Testosterone propionate is one form of the several esterified variants of testosterone hormone. It is the shortest esterified form of the anabolic steroids. It is administered to the body through an injection through the intramuscular route. Testosterone propionate is testosterone that is bound to a propionate ester.
The esterification of the anabolic steroid is performed to enhance solubility in fat and also to allow a slow release of the active ingredient. The enzymes take much time to break the ester bond between testosterone and the propionate ester, leading to a reduced release rate.
After the ester has been detached, testosterone gets absorbed into the blood from where it is distributed to its site of action. A free testosterone in the body has a half-life that ranges between two to four hours. When it is bonded to the propionate ester, the half-life goes up to four and a half days.
Testosterone Propionate Uses
The medication is administered in males who do not produce enough of the endogenous testosterone. Testosterone has an array of functions in men. The hormone takes part in the growth and development of the bones, genital structures, and muscles.
The hormone also regulates the process of spermatogenesis and fat distribution in the body. A small percentage of the circulating testosterone gets converted to estradiol, which is a form of estrogen. When men grow old, the amount of testosterone produced endogenously gets reduced. As a result, the amount of estradiol is also reduced.
The medication is also used for treating adolescent boys diagnosed with delayed puberty. It is also used to deal with some conditions including certain types of breast cancer. Other conditions that can be treated with testosterone propionate include deficiency of the pituitary hormone, removal of both testicles surgically, and lack of the luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone among others.
How To Use Testosterone Propionate Properly
The medication is administered through an injection via the intramuscular route. It is usually injected into the buttock muscle every one to four weeks. The drug should not be injected by the intravenous route as this could result in severe side effects. Various factors such as testosterone levels in the blood dictate the dose to be injected.
The medical condition of the patient, together with their response to treatment, will also determine whether the dose should be tapered or increased. It is advisable to use the medication on a regular basis to get maximum benefit from it. The use of the drug should not be stopped abruptly after its prolonged use.
When the drug has been used for an extended period, the body ceases producing its natural testosterone. As a result, one will likely encounter the withdrawal symptoms upon stopping. Withdrawal symptoms may present with fatigue, depression, tiredness, and weakness. The dose should be stopped gradually by a medical doctor or pharmacist.
Cases have been reported concerning the misuse of testosterone for its muscle-enhancing effects. Misuse may arise when one increases the dose above that which has been prescribed by the doctor. When the drug is used beyond its specified time by the physician, it may result in abnormal drug-seeking behavior. Overdosing the drug or using it beyond the prescribed period may worsen its side effects, including stroke, liver disease, and heart disease.
Side Effects Associated With The Use Of Testosterone Propionate
Many individuals who use this drug according to the doctor’s or pharmacist’s instructions rarely encounter any serious side effects, and in such cases its benefits exceed the risks. However, cases of nausea and vomiting have been reported by some of its users. Patients have also complained about changes in their skin color, increased or decreased interest in sex, hair loss, and acne.
Patients may also present with other severe side effects such as mood changes including anxiety, depression, and agitation. Sleep disorders and signs of severe liver damage may also present. Other serious side effects that may arise include swelling of the hands, ankles, and limbs. When the patient encounters any of the mentioned side effects, it is advisable to seek medical advice immediately.
Prompt treatment may become necessary when a patient presents with shortness of breath or increased breathing rate. Other severe side effects that may need immediate medical help include sudden dizziness, profuse sweating, the trouble of speaking, and weakness experienced on one side of the body.
Users of testosterone propionate may also complain of difficulty in passing urine that is accompanied by pain. An erection that goes for more than four house should also raise a red flag. If any of these adverse drug reactions occurs, the administration of the medication should be stopped immediately.
It is also thought that the anabolic steroid can lower sperm production. As a result, one may encounter reduced male fertility. It is important to seek the doctor's help on how to solve the problem with infertility due to the drug intake.
Females may experience effects such as the unusual growth of hair on the body, deepening of the voice, and hoarseness. Other effects may include an enlargement of the clitoris and irregular menstruation cycle.
There have been few cases of allergic reaction to the medication. However, symptoms of an allergic reaction such as the development of rashes, itching on the skin, and severe dizziness may present. In such cases, one should get medical help right away.
Top Products Containing Testosterone Propionate
1. Testosterone Propionate 100
The injectable anabolic steroid product is a product of Dragon Pharma that is based in Europe. The active ingredient in the product is testosterone propionate. The product releases the active ingredient quickly into the blood stream.
Due to its short duration of action, regular injections are required to maintain the minimum dose concentration in blood. The medication is packaged in a 10 ml vial. Its average dose ranges between 50 to 200 mg per day, depending on various factors that have been already discussed. Its liver toxicity is low, and it has a high water retention capacity.
2. Cut Stack
Cut stack is an injectable product whose active ingredient is testosterone propionate. It is manufactured by Gen-Shi Laboratories that is based in Japan. Other ingredients that are included in the formula include drostanolone propionate and trenbolone acetate. It is packaged in a 2 ml vial containing 150mg/ml of the active ingredient.
3. GP Andromix
Geneza Pharmaceuticals produces this product. The active ingredient contained in the product is testosterone propionate. Other ingredients include trenbolone acetate and drostanolone propionate. It is packaged in a 10ml vial having 140mg/ml of testosterone propionate.
4. Sustaxyl 350
This is a product of Kalpa Pharmaceuticals. Besides testosterone propionate, other ingredients include testosterone phenylpropionate. Other common names include Sustanon and Sustabol.
Testosterone Propionate Review Summary
Different laws govern the use of testosterone products in various countries. If you are planning to buy a testosterone booster, it is advisable to familiarize yourself with the regulations in your country.