RAD-140, also known as Testolone, is selective androgen receptor modulator – or SARM for short. These compounds are gaining a solid reputation within the bodybuilding world as safer and healthier alternatives to anabolic steroids.
RAD-140 began life as a type of testosterone replacement therapy but whether it actually serves as one is disputed.
Similar to other SARMs like S-4 (Andarine) and LGD-4033 (Ligandrol), RAD-140 is known to mimic the results of testosterone albeit without the side effects.
This works because they both focus on the same receptors.
The effects they produce influence muscle and bone tissue as well as the liver.
The Benefits of SARMS
The advantage of SARMs over testosterone is their selective nature. They tend to target muscle and bone tissue over other organs thus allowing SARMs to treat hormone-related and muscle-wasting conditions with less danger of organ damage.
SARMs properties allow them to bind to androgen receptors found in different parts of the body. These receptors are used to interacting with a special group of steroid hormones called androgens. These androgens, testosterone, dihydrotestosterone (DHT), and androstenedione are naturally produced in the body.
Their selective nature means SARMs have become more popular than testosterone or steroids in the bodybuilding world. Because of its testosterone-like properties, RAD-140 is popular for men with lower testosterone levels, but who are unsure of taking traditional testosterone replacement therapy (TRT).
For many, it is another way to amp their physical appearance and increase their sex drive. The compound was also considered as a treatment for muscle wasting conditions and as a potential treatment for breast cancer.
It was developed by Radius Health, a billion dollar ‘Big Pharma’ company, in 2010. Due to its relatively recent inception RAD-140 is the new kid on the SARMS block. The drug is so new that human trials for RAD-140 only began in 2017 and the few results available are somewhat inconclusive.
As it’s not been legally proven to be safe for human consumption and resulting trials haven’t exactly shaken the earth… you might ask, what’s the big deal?
Well, whether the drug proves fit for purpose in a medical sense is a moot point. We all know that Big Pharma is unlikely to approve anything until they’ve found ways to capitalise on the revenue. So it’s with little surprise that in a later iteration RAD-140 found its way onto the bodybuilding stage and right now it’s the new rock and roll.
What Results To Expect From Testolone
The core benefits of Testolone are as follows:
- Huge increases in lean muscle mass
- Superior strength gains
- Supports enhanced strength and explosive power
- Improved muscular endurance and stamina
- Fat burning
- More anabolic than testosterone
- No androgenic side effects such as male pattern baldness
- Excellent stacking potential with other SARMs and prohormones
- Reduced recovery time
- Increases libido
- Heightened aggression
- Increased brain function
RAD-140 is an orally administered SARM designed to seek out, bind to and activate the body’s androgen receptors. This means that in the case of the prostate and breast tissue, RAD-140 blocks AR activation and AR cellular proliferation.
The benefit of this reaction, at least in a bodybuilding senses means that RAD-140 can actively increase bone and muscle mass. This is a powerful aid to any athletes looking to increase muscles mass without increasing androgen levels.
In layman’s terms, RAD-140 is one of the most recognised SARMs for building muscle mass.
In one study scientists were able to use RAD-140 to activates receptors in damaged sections of the brain. The resulting reaction was a signal known as the MAPK pathway which is known to protect brain cells.
Androgens are an important player when it comes to protecting our brains. Tests have proved that androgens have the ability to improve brain cell growth, protect memory, and tackle the underlying cause of Alzheimer’s disease.
How RAD-140 Works
RAD-140 is drawn towards androgen receptors specifically in bone and muscle tissue. Targetting results in the areas we want, this aspect is what makes SARMs so special and ideal for those looking to build lean muscle mass and prevent that muscle from wasting away again.
Once it binds to the androgen receptors, RAD-140 increases nitrogen retention and boosts the synthesis of protein. It’s this reaction that enables users to develop lean muscle.
The good news is that unlike testosterone, testolone is not aromatized or converted into DHT. It also won’t bind to androgen receptors in the prostate or the liver. It’s not known what causes RAD-140 to be so selective, but it’s a moot point as the results speak for themselves.
RAD-140’s structure is unlike that of steroid hormones. The biggest advantage of this is that your body can’t convert it into hormones like oestrogen thus negating the unwelcome side effects. A common problem for anabolic steroid users.
Taken in higher doses, and we’ll talk more about that later, it can also promote fat loss and there are reports it can improve brain function.
RAD-140 Medical Trials: A Tale of Mice and Men
Human trials, as mentioned are currently underway, but evidence from a trial on mice proved the compound to be very successful in increasing muscle.
There’s also a wealth of anecdotal evidence from user studies, almost all of which are overwhelmingly positive.
How To Use RAD-140
Because RAD-140 is a SARM it’s taken orally, usually in the form of capsules or liquid SARMs. The reason for this is simple. Compounds like steroids are not choosy about which tissues they affect, therefore it can be dangerous to ingest them. After all, the last thing you need is a steroid deciding it wants to bind to your heart or other major organs. By contrast, SARMs are selective in terms of binding and will only bind to specific receptors. This means that unlike steroids, which need to be administered directly by intramuscular injection, RAD-140 is safe to take as an oral supplement.
RAD-140 Dosage
RAD-140 is considered to have a similar potency to the compound LGD-4033 which demonstrates solid results from a daily dose of 20/30mg.
Naturally, this dosage is dependent on your size and intended results.
RAD-140 is generally considered to work better for men and some sources go further suggesting that women avoid it altogether.
If you are female and do want to try it then we would strongly urge you to read up on both sides of the argument before going ahead. If you do decide to try it then we recommend a lower daily dose of 5/10mg maximum.
RAD-140 Side Effects
As a new drug, potential users should be mindful of the lack of clinical trials and results. Clearly, this suggests there is insufficient data to establish whether the drug is safe for human consumption. On the flip side of that argument, RAD-140 has seen considerable use in the bodybuilding community. There is, therefore, a wealth of anecdotal evidence from potential users to support this standpoint, but we urge you to draw your own conclusions.
The good news is that neither the few clinical trails nor much of the personal evidence suggests there is much to worry about in terms of ill effects.
One side effect to be aware of and prepare for is suppression; your body’s natural testosterone production is lowered or potentially shut down.
Suppression is triggered by the SARM’s ability to fool the body into thinking it has an abundance of testosterone. Suppression can lead to fatigue, low sex drive and a lack of motivation or aggression.
Other minor reported side effects of RAD-140 include mild headaches, nausea and skin conditions like acne and rashes.
Naturally, the chances of side effects increase with higher doses and staying within safe recommended limits greatly reduces the extent of the side effects you’ll experience.
Reduced Androgenic Side Effects
As a non-hormonal compound, RAD-140 won’t aromatize or convert to DHT. In fact, quite the opposite; RAD-140 can reduce swelling in the prostate gland. This may be due to a side effect of exogenous testosterone. This factor means it’s a good addition to an anabolic steroid cycle.
You may read or hear something about RAD-140 being described as a partial antagonist. This stems from a preclinical characterisation. This might sound like RAD-140 is less androgenic than other SARMs but this is not strictly accurate. The truth is most SARMs are known by the term ‘partial agonist’ in androgen affected tissues, but while RAD-140 is classified in its preclinical profile as a partial antagonist, in certain conditions it can have both properties.
You may, therefore, hear that RAD-140 is the only SARM with antagonistic effects on the prostate gland but that statement is potentially misleading.
All selective androgen receptor ligands have demonstrated partial agonist activity around the prostate. This includes RAD-140 regardless of its preclinical profile.
As a final note, you can play around with this online ovulation calculator and see your most fertile days if you’re trying to conceive a baby.
Does RAD-140 Cause Hair Loss?
Due to its myotrophic/androgenic properties, there is a low risk that RAD-140 could promote hair loss if taken at a sufficiently high dosage.
There are substantial anecdotal reports of users losing hair to RAD-140, but in each case, the reported dosage was far higher than normal.
It should be noted that by adding it to an anabolic steroid stack, RAD-140 could reduce the risk of hair loss.
Does RAD-140 Cause Gynecomastia?
All SARMs carry the risk of gynecomastia (gyno) due to their impact on the Hypothalamus-Pituitary-Testes-Axis. That said, the risk is much lower with RAD-140.
Suppressing testosterone production is enough to cause a hormone imbalance and such an imbalance may be enough to trigger gynecomastia development.
If in doubt also seek professional medical advice.
RAD-140 Vs Anabolic Steroids
RAD-140 is often considered the next best thing to steroids, at least in terms of results. There are multiple reports of huge lean muscle and strength gains and even some suggestion that it can help burn fat at the same time.
In terms of practicality, there really is no competition, despite the fact testolone hasn’t been around long it has already proven itself to be a viable alternative to traditional steroids. Not only is it non-specific and therefore safe to take in oral form, but RAD-140 also has most of the upsides of anabolic steroids and practically none of the downsides (except suppression).
There are no reports of testicular reduction or an enlarged prostate. Indeed, the most significant complaint is that it may cause a reduction in testosterone levels.
RAD-140 is renowned for its potency and as a result reports of dramatic results are commonplace.
There is some anecdotal evidence to suggest the anabolic to androgenic ratio of RAD-140 is as high as 90:1. It is this huge swing that allows the compound to deliver enormous muscle mass and it’s not unknown for users to gain 10lbs+ of lean muscle from one cycle.
RAD-140 Vs Testosterone
As mentioned, the compound was at least partially developed as an alternative to Testosterone. It makes sense that they share a number of properties, although one study highlighted an interesting difference.
In tests it was discovered that taken alongside anabolic steroids, RAD-140 was able to reduce the side effects of testosterone. It’s not known exactly why this phenomenon occurred, but it’s likely that it’s related to RAD-140’s inability to aromatise or convert into DHT. Either way, the results seemed conclusive.
What Results to Expect from Testolone
Despite the lack of official trial data, there is a wealth of information available from private users of Testolone. We’ve researched most of the reports thoroughly and what follows is a condensed version of our findings:
Increased muscle mass
An early animal trial on RAD-140 demonstrated an average weight gain of more than 10% over a 28 day period. This was achieved using a stand-alone low dosage of RAD-140. Researchers noted no adverse side effects, even those traditionally associated with testosterone
Strength gain
One of RAD-140’s most attractive properties is its ability to make you stronger. Over the course of a 28 days cycle, the effects are noticeable from as early as two weeks in. Lifts will become easier and your sets will feel more intense. You’ll break records, set new benchmarks and best of all these effects will last.
Increased bone density
As with all other SARMs, over time RAD-140 will improve the mineral density of your bones. You may even find that the compound prevents and aids recovery of previous bone injuries.
Stamina, speed & endurance
RAD-140 has gained a lot of fans in the bodybuilding community, many of whom report significant increases in all of the above.
Aggression
Aggression, focus, call it what you will, when it comes to RAD-140 you will notice a clarity of mind far beyond your daily norm. This ‘aggression’ should not be confused with ‘roid rage’ and although there are limited reports of irritability at the early stages you’re unlikely to feel the need to let rip anywhere other than the gym. It’s a good idea to make sure you focus on getting enough sleep.
Less apathy
One universal report about RAD-140 is the compound’s elixir-like quality. You’ll bounce out of bed, spend the day on top of the world before bouncing back in again.
How To Cycle RAD-140
Testolone, or RAD-140, is best taken in six to twelve-week cycles followed by a course of PCT (Post Cycle Therapy).
In the short term
In the first couple of weeks, RAD-140 users will begin to feel physically stronger. This due to the compound’s ability to help the body build muscle. This increased strength will allow you to train harder and longer and in turn build even more muscle.
Midway
Halfway into your cycle, you should start to see a significant physical change. Increase weight, visible muscle growth and naturally, you’ll be able to train even harder now.
Two Thirds In
Throughout the process, you will continue to gain weight and strength and if your dose and program are on target, you can expect to see gains muscle mass gains anywhere between 10 to 15 lbs (4.5 to 7.5 kg).
Does RAD-140 Require Post Cycle Therapy (PCT)?
Almost all supplements can suppress the body’s own innate ability to create certain chemicals. In the case of SARMS, this usually equates to an inability to produce testosterone. As mentioned above, an eight-week cycle is sufficient to make measurable gains from RAD-140 and we strongly urge you to follow this with a rigorous period of PCT.
The best way to do this is to take both Clomid and Nolvadex to bring the body’s hormone levels back in balance. We advise a four-week course of PCT after each RAD-140 cycle. This will also depend on the dose.
Stacking RAD-140
Testolone stacks well with most other SARMs and prohormones. Despite the lack of clinical trials it appears to be a safe bet when it comes to supplements and this means it’s safer than most to stack alongside others. Stacking reports are of course entirely anecdotal and you’ll need to use your own judgement to decide whether stacking it right for you. There have been some positive reviews from users stacking Testolone with YK-11.
The key takeaway noted from most of these reports is that the stacks appear to significantly improve the acceleration of the muscle building effects. Best results were posted by those taking the stacks on a two to one ratio. That’s twice as much RAD-140 as YK11 (for example, 20mg Testolone v’s 10mg of YK11). This stack alleges tangible muscle and strength improvement in just three days.
Other SARMs with positive reported results, when stacked with RAD-140, include Ligandrol and Ostarine. Again these stacks appear to amplify the effect of both compounds.
RAD-140 Price and Availability
RAD-140 is readily available on the market but it’s worth remembering that the SARMs and supplement market can be a lawless place. Therefore it is a good idea to source your supply from a reliable source and not from the back of the gym.
Naturally, we provide an excellent range of RAD-140 products with independently tested Certificate of Analysis (CoA) documents to reassure you of what you buy, but there are others out there too, just be sure to avoid the black market.
Testolone is not the cheapest SARM on the block, but as the drug becomes more accepted in the mainstream you can expect to see the price fall. For now, however, many users consider its price point acceptable, especially considering the achievable results.
Other Important Factors
Bioavailability
RAD-140 has good bioavailability. Research gleaned from primate tests suggested an absorption rate in the 70% region.
Half-Life
The jury is somewhat out on the half-life. Much will depend on the purity of your source but reports indicate that the average half-life of RAD-140 sits around the 18-hour mark. If this figure is accurate, and we believe it is, then taking Testolone once per day should provide the desired results.
Legality
As with most SARMS, there is a legal grey area surrounding Testolone. It is not an illegal substance but it is worth noting that SARMs are banned by WADA and in most sports – it is listed on the World Anti-Doping Agency’s prohibited list.
In conclusion
Miracle elixirs and potions of youth are common phrases in the bodybuilding world. With a little research and some closer examination, however, these magical cure-alls are more often than not little more than glorified snake oil.
Testolone or RAD-140 holds up to closer scrutiny better than most.
At the end of the day, we have to conclude that despite its chequered past in the Big Pharma world, RAD-140 does appear to have much to offer the bodybuilding world. You’ll want to make sure you keep within the guidelines and always be prepared to seek professional medical advice if things go south.
Due Diligence and Disclaimers
We have done our best to present an honest and open article on the pros and cons of RAD-140. It should be noted however that this article is our opinion only. We are not trained medical professionals and make no claim to be so. It is our aim only to provide information to allow the reader to make up their own mind on whether this drug is for them or not.
All claims and statements in this article are true to the best of our knowledge. While it is true that this drug is an untested substance and banned in most sporting events, we believe there is sufficient anecdotal evidence to suggest it’s not only safe to use but can offer much in the way of rewards.
After all, if we relied on big pharma to decide what’s safe, we’d end up with zero cures, wealthy chemists and a never-ending stream of expensive treatments.
So, decide for yourself if Testolone is the SARM is for you.
