RAD-140 (Testolone) is one of the most popular SARMs (Selective Androgen Receptor Modulators), widely discussed in bodybuilding and fitness circles for its ability to promote lean muscle growth, strength, and fat loss. Originally developed as a potential treatment for muscle wasting diseases, osteoporosis, and certain types of breast cancer, RAD-140 has since gained attention outside the lab as a so-called “safer alternative to steroids.”
But here’s the catch: RAD-140 is not FDA-approved, lacks long-term human safety data, and is officially classified as a research chemical. That means there are no official medical guidelines for dosing in athletes or bodybuilders. Instead, what people call “dosage recommendations” are really anecdotal reports from users and early trial data, not clinically validated standards.
This makes understanding how RAD-140 is typically used — along with its potential benefits, risks, and post-cycle considerations — absolutely essential before anyone considers a cycle.
“RAD-140 is a potent nonsteroidal SARM with high affinity for androgen receptors in muscle and bone, offering anabolic effects with fewer androgenic impacts in preclinical studies.” — Dalton et al., Journal of Medicinal Chemistry
In this guide, we’ll cover what RAD-140 is, its potential benefits, typical dosage ranges, cycle lengths, and safety precautions so you can make an informed decision.
What Is RAD-140?
RAD-140, also known as Testolone, is a Selective Androgen Receptor Modulator (SARM). It was originally developed by Radius Health as a potential treatment for muscle wasting, osteoporosis, and hormone-sensitive breast cancer. While it was designed as a therapeutic compound, it never gained FDA approval and today exists solely as a research chemical.
How It Works
→ RAD-140 binds selectively to androgen receptors in muscle and bone tissue, stimulating anabolic activity such as protein synthesis, lean muscle growth, and improved bone density.
→ Unlike anabolic steroids, it was designed to have minimal activity in reproductive tissues like the prostate or uterus, theoretically reducing androgenic side effects.
→ It is taken orally, with a half-life estimated around 16–20 hours, allowing for once-daily dosing.
Why It’s Popular in Bodybuilding
Because of its high binding affinity and anabolic potency, RAD-140 is often marketed as one of the strongest SARMs for building muscle mass and strength. Its appeal lies in the claim that it delivers steroid-like results without the same level of androgenic risk.
But it’s important to emphasize:
→ RAD-140 is not FDA-approved for any use.
→ Human data is limited to small clinical trials and preclinical studies.
→ Purity and dosing are unreliable when purchased online.
“RAD-140 is a potent oral SARM that produces robust anabolic activity in muscle and bone while minimizing activity in reproductive tissues in animal models.” — Narayanan et al., Endocrine-Related Cancer
Benefits of RAD-140
Although clinical research on RAD-140 (Testolone) is limited, both preclinical data and user reports suggest several potential benefits that explain its popularity in the fitness and bodybuilding community.
1. Lean Muscle Growth
→ RAD-140 is considered one of the most anabolic SARMs, with potency similar to or greater than testosterone in animal studies.
→ Users often report rapid lean muscle gains within a single cycle, especially when paired with resistance training and high-protein nutrition.
2. Increased Strength & Power
→ By strongly activating androgen receptors in muscle tissue, RAD-140 may improve neuromuscular efficiency, translating to heavier lifts and better training performance.
→ This makes it attractive to both strength athletes and physique competitors.
3. Fat Loss Support
→ RAD-140 doesn’t directly burn fat, but it supports fat loss indirectly by increasing lean mass and boosting metabolic rate.
→ Many users report a harder, leaner look while on cycle, especially when combined with a calorie deficit.
4. Enhanced Recovery
→ Some evidence suggests SARMs may reduce muscle breakdown and improve recovery between sessions.
→ Users anecdotally note less soreness and faster bounce-back after intense training.
5. Neuroprotective Potential
→ In preclinical studies, RAD-140 has shown neuroprotective effects, reducing brain cell death from amyloid toxicity — the type implicated in Alzheimer’s disease.
→ While far from proven in humans, this raises interest in its potential beyond muscle.
“RAD-140 was designed to provide anabolic benefits to muscle and bone with reduced androgenic side effects, making it a candidate for treating muscle wasting and osteoporosis.” — Dalton et al., Journal of Medicinal Chemistry
The Caveat
While these benefits sound promising, they come with trade-offs:
→ Hormonal suppression is significant, even at low doses.
→ Long-term safety is unknown, as no large-scale human trials exist.
→ Purity is inconsistent in products sold online, increasing the risk of contamination.
RAD-140 Dosage Guidelines & Cycle Lengths
Because RAD-140 is not FDA-approved, there are no official clinical dosing guidelines for bodybuilding or athletic use. What exists are anecdotal reports from users and insights from early research. These ranges should not be mistaken for medical recommendations but rather reflect what is commonly discussed in performance communities.
Typical Dosage Ranges (Anecdotal)
→ Beginner Range: 5–10 mg per day
→ Intermediate Range: 10–20 mg per day
→ High / Riskier Range: 20–30 mg per day
⚠️ Going above 30 mg/day is not common and significantly increases the risks of hormonal suppression, liver strain, and cardiovascular issues without proportional benefits.
Cycle Length
→ Most cycles last 6–8 weeks.
→ Some experienced users stretch to 8–10 weeks, but this greatly increases endocrine disruption.
→ Best practice: keep cycles short and avoid continuous use.
Time Off Between Cycles
→ Time off should be equal to or greater than the cycle length (e.g., 8 weeks on → at least 8 weeks off).
→ This gives the HPG axis (hypothalamic–pituitary–gonadal axis) time to recover.
Half-Life & Dosing Frequency
→ RAD-140 has an estimated half-life of 16–20 hours, meaning once-daily dosing is sufficient.
→ Some users split doses into AM/PM to reduce side effects like insomnia, but this is optional.
“In Phase I clinical studies, RAD-140 was administered orally and showed strong receptor selectivity, but long-term safety in humans has not been established.” — Narayanan et al., Endocrine-Related Cancer
Post-Cycle Therapy (PCT) After RAD-140
One of the most overlooked aspects of RAD-140 use is what happens after the cycle ends. Despite being marketed as “selective,” RAD-140 strongly suppresses natural hormone production. If ignored, this can lead to prolonged low testosterone, poor recovery, and rapid loss of the muscle gained during the cycle.
Why PCT Is Necessary
→ RAD-140 lowers LH (luteinizing hormone) and FSH (follicle-stimulating hormone), which in turn suppress testosterone production.
→ Post-cycle, your body may not immediately restart normal hormone output.
→ Symptoms of suppressed testosterone include fatigue, low libido, depression, and poor training performance.
Common PCT Approaches (Anecdotal)
→ Many users turn to SERMs (Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulators) such as tamoxifen (Nolvadex) or clomiphene (Clomid). These prescription drugs stimulate the pituitary to release LH and FSH, jump-starting testosterone production.
⚠️ Important: SERMs are prescription-only medications, not supplements. They should only be used under medical supervision.
Natural Recovery Support
Alongside PCT, lifestyle and supplementation can support recovery by improving sleep, hormonal balance, and inflammation control:
→ ZMT: A natural testosterone and sleep support formula with magnesium, zinc, and adaptogens to help restore hormonal balance.
→ Whey Protein Isolate: Delivers high-quality protein for muscle retention during recovery.
→ Kre-Alkalyn Creatine: Maintains training performance and strength as hormone levels normalize.
→ Krill Oil: Supports cardiovascular and lipid health, which can be negatively impacted by SARMs.
Duration of PCT
→ Typically 4 weeks post-cycle.
→ The exact length depends on RAD-140 dose, cycle duration, and individual recovery.
Risks of Skipping PCT
→ Extended hypogonadism (long-term low testosterone).
→ Loss of lean muscle and strength gains.
→ Potential fertility issues with repeated suppression.
“Suppression of gonadotropins by SARMs such as RAD-140 necessitates a post-cycle recovery phase to avoid prolonged hypogonadism.” — Dalton et al., Journal of Medicinal Chemistry
Cycle Length
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Beginners: 6 weeks
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Intermediate: 6–8 weeks
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Avoid pushing beyond 8–10 weeks — suppression and recovery problems climb fast.
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Time off = cycle length (e.g., 8 weeks on → ≥8 weeks off).
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Labs: baseline → week 4 mid-cycle → 3–4 weeks post-cycle (Total/Free T, LH/FSH, AST/ALT, lipids, CBC).
How to Take RAD-140
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Form: Oral (liquid or caps). If liquid, use a real oral syringe for accurate mg dosing.
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Half-life: ~16–20 hours → once daily is standard.
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Optional: split AM/PM if you’re prone to insomnia or GI upset.
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With/without food: Take with a small meal for GI comfort; be consistent day to day.
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Timing tips:
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If you’re sensitive to stimulatory effects, avoid late-night doses.
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No alcohol on cycle (adds liver strain).
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Store away from heat/light; shake liquids if the manufacturer instructs.
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Stacking Considerations
Best practice: Don’t stack SARMs. Every add-on = more suppression, liver stress, and lipid hits.
If someone insists anyway (not recommended):
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Common community stacks (for context only): LGD-4033, S-4, MK-677, GW-501516.
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Risks: compounding suppression (LGD), vision sides (S-4), lipid & carcinogenicity concerns in animals (GW), water retention/appetite changes (MK-677).
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Do not stack with oral steroids — risk/benefit gets ugly fast.
Smarter “stack”: legal supports that protect health & performance
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Whey Protein Isolate – lean protein to support MPS and recovery.
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Kre-Alkalyn Creatine – strength, volume, and performance retention.
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Krill Oil – cardiometabolic support while lipids may be stressed.
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ZMT – sleep and natural T-support during recovery.
Side Effects (Quick Snapshot)
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Hormonal suppression: ↓LH/FSH → low testosterone (fatigue, low libido, poor recovery).
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Liver strain: AST/ALT elevations; rare drug-induced liver injury reported with SARMs.
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Lipid disruption: HDL ↓ / LDL ↑ → long-term CV risk if unmanaged.
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Mood & sleep: anxiety/irritability, insomnia.
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Androgenic skin/hair: acne; hair shedding in predisposed users.
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Other: headaches, elevated BP in some.
Red-flags — stop & see a clinician immediately:
Jaundice, dark urine, grey/clay stools, severe upper-right abdominal pain, chest pain, shortness of breath, sudden vision changes.
Want the deep dive? See your companion piece: “RAD-140 Side Effects: What You Need to Know Before Starting a Cycle.”
Safety Notes & Harm Reduction
If someone chooses to experiment with RAD-140, understanding harm reduction is essential. Even though it’s marketed as “safer than steroids,” RAD-140 carries real risks, including testosterone suppression, liver stress, and cardiovascular strain. Since there are no FDA-approved dosing guidelines, risk management comes down to short cycles, moderate doses, lab monitoring, and supportive recovery practices.
Harm-Reduction Strategies
→ Use the lowest effective dose (typically 10–20 mg/day) instead of chasing higher numbers.
→ Keep cycles short (6–8 weeks) to minimize suppression.
→ Get bloodwork before, during, and after: check testosterone, LH/FSH, AST/ALT (liver enzymes), and lipids.
→ Plan proper recovery: either supervised PCT (SERMs) or natural recovery support if suppression is mild.
→ Avoid stacking SARMs with other suppressive compounds, which compounds risks.
Supportive Supplements
During and after a RAD-140 cycle, supplementation can support recovery, protect health, and maintain training progress:
→ ZMT: Helps support natural testosterone production and improve sleep quality during recovery.
→ Whey Protein Isolate: High-quality protein to preserve lean mass while hormone levels normalize.
→ Kre-Alkalyn Creatine: Supports training performance and strength retention during recovery phases.
→ Krill Oil: Promotes cardiovascular and lipid health, countering one of RAD-140’s long-term risks.
What Not to Do
→ Don’t exceed 30 mg/day — higher doses increase suppression and side effects without added muscle gain.
→ Don’t run back-to-back cycles without equal or greater time off.
→ Don’t skip PCT or natural recovery strategies — this is where long-term damage is most likely.
“Products marketed as SARMs are unapproved drugs with potentially dangerous health effects and no guarantee of purity.” — FDA Advisory
Closing Thoughts
RAD-140 (Testolone) is one of the most potent and popular SARMs, often touted as a “safer alternative to steroids.” But the reality is more complicated: while it can help build lean muscle, strength, and performance, it also carries risks — including testosterone suppression, liver stress, and lipid imbalances.
Because no FDA-approved dosing guidelines exist, every RAD-140 cycle is essentially an experiment. Anecdotal user reports suggest 10–20 mg per day for 6–8 weeks, but suppression occurs even at low doses. Without proper recovery — either through post-cycle therapy (PCT) or natural support — users risk prolonged low testosterone, poor performance, and long-term health issues.
If your goal is building muscle and improving performance safely, anchor your strategy on proven, legal, and clinically supported tools:
→ Whey Protein Isolate for lean muscle retention and recovery.
→ Kre-Alkalyn Creatine for strength, endurance, and performance.
→ ZMT to support sleep, recovery, and a favorable anabolic environment.
→ Krill Oil for cardiovascular health and inflammation control.
“While SARMs such as RAD-140 were designed for selective anabolic effects, they still present real risks and uncertainties in humans.” — Narayanan et al., Endocrine-Related Cancer
The bottom line: RAD-140 has potential, but also consequences. If you’re serious about long-term progress, safer, evidence-based methods will deliver results without compromising your health.
Legal Disclaimer
This article is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. RAD-140 (Testolone) is an unapproved research chemical, not FDA-approved for human use, and is banned by WADA in all sports. Dosing practices discussed are anecdotal and not clinical guidelines.
Swolverine does not sell or promote SARMs. For muscle growth and recovery, use clinically dosed, legal supplements and consult a qualified healthcare professional before beginning or changing any training, nutrition, or supplementation program.
