Testosterone propionate is a short-acting form of testosterone found in products like Testoviron and is noted for inducing swift gains at the onset of a cycle.
Despite its prompt effectiveness, there are faster-acting types of testosterone, such as testosterone suspension.
Due to its rapid absorption, testosterone propionate requires frequent administrations to sustain optimal testosterone levels, typically recommended at every other day intervals (1).
Users often report discomfort following testosterone propionate injections, which can lead to soreness and difficulty walking when injected into the thigh.
It is a common misconception that testosterone propionate is a budget-friendly option based on the lower cost per vial. Nevertheless, it is important to recognize that propionate is available at a concentration of 100 mg/ml versus the 250 mg/ml found in other testosterone esters like cypionate or enanthate. Hence, when adjusting for dosage, propionate can be more costly by up to 50%.
Testosterone Propionate Benefits
The advantages of testosterone propionate align with those of any testosterone ester.
New users can anticipate a gain of approximately 20 pounds of lean muscle mass and some fat loss with an initial testosterone course.
Strength gains are notable within the initial weeks and often continue to progress gradually until the cycle concludes.
Testosterone propionate distinguishes itself by delivering results earlier in the cycle compared to slower-acting esters like enanthate or cypionate, although the ultimate outcomes are equivalent across all testosterone esters as they are fundamentally the same hormone, just peaking at various times.
Testosterone Propionate Side Effects
Standard side effects linked with testosterone usage are also relevant to propionate, including:
- High cholesterol
- Elevated blood pressure
- Potential for gynecomastia
- Oily skin or acne
- Hair loss
- Suppression of natural testosterone production
An increase in LDL cholesterol levels and a decrease in HDL cholesterol levels are typical with any steroid use. Testosterone is comparatively less detrimental regarding cholesterol impact, leading to increased blood pressure that can be managed with moderate doses and sensible cycle durations.
Bodybuilders have mitigated blood pressure surges by incorporating fish oil into their regimen, with 4 grams daily throughout the cycle (2).
Water retention, bloating, and gynecomastia are potential estrogenic effects of testosterone.
While testosterone can lead to some fat loss, its primary use is during bulking phases, causing many users to accept a temporary bloated appearance.
Nolvadex has proven useful in reducing the risk of gynecomastia, with aromatase inhibitors not recommended due to the possible worsening of cholesterol and blood pressure.
Some users may experience oily skin and acne (3), as a result of increased sebum production linked to testosterone’s androgenic properties.
Hair thinning or recession is a possibility due to heightened DHT levels, although hair may thicken again after a cycle.
Ironically, exogenous testosterone administration can suppress natural testosterone, a commonality among anabolic steroids, necessitating post-cycle therapy (PCT) to restore normal levels. A well-executed PCT can typically reestablish hormonal function in about 4 weeks. Without PCT, low testosterone levels could linger for several months (4).
Testosterone Propionate Cycle
Testosterone propionate is supplied in 1 ml/100 mg bottles.
Beginner Cycle
100 mg administered every other day for 8 weeks.
Note: Testosterone propionate is not typically recommended for beginners due to the pain associated with injections and the frequency required.
Intermediate Cycle
150 mg every other day continuing for 8 weeks.
Advanced Cycle
200 mg every other day for 8–10 weeks.
Additional supplements:
- Fish oil (4 g/day)
- Nolvadex (20–40 mg/day)
Note: Intermediate and advanced users may combine testosterone propionate with other substances for enhanced effects, an approach not advised for novices due to additional potential side effects.
Testosterone Propionate Results
Those embarking on their first testosterone cycle can observe the muscle and fat loss gains detailed above.Individuals adhering to the introductory cycle regimen outlined earlier can anticipate a comparable transformative outcome.
Comparing Testosterone Propionate with Testosterone Suspension
Testosterone suspension is unesterified, hence, rapid-acting testosterone.
A distinct advantage of testosterone suspension is its ability to yield quicker results than propionate.
The significant drawback, though, is the necessity for very regular injections, twice daily, to sustain elevated levels of serum testosterone, which is substantially more frequent than the biweekly injections required for propionate.
Injections of testosterone suspension can also be quite uncomfortable, much like those of propionate.
The primary scenario where the suspension may be preferable is pre-competition for its quick clearance from the body.
For instance, use of testosterone suspension can be discontinued just days prior to a drug test to avoid a positive result, given that it has a detection time of 1-2 days and a half-life of under 24 hours.
Propionate, by contrast, remains detectable for up to two weeks, making it unsuitable for usage immediately before a competition where testing is involved.
Outside of competitions and the necessity for rapid clearance, bodybuilders usually opt not to use testosterone suspension, as it removes the need for twice-daily injections by choosing alternatives that require fewer administrations.
Testosterone Propionate versus Testosterone Undecanoate
Undecanoate is the pill form of testosterone, found in products like Andriol or Testocaps.
Hence, individuals seeking the advantages of testosterone without injections might find undecanoate a perfect substitute.
Testosterone undecanoate acts quickly with testosterone levels peaking at about 5 hours post initial dose during our assessments.
Unlike most oral steroids, undecanoate does not cause liver damage, absorbing via the lymphatic system instead.
The predominate benefit of testosterone propionate rests in its cost-effectiveness compared to undecanoate, which stands as one of the costliest steroids on the market.
Testosterone Propionate versus Testosterone Enanthate and Cypionate
Testosterone enanthate and cypionate are similar in their slow action, requiring an injection only once every 4-5 days, unlike propionate which needs administration every other day.
One can’t expect as swift results from enanthate and cypionate as from propionate due to their slower onset.
Despite this, enanthate and cypionate injections are generally found to be smoother, with fewer reports of irritation and soreness.
In terms of cost-effectiveness, enanthate and cypionate present a better long-term value than propionate.
Although a vial of propionate might appear less expensive, it’s typically dosed at 100 mg per 1 mL, while enanthate/cypionate are dosed at 250 mg per 1 mL.
Therefore, propionate incurs a higher cost per mL upon calculation.
Enanthate and cypionate continue to be the preferred esters for many, given they yield equivalent results to propionate but are more cost-effective and less troublesome.
Overview
For our customers, testosterone propionate is less than ideal due to the higher frequency of injections it necessitates, coupled with generally more painful administration when compared to other testosterone esters.
In specific situations, such as the need for a rapid clearance from the system, bodybuilders might choose propionate.
REFERENCES
(1) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7480784/
(2) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6181727/
Dr. Grant Fourie, a specialist in male hormones, is based in Cape Town, South Africa. He provides comprehensive treatments for conditions related to low testosterone, such as erectile dysfunction, fatigue, and mood changes. His methods include hormone replacement therapy and other modern treatment options.
Contact me via email or phone to book personal appointment in my clinic: The Village Square, Cape Town - South Africa