Ostarine vs. RAD 140: Which is the Superior SARM?

Selective androgen receptor modulators (SARMs) are medications that are currently under investigation. In order to facilitate anabolism in the organism, they activate androgen receptors (1).

They are intended to assist individuals in the development of muscle mass without the adverse effects of anabolic steroids, made possible via tissue selectivity. Nevertheless, we have observed SARMs to exhibit comparable levels of toxicity in some users.

Ostarine and RAD 140 are two SARMs that are periodically employed in bodybuilding and sports, despite their significant differences.

Ostarine vs. RAD 140: Which Compound is More Effective?

1. Muscle Hypertrophy

Ostarine can increase lean muscle mass and reduce body fat by up to 10 pounds.

Nevertheless, the effects of ostarine on women are distinct from those on men, as it can induce increased anabolism in females. We have observed women gain more than 15 pounds of lean body mass during a cycle of ostarine, in conjunction with lifting weights and eating in a caloric surplus.

Some consider RAD 140 to be a more toxic SARM than ostarine. We find that RAD 140 is frequently utilized during bulking cycles, with users commonly aiming to build substantial muscle hypertrophy and strength. On RAD 140, users may gain up to 15 pounds of lean muscle based on our patients’ results.

2. Strength

Ostarine can increase muscular strength notably, although it is unlikely to achieve the same level of efficacy as RAD 140 in this regard.

RAD 140 is one of the most efficacious SARMs for enhancing strength, with only YK-11 or S23 being comparable in our experience.

In this respect, RAD 140 may be comparable to some of the most potent AAS (anabolic-androgenic steroids). Our patients have reported substantial strength improvements on RAD 140, including an increase of 60 pounds in their bench press and 90 pounds in their leg press from the initial cycle.

3. Fat Loss

It is generally recognized that ostarine is a more effective SARM when cutting as a result of its lipolytic properties.

Ostarine and RAD 140 can both decrease subcutaneous body fat. However, ostarine users may appear leaner after a cycle because RAD 140 users have a tendency to follow a high-calorie diet. As a result, RAD 140 users are more susceptible to short-term water retention and edema, which can obfuscate muscle definition during the cycle.

Ostarine vs. RAD 140: What Are the Negative Effects?

1. HPTA impairment
2. Cardiotoxicity
3. Hepatotoxicity

RAD 140 can cause more toxic effects in users, resulting in harsher adverse effects compared to ostarine.

1. Testosterone suppression

Some ostarine users do not implement PCT (post-cycle therapy) if they do not experience hypogonadal symptoms.

In contrast, PCT is more commonly administered following RAD 140 due to its suppressant effects.

We have diagnosed several individuals with hypogonadism subsequent to RAD 140 use. One of our patient’s testosterone levels declined from 750 to 193 ng/dL over a 12-week cycle.

We are cognizant of a small number of ostarine consumers reporting a reduction in total testosterone levels of up to 70%. Consequently, this SARM may be more suppressive than initially anticipated, at least for certain individuals.

• We find that endogenous testosterone levels can recover naturally several weeks after an ostarine cycle. This process may require 1-2 months for an individual who is clinically hypogonadal from ostarine.
• The restoration of the HPTA (hypothalamic-pituitary-testicular axis) can be assisted by a post-cycle therapy that includes Nolvadex or Clomid, thereby reducing the recovery time.

2. Cholesterol

Ostarine can result in a moderate increase in blood pressure by reducing HDL (high-density lipoprotein) cholesterol.

In three days, the systolic blood pressure of one of our patients rose from 120/75 mm Hg pre-cycle to 148/84 mm Hg.

• After consuming 20 mg of RAD 140 daily, the blood pressure of one of our patients increased from 110/60 mm Hg to 155/98 mm Hg.
• Additionally, he encountered discomfort and numbness in his thorax.

Therefore, it is not recommended that an individual with hypertension consume ostarine or RAD 140, as both of these compounds can elevate the risk of myocardial infarction.

Furthermore, research suggests that the dose of RAD 140, or ostarine, can influence the degree to which a user’s blood pressure remains elevated (2).

3. Liver Toxicity

It is evident from the liver function tests (LFTs) of our patients that SARMs can cause hepatotoxicity and increase ALT/AST values.

A 49-year-old male was diagnosed with hepatocellular-cholestatic liver injury after supplementing with RAD 140 for four weeks (3), and sporadic use ensued. Additionally, he had been taking venlafaxine, an antidepressant, for 11 months prior to his RAD 140 cycle.

Consequently, it is recommended that antidepressants or other hepatotoxic supplements or medications not be combined with SARMs.

Cholestatic injury was also encountered by a man within three weeks of taking ostarine (4). After the cessation of his cycle, he experienced jaundice, from which he recovered three months later.

• It is advised for individuals who elect to utilize RAD 140 or ostarine to monitor their liver enzymes and supplement with TUDCA at a dosage of 500 mg per day.
• Moreover, it is imperative to refrain from consuming alcohol to reduce hepatic stress.

Which SARM Improves Body Composition the Most?

Despite RAD 140 being widely regarded as the more potent SARM, we have observed ostarine transformations that are equally significant. This is due to ostarine users commonly adopting a calorie-deficient diet, which can result in a greater amount of fat being burned.

The following may be observed by users when they are simultaneously reducing fat through their diet and consuming ostarine for several weeks:

• Improved definition of musculature
• Increased vascularity
• An increase in the visibility of abdominal muscles

In contrast, RAD 140 users can be less inclined to prioritize fat loss through their diet, preferring to consume a higher number of calories to promote anabolism.

1. RAD 140

The aforementioned user consumed RAD 140 at a modest dosage of 10 mg per day for a period of 8 weeks. His body fat has significantly decreased, despite ingesting a small calorie surplus. In addition, his muscle hypertrophy has increased, resulting in an approximate weight gain of 10 pounds on the scales.

If he had increased his dosage to 20 mg per day, he may have experienced a combination of increased muscle growth and enhanced fat loss. In our experience, a dose more appropriate for women is 10 mg per day. A reduced dosage can result in less severe side effects.

2. Ostarine

• The above user cycled ostarine at a dosage of 20 mg per day for a period of 45 days.
• He has lost 7 pounds on the scales, despite gaining a significant amount of lean muscle, particularly in the deltoids and biceps.

What Are the Common Dosages?

Men typically consume 10–20 mg of ostarine daily, while women commonly take 5–10 mg. The dosages that fall within the upper range appear to be more prevalent.

The dosages of RAD 140 are often similar to those of ostarine, indicating that RAD 140 is a more potent SARM per milligram.

What is the Price of Each?

• Ostarine costs $49.99 for a 30-mL bottle containing 25 mg/mL.
• The same volume bottle of RAD 140 at 15 mg/mL costs $59.99.

The prices listed above were obtained from Sports Technology Labs.

RAD 140 is generally priced at a significantly higher rate per milligram than ostarine.

Conclusion

In conclusion, we have experienced RAD 140 to be more advantageous than ostarine in terms of anabolism. However, it can be argued that ostarine is the less harsh compound, with the potential to cause fewer adverse effects.

Consequently, novices may be more inclined to cycle ostarine over RAD 140.

Furthermore, the cost of RAD 140 can work out to be approximately double that of ostarine.

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