevail, thus being the preferred SARM for those focused on bulking up.
RAD 140 has also been associated with a more pronounced muscle hardening effect, potentially due to a lesser rise in estrogen levels, contributing to reduced fluid retention.
Furthermore, RAD 140 might yield better results in the realm of muscular endurance, which can benefit individuals engaged in regular cardiovascular training or practicing high-repetition lifting.
Users have also reported feeling a boost in energy levels with RAD 140 when compared to LGD-4033.
Interestingly, LGD-4033 may have a more noticeable impact on libido than RAD 140 does during a cycle.
RAD 140 Stack
Theoretically, RAD 140 can be combined with any other SARM or anabolic steroid, a practice that could magnify gains in muscle strength, size, and fat loss, but at the cost of also enhancing side effects.
Beginners are advised to use RAD 140 on its own to assess their tolerance. As experience is accrued, a more potent combination, like RAD 140 paired with LGD-4033, may be employed for significant bulking benefits.
For such a stack, suggested dosages would be:
- RAD 140 (Testolone): 10 mg/day for 8 weeks
- LGD-4033 (Ligandrol): 6 mg/day for 8 weeks.Warning: Preliminary data suggest that RAD 140 has hepatotoxic potential in humans [12] and may negatively impact blood lipid levels. Therefore, combining it with other non-steroidal SARMs is not advisable until more is known about its effects.
Overview
RAD 140 (Testolone) is recognized for its efficacy in enhancing muscle mass, strength, and fat reduction while selectively acting on tissues. Nevertheless, it seems to carry risks akin to steroids, with notable concerns regarding liver damage and cardiovascular stress.
Given the severe side effects relative to the modest muscle growth benefits observed, the risk-to-reward ratio of RAD 140 could be considered unfavorable when contrasted with milder anabolic steroids such as testosterone or Anavar.
REFERENCES
(1) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/labs/pmc/articles/PMC4018048/
(2) https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23650030/
(3) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/labs/pmc/articles/PMC2907129/
(4) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/labs/pmc/articles/PMC3959610/
(5) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/labs/pmc/articles/PMC7049679/
(6) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/labs/pmc/articles/PMC4018048/
(7) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/labs/pmc/articles/PMC5042826/
(8) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/labs/pmc/articles/PMC3959610/
(9) https://cancerres.aacrjournals.org/content/80/4_Supplement/P5-11-01
(10) https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34565686/
Dr. Grant Fourie, a specialist in male hormones, is based in Cape Town, South Africa. He provides comprehensive treatments for conditions related to low testosterone, such as erectile dysfunction, fatigue, and mood changes. His methods include hormone replacement therapy and other modern treatment options.
Contact me via email or phone to book personal appointment in my clinic: The Village Square, Cape Town - South Africa
