Testosterone Propionate is the shortest-estered testosterone steroid. It's an injectable compound with a slower rate of release than un-esterified Testosterone, but a faster rate of release than all the rest of esterified testosterones.There are some advantages and disadvantages to the short acting ester. The major disadvantage is that users have to inject Testosterone Propionate at minimum every other day throughout the cycle to get proper results. The advantages, however, are easier control and prevention of potential side effects. Also because there is less ester per vial, there is more actual testosterone per injection, which produces better results. The Propionate ester expands Testosterone's half-life to about 4 and a half days.
Biochemistry of Testosterone Propionate
Testosterone Propionate is simply Testosterone with the Propionate ester bound it's chemical structure. The 'Propionate' is Propionic acid, but once bound to Testosterone it is known as an ester bond (or ester linkage). Propinoic acid is bonded to the 17-beta hydroxyl group on the Testosterone structure. Esterified anabolic steroids are more fat soluble, and release slowly from the injection site. The main reason for the increased half-life and release rate is because once Testosterone Propionate enters the bloodstream, enzymes work to break the bond between the ester and the testosterone, which takes a varying amount of time - depending on which ester is used. In the end enzymes remove the ester, and what is left is pure Testosterone which is free to do its work in the body. Testosterone alone with no ester bonded to it has a half-life of approximately 2 to 4 hours. When the Propionate ester is bonded to it, the half-life of Testosterone extends to about 4 and a half days.
Testosterone promotes nitrogen retention in the muscle - the more nitrogen the muscle holds the more protein it can store, and the bigger it gets. Testosterone also increases the body's IGF-1 levels. IGF-1's principal role is to coordinate growth and metabolism. IGF-I is highly dependent on growth hormone to complement it's growth promoting activity.
Intended use of Testosterone Propionate
Testosterone Propionate has been vastly used for medical treatments shortly after its release in the 1930's. Among other it was used for treatment for male androgen deficiency (andropause or hypogonadism), treatment for sexual dysfunction, and treatment for menopause, treatment for chronic dysfunctional uterine bleeding (menorrhagia), treatment for endometriosis. Later on testosterone would only be used for male patients.
Actual use of Testosterone Propionate
Testosterone Propionate is one of the most popular anabolic steroids even today - 80 years after it's invention. It is widely used by bodybuilders and athletes for the purpose of physique and performance enhancement. Testosterone itself is considered the most natural and safest anabolic steroid a person can use. The Propionate ester is suggested for any first time steroid user.
How to use Testosterone Propionate?
The most common dosage for Testosterone Propionate is:
- 50 to 100mg every day
- 50 to 100mg every 2nd day
Every 3rd day should be the absolute minimum because that's near the border of Propionate activity timespan.
Where to inject Testosterone Propionate
It can be injected into any muscle (if the muscle is big enough). The most popular being buttocks, shoulder or even triceps.
Testosterone propionate cycle compatibility, examples and duration
Test Prop goes very well in combination with Human Growth Hormone (4IU per day).
Popular stacks to complement Testosterone Propionate in cuting phase include oral anabolics like Winstrol (15-35 mg daily), Primobolan (50-150mg daily) or oxandrolone (15-30mg daily).
As with all testosterone types, Propionate is suited for bulking phase. For bulking it is usually combined with other strong androgens such as Dianabol, Anadrol, or Deca-Durabolin.
The cycle duration of Testosterone Propionate typically ranges from 8 to 16 weeks. At the end of the cycle, post testosterone treatment should be introduced, to jump start one's natural testosterone production again.
Effects of Testosterone Propionate (desirable)
There are principally two desirable effects of Testosterone:
- physical / athletic performance enhancement (endurance, strength, faster regeneration)
- physique enhancement (muscle buildup, fat loss)
The rest of desirable testosterone effects that an individual might experience during the steroid cycle, include:
- increase in collagen synthesis and bone mineral content. Collagen is the protein-based construction material for connective tissues throughout the body (the ligaments, tendons, cartilage, joints, and bones).
- heightened self esteem
- deeper (manly) voice
- darkening and thickening of body hair
- increase in levels of IGF-1 and MGF hormones (which also promote muscle growth)
- increased hemoglobin (red blood cell count)
- anti-catabolic effect on muscle tissues by way of acting as an anti-glucocorticoid
Side effects of Testosterone Propionate (and how to counter them)
Estrogenic side effects of Testosterone:
The primary side effects of Testosterone Propionate surround its ability to aromatize into Estrogen. Testosterone itself possesses a moderate level of Estrogenic activity - it holds a moderate affinity to bind to the aromatase enzyme (the enzyme responsible for the conversion of Testosterone into Estrogen). Because of that, a moderate level of aromatization is expected from Testosterone use. To counter this problem there are two solutions:
- Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulators (SERMs) like Tamoxifen Citrate (Nolvadex) or Clomifene (brand names: Androxal, Clomid and Omifin) function by binding to the estrogen receptors - filling them and preventing actual estrogen from binding.
- Aromatase Inhibitors (AIs) like Anastrozole (Arimidex) function by inhibiting the aromatase process and even lower the body's own estrogen levels. Aromatise Inhibitors are far more effective than SERMs.
Water Retention:
This side effect stems from increased estrogen levels and is countered by aromatase inhibitors (for example Anastrozole - Arimidex).
Increased blood pressure:
This is a result of water retention. It is countered by aromatase inhibitors.
Gynecomastia (aka Gyno / Bitch tits):
Gynecomastia is the abnormal development of breast tissue in males. Enlargement of the breast tissue is associated with increased estrogen levels. This is countered by Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulators or Aromatase Inhibitors.
Androgenic Side effects of Testosterone:
Testosterone androgenic side effects have more to do with the fact that Testosterone is converted into stronger and more potent androgen Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) by the 5-alpha reductase (5AR) enzyme.
The 5-alpha reductase enzyme is present in large amounts in certain tissues, such as the scalp, prostate, and the skin. When Testosterone reaches these tissues, it undergoes a high rate of reduction into its more potent androgenic metabolite DHT. It is DHT that is responsible for the greater severity of androgenic side effects.
Hair Loss:
This side effect is completely dependent on the individual's genetic predisposition. If there are no bald men in your family, this will not be an issue for you. If male pattern baldness runs in your genes you will lose your hair anyway, but testosterone supplementation might speed up the process. This can be countered to some extent with Finasteride and the use of 2% Nizoral (Ketoconazole) shampoo.
Oily skin:
Oily skin makes the hair more shiny. In other animals, males with more shiny fur are more desirable/healthier looking.
Acne:
Oily skin in turn increases chances of pore clogging and formation of Acne. To some extent this can be countered by the use of Nizoral 2% shampoo, where its active ingredient Ketoconazole acts as a topical DHT blocker in skin and scalp, effectively reducing the probability of androgens triggering male pattern baldness as well as acne breakouts caused by increased oily skin. Acne are usually cleared with the discontinuation of steroids not very long after the discontinuation of the testosterone cycle.
Agression:
Studies have shown clear associations between testosterone and aggression.
Roid rageThis side effect stems from increased estrogen levels and is countered by aromatase inhibitors (for example Anastrozole - Arimidex).
Increased blood pressure:
This is a result of water retention. It is countered by aromatase inhibitors.
Gynecomastia (aka Gyno / Bitch tits):
Gynecomastia is the abnormal development of breast tissue in males. Enlargement of the breast tissue is associated with increased estrogen levels. This is countered by Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulators or Aromatase Inhibitors.
Androgenic Side effects of Testosterone:
Testosterone androgenic side effects have more to do with the fact that Testosterone is converted into stronger and more potent androgen Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) by the 5-alpha reductase (5AR) enzyme.
The 5-alpha reductase enzyme is present in large amounts in certain tissues, such as the scalp, prostate, and the skin. When Testosterone reaches these tissues, it undergoes a high rate of reduction into its more potent androgenic metabolite DHT. It is DHT that is responsible for the greater severity of androgenic side effects.
Hair Loss:
This side effect is completely dependent on the individual's genetic predisposition. If there are no bald men in your family, this will not be an issue for you. If male pattern baldness runs in your genes you will lose your hair anyway, but testosterone supplementation might speed up the process. This can be countered to some extent with Finasteride and the use of 2% Nizoral (Ketoconazole) shampoo.
Oily skin:
Oily skin makes the hair more shiny. In other animals, males with more shiny fur are more desirable/healthier looking.
Acne:
Oily skin in turn increases chances of pore clogging and formation of Acne. To some extent this can be countered by the use of Nizoral 2% shampoo, where its active ingredient Ketoconazole acts as a topical DHT blocker in skin and scalp, effectively reducing the probability of androgens triggering male pattern baldness as well as acne breakouts caused by increased oily skin. Acne are usually cleared with the discontinuation of steroids not very long after the discontinuation of the testosterone cycle.
Agression:
Studies have shown clear associations between testosterone and aggression.
a type of impulse control - tendency to overreact to an event that normally wouldn't set you off.
Shrinkage of testicles:
When external testosterone is supplemented our natural testosterone production is lowered. The testicles stop producing testosterone because there is plenty of it from external sournce. As a result they temporarily shrink. During the testosterone cycle there isn't much we can do about testicular atrophy. Once the use of external testosterone comes to an end the natural testosterone production is gradually restored and testicles return to their full size. Steroid users speed up recovery by taking Clomiphene citrate (brand names: Androxal, Clomid and Omifin). HCG (Human chorionic Gonadotropin) is also used to rapidly restore natural testosterone production.
Decreased Libido:
While supplementing with Testosterone, men often notice a hightened libido (sex drive). Likewise they notice a decrease of libido during the period when testosterone supplementation has ended and before natural testosterone production is restarted again (with clomiphene citrate or HCG).
Shrinkage of testicles:
When external testosterone is supplemented our natural testosterone production is lowered. The testicles stop producing testosterone because there is plenty of it from external sournce. As a result they temporarily shrink. During the testosterone cycle there isn't much we can do about testicular atrophy. Once the use of external testosterone comes to an end the natural testosterone production is gradually restored and testicles return to their full size. Steroid users speed up recovery by taking Clomiphene citrate (brand names: Androxal, Clomid and Omifin). HCG (Human chorionic Gonadotropin) is also used to rapidly restore natural testosterone production.
Decreased Libido:
While supplementing with Testosterone, men often notice a hightened libido (sex drive). Likewise they notice a decrease of libido during the period when testosterone supplementation has ended and before natural testosterone production is restarted again (with clomiphene citrate or HCG).
Internet / forum rumors
It is rumored that Propionate is better for cutting and fat loss phases, and it supposedly causes less water retention than other esterified types of Testosterone. This is simply nonsense that has been passed on by people developing improper conclusions not based on scientific reasoning. Propionater (like any other ester bonded to Testosterone) is always broken off by enzymes in the body, after which 100% pure bio-identical Testosterone is left as a result. This Testosterone is then free to do its job in the body. The same occurs with any and all esterified forms of Testosterone. Therefore, the only possible difference that esterification causes to Testosterone's effects is its half-life and rate of release. The esters only determine how much Testosterone is released into the bloodstream per given time frame.
Underground labs and their brand names
There are countless of underground producers of Testosterone Propionate. Some are proper labs who follow good manufacturing practices and have adequate equipment operated by knowledgable staff. Majority however are just "bathtub pharmacies" created in someone's back room. They order raw materials from Asia, mix it together and repackage into vials - the end user can only hope it was done in sterile environment.
There are too many underground brands to list and new one are created more or less daily. Some of the names are:
TestP 100 by Big D Pharma, Prop 100 by Centrino Labs, Testosterone Phenyprop by Hulk Labs, Propionate by ARL, GP Test Prop 100 by Geneza, Testoprogen by United Hardcore Pharmaceuticals, Testodex Propionate 100 by Sciroxx, Viro-Prop by ROHM, Propionate 200 by Max Pro, Testabol Propionate by British Dragon EU, Testpronate 100 by Pro-chem, Lixus Prop by Lixus Labs, TestoRapid by Alpha Pharma, Testaplex P 100 by Axio, Propionat 100 by Dragon Pharma, Test P 100 by Optimal Labs, Veyron Pharma TP 1.0 by Veyron Pharma, Testos-P 100 by Pharmacom Labs, Testolic by Body Research, Propiobolic by Asia Pharma, Testabol Propionate by British Dragon, TestoPro 200 by Casablanca, TP 100 by P.E.A., Propitrex by Concentrex, Propionate 1000 by Muscle Pharma, Propioplex by Sarcoplex, Test-Prop 100by UniGen, and at least a hundred more.
History of Testosterone Propionate
Testosterone Propionate was invented in 1935. The ester was created to maximize the use of Testosterone itself (by prolonging its activity in the body). Shortly afterwards, Schering AG from Germany began manufacturing the first Testosterone Propionate product under the bradn name Testoviron, which is still a very popular brand name today. Testosterone Propionate was the first esterified type of Testosterone, and is the oldest/longest used esterified Testosterone. Propionate was the most widely used form of Testosterone in the world until the 1960s. It briefly existed in sublingual tablet form, but was discontinued during the 1980s.
Post Testosterone cycle treatment
Following the end of any cycle, a thorough and proper Post Cycle Therapy (PCT) program is always necessary, where Testosterone-stimulating ancillary compounds such as Nolvadex and/or HCG should be utilized in order to facilitate the normalization of the HPTA and endogenous Testosterone production as quickly as possible. PCT protocols and programs are usually run for the duration of 4 to 6 weeks after all anabolic steroids have cleared from the body following the end of the cycle. Failure to engage in a proper PCT program can result in permanent damage to the HPTA, whereby the individual produces insufficient/deficient levels of Testosterone (a medical condition known as hypogonadism), and medical treatment in the form of TRT (Testosterone Replacement Therapy) for life will be required.
Price of Testosterone Propionate
The prices vary depending on the quality and brand. Big pharma brands, prescribed through doctors are harder to come by and obviously the most expensive - up to tenfold increase compared to underground / black market Propionate.
On the black market (countless of online pharmacies) the Test Prop prices range from $45 to $90 per 10ml (100mg per ml) vial. The price difference is usually due to quality and purity of raw materials used, strength, and availability on the local market.
Good/Bad manufacturing practices of underground labs
Underground labs produce Testosterone Propionate in various ways. As is in human nature, some manufacturers will look to maximize their profit on the expense of the customer by using cheaper oils, less filtration due to lack of sophisticated equipment. To expedit filtration and dissolve lower quality raw materials, some labs use Guaiacol, Benzyl Salicylate, Octyl Salicylate, or Ethyl Oleate - which are harmful to the human body. By using these techniques they are able to have a cheaper product compared to higher quality competition.
