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RAD-140 (Testolone): Overview
RAD-140 (Testolone) is a Selective Androgen Receptor Modulator (SARM) developed to mimic testosterone’s anabolic effects while minimizing androgenic side effects. It selectively targets muscle and bone tissues, making it popular for muscle growth and performance enhancement. Note: RAD-140 is not FDA-approved and is classified as a research chemical.
Primary Uses
-
Medical (Experimental):
- Muscle Wasting: Investigated for conditions like cancer cachexia or age-related sarcopenia.
- Neuroprotection: Potential to protect neurons in neurodegenerative diseases (preclinical studies).
-
Fitness/Performance:
- Lean Muscle Growth: Enhances protein synthesis and nitrogen retention.
- Strength Gains: Improves power output and recovery between sets.
- Fat Loss: Promotes lipolysis (fat breakdown) via increased metabolic rate.
- No Estrogenic Effects: Does not aromatize to estrogen (no gynecomastia or water retention).
Dosage Guidelines
RAD-140 is unregulated, and dosing protocols are anecdotal. Human safety data are limited.
| Goal | Men | Women | Cycle Length |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bulking | 10–30 mg/day | 5–10 mg/day¹ | 8–12 weeks |
| Recomp/Cutting | 10–20 mg/day | 5–8 mg/day¹ | 8–10 weeks |
| Strength Focus | 20–30 mg/day | 5–10 mg/day¹ | 6–8 weeks |
¹Women risk virilization (e.g., voice changes, clitoromegaly) even at low doses.
Fitness Benefits
- Muscle Mass: Adds 5–10 lbs of lean mass in 8–12 weeks (dose-dependent).
- Strength: Noticeable power increases within 2–3 weeks.
- Fat Loss: Enhances vascularity and definition during caloric deficits.
- Cognitive Effects: Anecdotal reports of improved focus and drive.
- Bone Density: Supports skeletal strength under heavy training loads.
Risks and Side Effects
- Testosterone Suppression: RAD-140 suppresses natural testosterone production, requiring PCT (e.g., enclomiphene or Nolvadex).
- Liver Toxicity: Elevated liver enzymes (ALT/AST) at doses >20 mg/day.
- Lipid Imbalance: Reduces HDL (“good” cholesterol) and increases LDL.
- Androgenic Effects: Acne, hair loss (in genetically prone individuals).
- Virilization (Women): Irreversible masculinization at doses >5 mg/day.
Cycle Examples
- Bulking:
- RAD-140 (20 mg/day) + MK-677 (15 mg/day) + Creatine.
- Duration: 8–12 weeks.
- Recomp:
- RAD-140 (15 mg/day) + Cardarine (20 mg/day) + Caloric Deficit.
- Duration: 8–10 weeks.
- PCT Protocol:
- Start 3–5 days post-cycle: Enclomiphene (12.5–25 mg/day) + NAC (1200 mg/day) for 4 weeks.
Legal Status
- Research Chemical: Sold for “lab use” in most countries (legal gray area).
- Banned in Sports: Prohibited by WADA and all major athletic organizations.
- Prescription Status: Not approved for human use; illegal to sell for consumption.
- Black Market Risks: Often adulterated with prohormones or other SARMs.
Comparison to Other SARMs/Steroids
| Compound | Anabolic Effect | Androgenic Risk | Liver Toxicity | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| RAD-140 | High | Moderate | Moderate (oral) | Lean mass, strength |
| LGD-4033 | High | Low | Low | Bulking |
| Ostarine | Moderate | Very Low | Low | Cutting, joints |
| Winstrol | High | High | High (oral) | Cutting, athletics |
Alternatives
- Safer SARMs:
- Ostarine (MK-2866): Milder, with joint-healing benefits.
- LGD-4033 (Ligandrol): Better for bulking but more suppressive.
- Natural Supplements:
- Ecdysterone: Plant-based compound with mild anabolic effects.
- Turkesterone: Marketed as a “natural SARM” (limited evidence).
- TRT/HRT: Legitimate testosterone replacement under medical supervision.
Key Recommendations
- Blood Work: Monitor testosterone, lipids, and liver enzymes pre/during/post-cycle.
- PCT Essential: Use SERMs (e.g., enclomiphene) to restore natural testosterone.
- Liver Support: NAC (1200 mg/day) or Tudca to mitigate hepatotoxicity.
- Avoid Long Cycles: Limit use to 12 weeks to reduce suppression risks.
- Ethical Caution: Banned in sports; metabolites detectable for weeks.
This information is for educational purposes only. Non-prescription use of RAD-140 is illegal and poses serious health risks.