PROPIONATE

Testosterone propionate is a commonly manufacturated, iol-bassed injectable testosterone compound. The added propionate ester will slow the rate in which the steroid is released from the injection site, but only for a few days. Testosterone propionate is therefore comparatively much faster acting than other testosterone esters such as cypionate or enanthane, and requires a much more frequent dosing schedule. While cypionate and enanthane are injected on a weekly basis, propionate is generally administered (at least) every third day. Figure one illustrates a typical release pattern after injection. As you can see, levels peak and begin declining quickly with this ester of testosterone. To make this drug even more uncomfortable to use, the propionate ester can be every irritating to the site of injection. In fact, many sensitive individuals choose to stay away from this steroid completely, their body reacting with a pronounced soreness and low-grade fever that may last for a few days. Even the mild soreness that is experienced by most users can be quite uncomfortable, especially when taking multiple injections each week. The “standard” esters like enanthate and cypionate, which are clearly easier to use, are therefore much more popular among athletes.

Those who are not bothered by frequent injections will find that propionate is quite an effective steroid. As an injectable testosterone it is, of course, a powerfull mass drug, capable of producing rapid gains in both much size and strength. At the same time the buildup of estrogen and DHT (dihydrotestosterone) will be pronounced so typical testosterone-related side effects are to be expected. Bodybuilders generally consider propionate to be the mildest testosterone ester, and the preferred form of this hormone for dieting/cutting phases of training.

Some will go so far as to stay that propionate will harden the physique, while giving the user less water and fat retention than one typically expects to see with a testosterone like enanthate or cypionate. Realistically however, this is nonsense. The ester is removed before testosterone is active in the body, and likewise the ester cannot after the activity of the parent steroid in any way, only slow its release. It all boils down to how much testosterone you are getting into your blood with each particular compound- otherwise there is no difference between them.