Testosterone Propionate
Testosterone Propionate is a single ester testosterone compound and
represents one of the most important testosterone compounds every
manufactured. When synthetic testosterone was first created it was in
its pure form. Simply put there was no ester attached, thereby providing
a fast acting compound that would necessarily require a very frequent
administration schedule. In 1937 the pharmaceutical giant Schering out
of Germany would release the first ester base testosterone in
Testosterone Propionate under the trade name Testoviron. The same trade
name it would eventually give to its Testosterone Enanthate product. By
attaching the Propionate ester to the hormone, this would allow for the
hormone’s release time to be controlled and provided a more efficient
means in maintaining stable blood levels. Although this was not the
first synthetic testosterone preparation created, Testosterone
Propionate would become the first commercially available testosterone
product. It would also dominate the medical community until the 1960’s
and much of the newly born performance enhancing community.
During the 1960’s Testosterone Propionate would lose a lot of its
popularity in favor of the larger ester base Testosterone Cypionate and
Testosterone Enanthate compounds. However, it is still used medicinally
today as well as by many performance athletes. You will find more of it
among the latter group than anywhere else. Many performance enhancing
athletes actually believe the Propionate form will lead to less water
retention than the dominating large ester forms of Testosterone. For
this reason, it is often the preferred form of testosterone during
cutting cycles. While this is the common belief it is also a
misconception. Regardless of the testosterone form the hormone does not
become active in the body until the ester detaches and then the hormone
is released. Regardless of the ester originally attached to the hormone
you still have the same testosterone hormone in the body once the ester
is removed. So where does this myth come from? Common sense tells us
that when running a cutting cycle the individual will consume a calorie
restricted diet, one that is often healthier and with less of an
abundance in carbohydrates. As a result the individual will hold less
water. Then we have the fact that many often use less testosterone when
dieting and if your total dose is less than an off-season dose there’s
less active hormone available to promote water retention. All in all,
you can receive the same benefits with Testosterone Propionate as all
testosterone forms. However, an advantage of Testosterone Propionate is
that it can be easier to maintain stable and peaked blood levels of the
hormone due to the very frequent injection protocol compared to large
ester bases.
Outside of performance enhancement, Testosterone
Propionate has found
a number of therapeutic uses. However, like all testosterone forms the
treatment of male androgen deficiency such as low testosterone has
always been the most common point of use. Testosterone Propionate
has, however, also found other points of interesting use over the years
in treating menopausal issues, chronic cystic mastitis, excessive
lactation and endometriosis. This was for a decent amount of time the
most commonly used testosterone for female medical treatment, but it has
largely been removed from U.S. FDA approval in female patients. It is
still approved for male use in the U.S. but it will be found in
medicinal circles more commonly in other parts of the world. However,
Cypionate and Enanthate remain the dominate forms worldwide leaving
Propionate to be primarily use in performance circles.
Testosterone Propionate Functions & Traits:
Testosterone Propionate is a pure testosterone hormone. Although
synthetic it is a perfect replica of the primary naturally produced male
androgen testosterone. By design, the hormone is attached to the
Propionate (propionic acid) ester, a small/short ester that enables the
hormone’s release time to be controlled. Without an ester, the hormone
would disperse and dissipate rapidly post administration. By attaching
the ester, this promotes a controlled release and allows the individual
to inject the hormone less frequently. Once Testosterone Propionate is
injected, the ester slowly begins to detach from the hormone. As the
ester is detached the testosterone hormone begins to release into the
blood. The half-life of Testosterone Propionate is approximately two
days, which is substantially longer than ester free testosterone, which
carries a half-life a little less than 24 hours.
As a pure testosterone, Testosterone Propionate carries an anabolic
rating of 100 and an androgenic rating of 100 as well. The testosterone
hormone itself represents the basis by which all anabolic and androgenic
ratings are measured in all anabolic steroids. More importantly, while
carrying these structural ratings, its translating rating matches up
perfectly. Testosterone Propionate will yield a notable amount of
anabolic and androgenic activity. This is important as not all steroids
match their structural ratings in a translating capacity.
Although synthetic in nature, Testosterone Propionate is an efficient
hormone for the treatment of low testosterone. Testosterone is an
essential hormone produced by men and women that affects our physical,
mental and sexual wellbeing. While produced and essential for both
sexes, men require approximately ten times that of women. If you suffer
from low testosterone and more than 20 million men in the U.S. suffer
from some type of androgen deficiency, Testosterone Propionate will
remedy the problem. However, while effective, after all, it is
testosterone, it is not a preferred form of treatment as it will require
frequent injections. Testosterone Cypionate and Testosterone Enanthate
remain the dominant forms in treatment plans. However, if you suffer and
Testosterone Propionate is what’s available it is a suitable option.
There are numerous symptoms associated with low testosterone. The
symptoms themselves are not life threatening but they severally diminish
your quality of life. More importantly, when the condition is ignored
it can be an open doorway to many far more serious conditions, some of
which are life threatening. The symptoms of low testosterone include:
-
Loss of Libido (can refer to partial or total loss)
-
Erectile Dysfunction (inability to maintain or obtain and erection)
-
Loss of Muscle Mass (despite diet & exercise)
-
Loss of Strength (despite diet & exercise)
-
Increased Body Fat (despite diet & exercise)
-
Loss of Mental Clarity
-
Decreased Ability to Focus
-
Lethargy
-
Insomnia
-
Irritability
-
Decreased Energy
-
Depression
-
Weakened Immune System
Regular administration of Testosterone Propionate will remedy every
last symptom on this list if it is due to low testosterone. In the early
stages of low testosterone you may not display too many symptoms. Many
men initially display one of the sexually related most commonly and
perhaps one more from the list. However, while the sexually related
symptoms are the most common it is possible to suffer from low
testosterone without such symptoms initially. As time goes by, if
ignored the symptoms will begin to mount. If continually ignored low
testosterone can in part promote several far more concerning conditions
including:
-
Alzheimer’s Disease
-
Diabetes
-
Osteoporosis
-
Infertility
-
Polyuria
-
Anxiety
-
Heart Disease
When compounds like Testosterone Propionate can so easily remedy a
low testosterone condition, there really is no excuse for living with
the problem. There are possible side effects to use, but keep in mind
this is merely testosterone a hormone your body is well accustomed to.
For the low level patient, while there are possible side effects of
Testosterone Propionate very few men will have a problem.
While a perfect replica of the primary male androgen, treating low
testosterone is not the only functional trait provided by Testosterone
Propionate. This is a highly versatile anabolic steroid and high levels
of the hormone will enhance several primary anabolic characteristics.
When we refer to high levels, this is the realm of performance
enhancement. With this type of use, the individual will be taking his
testosterone levels far above and beyond what could ever be naturally
produced. Through this action, Testosterone Propionate will promote five
key steroidal enhancement traits that will serve most any man
tremendously well. With this type of use, every man who supplements will
enjoy improvements in his life in the same areas as a low level
patient. However, it is the tremendous enhancement provided by the five
traits that separate and distinguish this type of use. The five primary
anabolic traits of Testosterone Propionate include:
-
Enhanced Protein Synthesis
-
Enhanced Nitrogen Retention
-
Increased Red Blood Cell Count
-
Increased IGF-1 Output
-
Inhibition of Glucocorticoid Hormones
By enhancing protein synthesis, this simply means we enhance the rate
by which cells build proteins. Protein representing the primary
building block of muscle tissue; this is essential to repair and
recovery, which is where anabolic growth is promoted. The promotion of
nitrogen will also enhance the anabolic atmosphere as all lean tissue is
comprised of approximately 16% nitrogen. When nitrogen levels fall this
can lead to a catabolic (muscle wasting) state. Conversely, the more
nitrogen we retain the more anabolic we remain.
Then we have the promotion of red blood cells. Red blood cells are
responsible for carrying oxygen to and through the blood. Greater blood
oxygenation results in greater muscular endurance, enhanced recovery and
again promotes the anabolic atmosphere. From here we have the promotion
of Insulin-Like Growth Factor-1 (IGF-1). IGF-1 is a naturally produced
protein hormone that is highly anabolic and essential to the body’s
recovery and rejuvenation abilities. This is a hormone that affects
nearly every cell in the human body and will have a positive impact on
muscle tissue, ligaments and tendons, cartilage, and even the central
nervous system.
Finally we’re left with inhibition of glucocorticoid or stress
hormones. These hormones are necessary to the body’s wellbeing to a
degree but they are muscle wasting and fat promoting hormones. Cortisol
is the most well-known glucocorticoid and it is very easy for these
hormones to become dominant in the body. A dominant atmosphere will lead
to the opposite of an anabolic atmosphere. Thankfully compounds like
Testosterone Propionate will ensure this doesn’t happen.
Effects of Testosterone Propionate:
For the low testosterone patient, if you supplement with Testosterone
Propionate you will suffer no more. This is the primary effect of
Testosterone in this regard. Levels were low and now they’re not. Then
we have the performance enhancing athlete, and as a versatile anabolic
steroid the effects of Testosterone Propionate will cover a wide breadth
in this category.
For the off-season athlete there is no anabolic steroid more
important or beneficial than testosterone. High levels of testosterone
will promote significant increases in lean muscle mass and strength.
This is assuming that the individual is consuming adequate calories.
Compounds like Testosterone Propionate are not magical, you will still
need to feed your body enough calories. During an off-season period of
growth, this means total caloric intake will need to be slightly above
maintenance. This will, unfortunately, promote body fat gain. However,
the key to a successful off-season is gaining lean tissue while
minimizing body fat gain to the fullest extent possible. By
supplementing with Testosterone Propionate you will be able to achieve
this more efficiently. High testosterone levels will promote a stronger
metabolic rate. This is not a license to eat like there’s no end in
sight, but you should be able to make better use of your calories.
Then we have the cutting phase, and Testosterone Propionate can be
invaluable here. In order to lose body fat we must burn more calories
than we consume. You can follow the healthiest diet in the world and
exercise yourself into the ground but if you are not in a caloric
deficit you will not lose body fat. Unfortunately, this necessary
caloric deficit puts our lean muscle tissue at risk, especially as we
become leaner. The human body does not want to lose body fat due to its
survival instinct. As energy demands increase during dieting the body
will take what it needs from wherever it wants, and this is often from
your muscle tissue. The key to successful dieting is not only losing fat
but minimizing muscle tissue low. High testosterone levels will enable
you to achieve this efficiently. Without an anabolic protectant like
Testosterone Propionate, some lean muscle tissue loss will occur, this
is a given. Due to the metabolic enhancement provided by high
testosterone levels, the individual will also burn fat at a more
efficient rate.
Regardless of your purpose of use, all who supplement with
Testosterone Propionate will find their muscular endurance is greatly
enhanced. You will not tire out as fast. You will also find your overall
rate of recovery is greatly improved, and it is through recovery that
progress is made. This makes Testosterone Propionate an excellent
steroid for athletes who may not have any bulking or cutting in mind.
The increases in endurance and recovery along with improved strength
will simply lead to more effective athletic performance.
Side Effects of Testosterone Propionate:
Testosterone Propionate is a very well-tolerated anabolic steroid for
most healthy adult men. Healthy is excluding a low testosterone
condition. While carrying a high threshold of toleration, there are
possible side effects of Testosterone Propionate use. For the low level
patient, the side effects of Testosterone Propionate will rarely be a
problem. Side effects are possible, but keep in mind you’re merely
replacing what your body is lacking. For the performance athlete, this
will require supraphysiological doses of the hormone and this is where
the side effects of Testosterone Propionate will be most common.
However, most men can tolerate high testosterone levels very well. There
is a cutoff point and it will vary from one man to the next, but most
men can enjoy and control relatively high levels of the hormone. In
order to help you understand the possible side effects of Testosterone
Propionate, we have broken them down into their separate categories
along with all the information you’ll need.
[1] Estrogenic:
The side effects of Testosterone Propionate will predominantly
surround its estrogenic nature. The testosterone hormone has the ability
to convert to estrogen through its interaction with the aromatase
enzyme. As aromatization occurs, if estrogen levels become high this can
lead to gynecomastia and excess water retention. Severe excess water
retention can also lead to high blood pressure. Fortunately, it is very
easy to control and avoid the estrogenic side effects of Testosterone
Propionate.
Many men are commonly encouraged to use an
anti-estrogen when
supplementing with exogenous testosterone. You have two choices in
anti-estrogens, Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulators (SERM’s) like
Nolvadex (Tamoxifen Citrate) and Aromatase Inhibitors (AI’s) like
Arimidex (Anastrozole). AI’s will be the most effective as they inhibit
aromatization and lower serum estrogen levels. SERM’s will not inhibit
or reduce estrogen, but rather bind to the estrogen receptor preventing
the estrogen hormone from binding.
While AI’s are the most effective, they can also be harsh on
cholesterol. They do not appear to be too harsh on their own, but when
combined with an aromatizing steroid like Testosterone Propionate the
problem is enhanced. SERM’s will not promote any negative cholesterol
activity. In fact, while anti-estrogenic SERM’s actually act as estrogen
in the liver and will promote healthy cholesterol. SERM’s should always
be your first choice if they can get the job done. However, some will
need an AI and if so they will need to put more effort into controlling
their cholesterol.
[2] Androgenic:
Testosterone Propionate is a potent androgenic hormone and as a
result androgenic side effects are possible. The possible androgenic
side effects of Testosterone Propionate include acne, accelerated hair
loss in those predisposed to male pattern baldness and body hair growth.
While these side effects of Testosterone Propionate are possible, they
are highly dependent on genetic predispositions. Many men will not have
an issue at all, while others may need to exercise a little caution.
The testosterone hormone has the ability to reduce to
dihydrotestosterone (DHT) due to it being metabolized by the 5-alpha
reductase enzyme. This is what promotes the androgenic activity in the
target areas of the skin and scalp. Some men may find a 5-alpha
reductase inhibitor like Finasteride to be useful as it will reduce the
hormones relative androgenicity. It will not completely reduce this
activity but it will have a pronounced effect.
[3] Cardiovascular:
Testosterone Propionate can have a negative impact on cholesterol,
particularly HDL cholesterol (good cholesterol) in suppressing total HDL
levels. A therapeutic dose should not support a strong statistical
decrease, however, the same dose could promote HDL suppression when
conjoined with an AI. With a supraphysiological dose, total HDL
suppression by as much as 20% is very possible. If conjoined with an AI
it will more than likely be exasperated.
If you’re going to supplement with Testosterone Propionate, especially
if you’re going to include an AI a cholesterol friendly lifestyle will
be important. The individuals diet should be rich in omega fatty acids,
low in saturated fats and simple sugars, and plenty of cardiovascular
activity should be part of your normal routine. Those who ensure a
cholesterol friendly lifestyle will rarely have an issue unless some
underlying condition exists.
[4] Testosterone:
Regardless of who you are or why you’re using it, the side effects of
Testosterone Propionate will always include the suppression of natural
testosterone production. For the low level patient this is of no
concern. Such an individual is not producing enough testosterone to
begin with. For the performance athlete, during use this is also no
concern as the exogenous testosterone will provide your body all it
needs.
Once use is discontinued, natural testosterone production will begin
again. This, however, does not apply to the low testosterone patient. A
low level patient will more than likely always need exogenous
testosterone therapy.
For the performance athlete, although production will begin again on its
own more are encouraged to implement a Post Cycle Therapy (PCT) plan.
This will cut down the total recovery time and ensure you have enough
testosterone for proper bodily function while your levels continue to
naturally rise. No, a PCT plan will not return you to normal on its own,
there’s no PCT plan that can do this, but it will ensure a more
efficient and comfortable recovery. It will also greatly protect your
lean muscle tissue. Once a cycle is discontinued and natural
testosterone levels are low, it is very easy for cortisol to become the
dominant hormone, and this will put your lean tissue at risk. Implement a
PCT plan and this problem is solved.
An important note on natural testosterone recovery; this assumes severe
damage was not done to the Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Testicular-Axis (HPTA)
due to improper steroidal supplementation. It also assumes no prior low
testosterone condition existed.
[5] Hepatotoxicity:
Testosterone Propionate is not hepatotoxic. This anabolic steroid will present no stress or damage to the liver.
Testosterone Propionate Administration:
For low testosterone treatment standard Testosterone Propionate doses
will normally fall in the 25-50mg per injection range and are normally
given 2-3 times per week. However, keep in mind in the modern age it is
rarely used when compounds like Cypionate or Enanthate are available.
For performance enhancing athletes, 25-50mg every other day is
generally a solid dose of Testosterone Propionate to combat suppression
caused by the use of other anabolic steroids. For a true anabolic
benefit, doses will normally fall in the 100mg every other day range.
This is a very safe dose, easy to control and should be well-tolerated
by most adult men. Higher doses can be used, most men can tolerate 150mg
every other day very well. Many men will be able to tolerate 200mg
every other day with relative ease. However, always keep in mind that
the higher the dose the greater the probability of adverse effects.
Higher doses will require more caution and effort in controlling side
effects but it is more than possible to control them.
Testosterone
Propionate will stack well with any and all anabolic
steroids. Off-season bulking plans will often include compounds like
Deca Durabolin (Nandrolone Decanoate), Anadrol (Oxymetholone) or
Dianabol (Methandrostenolone).
During the cutting phase, you will find Test-P as it’s often known
stacks well with Anavar (Oxandrolone), Masteron (Drostanolone),
Primobolan (Methenolone), Trenbolone and Winstrol (Stanozolol). The
Trenbolone hormone can also be very beneficial during periods of
off-season growth.
Testosterone Propionate Profile
-
4-androstene-3-one, 17beta-ol
-
Testosterone base + Propionate ester
-
Molecular Weight (base): 288.429
-
Molecular Weight (ester): 74.0792
-
Formula (base): C19 H28 O2
-
Formula (ester): C3H6O2
-
Melting Point (base): 155
-
Melting Point (ester): 21C
-
Manufacturer: Various
-
Effective Dose (Men): TRT – 25-50mg/2-3x/week – Performance: 100-200mg/every other day
-
Effective Dose (Women): Not Recommended
-
Active life: <2 days
-
Detection Time: 2-3 weeks
-
Anabolic/Androgenic ratio:100/100.
- Loss of Strength (despite diet & exercise)
- Increased Body Fat (despite diet & exercise)
- Loss of Mental Clarity
- Decreased Ability to Focus
- Lethargy
- Insomnia
- Irritability
- Decreased Energy
- Depression
- Weakened Immune System
Many men are commonly encouraged to use an anti-estrogen when supplementing with exogenous testosterone. You have two choices in anti-estrogens, Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulators (SERM’s) like Nolvadex (Tamoxifen Citrate) and Aromatase Inhibitors (AI’s) like Arimidex (Anastrozole). AI’s will be the most effective as they inhibit aromatization and lower serum estrogen levels. SERM’s will not inhibit or reduce estrogen, but rather bind to the estrogen receptor preventing the estrogen hormone from binding.
While AI’s are the most effective, they can also be harsh on cholesterol. They do not appear to be too harsh on their own, but when combined with an aromatizing steroid like Testosterone Propionate the problem is enhanced. SERM’s will not promote any negative cholesterol activity. In fact, while anti-estrogenic SERM’s actually act as estrogen in the liver and will promote healthy cholesterol. SERM’s should always be your first choice if they can get the job done. However, some will need an AI and if so they will need to put more effort into controlling their cholesterol.
The testosterone hormone has the ability to reduce to dihydrotestosterone (DHT) due to it being metabolized by the 5-alpha reductase enzyme. This is what promotes the androgenic activity in the target areas of the skin and scalp. Some men may find a 5-alpha reductase inhibitor like Finasteride to be useful as it will reduce the hormones relative androgenicity. It will not completely reduce this activity but it will have a pronounced effect.
If you’re going to supplement with Testosterone Propionate, especially if you’re going to include an AI a cholesterol friendly lifestyle will be important. The individuals diet should be rich in omega fatty acids, low in saturated fats and simple sugars, and plenty of cardiovascular activity should be part of your normal routine. Those who ensure a cholesterol friendly lifestyle will rarely have an issue unless some underlying condition exists.
Once use is discontinued, natural testosterone production will begin again. This, however, does not apply to the low testosterone patient. A low level patient will more than likely always need exogenous testosterone therapy.
For the performance athlete, although production will begin again on its own more are encouraged to implement a Post Cycle Therapy (PCT) plan. This will cut down the total recovery time and ensure you have enough testosterone for proper bodily function while your levels continue to naturally rise. No, a PCT plan will not return you to normal on its own, there’s no PCT plan that can do this, but it will ensure a more efficient and comfortable recovery. It will also greatly protect your lean muscle tissue. Once a cycle is discontinued and natural testosterone levels are low, it is very easy for cortisol to become the dominant hormone, and this will put your lean tissue at risk. Implement a PCT plan and this problem is solved.
An important note on natural testosterone recovery; this assumes severe damage was not done to the Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Testicular-Axis (HPTA) due to improper steroidal supplementation. It also assumes no prior low testosterone condition existed.