RAD 140, also known as Testolone, is a SARM that gained a lot of popularity in recent years in the bodybuilding community due to its potency to increase lean mass and provide lean dry gains. Let’s explore its mechanism of action, potential benefits and uses, and side effects profile
What is RAD 140
RAD 140 is a remarkable compound that falls under the category of Selective Androgen Receptor Modulators (SARMs). SARMs are a class of compounds designed to target specific androgen receptors in the body selectively. It has significant potential for muscle growth, strength enhancement, and improved athletic performance.
Mechanism of Action:
RAD 140 selectively binds to androgen receptors in muscle and bone tissues. This tissue selectivity decreases as the dosage increases, like for most SARMs.
RAD 140 stimulates anabolic processes in muscle and bone tissues, leading to increased protein synthesis, enhanced muscle growth, and potentially improved bone density.
RAD 140 is supposed, because of its high selectivity towards muscle and bone tissues, to exhibit higher anabolic effects with less androgenic related side effects compared to traditional steroids.
In practical application this is not necessarily the case, at least not at dosages that are typical in the Bodybuilding community.
Benefits of RAD 140:
Increased Muscle Mass:
RAD 140 promotes lean muscle mass gains. It helps achieve a lean sucked-in dry look. I can attest that it makes you look a bit leaner that what you actually are.
Enhanced Strength and Performance:
RAD 140 improves strength levels and endurance, allowing to push harder during the workouts. I have personal experience with this compound, and I can attest that I had decent strength gains with it and also amazing endurance. I could train really hard for a long period of time. The strength and mass gains are not comparable to stronger SARMs like S23 or YK11 thought. RAD 140 is more comparable to LGD 4033 in terms of strength and mass gains.
Fat Loss:
RAD 140 increases the metabolic rate. While on it I could eat more than what I would usually do on a bulk and still be able not to put on fat. This makes RAD 140 a suitable choice for cutting.
The metabolic rate increase is not as drastic as for stronger SARMs like S23 and YK11.
Improved Recovery:
RAD 140 is believed to accelerate the recovery process by enhancing muscle repair and reducing muscle damage. I clearly noticed this effect, as my recovery was definitely enhanced.
Side Effect Profile
RAD 140, like a lot of SARMs, is generally considered to have a more favorable safety profile compared to steroids. This is not necessarily the case.
Increase in blood pressure:
It did not happen to me even at 24 mg per day, but some people will notice a drastic increase in their resting blood pressure even at dosages as low as 10mg per day.
Impaired lipid profile:
RAD 140 is known to completely trash your lipids on your bloodwork.
Androgenic Side Effects:
Many people report androgenic side effects such as heightened aggression, increased libido, and hair loss related to androgens. Personally, I did experience a mild increase in aggression and libido while using it, but I did not encounter hair loss, likely due to my use of RU58841.
HPTA Suppression:
RAD 140 is quite suppressive on the HPTA, and I would not recommend running it continuously for more than 4 weeks without incorporating a test base. Furthermore, when using dosages exceeding 15 mg per day, using a mild test base like a SERM will likely not be effective due to excessive suppression.
SHBG Crash:
RAD 140 will crash SHBG (Sex hormone binding globulin). If you’re already blasting testosterone when deciding to implement RAD 140, beware of the “spillover effect” it will cause by freeing more testosterone.
Liver Toxicity:
Anecdotally, RAD 140 was shown to exhibit some liver toxicity (when used in bodybuilding dosages), for this reason I would advise against using this compound for more than 12 weeks straight.
Dosing Guidelines
RAD 140 has a half-life of approximately 16 to 20 hours, making once-daily dosing an effective frequency for administration. In the bodybuilding community, RAD 140 is commonly used orally at dosages ranging from 10 to 40 mg per day.
While the exact bioavailability of RAD 140 is not known, anecdotal reports suggest that intramuscular injection may result in a stronger response, indicating potentially higher bioavailability compared to oral administration.
However, considering RAD 140’s high bioavailability and relatively low liver toxicity (it is considered one of the least liver toxic SARMs), I personally find oral administration to be superior to injection.
I have personally used RAD 140 on multiple occasions, trying out different dosages. The highest dosage I have taken is 24 mg per day.
Based on my experience and conclusions, I believe that RAD 140 should be dosed at a minimum of 10 mg per day (taken orally) to start feeling its effects.
For most individuals, the optimal range to get most of the benefits with manageable side effects seems to be in-between 20 to 30 mg daily. I would advise against exceeding 30 mg, as reports indicate that going above this dosage often leads to an increase in side effects without significant additional muscle-building benefits.
Personal Experience and Results
RAD 140 felt like a milder version of S23. It is potent and I put a good amount of size using it. I felt an increase in libido and aggression, but not nearly as high as with S23. This is a SARM that I would maybe use again at low to moderate dose (10-20mg).
Me before (First picture) and after 8 weeks of taking RAD 140 (12mg per day) at 15-17% body fat (without a pump)
RAD 140 vs Other SARMs and Steroids
In terms of strength and muscle gains potential, RAD 140 is comparable to LGD 4033. It is potent but not nearly as strong as taking actual steroids or more potent SARMs like 23 or YK11.
Where to get Quality RAD 140
Those are my recommended sources to get quality RAD 140
