RAD-140 (Testolone): Results, Before and After Pictures, Dosages

What is Testolone?

RAD-140, also known as Testolone, is a non-steroidal selective androgen receptor modulator (SARM) that replicates the anabolic effects of anabolic steroids by binding to the androgen receptor [1].

RAD-140 and other SARMs were formulated as a potentially efficacious and less risky treatment, compared to anabolic steroids, for patients suffering from:

• Osteoporosis [2]
• Cachexia [3]
• Anemia

However, RAD-140 has not yet been proven to be safe clinically [4,5,6].

How Does RAD-140 Compare to Anabolic Steroids?

Although anabolic steroids produce significant increases in lean mass, they also induce negative cardiovascular, hepatic, estrogenic, and androgenic side effects in research [7,8,9,10,11]. Thus, through the mechanism of tissue selectivity, RAD-140 was synthesized to replicate the muscle-building and strength-enhancing attributes of steroids, but with limited adverse effects [12].

However, in existing studies, RAD-140 mimics the toxicity of several anabolic steroids, including Anavar and Primobolan [13,14,15].

RAD-140 surfaced in 2010 after being formulated by Radius Health, a US biotechnology company. There is limited clinical research regarding RAD-140’s effects, particularly on humans over the long term.

How Effective is RAD-140?

RAD-140 is considered one of the more potent SARMs, with it possessing superior anabolic effects to testosterone propionate in animal trials.

In one study, monkeys experienced a 10% increase in lean body mass over 28 days on RAD-140 [16].

Similar to anabolic steroids, RAD-140 induces lipolysis (when the body uses stored fat as a main energy source) and increases muscular strength due to its high affinity when binding to androgen receptors.

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Is RAD-140 Legal?

Due to RAD-140’s recent creation, it has not been approved for human use by the FDA.

Since RAD-140 is not yet classified as a controlled substance, some users believe it is legal to purchase for improving body composition. However, Testolone is only legal when utilized for research purposes.

RAD-140 has also been banned by the World Anti-Doping Association. Therefore, professional athletes are prohibited from using it and other SARMs [17].

RAD-140 Results: User Before and After Pictures

This Reddit user stacked RAD-140 with LGD-4033. He also administered MK-677, known as Ibutamoren.

MK-677 is commonly referred to as a SARM due to its similar anabolic effects [18]. However, MK-677 is technically a growth hormone secretagogue.

This user experienced significant muscle growth, with modest increases in visceral fat, made visible by a notable increase in stomach hypertrophy.

Increases in visceral fat may be predominantly attributed to the inclusion of MK-677 in this stack, as HGH enhancers increase insulin resistance and lipogenesis (the conversion of sugars into fat stores). Consequently, this leads to visceral fat accumulation [19,20,21].

This user’s results, in terms of muscle hypertrophy, can be considered moderate—yet seemingly less than what is seen after a first steroid cycle.

Based on a visual estimate, this user appears to have gained 10 pounds (4.5 kg) of lean mass.

In animal trials, RAD-140 has produced significant increases in muscle hypertrophy. However, in humans, we see a milder effect.

Human trials have compared the anabolic effects of testosterone enanthate versus SARMs. Researchers found that SARMs added 1–1.5 kg of lean mass to participants over 4–6 weeks, whereas testosterone enanthate added 5–7 kg [1].

Some believe that cycling RAD-140 is sufficient for improvements in muscle strength and size. However, RAD-140 is not a substitute for regular resistance training or a diligent diet.

RAD-140-Only Cycle: Before and After Pictures

This Reddit user’s RAD-140 cycle:

Week	RAD-140 Dosage
1–12	17 mg/day

He experienced modest improvements in muscularity, albeit with an increase in subcutaneous body fat.

He gained 5 lb (2.3 kg) in weight, with some of this being in the form of adipose tissue, due to 12 weeks of eating in a modest calorie surplus.

In comparison to the first RAD-140 before and after transformation, this user has not gained a notable amount of visceral fat, indicating that the other user’s increase in gut size was likely MK-677-related.

Some people might speculate that the RAD-140 utilized by this user is either not legitimate or diluted, as no significant results were observed. However, this user’s source was verified to be a trusted manufacturer.

RAD-140 Before and After Pictures: 8-Week Cycle

The above Reddit user administered less than 10 mg/day of RAD-140 for the majority of his 8-week cycle, demonstrating that positive results can still be experienced on a low dosage.

This user experienced significant fat loss despite claiming to eat in a calorie surplus. He is displaying enhanced:

• Muscle hardness
• Definition
• Thickness

Despite gaining 10 pounds on the scales, he stated that RAD-140 was not worth it for him. This was because his results were “insubstantial,” and he experienced some hair loss.

This user’s experience suggests that low dosages of RAD-140 may increase its reward-to-risk ratio, with the subject gaining 10 pounds and losing a noticeable amount of subcutaneous fat simultaneously.

However, individuals susceptible to male pattern baldness may experience some shedding on RAD-140. Such telogen effluvium is typically transient and does not result in long-term androgenetic alopecia unless RAD-140 is abused.

RAD-140 Dosage

RAD-140 is not a pharmaceutically produced compound due to a lack of FDA approval. Thus, there are no dosage guidelines.

However, we see men commonly take 10–20 mg/day for 6–12 weeks to enhance body composition.

RAD-140 Cycle for Males

Week	RAD-140 Dosage
1–8	10 mg/day

Women may utilize 5–10 mg/day for a similar duration, enabling them to experience the benefits of RAD-140 without virilizing effects.

RAD-140 Cycle for Females

Week	RAD-140 Dosage
1–8	7.5 mg/day

RAD-140 typically comes in 10 mg capsules or a 10 mg/mL solution.

What Are the Side Effects of RAD-140?

Some users believe that because RAD-140 has tissue-selective properties, it does not cause any toxicity. However, in vivo studies indicate that the following adverse effects can occur with RAD-140 use:

• Liver toxicity and hepatitis [22]
• Hypertension [23]
• Hypogonadism
• Gynecomastia and edema
• Hair loss and prostatomegaly

In animal studies, RAD-140 is less toxic than testosterone replacement therapy when administered to rats.

However, in some humans, RAD-140 can cause harsher side effects. Dr. Nicholas Downey says that existing research indicates that RAD-140 causes “liver issues” at 50 mg/day, increasing the risk of cholestasis (the disruption of bile flow).

He also notes that RAD-140 is “quite suppressive,” but the extent of this gonadal side effect is unknown due to a lack of human studies.

Liver Toxicity

Existing research suggests RAD-140 can cause hepatocellular-cholestatic liver injury [24,25], as documented by Flores et al. (2020). A 49-year-old man had taken RAD-140 continuously for 4 weeks [26], with intermittent use afterward. He administered RAD-140 in conjunction with an antidepressant (venlafaxine) that he had previously been taking for 11 months.

The man’s alcohol consumption was insignificant. Therefore, the combination of hepatotoxic antidepressants and SARMs may be a deleterious duo [27].

The user in the second RAD-140 before and after picture also reported excessively elevated alanine transaminase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) enzymes, indicating liver stress.

Dr. Thomas O’Connor, in his experience of analyzing over 2,000 patients utilizing SARMs over a decade, has compared their hepatotoxic effects to taking 50 mg/day of Anavar.

Dr. Ankit Batra also affirms that in clinical studies, the hepatic complications of RAD-140 “can be similar to anabolic steroids,” despite cases of hypertransaminasemia (high liver enzymes) normalizing post-cycle [28].

RAD-140’s route of entry, being an oral product, is thought to be the main cause of hepatic stress. This is due to it having to bypass the liver upon entering the bloodstream, similar to C-17 alpha-alkylated anabolic steroids, which studies have shown to be hepatotoxic [29,30].

Elevated Blood Pressure

RAD-140 and other SARMs may have a dose-dependent effect on cholesterol and triglycerides, potentially increasing the risk of:

• Atherosclerosis [31]
• Myocardial infarction (heart attack)
• Cerebrovascular accident (stroke)

The second user, who published his before and after transformation, reported a significant rise in blood pressure.

This is likely due to SARMs passing through the liver, which stimulates the hepatic lipase enzyme, causing high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol levels to decrease. Feig et al. (2017) found that HDL cholesterol is beneficial to heart health, with high levels reducing arterial plaque [32].

Another possible contributing factor to undesirable blood lipids may be RAD-140’s lack of aromatization. In contrast, several anabolic steroids convert to 17β-estradiol (a type of estrogen), causing less significant shifts in cholesterol levels. This occurs due to estrogen having a positive effect on HDL levels; therefore, researchers have found that inhibiting this conversion is not optimal for cardiovascular health [33].

Testosterone Suppression

RAD-140’s aggressive binding effect on the androgen receptor can suppress testosterone levels and impair spermatogenesis (the production of sperm cells), similar to anabolic steroids.

The extent of such suppression from SARMs has not yet been established. It is not uncommon for a patient’s total testosterone levels to be 600 ng/dL before taking RAD-140, and after an 8-week cycle, for them to be approximately 300 ng/dL.

The second user’s before and after transformation was achieved by administering 17 mg/day of RAD-140 for 12 weeks. They experienced a notable decline in testosterone levels, dropping from 750 to 193 ng/dL.

Thus, clinical male hypogonadism (low testosterone) is possible with RAD-140 via damage to the hypothalamic-pituitary-testicular axis (HPTA), potentially impacting users’ long-term fertility.

All SARMs appear to have a suppressive effect on endogenous testosterone. However, RAD-140’s impact seems to be more pronounced than that of other SARMs due to its potency.

Gynecomastia and Water Retention

Although RAD-140 does not aromatize, it can still elevate estrogen levels via a different pathway. When SARMs are administered, they begin to compete with a user’s natural testosterone for binding to the androgen receptor. SARMs win this battle due to their superior binding affinity, which leaves more free testosterone to be converted to estrogen or dihydrotestosterone (DHT). Consequently, both of these hormones increase in level.

What Visual Signs May Indicate High Estrogen While Using RAD-140?

Elevated levels of estrogen can cause:

• Water retention (hydropsy)
• Bloating (meteorism)
• Gynecomastia

Dr. Michael Moeller states that he has overseen male patients experiencing lactation from SARM use, including RAD-140. Thus, possessing a mild aromatase inhibitor (AI) when commencing a RAD-140 cycle can be advantageous [34].

What AIs Can Regulate Estrogen?

Androsta-3,5-diene-7,17-dione, otherwise referred to as arimistane, is a mild AI that can be utilized to inhibit estrogenic side effects.

In our experience, more potent AIs are likely to be excessively harsh for a SARM cycle, such as:

• Letrozole
• Exemestane
• Anastrozole

The three above AIs may cause a hormonal imbalance, leading to estrogen deficiency. Potent AIs are more suitable for anabolic steroid cycles, where estrogen levels rise considerably.

Hair Loss and Prostatomegaly

In animal research, it was thought that RAD-140 may benefit users with benign prostatic hyperplasia (an enlarged prostate) due to its successful tissue selectivity, causing prostate atrophy. In rats, RAD-140 demonstrated low levels of androgenicity. The rats required a 60-times higher dosage to replicate the prostatic hypertrophy of testosterone [35].

However, we have had RAD-140 users still experience androgenization, with bouts of hair loss. This may be attributed to natural testosterone converting to DHT, with the former no longer binding to androgen receptors.

Research indicates that higher DHT levels increase inflammation and hair miniaturization on the scalp [36].

Can RAD-140 Accelerate Male Pattern Baldness?

In our experience, if users utilize RAD-140 for short-term use, small amounts of hair loss can be reversed when hormones regulate back to normal post-cycle. However, long-term use and sustained high levels of DHT may increase the risk of androgenetic alopecia.

Increased sebum production is also possible; therefore, sensitive users may experience oily skin or acne vulgaris.

In theory, RAD-140’s tissue selectivity should prevent any androgenic side effects, as observed in animal research [37]. However, its indirect impact on the conversion of natural testosterone to DHT may be problematic for human users.

RAD-140 PCT

Some people falsely believe that RAD-140 does not affect the HPTA. However, RAD-140 can suppress testosterone via the lowering of:

• Follicle-stimulating hormone
• Luteinizing hormone

This is a consequence of RAD-140’s binding affinity to androgen receptors. Some RAD-140 users check their testosterone levels post-cycle and find out that their score has declined notably, causing them to undergo post-cycle therapy (PCT).

Users can begin PCT 12 days after finishing a RAD-140 cycle, based on its half-life of 60 hours. The elimination time is the half-life multiplied by 5.5.

Typically, we would prescribe Clomid or Nolvadex for PCT. Studies indicate that Nolvadex is the more effective medication for restoring endogenous testosterone [38,39].

Clomid may be sufficient for post-cycle therapy if conducting a RAD-140-only cycle. However, Nolvadex is likely to be more optimal if users are stacking RAD-140 with other SARMs.

Clomid increases testosterone by exerting agonistic effects on estrogen receptors in the hypothalamus, causing an increase in gonadotropin secretion via the anterior pituitary gland. In simple terms, Clomid helps increase testosterone by tricking the brain into thinking there is less estrogen. When this happens, the brain sends stronger signals to the testes to increase testosterone production.

Nolvadex also induces testosterone biosynthesis by stimulating the release of gonadotropins from the pituitary gland.

In terms of the dosage and duration of a RAD-140 PCT protocol, below are a couple of sample cycles.

Duration	Nolvadex Dosage
Day 1–30	20 mg/day

Duration	Clomid Dosage
Day 1–30	25 mg/day

What is the Half-Life of RAD-140?

Based on pharmacokinetic samples, RAD-140’s half-life is 60 hours [40]. However, daily dosing remains a common protocol among users, who initially estimated its half-life to be approximately 20 hours.

RAD-140 vs. LGD-4033: What is the Difference?

LGD-4033, or Ligandrol, is the more potent SARM per milligram compared to RAD-140. We have found that dosages of only 2–10 mg are necessary to see notable results with LGD-4033. RAD-140’s dosage is typically 10–20 mg.

RAD-140 appears to be the superior SARM regarding increased:

• Pumps
• Subcutaneous fat loss

Thus, in terms of aesthetics, RAD-140 may be considered more optimal. We find that LGD-4033 causes more water retention; therefore, it may not be advantageous for users seeking:

• A lean physique
• Maximum muscle definition

A portion of the fat loss associated with RAD-140 may be indirect, due to it increasing satiation (the feeling of fullness that ends hunger). 27% of metastatic breast cancer patients also reported decreased appetite during the first-in-human, Phase 1 study of RAD-140. In our experience, its appetite suppressant effects are superior to LGD-4033’s [41].

In terms of muscle hypertrophy (size) and strength, LGD-4033 and RAD-140 are similar in potency. However, we have observed RAD-140 to have a stronger muscle-hardening effect. This outcome may be due to estrogen levels rising less and consequently decreasing water retention. Researchers found that RAD-140 suppresses the ESR1 gene [42], which is believed to be the mechanism behind it causing less extracellular water volume.

RAD-140 is likely to produce more prominent results in terms of muscular endurance, benefiting those who perform high numbers of repetitions or have a training schedule that incorporates regular cardiovascular training.

We typically find that subjects report higher energy levels on RAD-140 than on LGD-4033.

LGD-4033, however, is known to increase libido more than RAD-140 on-cycle, according to our patients’ feedback.

What is the Price of RAD-140?

RAD-140 Price	LGD-4033 Price
$64.99	$59.99

Price source: Sports Technology Labs.

What Are RAD-140’s Stacking Options?

RAD-140 can theoretically be cycled with any SARM. Such stacking enhances:

• Muscular strength
• Hypertrophy
• Fat loss

However, according to Leciejewska et al. (2023), utilizing multiple SARMs simultaneously can exacerbate side effects [43].

We have observed novices complete a RAD-140-only cycle initially to become accustomed to the drug. As a user gains experience, a more potent stack is commonly utilized, such as RAD-140 and LGD-4033, for additional mass and strength results when bulking [44].

In terms of dosages, a RAD-140 and LGD-4033 stack can look as follows:

Week	RAD-140 Dosage	LGD-4033 Dosage
1–8	10 mg/day	6 mg/day

However, given the early indications of RAD-140’s hepatotoxic effects in human research [45], it may not be prudent to stack it with additional SARMs until its effects are more thoroughly understood.

RAD-140 Reviews: How Are Subjects Responding?

Researchers in our private Facebook group have shared their RAD-140 reviews and experiences below.

RAD-140 is far stronger than LGD-4033. It is a highly effective performance-enhancing SARM.

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RAD-140 gives me too many side effects when I cycle it. If you utilize RAD-140, you may as well take anabolic steroids.

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RAD-140 is an exceptional SARM. I just hit the 1,000-pound club at 52 years old, weighing 158 pounds.

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I ran my first 12-week cycle of RAD-140 six months ago with no noticeable side effects.

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First day of week six on RAD-140, zero side effects, and everything is going great. I administer 12.5 mg per day to stay lean while adding muscle and strength on all my lifts. I increased my daily calories by roughly 300 over the past two weeks to maximize my protein consumption. My arms are extremely vascular. I love it!

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RAD-140 is my favorite SARM. But for some reason, I always get night sweats towards the end of a cycle. Currently, this side effect is quite intense; I will be lucky to get 5–6 hours of sleep per night because I wake up completely drenched. Such high levels of sweating are not normal for me. Additionally, I do not know definitively that RAD-140 is causing this effect, but I have observed this correlation.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Are There Specific Health Conditions That Would Contraindicate the Use of RAD-140?

The health of hypertensive (high blood pressure) individuals can deteriorate as a result of RAD-140 use, attributed to changes in cholesterol.

In a case report by the Journal of the American College of Cardiology, a sixteen-year-old boy developed myopericarditis following a single dose of RAD-140 [46]. Myopericarditis is a condition involving inflammation of the heart muscle (myocardium) and its outer lining (pericardium). The boy had been previously diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and had combined RAD-140 with marijuana and tobacco use. His condition resolved following drug discontinuation.

Can Users Drink Alcohol on RAD-140?

We have found that RAD-140 exhibits hepatotoxic effects. Therefore, combining RAD-140 with alcohol during a cycle may increase the risk of hepatic injury.

According to the ACG Reports Journal, a man developed jaundice after supplementing with RAD-140 for a total of seven weeks [47].

What is the Optimal Diet When Supplementing With RAD-140?

In our experience, users commonly administer RAD-140 for bulking purposes. Thus, based on this objective, consuming 500 calories over maintenance can enhance anabolism [48].

If RAD-140 is utilized for cutting purposes, we have found a calorie deficit of 500 to be efficacious in enhancing fat loss while maintaining muscle hypertrophy [49].

Are There Any Supplements That Can Help Reduce Toxicity Associated With RAD-140?

Yes, tauroursodeoxycholic acid can reduce AST and ALT levels [50], which may be beneficial during a RAD-140 cycle.

Furthermore, our patients commonly supplement with 3 grams/day of fish oil, which contains docosahexaenoic and eicosapentaenoic acid. This is an attempt to control blood pressure.

Clinical research also supports this reduced cardiovascular risk from fish oil, although the results vary depending on the dose [51].

Can RAD-140 Cause Bloating?

In our experience, several users have reported bloating from RAD-140. Lowering sodium intake has been successful in alleviating this adverse effect due to decreased plasma osmolality.

After modifying their diet in this manner to encourage diuresis (increased urination), our patients have lost up to six pounds of water weight during RAD-140 cycles.

Important Information

• Individuals should consult with a healthcare professional prior to utilizing RAD-140.
• RAD-140 should not be taken by women who are pregnant or breastfeeding, due to potential complications.
• There are numerous counterfeit RAD-140 products on the internet; therefore, researchers should purchase from companies providing COAs.
• Researchers should contact relevant third-party laboratories to validate COAs prior to purchasing RAD-140.
• RAD-140 bottles should be stored in a dry environment away from sunlight.
• Researchers should check the expiry date stated on the bottle before use.
• The content on this page is not a substitute for medical advice.
• Results from RAD-140 may vary, depending on lifestyle and genetic factors.
• RAD-140 users should have bloodwork conducted to monitor overall health during and post supplementation.
• Users should ensure the bottle lid remains tightly fastened when not in use.
• RAD-140 bottles should be stored in a place inaccessible to children.

RAD-140 Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Enhanced muscle hypertrophy
• Significant increase in muscular strength
• Fat loss

Cons:

• Smaller increases in fat-free mass compared to anabolic steroids
• May increase cholesterol
• Decreases endogenous testosterone
• Hepatotoxic effects

Summary

RAD-140 displays anabolic traits that may be beneficial to those seeking improvements in:

• Muscle hypertrophy
• Strength

However, there appear to be anabolic steroid-like risks associated with RAD-140, particularly concerning liver toxicity and cardiovascular strain.

Such deteriorations in health are evident in several human trials and correlate with Dr. Thomas O’Connor’s ten years of experience treating males and females on RAD-140.

With cardiotoxic and hepatotoxic effects occurring in some users, combined with modest results regarding muscular hypertrophy, RAD-140 may be less optimal than some anabolic steroids, such as:

• Testosterone
• Anavar
• Deca-Durabolin

What is Dr. O’Connor’s Experience With RAD-140?

Dr. O’Connor believes SARMs, such as RAD-140, are “potentially more dangerous than anabolic steroids,” following regular analysis of over 2,000 patients’ labs. Nevertheless, further clinical studies on RAD-140 are required to fully understand its effects, with certain researchers observing positive changes in body composition without any discernible complications.

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