RAD 140 (Testolone) Review: Results + Before and After Pictures

What is RAD 140 (Testolone)?

RAD 140 is a non-steroidal SARM (selective androgen receptor modulator) that replicates the anabolic effects of steroids by binding to the androgen receptor.

RAD 140 and other SARMs were formulated to provide more optimal treatment for patients suffering from osteoporosis, cachexia, and anemia.

Although anabolic steroids produce exceptional increases in lean mass, they also induce negative cardiovascular, hepatic, estrogenic, and androgenic side effects.

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.

RAD 140 was described in 2010 after being formulated by a US biotechnology company, Radius Health. Due to its recent creation, little is known about RAD 140’s effects, particularly on humans over the long term.

RAD 140 is considered one of the more potent SARMs, possessing superior anabolic effects to testosterone propionate in animal trials (mg per mg).

In clinical settings, monkeys have experienced a 10% increase in lean body mass over 28 days on RAD 140 [1], demonstrating the exceptional potential for this SARM.

Similar to anabolic steroids, RAD 140 will also induce lipolysis (fat loss) and increases in muscular strength due to its high affinity when binding to the AR (androgen receptor).

Disclosure: We do not accept any form of advertising on Inside Bodybuilding. We monetize our practice via doctor consultations and carefully chosen supplement recommendations, which have given our patients excellent results.

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Is RAD 140 (Testolone) Legal?

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

Thus, it is only legal to buy for investigational purposes, specifically limited to animal testing.

However, this has not prevented bodybuilders from buying SARMs online, with manufacturers legally synthesizing and selling SARMs if labeled correctly as research chemicals instead of dietary supplements.

RAD 140 has also been banned by WADA (World Anti-Doping Association), so professional athletes are prohibited from using it and other SARMs [2].

RAD 140 Results (Before and After)

This user stacked RAD 140 (Testolone) with another SARM, known as LGD-4033 (Ligandrol). He also ran MK-677 (ibutamoren) alongside these two compounds.

MK-677 is often referred to as a SARM due to its similar anabolic effects; however, it is technically a growth hormone secretagogue (GHS).

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

Increases in visceral fat may be predominantly attributed to the inclusion of MK-677 in this stack, with HGH-enhancers notoriously known for increasing insulin resistance and thus inducing visceral fat storage.

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

As a visual estimate, this user appears to have gained 10 lbs (4.5kg) of lean mass, with RAD 140 likely to be responsible for approximately 4.5 lbs (2kg) of this.

Although there is promise in animal trials of RAD 140 producing large increases in muscle hypertrophy, in humans we see a considerably milder effect.

Medical research supports such a hypothesis, with human trials comparing the anabolic effects of testosterone enanthate vs. SARMs. Researchers found that SARMs added 1–1.5 kg of lean mass to participants over 4-6 weeks, whereas testosterone enanthate added 5-7kg of lean mass [3].

RAD 140-Only Cycle (Before and After)

This user cycled RAD 140 at 17 mg/day for 12 weeks. He experienced slight improvements in muscularity, albeit with an increase in subcutaneous body fat.

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

Thus, it is reasonable to assume that RAD 140 may have been responsible for 1-3 pounds of lean mass.

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

Some could hypothesize that this user’s RAD 140 (Testolone) may not be legitimate or significantly diluted due to a lack of results. However, this user’s source was verified to be a trusted manufacturer.

RAD 140 Before and After (8 Week Cycle)

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

This user experienced significant fat loss (despite claiming to eat in a calorie surplus) and enhanced muscle hardness, definition, and thickness.

Despite gaining 10 pounds on the scales, he personally stated that RAD 140 was not worth it for him, as his results were only mild and he experienced hair shedding (on the scalp).

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

RAD 140 Dosage

RAD 140 is not a pharmaceutically produced product 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.

Women typically take 5–10 mg/day for the same duration, enabling them to experience the benefits of RAD 140 but without any masculinization side effects (commonly associated with steroid use).

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

RAD 140 Side Effects

In animal studies, RAD 140 has been shown to be safer than testosterone replacement therapy when administered to rats [4]. This is impressive, given the general positive safety profile of testosterone, hence its FDA-approved status.

However, in humans, there appears to be a different trend, with RAD 140 demonstrating harsher side effects.

Liver Toxicity

Despite RAD 140 being a newly formulated compound, there is already research showing its ability to cause hepatocellular-cholestatic liver injury [5].

A 49-year-old man had taken RAD 140 continuously for 4 weeks, with intermittent use afterward. He took RAD 140 in conjunction with an anti-depressant (venlafaxine) that he had previously been taking for 11 months.

It is important to note that this man’s alcohol consumption was insignificant; thus, the combination of hepatotoxic anti-depressants and SARMs may be a lethal combination, even if he is otherwise living a healthy lifestyle.

The user in the second RAD 140 before and after pictures also reported excessively raised ALT/AST enzymes, demonstrating liver stress.

Dr. Thomas O’Connor, in his experience of analyzing over 2,000 patients on SARMs over a decade, has likened SARMs to taking 50 mg/day of anavar.

RAD 140’s route of entry, being an oral product, is likely the culprit for such hepatic stress.

This is due to it having to bypass the liver upon entering the bloodstream, similar to c-17 alpha-alkylated oral steroids, causing excessive workload for the organ.

Blood Pressure

We have found that RAD 140, as well as other SARMs, have a dose-dependent effect on cholesterol [6]; increasing the risk of atherosclerosis and myocardial infarction. 

The second user, who took pictures of his results and recorded his labs (following his RAD 140-only cycle), reported a sharp rise in blood pressure.

This is likely due to SARMs passing through the liver, which stimulates the hepatic lipase enzyme, causing HDL cholesterol levels to decrease. HDL cholesterol is beneficial to heart health, with high levels reducing arterial plaque [7].

Another possible contributing factor to undesirable blood lipids may be RAD 140’s’ lack of aromatization. In contrast, several anabolic steroids do convert to estrogen, causing less significant shifts in cholesterol levels. This is because estrogen has a positive effect on HDL levels, so inhibiting this conversion is not optimal for heart health.

Testosterone Suppression

RAD 140’s aggressive binding effect with the androgen receptor can suppress testosterone levels, similar to anabolic steroids.

The extent of such suppression has not yet been established; however, our anecdotal data suggests it is significant. The second user in the before and after transformation was administered 17 mg/day of RAD 140 for 12 weeks and experienced a sharp decline in testosterone levels, going from 750 to 193 ng/dL.

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

All SARMs appear to have a suppressive effect on endogenous testosterone; however, RAD 140’s effect seems to be more pronounced than other SARMs due to it being a more potent compound.

Gynecomastia and Water Retention

Although RAD 140 does not aromatize, it can still elevate estrogen levels somewhat via a different pathway. When SARMs are administered, they begin to compete with a user’s natural testosterone for binding to the AR (androgen receptor). SARMs win this battle due to their superior binding affinity, leaving more free testosterone to convert to estrogen or DHT (dihydrotestosterone), consequently raising both of these hormones.

Elevated levels of estrogen can cause water retention, bloating, and gynecomastia. Thus, having a very mild AI (aromatase inhibitor) nearby when starting a RAD 140 cycle may be advantageous.

Androsta-3,5-diene-7,17-dione (Arimstane) is a mild AI that can be utilized to inhibit estrogenic side effects.

In our experience, more potent AIs, such as letrozole, aromasin, or anastrozole, are likely to be too harsh for a SARM cycle. These can cause an undesirable reverse reaction (estrogen deficiency). Potent AI’s are more suitable for steroid cycles, where estrogen levels rise to far higher levels.

Hair Loss and Prostate Enlargement

Animal research has shown that RAD 140 may be an effective treatment for benign prostatic hyperplasia due to its successful tissue selectivity, causing prostate shrinkage.

In rats, RAD 140 showed very low levels of androgenicity, requiring a 60x higher dosage to replicate the prostatic hypertrophy of testosterone [8].

However, we have had RAD 140 users still have bouts of hair loss, which may be attributed to higher amounts of natural testosterone converting to DHT, as it will no longer bind to AR.

Higher DHT levels will cause increased inflammation and hair miniaturization on the scalp.

If users utilize RAD 140 for short-term use, such shedding may reverse when hormones regulate back to normal post-cycle. However, long-term use and sustained high levels of DHT increase the risk of androgenic alopecia.

Increased sebum production is also likely, causing sensitive users to potentially experience acne vulgaris.

In theory, RAD 140’s tissue selectivity should prevent any androgenic side effects, which are portrayed in animal research. However, its indirect impact on natural testosterone and its conversion to DHT are problematic for real users.

RAD 140 PCT

RAD 140 suppresses testosterone via the lowering of FSH and LH, a consequence of its binding affinity to the AR.

Some RAD 140 users get their testosterone levels checked post-cycle and experience significant suppression, causing them to run PCT (post-cycle therapy).

Users can begin a PCT 12 days after finishing a RAD 140 cycle, due to its short half-life (60 hours). Elimination time = 5.5 x half-life.

Typically, we would prescribe clomid or nolvadex for PCT, with the latter being the stronger medication for restoring endogenous testosterone. Thus, clomid may be sufficient for a PCT if running a RAD 140-only cycle; however, nolvadex may be more optimal if stacking RAD 140 with other SARMs.

In terms of dosage and the duration of a RAD 140 PCT, clomid may be taken at 25 mg/day for 30 days, or 20 mg/day of nolvadex for 30 days.

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FAQ

What is the half-life of RAD 140 (Testolone)?

Based on pharmacokinetic samples, RAD 140’s half-life is 60 hours [9].

However, daily dosing remains a common protocol among users, who initially estimated its half-life to be around 20 hours.

RAD 140 vs LGD-4033

LGD-4033 (Ligandrol) is the more potent SARM mg for mg. We have found that dosages of only 2–10 mg are necessary to see notable results.

RAD 140’s dosage is typically 10–20 mg.

However, RAD 140 seems to be a superior SARM in regards to increased pumps and subcutaneous fat loss.

Thus, in terms of aesthetics and looking in the best condition for the beach or a contest, RAD 140 wins. In contrast, LGD-4033 is a bulkier compound that won’t leave users looking ripped.

Some of the fat loss associated with RAD 140 may be indirect, due to its appetite suppressant [10] effect compared to LGD-4033.

In terms of muscle hypertrophy and strength, LGD-4033 wins, making it a more optimal compound for bulking.

We find that RAD 140 has a greater muscle hardening effect, possibly due to estrogen levels rising less [11], and thus decreasing water retention.

RAD 140 is also likely to produce better results in terms of muscular endurance, benefiting those who perform in high rep ranges or have a training schedule that incorporates regular cardiovascular training.

Many users also report higher energy levels on RAD 140 than LGD-4033.

LGD-4033, however, is known to increase libido more than RAD 140 on-cycle.

RAD 140 Stack

RAD 140 can theoretically be stacked with any SARM (or anabolic steroid). This method enhances muscular strength, size, and fat loss; however, stacking will also exacerbate side effects.

Novices will typically take RAD 140 by itself to build up tolerance. As a user gains experience, a more potent stack may be used, such as RAD 140 and LGD-4033, for greater mass and strength gains when bulking.

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

• RAD 140 (Testolone): 10 mg/day for 8 weeks
• LGD-4033 (Ligandrol): 6 mg/day for 8 weeks.

Caution: Given the early indications of RAD 140’s hepatotoxic effects in humans [12] and its deleterious effects on blood lipids, it may not be wise to stack it with other non-steroidal SARMs until its effects are better understood.

Summary

RAD 140 (Testolone) is a potent SARM that enhances muscle building, strength, and fat loss with unique tissue selectivity. However, there do appear to be steroid-like risks associated with this SARM, particularly liver toxicity and cardiovascular strain.

Such deteriorations in health are evident in human trials and backed up by Dr. Thomas O’Connor’s vast experience of treating men and women on RAD 140 for a decade.

With harsh negative effects occurring with minimal results in muscular hypertrophy, RAD 140 may present a higher risk-to-reward ratio compared to mild anabolic steroids (such as testosterone or Anavar).

Dr. O’Connor believes SARMs, such as RAD 140, are actually more dangerous than anabolic steroids, following regular analysis of 2,000+ patients’ labs. Thus, we must warn any of our readers thinking about experimenting with SARMs that they are unlikely to be as safe as originally thought.

Co Authors :

Dr. Thomas O'Connor, MD, PA

For TRT inquiries, please contact Dr. O’Connor via the Anabolic Doc App.

Over the last 20 years, Dr. O’Connor has successfully treated thousands of men who have taken anabolic steroids, SARMs, and other PEDs, giving him first-hand experience of their effects. Board-certified MD since 2005.

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