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

RAD-140, or Testolone, is a non-steroidal selective androgen receptor modulator (SARM) that replicates the anabolic effects of steroids by binding to the androgen receptor [1]. RAD-140 surfaced in 2010 after being formulated by Radius Health, a United States (US) biotechnology company.

RAD-140 is also known as:

• EP0062
• Vosilasarm

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

• Osteoporosis (weak bones) [2]
• Cachexia (muscle loss) [3]
• Anemia (low red blood count)

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

Dr. Thomas O’Connor has firsthand experience treating thousands of men who have taken performance-enhancing drugs, including RAD-140, and states that it is not primarily used by bodybuilders. Instead, Dr. O’Connor says that it is typically utilized as a prerequisite before taking anabolic steroids by men and women seeking to build muscle mass and burn fat without gaining excessive hypertrophy.

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 certain anabolic steroids, such as Anavar or Primobolan [13,14,15].

Our bodybuilding patients who have taken RAD-140 and anabolic steroids have described RAD-140 as “the SARM equivalent of testosterone,” meaning that weightlifters commonly use it to increase muscle hypertrophy and strength, with less toxicity than other harsher compounds.

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 Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Thus, Testolone is only legal to purchase for research purposes. The FDA states that consumers are reporting adverse effects from RAD-140 and other SARMs and encourages users to report any complications via the MedWatch Online Voluntary Reporting Form.

RAD-140 has also been banned by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA); therefore, professional athletes are prohibited from using it and other SARMs [17]. WADA states that RAD-140 and other SARMs can undermine the spirit of sports, leading to unfair advantages, while compromising the health of athletes.

Various athletes have been caught using RAD-140 in sports, including CrossFit athlete Ricky Garard, who was disqualified in 2017 and banned for four years after placing third in the 2017 Reebok CrossFit Games. Garard states that he was misled into believing RAD-140 was a legal supplement and that it did not give him an unfair advantage, as other athletes were also using performance-enhancing drugs.

Gil Roberts, an American sprinter and gold medalist at the 2016 Olympic Games, also tested positive for RAD-140 in 2023. Roberts stated that the test was conducted out of season and offered no excuses for the violation.

RAD-140 Results: User Before-and-After Pictures

This Reddit user stacked RAD-140 with LGD-4033. LGD-4033 is also known as:

• VK5211
• Anabolicum

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 (GHS).

This user experienced significant muscle growth, with some 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, with HGH enhancers increasing insulin resistance and lipogenesis (when sugars are converted into fat stores) in scientific literature, thus inducing visceral fat storage [19,20,21].

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

As 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].

Jake Puskas, a leading researcher specializing in the effects of RAD-140, states that RAD-140 has the potential to be an effective treatment for individuals suffering from sarcopenia and osteoporosis. However, due to the lack of clinical trials on RAD-140, Puskas suggests that subjects may benefit from short cycles of the compound to further understand the SARM and to help prevent negative outcomes.

RAD-140-Only Cycle: Before-and-After Pictures

This Reddit user’s 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 (fat stores), 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 there are no significant results 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 milligrams per day (mg/day) of RAD-140 for the majority of his 8-week cycle, demonstrating that notable 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 scale, 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 indicates 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 (hormone-related hair loss) 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 male patients commonly take 10–20 mg/day for 6–12 weeks to enhance body composition.

RAD-140 Cycle: Male Protocol

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

Week	RAD-140 Dosage
1–8	10 mg/day

RAD-140 Cycle: Female Protocol

Our female patients typically utilize 5–10 mg/day for a similar duration, enabling them to experience the benefits of RAD-140 without any virilizing (masculinizing) effects.

Week	RAD-140 Dosage
1–8	7.5 mg/day

What Are the Side Effects of RAD-140?

Based on in vivo studies, the following adverse effects may occur from RAD-140 use:

• Liver toxicity and hepatitis [22]
• Hypertension (high blood pressure) [23]
• Hypogonadism (low testosterone)
• Gynecomastia (man boobs) and edema (swelling)
• Hair loss and prostatomegaly (enlarged prostate)

In animal studies, RAD-140 has been shown to be less toxic than testosterone replacement therapy when administered to rats.

However, in humans, there appears to be a different trend, with RAD-140 demonstrating harsher side effects in some users. Dr. Nicholas Downey says that existing research indicates that RAD-140 causes “liver issues” at 50 mg/day, increasing the risk of cholestasis, i.e., the disruption of bile flow.

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

Liver Toxicity

There is existing research to suggest 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 venlafaxine, an antidepressant, which 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 raised alanine transaminase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) enzymes, demonstrating liver stress.

Dr. Thomas O’Connor, in his experience of analyzing over 2,000 patients utilizing SARMs over a decade, has likened their hepatotoxic (liver toxic) 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].

RAD-140 users can reduce the risk of liver injury by supplementing with 500 mg/day of tauroursodeoxycholic acid (TUDCA). TUDCA is a natural bile acid supplement that has demonstrated notable hepatoprotective effects in research.

Elevated Blood Pressure

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

• Atherosclerosis (hardening of arteries due to plaque buildup) [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].

Users can combat excessive fluctuations in cholesterol and blood pressure by supplementing with vitamin K2 at 150 μg per day. We have found that vitamin K2 can lower blood pressure and prevent arterial stiffening by decreasing calcium levels in the blood.

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 level to be around 600 nanograms per deciliter (ng/dL) prior to taking RAD-140, dropping to approximately 300 ng/dL after an 8-week cycle.

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 appears to be more pronounced than that of other SARMs due to its potency.

Our patients typically utilize human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) following a RAD-140 cycle to treat low testosterone levels. Doctors typically prescribe a dose of 2,000 IU, administered three times per week, to aid in healing the HPTA and normalizing testosterone levels in hypogonadal men.

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, leaving more free testosterone to convert to estrogen or dihydrotestosterone (DHT), consequently raising both of these hormones.

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. Studies have shown that an aromatase inhibitor (AI) can be advantageous in preventing high estrogen levels; however, it is illegal to use them for this purpose, and thus their use is not advised [34].

What AIs Can Regulate Estrogen?

Diindolylmethane (DIM) can be utilized to inhibit estrogenic side effects, acting as a natural AI. In our experience, 200 mg/day of DIM taken during RAD-140 cycles has been effective in regulating elevated estrogen levels in patients.

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, resulting in an estrogen deficiency. Potent AIs are more commonly utilized during anabolic steroid cycles, where estrogen levels rise considerably. However, these AIs remain illegal for use as post-cycle therapy (PCT) and are not prescribed by doctors for this purpose.

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 (shrinkage). 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 patients cycle RAD-140 and still experience androgenization (male trait development), 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 can increase inflammation and hair miniaturization on the scalp [36]. Saw palmetto is a natural supplement that inhibits the 5-alpha-reductase enzyme, which converts testosterone to DHT, thereby offering a remedy for this side effect. A dosage of 320 mg per day has been beneficial for our patients seeking to prevent accelerated thinning and recession during RAD-140 and other SARM cycles.

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. This effect occurs due to hormone regulation 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, causing sensitive users to potentially experience oily skin and acne vulgaris. Supplementing with zinc can prevent bouts of acne due to it:

• Regulating sebum secretion
• Acting as an antibacterial agent
• Inhibiting 5-alpha-reductase

Our doctors have found that 15 mg/day of zinc is effective in reducing the occurrence of cystic acne for patients during RAD-140 cycles.

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

RAD-140 PCT

RAD-140 can suppress testosterone via the lowering of:

• Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH)
• Luteinizing hormone (LH)

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 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.

Bodybuilders commonly supplement with Clomid or Nolvadex during PCT, with studies showing Nolvadex to be the stronger medication for restoring endogenous testosterone [38,39]. However, these medications are not approved for the purpose of controlling estrogen levels.

Clomid increases testosterone due to its agonistic effects on estrogen receptors in the hypothalamus (brain control center), 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 enhance testosterone production.

Nolvadex also increases testosterone biosynthesis by stimulating the release of gonadotropins (reproductive hormones) from the pituitary gland.

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

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. Bodybuilders under our care state that dosages of only 2–10 mg are necessary to see notable results from LGD-4033. RAD-140’s dosage is typically 10–20 mg.

RAD-140 appears to be the superior SARM in regard to increased:

• Pumps
• Subcutaneous fat loss

Our patients report 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. Based on our patient feedback, its appetite suppressant effects are superior to those of LGD-4033 [41].

In terms of muscle hypertrophy (size) and strength, LGD-4033 and RAD-140 are similar in potency. RAD-140 has a stronger muscle-hardening effect, possibly due to estrogen levels rising less and thus decreasing water retention. Researchers found that RAD-140 suppresses the estrogen receptor 1 (ESR1) gene [42], which is believed to be the mechanism behind it causing less extracellular water volume (fluid outside of the cells).

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 patients report higher energy levels on RAD-140 than on LGD-4033.

However, we have received reports of LGD-4033 increasing libido more than RAD-140 on-cycle.

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 is not to be stacked with any other SARM from a bodybuilding perspective, due to this being an illegal practice in many countries.

However, bodybuilders commonly stack RAD-140 with other SARMs to enhance:

• Muscular strength
• Muscle hypertrophy
• Fat loss

However, according to Leciejewska et al. (2023), utilizing multiple SARMs simultaneously can also 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] and its negative effects on blood lipids (fats in the bloodstream), it may not be wise to stack it with additional non-steroidal SARMs until it is more thoroughly understood.

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. One patient was suffering from high blood pressure prior to their appointment. After stacking RAD-140 with LGD-4033 for an eight-week cycle, they were diagnosed with atherosclerosis (when plaque builds up inside the arteries).

Another patient developed peliosis hepatis (when blood-filled cavities or holes develop in the liver) after supplementing with 20 mg of RAD-140 per day for 12 weeks, in conjunction with monoamine oxidase inhibitors.

Can Users Drink Alcohol on RAD-140?

RAD-140 can exhibit hepatotoxic effects. Therefore, combining RAD-140 with alcohol during a cycle may increase the risk of hepatic (liver) injury.

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

In our experience, bodybuilders commonly administer RAD-140 for bulking purposes. Thus, based on this objective, consuming 500 calories over maintenance can enhance anabolism [46].

If RAD-140 is utilized for cutting purposes, our patients find that a calorie deficit of 500 is efficacious for enhancing fat loss while maintaining muscle hypertrophy [47].

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

Yes, TUDCA is advantageous in reducing AST and ALT levels [48], which may be beneficial during a RAD-140 cycle.

Furthermore, users can supplement with 3 grams/day of fish oil, containing docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), in an attempt to control blood pressure.

Clinical research also reflects this reduced cardiovascular risk from fish oil, although the results vary depending on the dose [49].

Can RAD-140 Cause Bloating?

Some of our patients can experience bloating from RAD-140. Lowering sodium intake has been successful in alleviating this adverse effect due to decreased plasma osmolality (concentration of particles in the blood).

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

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

Testosterone is also known as:

• Depo-Testosterone
• Testoviron
• AndroGel
• TestoGel
• Andriol
• Aveed

Anavar is also known as:

• Oxandrin
• Lonovar
• Protivar
• Vasorome

Deca-Durabolin is known as:

• 19-Nortestosterone 17β-decanoate
• Rolon

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’ laboratory tests. Nevertheless, further clinical research on RAD-140 is required to fully understand its effects, with certain researchers observing positive changes in body composition without any discernible complications.

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