Testosterone propionate is one of the most popular androgens and anabolic steroid (AAS) prescription medications with a short half-life. It is the shortest ester-injectable testosterone compound with a slower releasing rate than non-estered testosterone.
It was first released in 1937 in Germany by Schering AG, a pharmaceutical company, under the Testoviron trade name. In time, it became the first commercially available testosterone hormone product to dominate the medical community, overtaking other synthetic testosterone products before its formation.
In the 1960s, however, it began to lose traction to other larger ester-based testosterone compounds like testosterone cypionate and testosterone enanthate.
Regardless, even today, it still has its usefulness in the medical community, primarily for androgen replacement therapy. In many cases, it has been useful for the treatment of male hypogonadism, breast cancer in women, delayed puberty in teens, and improved sexual desire.
The Mechanism of Action in Testosterone Propionate
Testosterone is the main sexual hormone found in the male body. It consists of a two-way mechanism of activity. First, it activates the androgen receptor or activates certain estrogen receptors. This first mode of activation can occur directly or as a DHT (5α-dihydrotestosterone).
Free testosterone is passed into the cytoplasm of a particular tissue cell and later binds with the androgen receptors. In another way, it could be reduced to DHT by the cytoplasmic enzyme. The surrounding areas it binds to are known as hormone response elements (HREs). At this stage, the androgen effect occurs through the transcriptional activities of certain genes.
Benefits of Testosterone Propionate
Testosterone propionate emerged as one of the leading hormone replacement therapies for the treatment of various forms of low-level testosterone disorders both in men and in women regardless of age. Also, adequate testosterone is essential for physical, emotional, and mental health in men and women and adds to the overall quality of life in both sexes. Here are a few specific benefits of testosterone propionate:
Treatment for Hypogonadism in Men
Testosterone propionate is a pure testosterone hormone primarily used for the treatment of men who could not naturally produce enough testosterone in their body.
The testicles are responsible for the production of testosterone in men. When the testicles fail to produce this vital sex hormone, hypogonadism occurs. The secondary cause is due to a dysfunction in the brain’s hypothalamic-pituitary axis or the inability of the hypothalamus and pituitary glands to transmit signals to the testes to produce testosterone.
But just how prevalent is hypogonadism? According to Sexual Medicine for the Boston University School of Medicine, there are between 4 and 5 million men with hypogonadism in the United States. Out of this, over 60% above the age of 65 have low levels of testosterone.
Testosterone propionate proves effective for normalizing the level of testosterone in patients, adjusting these low levels to more effective higher levels.
Building Muscle Mass
Due to its ability to interact with and stimulate androgen receptors, testosterone propionate may accelerate building muscle mass, increase fat loss, and encourage muscle repair. To enhance muscle mass and density, it is recommended to combine proper dieting and regular body exercising when testosterone propionate is administered.
Testosterone propionate has been widely used by athletes and bodybuilders for physical performance enhancement. Athletes also use it to increase strength and achieve lean body mass.
Treatment of Breast Cancer in Women
Hormone therapy has always played an essential role in the treatment and management of breast cancer in women.
In a study conducted by The International Institute of Anticancer Research, 53 patients were tested that had metastatic breast cancer. All patients had been dealing with progressing disease and beginning treatment with other hormones. Testosterone propionate was administered at successive intervals.
The results showed that significant positive changes were made. The study suggests that testosterone warrants the use of testosterone as a treatment method for women with metastatic breast cancer.
Treatment of Menopausal Symptoms in Women
Menopause in women is not a disease, but a natural stage of life. It occurs when the ovaries (the primary source of female hormones) fail to function. In many cases, menopause is associated with age. Depending on the women, menopause could occur as early as in their 30s or as late as their 60s.
The common symptoms of menopause can affect the overall quality of life, such as mood swings, sex-related problems (such as low sex drive, vaginal dryness), irregular periods, hot flashes, and more.
Precipitating factors of menopause are seen in the lack of estrogen in the body, thereby resulting in a lack of ovarian-pituitary communication. Menopausal hormone therapy (MHT) is often administered to control menopausal-related symptoms. MHT consists of applying estrogens and progesterone. Here, hormones that are not specific as other testosterone hormones (like testosterone propionate) are also applicable.
Promoting Weight Loss
Studies have shown that a low level of testosterone in men is associated with obesity. Obesity can actually reduce the level of testosterone in the body. Research showed that 30% of men with obesity recorded lower testosterone levels than men with normal weight.
Testosterone replacement therapy is the primary method of boosting low-level testosterone to date. Studies have shown significant evidence of Testosterone replacement therapy controlling excessive weight in men.