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Testosterone Propionate Side Effects and How to Counter Them
2018-03-06
Testosterone Propionate Side Effects 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 rage 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).
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.