RAD-140 (Testolone) vs S-23

Side-by-side comparison of mechanisms, dosing, interactions, and stacking potential.

RAD-140 (Testolone)S-23
CategorySARMsSARMs
Standard DoseResearch indicates 10-20 mg daily orally for 8-12 weeks. Phase 1 clinical trial (oncology) identified 100 mg as the maximum tolerated dose.Research indicates 10-25 mg daily orally for 8-12 weeks. No human clinical trials — dosing extrapolated from rat pharmacology and anecdotal reports.
TimingOnce daily, consistent timing. Very long half-life (~60 hours) means stable plasma levels even with once-daily dosing. Morning preferred.Split into 2 daily doses due to relatively short half-life (~12 hours). Morning and evening dosing.
Cycle Duration8-12 week cycles. PCT mandatory due to significant HPG axis suppression.8 week cycles maximum recommended. PCT is absolutely mandatory due to profound HPG suppression. Allow full recovery before considering subsequent cycles.
Evidence Levelanimal_plus_anecdotalanimal_plus_anecdotal

Mechanism

RAD-140 is a potent nonsteroidal SARM with high oral bioavailability and selectivity for muscle and bone AR over prostate. It acts as a full agonist at the AR in muscle tissue, promoting nitrogen retention and protein synthesis via mTOR/p70S6K pathway activation. RAD-140 also demonstrates neuroprotective properties, acting against beta-amyloid-induced neurotoxicity through AR-mediated MAPK/ERK signaling. Preclinical data show greater anabolic potency than testosterone propionate at equivalent doses with significantly reduced prostate stimulation.

Standard Dosing

Research indicates 10-20 mg daily orally for 8-12 weeks. Phase 1 clinical trial (oncology) identified 100 mg as the maximum tolerated dose.

Timing

Once daily, consistent timing. Very long half-life (~60 hours) means stable plasma levels even with once-daily dosing. Morning preferred.

Cycle Duration

8-12 week cycles. PCT mandatory due to significant HPG axis suppression.

Side Effects

  • Significant testosterone suppression
  • Hepatotoxicity (multiple published case reports of drug-induced liver injury)
  • HDL suppression and LDL elevation
  • Aggression and mood changes
  • Hair shedding (androgenic effect despite 'selective' designation)
  • Insomnia
  • Headache

Contraindications

  • Pre-existing liver disease
  • Androgen-sensitive cancers
  • Cardiovascular disease (LDL elevation concern)
  • Pregnancy and breastfeeding
  • Individuals under 21
  • Athletes subject to anti-doping testing

Best Stacking Partners

MK-677 (GH secretagogue for enhanced recovery and countering suppression symptoms)Cardarine GW-501516 (endurance)NAC / TUDCA (liver protection — essential)
B

S-23

SARMs

Mechanism

S-23 is one of the most potent nonsteroidal SARMs developed, originally investigated by GTx, Inc. as a potential male hormonal contraceptive. It binds the androgen receptor with very high affinity, producing near-steroidal anabolic effects in muscle and bone while profoundly suppressing FSH and LH, leading to oligospermia and azoospermia in animal models. S-23 increases lean body mass and bone mineral density while reducing fat mass in a dose-dependent manner. The contraceptive effect was fully reversible in rat studies — spermatogenesis and fertility recovered completely after a 100-day washout period.

Standard Dosing

Research indicates 10-25 mg daily orally for 8-12 weeks. No human clinical trials — dosing extrapolated from rat pharmacology and anecdotal reports.

Timing

Split into 2 daily doses due to relatively short half-life (~12 hours). Morning and evening dosing.

Cycle Duration

8 week cycles maximum recommended. PCT is absolutely mandatory due to profound HPG suppression. Allow full recovery before considering subsequent cycles.

Side Effects

  • Profound testosterone suppression (near-complete LH/FSH shutdown)
  • Temporary infertility / azoospermia
  • Aggression and mood changes (reported frequently)
  • Hair loss (strong androgenic binding)
  • Testicular atrophy
  • Night sweats
  • Prostate effects (despite selectivity claims, S-23 had some prostate stimulation in rats)
  • HDL suppression

Contraindications

  • Desire for fertility in the near term (profound spermatogenic suppression)
  • Pre-existing liver disease
  • Androgen-sensitive cancers
  • Cardiovascular disease
  • Pregnancy and breastfeeding
  • Individuals under 21

Best Stacking Partners

hCG (to maintain testicular function during the profound suppression)MK-677 (non-suppressive GH elevation)NAC / TUDCA (liver support)Enclomiphene (PCT)

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