RAD-140 (Testolone) Guide: Before and After Results

What Is Testolone?

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

RAD-140 and other SARMs were developed as potentially effective and less risky treatments—compared to anabolic steroids—for patients suffering from:

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

However, RAD-140 has not yet been proven safe in clinical settings [4,5,6].

How Does RAD-140 Compare to Anabolic Steroids?

Anabolic steroids produce significant increases in lean mass; however, they are also associated with negative cardiovascular, hepatic, estrogenic, and androgenic side effects [7,8,9,10,11]. Through the mechanism of tissue selectivity, RAD-140 was synthesized to replicate the muscle-building and strength-enhancing effects of steroids while minimizing adverse effects [12].

However, existing studies indicate that RAD-140 can mimic the toxicity of several anabolic steroids, including Anavar and Primobolan [13,14,15].

RAD-140 was introduced in 2010 following its development by Radius Health, a biotechnology company based in the United States. Currently, there exists limited clinical research regarding the effects of RAD-140, particularly with respect to its long-term impacts on humans.

How Effective Is RAD-140?

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

In one study, monkeys experienced a 10% increase in lean body mass following a 28-day treatment regimen with RAD-140 [16].

Similar to anabolic steroids, RAD-140 induces lipolysis (the breakdown of stored fat for energy) and increases muscular strength due to its high affinity for binding to androgen receptors.

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Is RAD-140 Legal?

Due to RAD-140’s recent development, it has not been approved for human use by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

As RAD-140 has not yet been classified as a controlled substance, some individuals assume it is lawful to purchase it for the purpose of enhancing body composition. Nevertheless, it is essential to recognize that Testolone is legally authorized exclusively for research applications.

RAD-140 has also been prohibited by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA). Consequently, its use, along with other SARMs, is strictly forbidden for professional athletes [17].

RAD-140 Results: User Before and After Pictures

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

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

This individual demonstrated significant muscle hypertrophy, accompanied by modest increases in visceral adiposity, as evidenced by a pronounced enlargement of the abdominal region.

Increases in visceral fat may be primarily 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 can lead to visceral fat accumulation [19,20,21].

In terms of muscle hypertrophy, the observed results in this case can be characterized as moderate and less pronounced than those generally achieved during an initial anabolic steroid cycle.

Based on visual assessment, this individual appears to have gained approximately 10 pounds (4.5 kg) of lean mass.

In preclinical animal studies, RAD-140 has caused substantial increases in muscle hypertrophy (size). However, in human subjects, the observed effects tend to be comparatively milder.

Human clinical trials comparing the anabolic effects of testosterone enanthate to those of SARMs have demonstrated that:

• SARMs contribute approximately 1–1.5 kg of lean mass over a 4–6 week period
• Testosterone enanthate results in gains of 5–7 kg [1]

Some individuals posit that cycling RAD-140 alone is adequate to induce improvements in muscle strength and size. However, it should be emphasized that it is not a substitute for consistent resistance training or adherence to a proper nutritional regimen.

RAD-140-Only Cycle: Before and After Pictures

This Reddit user’s RAD-140 cycle:

Week	RAD-140 Dosage
1–12	17 mg/day

The individual experienced modest enhancements in muscularity, accompanied by an increase in subcutaneous adiposity (visible fat gain).

Over the course of 12 weeks of maintaining a modest caloric surplus, he gained approximately 5 pounds (2.3 kg), with a portion of this weight increase attributable to an accumulation of adipose tissue.

In comparison to the initial RAD-140 pre- and post-transformation, this individual did not exhibit a substantial increase in visceral fat. Therefore, the abdominal enlargement observed in the other user was likely attributable to MK-677.

Some may hypothesize that the RAD-140 utilized by this individual was either counterfeit or diluted, given the absence of significant anabolic effects. However, the source of this user’s RAD-140 has been verified as a reputable and trusted manufacturer.

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

The aforementioned Reddit user administered less than 10 mg/day of RAD-140 throughout the majority of his 8-week cycle, indicating that favorable outcomes can be attained even at low dosages.

Despite reporting a caloric surplus, this individual experienced notable fat loss and demonstrated improvements in:

• Muscle hardness
• Definition
• Thickness

Although he experienced a 10-pound increase in body weight, this individual determined that RAD-140 was not beneficial for him, citing the results as “insubstantial.” He also observed some hair loss.

This user’s experience indicates that lower dosages of RAD-140 may enhance its benefit-to-risk profile, as he was able to gain 10 pounds while concurrently losing a significant amount of subcutaneous fat.

However, individuals predisposed to male pattern baldness may encounter some degree of shedding while using RAD-140. Such telogen effluvium is generally temporary and unlikely to result in long-term androgenetic alopecia unless RAD-140 is misused or abused.

RAD-140 Dosage

RAD-140 is not a pharmaceutical-grade compound due to the absence of FDA approval, and as such, there are no established official dosage guidelines.

Nonetheless, it is common for men to administer doses ranging from 10 to 20 mg per day for a period of 6 to 12 weeks to improve body composition. Women may typically utilize 5 to 10 mg per day over a similar duration, enabling them to experience the potential benefits of RAD-140 while minimizing the risk of virilizing side effects.

RAD-140 Cycle for Males

Week	RAD-140 Dosage
1–8	10 mg/day

RAD-140 Cycle for Females

Week	RAD-140 Dosage
1–8	7.5 mg/day

RAD-140 is commonly available in 10 mg capsules or as a 10 mg/mL solution.

What Are the Side Effects of RAD-140?

Some users assert that due to RAD-140’s tissue-selective properties, it does not induce toxicity. However, in vivo studies indicate that its use may be associated with several adverse effects, including:

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

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

Nevertheless, in some humans, RAD-140 may elicit more severe adverse effects. Dr. Nicholas Downey states that existing research suggests RAD-140 can cause “liver issues” at doses of 50 mg/day, which may increase the risk of cholestasis (disruption of bile flow).

He also notes that RAD-140 is “quite suppressive,” although the extent of this gonadal suppression remains uncertain due to a lack of comprehensive human studies.

Liver Toxicity

Existing research suggests that RAD-140 can cause hepatocellular-cholestatic liver injury [24,25], as documented by Flores et al. (2020). A 49-year-old male subject engaged in continuous administration of RAD-140 for a duration of four weeks [26], followed by intermittent usage thereafter. During this period, he concurrently administered RAD-140 alongside an antidepressant, venlafaxine, which he had been prescribed and was taking for a period of 11 months.

The man’s alcohol consumption was negligible. Therefore, the combination of hepatotoxic antidepressants and SARMs may pose a significant risk [27].

The individual depicted in the second RAD-140 before-and-after images also reported markedly elevated levels of alanine transaminase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST), indicating hepatic stress.

Dr. Thomas O’Connor, based on his extensive experience analyzing over 2,000 patients utilizing SARMs over a decade, has likened their hepatotoxic effects to those observed with a daily dose of 50 mg of Anavar.

Additionally, Dr. Ankit Batra affirms that, according to clinical studies, the hepatic complications associated with RAD-140 “can be similar to anabolic steroids,” despite instances of hypertransaminasemia (elevated liver enzymes) that typically normalized after the cycle [28].

The oral administration route of RAD-140 is believed to be the primary contributor to hepatic stress, as it bypasses first-pass metabolism in the liver upon entry into the bloodstream. This mechanism is comparable to C-17 alpha-alkylated anabolic steroids, which have been well-documented to exhibit hepatotoxic effects [29,30].

Elevated Blood Pressure

RAD-140 and other SARMs may exert dose-dependent effects on cholesterol and triglyceride levels, potentially increasing the risk of:

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

The second individual, who shared his before-and-after transformation, reported a substantial increase in blood pressure.

This is likely attributable to SARMs passing through the liver, which stimulates the hepatic lipase enzyme, resulting in a reduction of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol levels. Feig et al. (2017) demonstrated that HDL cholesterol is protective for cardiovascular health, with higher levels associated with decreased arterial plaque accumulation [32].

Another potential factor influencing adverse blood lipid profiles is RAD-140’s absence of aromatization. In contrast, several anabolic steroids convert to 17β-estradiol (a form of estrogen), which exerts a less pronounced impact on cholesterol levels. Estrogen has a beneficial effect on HDL concentrations; therefore, researchers suggest that inhibiting this conversion may be detrimental to cardiovascular health [33].

Testosterone Suppression

RAD-140’s high affinity for the androgen receptor can lead to suppression of endogenous testosterone production and impair spermatogenesis, akin to the effects observed with anabolic steroids.

The precise extent of such suppression induced by SARMs remains to be conclusively determined. It is common for individuals to have baseline total testosterone levels around 600 ng/dL prior to RAD-140 administration, with levels decreasing to approximately 300 ng/dL following an 8-week cycle.

In the case of the second individual, who undertook a 12-week regimen of 17 mg/day of RAD-140, there was a marked decline in testosterone levels—from 750 ng/dL pre-cycle to 193 ng/dL post-cycle.

Consequently, clinical male hypogonadism (low testosterone) represents a potential adverse effect of RAD-140, likely resulting from disruption of the hypothalamic-pituitary-testicular axis (HPTA), which could have implications for long-term fertility.

While all SARMs tend to suppress endogenous testosterone synthesis, the impact of RAD-140 appears more pronounced than that of other SARMs, attributable to its heightened potency.

Gynecomastia and Water Retention

Although RAD-140 does not undergo aromatization, it can still indirectly lead to elevated estrogen levels via alternative mechanisms.

When SARMs are administered, they compete with endogenous testosterone for binding to the androgen receptor. Due to their higher binding affinity, SARMs can displace testosterone from the receptor, resulting in an increased availability of free testosterone. This excess free testosterone can subsequently be converted into estrogen or dihydrotestosterone (DHT), leading to elevated levels of both 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 reports that he has managed cases of male patients experiencing lactation as a side effect of SARM use, including RAD-140. Consequently, having a mild aromatase inhibitor (AI) on hand when initiating a RAD-140 cycle may be beneficial to mitigate such estrogen-related effects [34].

What AIs Can Regulate Estrogen?

Androsta-3,5-diene-7,17-dione, commonly known as arimistane, is a mild AI that can be employed to mitigate estrogenic side effects.

Based on our experience, more potent AIs are likely to be excessively harsh for a SARM cycle, including:

• Letrozole
• Exemestane
• Anastrozole

These potent AIs may cause hormonal imbalances, leading to hypoestrogenism (estrogen deficiency). They are generally more suitable for anabolic steroid cycles, where estrogen levels rise significantly.

Hair Loss and Prostatomegaly

In animal studies, it was suggested that RAD-140 might benefit users with benign prostatic hyperplasia (enlarged prostate) due to its tissue selectivity, which can lead to prostate atrophy. In rats, RAD-140 demonstrated low levels of androgenicity; they required a dose 60 times higher than testosterone to induce prostatic hypertrophy [35].

Nonetheless, certain individuals administering RAD-140 have reported showing signs of androgenization, such as episodes of hair loss. This may be attributed to the natural conversion of testosterone to DHT, known as 5-alpha reduction. Consequently, the original testosterone no longer binds to androgen receptors.

Research suggests that elevated DHT levels may contribute to increased inflammation and induce hair miniaturization on the scalp [36].

Can RAD-140 Accelerate Male Pattern Baldness?

Based on our observations, short-term administration of RAD-140 may result in minor hair loss, which is often reversible upon the normalization of hormone levels following the cycle. However, prolonged use and persistently elevated DHT levels may elevate the risk of developing androgenetic alopecia.

Additionally, increased sebum production is a potential side effect; consequently, sensitive individuals may experience oily skin or acne vulgaris.

RAD-140’s tissue selectivity, as demonstrated in animal studies [37], is theoretically expected to mitigate androgenic side effects. However, RAD-140’s indirect effect on the conversion of endogenous testosterone to DHT may raise concerns for human users.

RAD-140 PCT

Some individuals erroneously assume that RAD-140 does not influence the HPTA. However, RAD-140 can suppress endogenous testosterone production by decreasing levels of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH). This suppression results from RAD-140’s high binding affinity to androgen receptors, which can feed back to inhibit the HPTA.

Post-cycle assessments often reveal a significant decline in testosterone levels, prompting the implementation of post-cycle therapy (PCT). Typically, PCT can be initiated 12 days after completing a RAD-140 cycle, considering its half-life of approximately 60 hours. The estimated elimination time is calculated as approximately 5.5 times the half-life.

Standard PCT regimens commonly employ selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMs) such as Clomiphene citrate (Clomid) or Tamoxifen citrate (Nolvadex). Evidence suggests that Nolvadex may be more effective in restoring endogenous testosterone levels [38,39].

Clomid exerts its effect by acting as an agonist at estrogen receptors within the hypothalamus, thereby increasing gonadotropin secretion from the anterior pituitary and stimulating testosterone biosynthesis. Nolvadex similarly promotes gonadotropin release, facilitating testosterone recovery.

Below are illustrative examples of RAD-140 PCT protocols, detailing dosage and duration recommendations.

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?

Pharmacokinetic data indicate that RAD-140 has an approximate half-life of 60 hours [40]. Nonetheless, many users adhere to daily dosing regimens, initially estimating RAD-140’s half-life to be approximately 20 hours.

RAD-140 vs. LGD-4033: What Are the Differences?

LGD-4033 (Ligandrol) demonstrates greater potency per milligram relative to RAD-140, with effective dosages typically ranging from 2 to 10 mg to elicit notable anabolic effects. In comparison, RAD-140 is generally administered at dosages of 10 to 20 mg.

From an aesthetic standpoint, RAD-140 appears to be superior, particularly in regard to:

• Enhancing muscle pumps
• Promoting subcutaneous fat loss

Consequently, RAD-140 may be considered more optimal for individuals prioritizing physique refinement. Additionally, LGD-4033 tends to induce greater water retention, which may render it less suitable for users aiming for:

• A lean physique
• Maximum muscle definition

Some of the fat reduction observed with RAD-140 may be indirect, potentially attributable to its appetite-suppressant properties—specifically, increasing satiety and reducing hunger. In the initial Phase 1 study involving humans, 27% of metastatic breast cancer patients reported decreased appetite while on RAD-140. Our clinical experience suggests that its appetite-suppressing effects surpass those of LGD-4033 [41]

Regarding hypertrophy and strength gains, both LGD-4033 and RAD-140 exhibit comparable potency. However, RAD-140 tends to produce a more pronounced muscle-hardening effect, which could be linked to its lower propensity to elevate estrogen levels, thereby reducing water retention. Research indicates that RAD-140 suppresses the ESR1 gene, a mechanism believed to contribute to decreased extracellular water volume [42].

Furthermore, RAD-140 is likely to confer more significant improvements in muscular endurance, benefiting individuals engaged in high-repetition training or cardiovascular exercise. In our experience, users commonly report higher energy levels during RAD-140 cycles compared to LGD-4033.

Conversely, LGD-4033 has been associated with a greater increase in libido during its administration, as reflected in our patient 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, in principle, be combined with any other SARM to enhance various anabolic outcomes, including:

• Muscular strength
• Hypertrophy
• Fat loss

However, Leciejewska et al. (2023) caution that concurrent use of multiple SARMs may elevate the risk of adverse side effects [43].

In practical application, novice users often initiate a cycle with RAD-140 alone to familiarize themselves with its effects. As experience progresses, more advanced stacks—such as RAD-140 combined with LGD-4033—are frequently employed to maximize gains in muscle mass and strength during bulking phases [44].

Sample dosages for a RAD-140 and LGD-4033 stack might be structured as follows:

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

Nonetheless, considering preliminary evidence indicating potential hepatotoxicity associated with RAD-140 in human studies [45], it is advisable to exercise caution when stacking it with other SARMs until further research clarifies its safety profile.

RAD-140 Reviews: How Are Subjects Responding?

Researchers in our private Facebook group have shared their evaluations and experiential accounts regarding RAD-140, as detailed below.

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

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In my experience, cycling RAD-140 results in a substantial number of side effects. Based on this, I would suggest that using RAD-140 may carry risks comparable to those associated with anabolic steroid use.

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In my view, RAD-140 is an exceptional SARM. I recently achieved the milestone of reaching the 1,000-pound club at 52 years old, with a body weight of 158 pounds.

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Six months ago, I completed my first 12-week cycle of RAD-140, during which I did not experience any noticeable side effects.

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By the first day of week six, I continued to experience no side effects, and everything was progressing well. I administered 12.5 mg of RAD-140 daily to maintain leanness while promoting muscle growth and strength across all my lifts. Over the past two weeks, I increased my daily caloric intake by approximately 300 calories to optimize protein consumption. As a result, my arms have become extremely vascular, which I find highly motivating.

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In my experience, RAD-140 is my preferred SARM. However, I consistently encounter nocturnal hyperhidrosis (night sweats) toward the end of each cycle. Currently, this side effect has been particularly intense, often limiting me to only 5–6 hours of sleep per night due to waking up completely drenched. Such high levels of sweating are not typical for me. While I cannot conclusively establish a causal relationship, I have observed a correlation between RAD-140 use and this symptom.

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Frequently Asked Questions

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

The use of RAD-140 may pose risks to individuals with hypertension, as it can negatively influence cholesterol levels, potentially exacerbating cardiovascular concerns.

A case report published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology describes a sixteen-year-old male who developed myopericarditis—an inflammatory condition affecting the myocardium and pericardium—following a single dose of RAD-140 [46].

The patient had a prior diagnosis of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and reported concomitant use of marijuana and tobacco alongside RAD-140. The condition resolved following discontinuation of the substance.

Can Users Drink Alcohol on RAD-140?

The question of whether users can safely consume alcohol while on RAD-140 warrants careful consideration. Evidence indicates that RAD-140 induces hepatotoxic effects, and combining it with alcohol during a cycle may elevate the risk of hepatic injury.

As reported in the ACG Reports Journal, a male individual developed jaundice after supplementing with RAD-140 for a total duration of seven weeks [47]. This case emphasizes the potential hazards linked to the simultaneous use of RAD-140 and alcohol, underscoring the importance of caution given their combined hepatotoxic potential.

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

Based on our empirical observations, numerous users generally adopt RAD-140 for bulking objectives. Accordingly, a caloric intake approximately 500 calories above maintenance has been shown to support enhanced anabolic responses [48].

If RAD-140 is employed for reducing, our findings suggest that maintaining a calorie deficit of approximately 500 calories effectively promotes fat loss while preserving muscle hypertrophy [49].

Can Any Supplements Mitigate the Toxicity Linked to RAD-140?

Tauroursodeoxycholic acid (TUDCA) has the potential to lower AST and ALT levels [50], which may prove advantageous during a RAD-140 cycle.

Moreover, our patients often augment their regimen with 3 grams daily of fish oil, which comprises docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA). This is an effort to regulate blood pressure.

Clinical evidence indicates a possible reduction in cardiovascular risk associated with fish oil; however, outcomes differ according to the dosage [51].

Can RAD-140 Cause Bloating?

In our experience, multiple individuals have reported bloating as a side effect of RAD-140. Reducing salt consumption has effectively neutralized this adverse impact by decreasing plasma osmolality.

Following dietary modifications to enhance diuresis (increased urination), our patients have experienced a reduction of up to six pounds in water weight during RAD-140 cycles.

Important Information

• Individuals are advised to seek guidance from a healthcare professional before utilizing RAD-140.
• RAD-140 must not be used by women who are pregnant or lactating owing to potential risks and complications.
• Numerous counterfeit RAD-140 products are available online; therefore, researchers should acquire them only from companies that supply certificates of analysis.
• Researchers are advised to consult appropriate third-party laboratories to authenticate certificates of analysis prior to acquiring RAD-140.
• RAD-140 bottles should be stored in a dry location, protected from exposure to sunlight.
• Researchers should verify the expiration date on the bottle prior to use.
• The information provided on this page does not replace professional medical advice.
• Results from RAD-140 can differ based on individual lifestyle and genetic predispositions.
• Individuals using RAD-140 should undergo blood tests to monitor overall health during and post supplementation.
• Users should ensure the bottle top remains securely closed when not in use.
• RAD-140 bottles should be stored in a location that is inaccessible to minors.

RAD-140 Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Enhanced muscle hypertrophy
• Marked improvement in muscular strength
• Reduction of body fat

Cons:

• Smaller increases in fat-free mass compared to anabolic steroids
• Potential hypercholesterolemia (increased cholesterol levels)
• Decrease in endogenous testosterone production
• Hepatotoxic effects

Summary

RAD-140 exhibits anabolic traits that may benefit individuals seeking improvements in:

• Muscle hypertrophy
• Strength

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

These health deteriorations have been observed in several human trials and align with Dr. Thomas O’Connor’s ten years of experience treating males and females utilizing RAD-140.

With reports of cardiotoxic and hepatotoxic effects in several users, along with modest results in muscle hypertrophy, RAD-140 may be less efficacious than certain anabolic steroids, such as:

• Testosterone
• Anavar
• Deca-Durabolin

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

Dr. O’Connor contends that SARMs, including RAD-140, may be “potentially more hazardous than anabolic steroids,” according to his examination of laboratory results from over 2,000 individuals.

Nonetheless, more clinical investigations on RAD-140 are required to comprehensively elucidate its effects. Certain studies have noted favorable alterations in body composition devoid of any discernible problems.

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