RAD-140 Guide: Testolone Benefits, Dosage, Risks And Cycles

Last Updated on March 17, 2023 by Jim Marshall

Contents

What is RAD-140?

RAD-140, also known as Testolone, is an investigational SARM (selective androgen receptor modulator) that was developed for use in androgen replacement therapy. Some possible benefits that are being researched include the treatment of disorders such as muscle wasting and bone loss.

RAD-140 is a popular choice for men with low testosterone levels. They want to avoid the need to use testosterone replacement therapy, but still wish to improve their sexual and physical performance. This use of Testolone is purely anecdotal and lacks adequate research to substantiate it.

Current research is looking into the role of RAD-140 for potentially increasing muscle growth, treating breast cancer, and protecting brain cells.(1)

Despite the fact that there is a lack of safety research on humans, bodybuilders have used RAD-140 to boost strength and stamina. RAD-140 is still technically legal, but it’s use is banned in professional sports. RAD-140, like all SARMs is listed on the prohibited list of the World Anti-Doping Agency.(2)

It is believed that RAD-140 can increase testosterone, muscle mass, and athletic performance. It is prohibited in professional sports, and there isn’t enough clinical research to confirm its effectiveness or safety.

Without complete research, testosterone replacement therapy is still considered safer than SARMs such as RAD-140. Keep in mind that we don’t know much about the safety profile for this unapproved experimental drug. However, testosterone’s effects have been well-studied, and are predictable.

What Are SARMs?

RAD-140, also known by Testolone is a brand-new investigational drug that has gained popularity among bodybuilders. It claims to have muscle-building properties. RAD-140 is part of a group of compounds known as SARMs, or selective androgen receptor modulators.(3)

SARMs attach to androgen receptors located in various locations in the body. These receptors normally interact with a class of steroid hormones called androgens. The body naturally produces androgens such as testosterone, dihydrotestosterone and androstenedione.

SARMs and testosterone have similar effects, as they both work using the same receptor. SARMs primarily affect the muscles, bones, and liver.(4)

Researchers are particularly interested in SARMs because of their selectivity in how they work. They mainly target muscle and bone tissue, while seemingly having little effect on the prostate or other organs.

Some researchers believe that SARMs may be able to treat hormone-related and muscle-wasting conditions with less side effects than other treatments. However, this hypothesis is unproven.

SARMs have been a popular choice for bodybuilders over anabolic steroids or testosterone because of this potential. While steroids and testosterone can increase muscle growth, they also cause unfavorable effects on the prostate, reproductive organs, and other areas.(5)

As a SARM, RAD-140 (Testolone) imitates the effects of testosterone but focuses mainly on the muscles. Some believe this could the reduce side effects compared to steroids. This hypothesis is not yet supported by data.

How Does RAD-140 Work?

RAD-140 stimulates androgen receptors by selectively activating them in the body. It works by targeting these receptors in muscle and bone tissue. There has been little or no effect on reproductive organs.

This compound triggers the growth of muscle by encouraging the development of proteins and muscle cells.

This selective function of SARMs is still not fully understood. Some researchers believe that they could target and activate different proteins than testosterone. The result is that only certain specific androgen receptors (primarily in the muscles) become activated.

The chemical structure of Testolone differs significantly from that of steroid hormones such as testosterone. As a result, the same pathways that convert testosterone to other hormones (such as estrogen), do not work on RAD-140.

Some researchers believe that RAD-140 may activate brain receptors damaged by injury, based on a study done in rats. MAPK activity was increased in rats that were given RAD-140.

In short, RAD-140 stimulates androgens receptors in the muscles but not in other tissues. Researchers believe this may decrease the risk of side effects associated with Testolone compared to steroids, but further research is necessary.

Benefits

RAD-140 is believed to offer a number of benefits, including:

Increased muscle mass
Fat loss
Improves brain function
Improves sleep and sexual function
Fights against breast cancer

Increases Muscle Mass

RAD-140 is a popular choice among bodybuilders for its supposed muscle-building properties. Researchers believe it can boost muscle growth without having the undesirable effects of traditional steroids.

Nevertheless, there is not much scientific evidence to support RAD-140.

Testolone’s effects on muscle growth were examined in just one animal study. Researchers tested nine monkeys with varying doses of RAD-140 and found that monkeys who were given RAD-140 every day experienced an increase in lean muscle mass over a 28-day period.

There have still been no human studies on RAD-140. Although RAD-140 is a popular ingredient in bodybuilding, no clinical trials have been conducted to assess its safety or efficacy in humans.

Fat Loss

SARMs are believed to increase muscle mass and decrease body fat.

One study on RAD-140’s effect on fat and muscle was conducted using monkeys. While it did increase lean muscle, the effect on body fat was uncertain.

However, the study found that Testolone decreased cholesterol levels. Also, a higher level of muscle mass may increase caloric consumption, which could contribute to any additional fat loss.

However, this was not the case in the one study. There is no evidence to suggest that RAD-140 promotes weight-loss.(6)

SARMs are believed to increase muscle mass and decrease body fat. However, the few studies that have been done on RAD140 don’t necessarily support its effectiveness for weight loss.

Improves Brain Function

The brain is protected by androgens. Androgens are able to increase the growth of brain cells, boost memory, and decrease amyloid-beta plaques (one of the primary contributors to Alzheimer’s disease).

RAD-140 was shown to protect brain nerves from injury due to amyloid-beta plaques in one rat study. Both RAD-140 and testosterone offered equal protection against neurotoxins as well.

Better Sleep and Sexual Function

Although some RAD-140 users claim to experience better sleep, there aren’t any studies that support this claim. The same is true for its reputed ability to increase sexual performance – although this could be linked to its testosterone-like effects.

Fights Breast Cancer

Research is currently being conducted with RAD-140 as a potential treatment for breast cancer.

A common form of breast cancer, called androgen and receptor positive (AR/ER+), has hormone sensitivity. These receptors may be affected by medications like SARMs. This could have potential to fight cancer.(7)

A cell study showed that RAD-140 prevented the growth of breast cancer in AR/ER+ patients by blocking estrogen’s effects. RAD-140 seems to suppress the ESR1 gene, which is responsible for producing estrogen receptors. Without enough of these receptors, estrogen will become inactive.(8)

Risks and Side Effects

RAD-140 is a novel investigational drug whose safety and side effects of have not yet been clinically tested.

Because of the way that SARMs work, RAD-140’s proponents claim that it should have fewer side effects than steroids. However, this is not proven . RAD-140 can still potentially cause side effects similar to testosterone. These could include:

Breast swelling and tenderness in men
Increased body hair in women
Decreased sex drive
Hair loss
Irritability, mood swings, depression, anxiety
Nausea
Hair loss (However, the condition reverses after discontinuing use of RAD-140)

RAD-140 safety has not been proven in clinical trials. Despite claims online, it can still cause hair loss, gynecomastia, lowered sex drive, and mood swings.

Does RAD-140 Cause Testosterone Suppression?

SARMs can cause suppression of the body’s natural testosterone levels. Similar to other SARMs, Testolone may slightly increase blood estradiol, an estrogen hormone.

Some claim that RAD-140 is unique in that it doesn’t aromatize to estrogen or halt testosterone production. However, no studies support these claims and some user reports contradict this assertion.

Theoretically and practically, RAD-140 could cause an increase in estrogen and testosterone suppression. This could lead to a diminished sex drive, depression and fatigue.

To restore hormone levels, users recommend PCT with Clomid and Nolvadex. This suggests that the drug is possibly not as selective as some would believe.

There are many factors that can affect estrogenic effects or suppression. Some users may be more sensitive than others. With most substances, larger doses and prolonged use will always increase the risk of adverse effects, and this includes RAD-140.

Due to the absence of clinical research, there is no way to know all the possible side effects of Testolone. For this reason alone, the use of RAD-140 is strongly discouraged.

Effects on the Prostate

The negative effects that testosterone has on the prostate is one of the greatest downsides to its use. Testosterone can lead to enlargement of the prostate, and could increase the probability of developing prostate cancer.(9)

Because SARMs are thought to be selective, they should have little or no effect on the prostate. Current research suggests that RAD-140 has no effect on prostate size. But research in humans has not yet been conducted, and many Testolone users have reported adverse effects that are in contrast to the popular view that Testolone is selective.

It is possible that negative effects on the prostate could be observed in full-scale clinical trials.

Dosage and Cycling

Because of the lack of research, there is no established dosage for RAD-140. Most bodybuilding resources recommend that men consume 10-30 mg daily, and that women take 5-10 mg per day.

The average user cycles RAD-140 for 8-12 weeks. There are differing views for the off-cycle. Some suggest that you should cycle off for as long as you cycled on. Others recommend a shorter off-cycle of only 6-8 weeks.

More experienced users will modify the off-cycle based upon their labs. They will mainly check to see how the on-cycle may have affected their hormone levels or liver markers.

RAD-140 seems to have a high bioavailability. Research using monkeys shows that around 70% of the drug gets absorbed by the body after being ingested.

Stacking RAD-140

Bodybuilders may combine RAD-140 with other SARMs or steroids in order to improve their results. Some users have reported stacking with ostarine, MK-677, or traditional steroids such as Primobolan.

Stacking with ostarine is believed to enhance recovery. It’s frequently also combined with cardarine to increase endurance and fat loss.

It is important to stress that the stacking of these drugs is potentially dangerous. None of these substances have been approved or adequately researched.

Neither do they have sufficient safety profiles. It is strongly suggested that you avoid taking any one of these drugs, especially two or more together.

Does RAD-140 Require PCT (Post-Cycle Therapy)?

SARMs and steroids may lead to suppression of the body’s ability to produce testosterone. The more experienced users suggest PCT (post-cycle therapy) following a RAD-140 cycle.

To restore hormone levels, PCT typically involves the use of Nolvadex or Clomid. Most users report that they do PCT for 3-4 weeks, but the ideal amount of time may vary based upon the length of SARM use.

Where to Buy RAD-140

If you are deciding to purchase RAD-140, we strongly suggest using SwissChems. Their products are third-party tested for quality and they have a proven track record for customer support and user satisfaction.

They have HPLC tests conducted on all of their raw materials on a regular basis, as well as on their finished products, to ensure the highest level of quality. You can even have the products you purchase tested by a HPLC licensed testing facility, and if they report negative findings, SwissChems will refund you for the cost of testing and the total amount of your order (plus the shipping fees).

To get the latest price and the results from the latest spectrum and chromatography testing, visit the SwissChems website.

Legal Alternatives

For those seeking a safe and legal alternative to RAD-140, but without the risk of side-effects, RADBULK by Brutal Force is a great option, as is TESTOL 140 by CrazyBulk. Two powerful substitutes for Testolone, they give a noticeable metabolic boost that decreases fat while helping build solid, lean muscle mass.

Half performance-enhancer and half fat-burner, these supplements boost fat oxidation while supplying muscles with the necessary energy for them to work and grow. These products’ formulas also encourage acetylcholine synthesis, which is a neurotransmitter that enhances mental focus during intense physical exercise.

These products not only boost metabolic function, but they also act as an anti-inflammatory, allowing for a decrease in recovery time.

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