hormoneNot FDA-approvedResearch chemicalNo completed human efficacy trialPublished case reports of hepatotoxicity and myocarditisProhibited in sport by WADA
TestoloneBenefits, Dosage & Interactions
Also known as: RAD-140
Testolone, also known by its research code RAD-140, is an investigational compound categorized as a selective androgen receptor modulator (SARM). SARMs are a class of therapeutic compounds that aim to have similar effects to androgenic drugs like anabolic steroids but with potentially fewer side effects.
How much Testolone do people take?
No published human dose-finding trial. The case reports describe self-administered amounts of unverified purity. Route reported: Oral in the reported human cases. Frequency reported: Not established. These are amounts documented in the cited studies and labels for Testolone — they are reported for reference, not a recommendation. Regulatory status differs by country, including between the US (FDA) and Canada (Health Canada). Confirm any amount with a licensed clinician before you take it.
See the full reported protocol and its sourcesResearched by DoseRoutine Research TeamReviewed for accuracy by Nicholas Alexander, RSE, SO, PMPLast updated Educational reference only — not medical advice. Always confirm dosing and safety decisions with a licensed clinician.
Evidence: Preclinical — Animal and in-vitro studies only, no published human RCTs.
Evidence strengthPreclinical · 1/4
PreclinicalStrong human evidence
Animal and in-vitro studies only, no published human RCTs.
Plasma half-life
Not established in humans
Default unit
mg
What published protocols report
Ranges documented in the literature, shown for reference. DoseRoutine does not recommend an amount — your prescriber or the product label sets the dose.
Reported for Testolone in the cited sources. Published ranges are not dosing advice.
Testolone compared with similar compounds
| Attribute | Ostarine (enobosarm) | Ligandrol (LGD-4033) | Testolone (RAD-140) | Cardarine (GW501516) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Class | Nonsteroidal SARM | Nonsteroidal SARM | Nonsteroidal SARM | PPAR-delta agonist (not a SARM) |
| Route | Oral | Oral | Oral | Oral |
| Half-life | ~24 hours | 24-36 hours | Not established in humans | Not established in humans |
| Evidence grade | Moderate | Limited | Preclinical | Preclinical |
| Oral stability | Orally active | Orally active | Orally active | Orally active |
| Typical published cycle | 12-16 weeks in the published phase 2 trials | 3 weeks in the only published healthy-volunteer trial | No published human dosing trial | No published human dosing trial |
| Main studied use | Muscle wasting in cancer (investigational) | Lean mass in healthy young men (phase 1) | Androgen receptor signaling (preclinical) | Endurance and lipid metabolism (animal work) |
References & evidence
Documents the Testolone entry is written from. Each number matches an inline marker above.
- [1]Selective Androgen Receptor Modulator RAD140 Inhibits the Growth of Androgen/Estrogen Receptor-Positive Breast Cancer Models with a Distinct Mechanism of ActionYu Z, He S, Wang D, et al. · Clinical Cancer Research · 2017 · Peer-reviewed · PMID 28974548
- [2]Acute Myocarditis From the Use of Selective Androgen Receptor Modulator (SARM) RAD-140 (Testolone)Padappayil RP, Chandini Arjun A, Vivar Acosta J, et al. · Cureus · 2022 · Peer-reviewed · PMID 35233331
References & Evidence
Sources on this page that document Testolone dosing, timing and safety.
- [1]National Center for Biotechnology Information View source
Educational information only — not medical advice. Dose ranges vary by person, indication and prescriber.
What is Testolone studied for?
What is Testolone?Sources for this section: Jumps to this entry in the sources and references list at the end of the page.
Testolone, also known by its research code RAD-140, is an investigational compound categorized as a selective androgen receptor modulator (SARM). SARMs are a class of therapeutic compounds that aim to have similar effects to androgenic drugs like anabolic steroids but with potentially fewer side effects. Testolone selectively binds to androgen receptors in certain tissues, such as muscle and bone, with less activity in other tissues like the prostate. This selectivity is intended to promote anabolic effects (e.g., increased muscle mass and bone density) while minimizing androgenic side effects (e.g., prostate enlargement, hair loss) often associated with traditional anabolic steroids (NIH ODS, PubChem). Testolone is not approved for human use by regulatory bodies like the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and is still undergoing research to determine its full profile, including efficacy, safety, and long-term effects. It is often marketed and discussed in contexts related to bodybuilding and athletic performance enhancement, despite the lack of clinical approval for such uses. Its half-life is estimated to be approximately 60 hours.
What does the research say about Testolone?
Tap a section to expand.
Testolone (RAD-140) exerts its effects by selectively binding to androgen receptors (ARs) in the body. Androgen receptors are proteins found in cells that, when activated by androgens like testosterone, trigger a cascade of cellular processes leading to classic androgenic effects. The 'selective' aspect of SARMs like Testolone means they are designed to preferentially activate ARs in specific tissues, such as skeletal muscle and bone, while exhibiting less activity or antagonism in other tissues like the prostate and sebaceous glands (PubChem, DrugBank). This tissue-selective activation is hypothesized to allow for anabolic effects (e.g., increased protein synthesis in muscle, enhanced bone mineralization) without the undesirable side effects seen with non-selective AR activators (anabolic steroids). For instance, in preclinical studies, Testolone has shown affinity for androgen receptors in muscle and bone tissue, while demonstrating a reduced effect on prostate tissue compared to testosterone (NIH ODS). The exact molecular mechanisms that enable this selectivity are still under investigation, but they are thought to involve differential co-factor recruitment and conformational changes in the AR upon ligand binding, leading to tissue-specific gene expression patterns. This targeted action is the basis for the ongoing research into SARMs as potential treatments for muscle wasting conditions, osteoporosis, and other conditions where anabolic effects are desired.
Source for this section: Sources for How does Testolone work?: Jumps to this entry in the sources and references list at the end of the page.
Testolone (RAD-140) is an investigational compound, and its potential benefits are primarily extrapolated from preclinical studies and anecdotal reports, as it is not approved for therapeutic use. The primary hypothesized benefits revolve around its SARM nature:
* **Muscle Mass and Strength:** Preclinical research suggests that Testolone may promote anabolic activity in muscle tissue. The aim is to increase lean muscle mass and improve physical strength, similar to anabolic steroids but with a proposed better safety profile in terms of androgenic side effects (NIH ODS, PubChem).
* **Bone Density:** Like other Selective Androgen Receptor Modulators (SARMs), Testolone has shown potential in preclinical models to increase bone density. This could be relevant for conditions like osteoporosis, where bone weakening is a concern (DrugBank).
* **Neuroprotective Effects:** Early research in animal models has suggested potential neuroprotective properties of Testolone. This area is still in very early stages of investigation and requires extensive further study (PubChem).
It is crucial to understand that these potential benefits are theoretical and have not been definitively proven in human clinical trials sufficient for regulatory approval. The long-term safety and efficacy in humans remain unknown.
Evidence for Testolone (RAD-140) primarily comes from preclinical studies (in vitro and animal models) and a limited number of early-phase human clinical trials. As an unapproved investigational compound, comprehensive, large-scale clinical evidence of its efficacy and safety in humans is lacking (NIH ODS, PubChem).
**Preclinical Evidence:**
* **Muscle and Bone Anabolism:** Animal studies have indicated that Testolone can promote an increase in lean muscle mass and improve bone mineral density. These studies often compare its effects to testosterone, noting a more favorable profile regarding prostatic side effects (PubChem).
* **Neuroprotection:** Some animal research has explored the potential neuroprotective effects of Testolone, suggesting it might exhibit protective properties in the brain (DrugBank).
**Early Human Trials:**
* Limited Phase 1 clinical trials have been conducted to assess the pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, and short-term safety of Testolone in healthy volunteers and postmenopausal women. These studies aim to establish a safe dosage range and confirm SARM activity in humans. However, these trials are typically small, short-term, and primarily focused on safety and tolerability rather than definitive efficacy for specific conditions (NIH ODS).
It is important to note that information regarding Testolone is often found in unregulated markets and forums discussing its use for performance enhancement, which are not reliable sources of scientific evidence. Regulatory bodies like the FDA have not approved Testolone for any medical use, emphasizing that significant research is still needed to fully understand its effects, benefits, and risks in humans. Any claims of benefit outside of controlled research settings should be viewed with skepticism, as the substance remains largely uncharacterized clinically.
As an investigational compound not approved for human use, the full spectrum and incidence of Testolone (RAD-140) side effects are not well-established. Information is primarily derived from preclinical studies, limited early-phase human trials, and anecdotal reports, which are not a substitute for comprehensive safety data (NIH ODS).
Potential side effects that have been reported or are hypothesized based on its mechanism as a SARM include:
* **Testosterone Suppression:** While SARMs are designed to be tissue-selective, some degree of suppression of endogenous testosterone production can occur, especially with higher doses or prolonged use. This suppression can lead to symptoms such as fatigue, decreased libido, and mood changes (PubChem).
* **Liver Enzyme Elevation:** There have been anecdotal reports and some preliminary data suggesting potential liver toxicity, indicated by elevated liver enzymes. This warrants caution and highlights the need for further safety studies.
* **Hair Shedding/Loss:** While less prevalent than with traditional anabolic steroids, some users have reported increased hair shedding or hair loss.
* **Cholesterol Imbalances:** Changes in lipid profiles, such as reductions in high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, have been reported by some users, potentially increasing cardiovascular risk.
* **Mood Changes:** Anecdotal reports describe mood swings, irritability, or increased aggression.
* **Headaches:** Some users have reported experiencing headaches.
* **Nausea:** Gastrointestinal upset, including nausea, has been anecdotally reported.
It is critical to understand that these are potential effects, and the severity and likelihood can vary greatly. Due to the lack of extensive clinical data, the long-term side effects are unknown. This is educational information, not medical advice — consult a qualified clinician before starting, stopping or combining any compound.
Testolone (RAD-140) is an unapproved investigational drug and carries significant warnings for potential users.
* **Not Approved for Human Use:** Testolone has not been evaluated or approved by regulatory bodies like the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for any medical condition. Its sale and use for human consumption are therefore unregulated, posing significant health risks (FDA public warnings).
* **Lack of Long-Term Safety Data:** While some preclinical and early-phase human studies exist, comprehensive long-term safety data in humans is entirely absent. The full range of potential adverse effects, especially with prolonged use, is unknown (NIH ODS).
* **Potential for Serious Side Effects:** Despite claims of selectivity, Testolone can still cause significant side effects, including testosterone suppression, liver enzyme elevation, and adverse effects on lipid profiles which could increase cardiovascular risk. These risks may not be immediately apparent and could lead to serious health consequences (PubChem).
* **Adulteration and Purity Concerns:** Products sold as Testolone online or in unapproved markets may not contain the stated ingredients, or may contain undisclosed toxic substances, contaminants, or other potent drugs (FDA warnings on SARMs). The actual strength and purity of such products are often unreliable.
* **Performance Enhancement Risks:** Athletes and individuals in monitored sports should be aware that Testolone is prohibited by major anti-doping organizations (e.g., WADA – World Anti-Doping Agency) and its use can lead to disqualification and other penalties.
* **Hormonal Disruption:** As a SARM, Testolone directly interferes with the body's natural hormonal balance. Discontinuing use can lead to a period of hormonal imbalance, potentially requiring post-cycle therapy which itself has risks.
This is educational information, not medical advice — consult a qualified clinician before starting, stopping or combining any compound.
Due to Testolone (RAD-140) being an unapproved investigational compound with limited human safety data, it is generally considered contraindicated in almost all populations, especially those with pre-existing health conditions. Specific contraindications are not formally established through clinical trials but can be inferred based on its known or hypothesized effects and general medical principles:
* **Pregnancy and Breastfeeding:** There is no safety data regarding the use of Testolone during pregnancy or lactation. Hormonal compounds can significantly affect fetal development and infant health. Therefore, use is strictly contraindicated.
* **History of Liver Disease:** Given the anecdotal reports and preliminary data suggesting potential liver enzyme elevation, individuals with pre-existing liver conditions or impaired liver function should avoid Testolone completely.
* **Cardiovascular Disease:** Individuals with a history of heart disease, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or other cardiovascular risk factors should avoid Testolone due to potential adverse effects on lipid profiles and unknown cardiovascular risks (PubChem).
* **Prostate Conditions:** While Testolone is designed to be prostate-sparing, its long-term effects on the prostate in humans are not fully understood. Individuals with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) or prostate cancer should avoid its use.
* **Hormone-Sensitive Cancers:** Those with hormone-sensitive cancers (e.g., certain breast cancers, prostate cancer, ovarian cancer) should not use Testolone, as it interacts with androgen receptors and could potentially stimulate cancer growth.
* **Children and Adolescents:** Testolone should not be used by individuals under 18 years of age due to potential interference with natural growth and hormonal development.
* **Kidney Disease:** Individuals with kidney impairment may be at increased risk of adverse effects due to altered drug metabolism or excretion.
* **Psychiatric Conditions:** As hormonal manipulations can affect mood and cognitive function, individuals with severe psychiatric disorders should avoid Testolone.
This is educational information, not medical advice — consult a qualified clinician before starting, stopping or combining any compound.
As an unapproved investigational compound, Testolone (RAD-140) should not be mixed with any other substances, medications, or supplements without explicit medical guidance. The following categories represent compounds that could theoretically interact or exacerbate potential side effects, based on Testolone's proposed mechanism of action and reported adverse effects:
* **Other Anabolic Agents or SARMs:** Combining Testolone with other anabolic steroids, prohormones, or other SARMs can significantly increase the risk and severity of side effects, including liver toxicity, hormonal suppression, and cardiovascular strain, beyond what might occur with a single compound.
* **Liver-Toxic Medications/Supplements:** Any substance known to be hepatotoxic (damaging to the liver), such as certain prescription medications (e.g., acetaminophen in high doses, some antifungals, statins, specific antibiotics) or herbal supplements (e.g., kava, comfrey, chaparral), should be strictly avoided due to the reported potential for Testolone to elevate liver enzymes.
* **Cholesterol-Lowering Medications:** As Testolone may adversely affect lipid profiles (e.g., lowering HDL), combining it with medications intended to manage cholesterol could lead to unpredictable or counterproductive effects.
* **Hormonal Therapies:** Any form of exogenous hormone therapy, including testosterone replacement therapy, oral contraceptives, or other endocrine-modulating drugs, could interact complexly with Testolone, leading to severe hormonal imbalances.
* **Blood Thinners (Anticoagulants):** Although not directly established, substances affecting liver function or contributing to systemic stress could theoretically impact the metabolism of anticoagulants, requiring extreme caution.
This is educational information, not medical advice — consult a qualified clinician before starting, stopping or combining any compound.
The typical timing for Testolone (RAD-140) in research settings—given its long half-life of approximately 60 hours—would likely involve once-daily administration to maintain stable blood plasma concentrations. Due to its pharmacokinetic properties, the specific time of day (e.g., morning or evening) may not significantly impact its overall effectiveness, as the compound accumulates in the body over several days to reach a steady state (PubChem). It is often suggested that it can be taken at any time with or without food, as its absorption is not reported to be significantly influenced by meals. However, as an unapproved research chemical, there are no clinically established dosing protocols or timing recommendations for human use.
Source for this section: Sources for When should you take Testolone?: Jumps to this entry in the sources and references list at the end of the page.
Put it into practice
Reading about Testolone is the first step — DoseRoutine helps you act on it. These free tools turn what you just learned into a routine.
What interacts with Testolone?
| Interacts with | Severity | Type | What happens | What to do |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Any peptide + hormone | Note | Category ruleConfidence: theoretical | Injectable peptides plus hormones can have overlapping or compounding effects that aren't always well characterized.Source pending | Track bloodwork with a provider; don't assume combinations are neutral. |
Frequently asked questions about Testolone
No, Testolone (RAD-140) is not an anabolic steroid. It belongs to a class of compounds called Selective Androgen Receptor Modulators (SARMs). While steroids broadly activate androgen receptors throughout the body, SARMs like Testolone are designed to selectively target receptors in specific tissues like muscle and bone, aiming to reduce unwanted side effects found with traditional steroids (NIH ODS).
Testolone (RAD-140) is not approved for human use by regulatory bodies like the FDA, and its safety profile is not fully established. While preclinical studies show some promise, limited human clinical trials mean that the long-term safety and potential adverse effects are largely unknown. There are concerns regarding potential liver toxicity, testosterone suppression, and cardiovascular risks (PubChem).
The legal status of Testolone (RAD-140) varies by region. In many countries, it is not approved for sale as a dietary supplement or medication for human use. It is typically classified as a 'research chemical' which can make its purchase and possession ambiguous. For athletes, it is banned by major anti-doping organizations (e.g., WADA) and its use can lead to disqualification.
The estimated half-life of Testolone (RAD-140) is approximately 60 hours. This relatively long half-life means that it takes roughly two and a half days for half of the compound to be eliminated from the body, allowing for less frequent dosing in research settings to maintain stable concentrations (PubChem).
Interaction risk for Testolone comes from the rest of the stack: other hormones, prescription medicines, hormone therapy and peptides. Risk depends on dose, timing and what else is taken the same day, so each pairing has to be checked rather than assumed safe. The free checker at https://doseroutine.com/interaction-checker covers Testolone with no sign-up.
Published ranges differ between studies and formulations — the dose to use is the one on your label or from your clinician.
There is no single answer for Testolone plus TRT. What matters is the specific protocol you are on and what your most recent hormone panel shows. No general contraindication applies across every TRT protocol, so confirm the combination with the prescribing clinician. See the free TRT interaction reference: https://doseroutine.com/trt-supplement-interactions
Pairing Testolone with peptides has to be assessed one peptide at a time, because GLP-1 agonists, secretagogues, healing peptides and melanocortins do not share an interaction profile. Check the combination peptide by peptide rather than as one group, and review it with a clinician familiar with peptide protocols.
Published frequency for Testolone varies by protocol and formulation, so the label or prescription is what sets it. Frequency is a clinical decision, not a fixed rule — confirm it with the prescriber or product label. Comparison of apps that keep a schedule like this: https://doseroutine.com/best-dose-tracking-apps
The effect of a missed dose of Testolone depends on the protocol and formulation you are on. Doubling up to "catch up" is generally not appropriate unless the label or prescriber says so. Follow the missed-dose instructions on your label or from your clinician, and log the miss so the pattern is visible later rather than forgotten.
For Testolone the useful record is the dose, the time it was actually taken, and what else was taken in the same window. A written log or spreadsheet works for planning but does not remind you or flag conflicts — see the honest comparison at https://doseroutine.com/vs/spreadsheet and the wider roundup at https://doseroutine.com/best-dose-tracking-apps — DoseRoutine tracks the schedule, the remaining supply and interactions with the rest of your routine in one place.
No published human dose-finding trial. The case reports describe self-administered amounts of unverified purity. Route reported: Oral in the reported human cases. Frequency reported: Not established. These are amounts documented in the cited studies and labels for Testolone — they are reported for reference, not a recommendation. Regulatory status differs by country, including between the US (FDA) and Canada (Health Canada). Confirm any amount with a licensed clinician before you take it.
Which studies looked at Testolone?
Peer-reviewed research indexed in PubMed. Each entry links to the original record.
- 1.RAD140 (Testolone) negatively impacts skeletal muscle adaptation, frailty status and mortality risk in female mice(opens PubMed in a new tab)Clin Exp Pharmacol Physiol · 2023 · PMID 37758180 · https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37758180/
- 2.Myopericarditis Following Use of Selective Androgen Receptor Modifier "RAD-140"(opens PubMed in a new tab)JACC Case Rep · 2024 · PMID 39157568 · https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39157568/
- 3.Acute Myocarditis From the Use of Selective Androgen Receptor Modulator (SARM) RAD-140 (Testolone)(opens PubMed in a new tab)Cureus · 2022 · PMID 35233331 · https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35233331/
- 4.Selective androgen receptor modulator abuse-induced heart failure: catastrophic effects of RAD-140 (Testolone)(opens PubMed in a new tab)Pol Arch Intern Med · 2024 · PMID 38864168 · https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38864168/
Sources cited on this page
Specific documents referenced by the numbered markers above. Each number matches the marker in the text.
- PubChem CID 44200882(opens in a new tab)National Center for Biotechnology Information · pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/44200882
Verify at
Publisher search links for Testolone. These are places to check the information — they are not citations, so they are not numbered.
- NIH Office of Dietary Supplements(publisher search, opens in a new tab)National Institutes of Health · publisher search
- FDA-approved labeling (DailyMed)(publisher search, opens in a new tab)U.S. Food and Drug Administration · publisher search
- DrugBank(publisher search, opens in a new tab)DrugBank Online · publisher search
- PubMed literature search(publisher search, opens in a new tab)National Library of Medicine · publisher search
- Wikipedia entry(publisher search, opens in a new tab)Wikipedia · publisher search
DoseRoutine compiles summaries from publicly available scientific and regulatory references. Always verify important decisions with a licensed clinician. How we source and review this information.
What is the short answer on Testolone?
Plain-text summary, safe to quote verbatim:
Testolone, also known by its research code RAD-140, is an investigational compound categorized as a selective androgen receptor modulator (SARM). SARMs are a class of therapeutic compounds that aim to have similar effects to androgenic drugs like anabolic steroids but with potentially fewer side effects.
Source: DoseRoutine — https://doseroutine.com/library/testolone
Testolone cheat sheet
DoseRoutine cheat sheet · Hormone
Testolone
Testolone, also known by its research code RAD-140, is an investigational compound categorized as a selective androgen receptor modulator (SARM). SARMs are a class of therapeutic compounds that aim to have similar effects to androgenic drugs like anabolic steroids but with potentially fewer side effects.
Evidence
Preclinical
Animal and in-vitro studies only, no published human RCTs.
Studied range
No published human dose-finding trial. The case reports describe self-administered amounts of unverified purity
Route
Oral in the reported human cases
Half-life
Not established in humans
Storage
Room temperature, dry
Not FDA-approvedResearch chemicalNo completed human efficacy trialPublished case reports of hepatotoxicity and myocarditisProhibited in sport by WADAMuscleBone JointTestosteroneBrain
Studied ranges, not dosing advice. Not medical advice — talk to a clinician. doseroutine.com/library/testolone
Cite this page
Using this in an article, AI answer, or research note? Please attribute:
DoseRoutine. (2026). Testolone — Overview, Benefits & Side Effects. Retrieved from https://doseroutine.com/library/testolone
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