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View more items in "Anabolic Steroids" category...
What is Testolic?
Testosterone propionate is a common oil-based injectable Testosterone. The added Propionate extends the activity of the Testosterone but it is still comparatively much faster acting than other Testosterone esters such as Cypionate and Enanthate. While cypionate and enanthate are injected weekly, Propionate is most commonly injected at least every third day to keep blood levels steady. For strength and muscle mass gains, this drug is quite effective. With propionate, androgenic side effects seem somewhat less pronounced than with the other testosterones, probably due to the fact that blood levels do not build up as high. Users often report lower water retention and commonly claim to be harder on prop than with the others. This however is still a Testosterone and, as with all Testosterone products, androgenic side effects are unavoidable. It should also be noted that propionate is often a very painful injection. Users very regularly report swelling and noticeable pain for days after a shot.
Testosterone was the first steroid to be synthesized. Now, it remains the gold standard of all steroids.
Testosterone´s anabolic ratio is 1:1 meaning it is exactly as anabolic as it is androgenic. Actually, Testosterone is the steroid which all anabolic/androgenic ratio´s are based on. If a steroid is 2:1, then it is, compared with testosterone´s ratio, doubly as anabolic as it is androgenic. Hence, we see from testosterone´s ratio, it is both quite anabolic as well as androgenic.
So how exactly does Testosterone build muscle?
Well, Testosterone promotes nitrogen retention in the muscle and more the nitrogen the muscles holds the more protein the muscle stores, and the bigger the muscle gets. Testosterone can also increase the levels of another anabolic hormone, IGF-1, in muscle tissue. IGF-1 is highly anabolic and can promote muscle growth. It is responsible for much of the anabolic activity of Growth Hormone (GH). IGF-1 is also one of the few hormones positively correlated with both muscle cell hyperplasia and hyperplasia (this means it both creates more muscle fibers as well as bigger fibers). All of this leads to speculate that for pure mass, IGF-1, GH, and Testosterone would be a very effective combination. Testosterone also binds to the androgen receptor (A.R.) to promote all of the A.R dependant mechanisms for muscle gain and fat loss but clearly, as we´ve seen, this isn´t the only mechanism by which it promotes growth.
Testosterone has a profound ability to protect your hard earned muscle from the catabolic muscle wasting hormones and increases red blood cell production and as you may know, a higher RBC count may improve endurance via better oxygenated blood. The former trait increases nitrogen retention and muscle building while the latter can improve recovery from strenuous physical activity, as well as increase endurance and tolerance to strenuous exercise.
Testosterone occurs naturally in both the male and female body, as insofar as drug testing for it, typical tests don´t work (i.e. testing for metabolites).
Testosterone, once in the body, can be converted to both estrogen (via a process known as aromatization) as well as DHT. Estrogen is the main culprit for many side effects such as water retention, while DHT is often blamed for hair loss and prostate enlargement. Naturally there are ways to combat this, such as using an anti-estrogenic compound along with Testosterone, or even an estrogen blocker. DHT can be combated (on the scalp, to prevent hair loss) with compounds such as Ketoconazole shampoo as well as Finasteride (sold as Proscar in the 5mg version). Interestingly, this shampoo can also be used topically to combat acne on the face (or even the back if you´re really flexible). Both of these methods for preventing hair loss and acne are reasonably effective. However, if you are not prone to hair loss, they may be entirely unnecessary. Male Pattern Baldness (MPB) is carried by the X chromosome. Naturally, as with most other steroids, your lipid profile is going to suffer a bit while on Testosterone as is your blood pressure. This, of course is nothing that can´t be controlled by watching your diet and doing your cardio, at least for the duration of the typical cycle Lets be totally honest, here, even a modest amount of exercise will improve your blood pressure and lipid profile and if you aren´t exercising, then why are you taking steroids?
Testosterone is also a relatively safe steroid to use, with some studies showing no adverse effects from 20weeks at 600mgs/week!
What stacks well with testosterone propionate?
Boldenone undeclyenate or Deca (nandrolone decanoate) will stack well with test prop. Trenbolone Acetate. Masteron, and/or Winstrol are also favorites for many on a cutting cycle. It´s important to remember that since test prop has such a short ester, most people stack it with other short entered drugs, the rational being that they need to endure frequent injections for the test prop to be effective, so they may as well be using other drugs requiring the
Testosterone Propionate Side Effects:
Although the side effects of propionate are similar to the ones of enanthate and cypionate these occur less frequently. However, if there is a predisposition and very high dosages are taken, the known androgenic-linked side effects such as acne, accelerated hair loss, and increased growth of body hair and deep voice can occur. An increased sex drive is common both in men and women with the use of Propionate. Despite the high conversion rate of Propionate into estrogen. Development of female characters (in males) is less common than with other testosterones. The same is true for possible water retention since the retention of electrolytes and water is less pronounced. The administration of testosterone-stimulating compounds such as HCG and Clomid can, however, also is advised with Propionate use since it has a strong influence on the testicular axis, suppressing the endogenous hormone production.
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