RAD-140 (Testolone) Complete Guide: Dosage, Results & Cycle 2026
RAD-140 (Testolone) Complete Guide: Dosage, Results & Cycle 2026
RAD-140 carries an anabolic-to-androgenic ratio of approximately 90:1 — compared to testosterone's 1:1 ratio — making it the most tissue-selective SARM studied to date. That single number explains why intermediate athletes across Dubai and the GCC have moved on from Ostarine and started asking serious questions about Testolone. This guide answers every one of them.
You'll find a clear dosage ladder, a realistic results timeline, cycle length recommendations, PCT requirements, and a head-to-head comparison against the two SARMs you probably already know. Every claim links to a published study or a named source.
TL;DR RAD-140 (Testolone) is the most potent SARM available, with a 90:1 anabolic ratio vs testosterone's 1:1 (Rosen et al., ACS Med Chem Lett, 2009). Intermediate dosage is 10 mg/day for 8–10 weeks. PCT is mandatory. Expect 4–6 kg of lean mass over a full cycle with structured training and nutrition.
What Is RAD-140 and How Does It Work?
RAD-140, or Testolone, is a non-steroidal selective androgen receptor modulator (SARM) originally developed by Radius Health to treat muscle wasting and hormone-receptor-positive breast cancer. A landmark preclinical study found it more anabolic than testosterone in muscle tissue while producing significantly fewer androgenic side effects (Rosen et al., ACS Med Chem Lett, 2009). That selectivity is the entire reason athletes use it.
SARMs bind to androgen receptors the same way testosterone does, but each compound's molecular shape dictates which tissues respond. RAD-140's structure drives a strong anabolic signal in skeletal muscle and bone while producing a relatively weak signal in the prostate and sebaceous glands. The result is significant muscle and strength stimulus without the full androgenic burden of anabolic steroids.
RAD-140 has a half-life of roughly 60 hours. Technically, dosing every two to three days maintains stable blood levels. In practice, daily dosing is preferred by most users because it smooths out any troughs and keeps the androgen receptor activation consistent throughout the day.
A separate preclinical study published in Endocrinology identified meaningful neuroprotective properties for RAD-140, noting it protected hippocampal neurons against cell death in animal models (Jayaraman et al., Endocrinology, 2014). These findings are early-stage, but they're one reason Radius Health originally pursued the compound.
RAD-140 Results: What Can You Expect?
Preclinical data from Radius Health's 2009 research showed RAD-140 produced muscle mass gains comparable to testosterone propionate in castrated non-human primates at a fraction of the dose (Rosen et al., ACS Med Chem Lett, 2009). Human anecdotal data — the only kind available, given the absence of large-scale human clinical trials — consistently reports 4–6 kg of lean mass over an 8-week cycle at 10 mg/day.
Weeks 1–2: Strength and Recovery
The first effects users report are almost always strength-related. Training loads feel lighter. Recovery between sessions speeds up. This isn't a placebo effect — androgen receptor activation increases nitrogen retention and red blood cell signalling relatively quickly. Don't expect visible changes yet. The groundwork is being laid.
Weeks 3–5: Visible Muscle Fullness
By week three to five, glycogen storage and intra-muscular water retention increase visibly. Muscles look fuller, especially in the shoulders and upper chest. This is distinct from the water bloat associated with aromatising compounds — RAD-140 does not convert to oestrogen, so the fullness stays lean. Training performance continues to climb throughout this phase.
Weeks 6–10: Peak Lean Mass Accrual
The final weeks of a well-run RAD-140 cycle tend to deliver the most visible body composition change. Lean mass accrual accelerates when training volume, protein intake, and sleep are dialled in. Users running 10 mg/day typically report 4–6 kg of lean gain at cycle's end, with body fat remaining stable or slightly lower. Results are always dose- and diet-dependent.
RAD-140 Dosage Guide — Where Should You Start?
No completed human dose-ranging trial exists for RAD-140, so community dosing conventions are based on extrapolation from preclinical data and aggregated user reporting. The consensus places the effective range between 5 mg and 20 mg per day, with 10 mg representing the best-supported intermediate dose (Examine.com). Going higher does not scale results linearly and meaningfully increases suppression risk.
| Experience Level | Daily Dose | Cycle Length | PCT Required? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Beginner (first SARM cycle overall) | 5 mg/day | 8 weeks | Recommended |
| Intermediate (1–2 prior SARM cycles) | 10 mg/day | 8–10 weeks | Mandatory |
| Advanced (3+ cycles, bloodwork verified) | 15–20 mg/day | 8–10 weeks | Mandatory |
Beginner: 5 mg/Day
If RAD-140 is your first step up from Ostarine, 5 mg is the right starting point. The compound is genuinely potent at this dose. You'll feel the difference in training quality within two weeks. Starting low also lets you establish your personal response before committing to a higher dose on a future cycle.
Intermediate: 10 mg/Day
Ten milligrams per day is the most common RAD-140 dose among experienced users and the one most frequently referenced in reputable community literature. It delivers a strong anabolic signal while keeping the side-effect profile manageable for the majority of users. This is the dose the results timeline above is built around.
Advanced: 15–20 mg/Day
Doses above 15 mg should only be considered by athletes who have completed at least two prior RAD-140 cycles at 10 mg and have bloodwork confirming full recovery between runs. The additional gains above 15 mg are modest. The suppression increase is not. Most experienced users conclude that 10 mg is the sweet spot.
How Long Should a RAD-140 Cycle Be?
Eight to ten weeks is the evidence-supported RAD-140 cycle window, based on preclinical pharmacokinetic data and the established SARM community standard of matching cycle length to compound half-life and suppression onset (Healthline, SARMs Overview). Running shorter cycles reduces both gains and suppression risk. Running longer ones past ten weeks does not add meaningful muscle and meaningfully deepens hormonal disruption.
RAD-140's 60-hour half-life means the compound accumulates over the first week to ten days of a cycle before stabilising at a steady-state blood level. That's why weeks one and two feel like a slow build — the compound is still reaching full saturation. Factor that into your expectations. The productive window is effectively weeks two through ten.
Always schedule bloodwork before your cycle begins and again four to six weeks after your PCT ends. There's no safer proxy for knowing whether your natural testosterone production has fully recovered. In the UAE, blood panels through any private clinic in Dubai provide full hormonal profiles, typically within 24 hours.
RAD-140 Side Effects and PCT Requirements
Testosterone suppression is the most clinically significant side effect of RAD-140, and it's more pronounced than what users typically experience with Ostarine. A Cleveland Clinic review of SARMs notes that even selective androgens suppress the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis, with suppression severity varying by dose and cycle length (Cleveland Clinic, 2023). At 10 mg/day for 8 weeks, most users experience moderate suppression that resolves within 4–6 weeks of a proper PCT.
Common Side Effects to Monitor
Androgenic side effects — acne, hair thinning, aggression — are significantly lower than with anabolic steroids, which is the point of using a SARM. However, they're not zero, especially at doses above 10 mg. Lipid changes are the most under-discussed risk: RAD-140 can lower HDL cholesterol in a dose-dependent manner. Get a full lipid panel before and after any cycle.
PCT: What You Need and When
A standard PCT for RAD-140 runs four weeks, beginning the day after your last dose. The most common protocols use a SERM. Your exact protocol should be guided by pre- and post-cycle bloodwork. Don't skip PCT on the assumption that "it was just a SARM." RAD-140 suppression is real, and incomplete recovery compounds with each subsequent cycle.
Liver enzyme elevation (AST/ALT) has been reported anecdotally at higher doses, though RAD-140 is not methylated and thus carries significantly lower hepatotoxic risk than oral anabolic steroids. Including a liver support supplement throughout the cycle is still sensible practice.
RAD-140 vs Ostarine vs LGD-4033: Which SARM Is Right for You?
Choosing between the three most widely used SARMs comes down to your experience level, goal, and tolerance for suppression. A 2020 review in Current Opinion in Pharmacology ranked SARMs by their tissue selectivity profiles, placing RAD-140 as the most anabolic of the three with the highest suppression potential (Bhasin et al., Curr Opin Pharmacol, 2020).
| Feature | RAD-140 | Ostarine (MK-2866) | LGD-4033 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Anabolic Potency | Very High (90:1) | Moderate (~3:1) | High (~10:1) |
| Typical Dosage | 5–20 mg/day | 10–25 mg/day | 5–10 mg/day |
| Suppression Level | Moderate–High | Low–Moderate | Moderate–High |
| PCT Required? | Yes (mandatory) | Recommended | Yes (mandatory) |
| Best For | Lean mass, strength | First cycle, recomp, injury recovery | Bulk, size |
| Half-Life | ~60 hours | ~24 hours | ~24–36 hours |
| Water Retention | Low | Very Low | Moderate |
| Ideal Experience Level | Intermediate–Advanced | Beginner–Intermediate | Intermediate |
If you've completed one or two Ostarine cycles and want a meaningful step up in anabolic output without crossing into steroid territory, RAD-140 is the logical next move. LGD-4033 is better suited if your primary goal is raw bulk and you're comfortable carrying a bit more water. Both require full PCT — that's non-negotiable.
Is RAD-140 Legal in UAE?
RAD-140 has not been approved by the FDA, the EMA, or any major regulatory body as a pharmaceutical drug for human use. In the UAE, it is sold and purchased as a research compound. WADA (World Anti-Doping Agency) has included all SARMs on its Prohibited List since 2008 (WADA Prohibited List, 2024), meaning competitive athletes in tested sports risk disqualification.
For non-competitive athletes in Dubai using RAD-140 for personal physique and performance goals, the regulatory environment is distinct from pharmaceutical regulation. Research compounds exist in a separate legal category. That said, regulations evolve, and buyers are solely responsible for staying current with UAE drug and supplement laws. When in doubt, consult a legal or medical professional locally.
The UAE's bodybuilding and fitness community — centred in Dubai's Jumeirah, Business Bay, and DIFC gym hubs — has a long-standing culture of performance-focused supplementation. RAD-140 fits that landscape for athletes who've outgrown standard supplements and want results without the full legal and health footprint of anabolic steroids. It's a serious compound. It deserves a serious, informed approach.
Frequently Asked Questions About RAD-140
What is the best RAD-140 dosage for beginners?
Beginners should start at 5 mg per day for the first 4 weeks before considering an increase. RAD-140 carries an anabolic:androgenic ratio of approximately 90:1, making it highly potent even at low doses. Starting conservatively lets you gauge individual response and tolerance before stepping up to the standard intermediate dose of 10 mg.
Do you need PCT after a RAD-140 cycle?
Yes. PCT is strongly recommended after every RAD-140 cycle, without exception. Unlike Ostarine — which causes only mild suppression — RAD-140 produces meaningful testosterone suppression, particularly at doses above 10 mg or cycles extending past 8 weeks. A standard SERM-based PCT of 4 weeks is advised. Browse our PCT support supplements.
How long before RAD-140 results are noticeable?
Most users notice improved strength and training endurance within two weeks. Visible muscle fullness typically appears between weeks 3 and 5. Lean mass gains of 4–6 kg over an 8-week cycle are common for intermediate users running 10 mg/day alongside a structured training programme and adequate protein intake (1.8–2.2 g per kg of bodyweight).
Is RAD-140 legal to buy in UAE?
RAD-140 is not FDA-approved and is sold as a research compound in the UAE. It is banned in competitive sport by WADA. Buyers are responsible for understanding local regulations. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before use. This article is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical or legal advice.
Can RAD-140 be stacked with other SARMs?
Stacking is possible but increases suppression and side-effect risk meaningfully. A common intermediate stack pairs RAD-140 at 10 mg with a non-suppressive compound like Cardarine (GW-501516) at 10–20 mg for enhanced fat oxidation. SARMs-on-SARMs stacks should only be attempted after at least two successful solo cycles with full bloodwork tracking. View peptides and support compounds.
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Written by Core Sup Research Team
Core Sup Research Team · Peptide & Supplement Specialists, Dubai UAE
Core Sup's editorial team is composed of specialists in peptide therapy, SARMs, and sports supplementation with direct experience in the UAE market. All content is written to current research standards and reviewed before publication.
Last reviewed: April 2026 · About Core Sup
