Testosterone was the first successfully synthesized anabolic steroid. Testosterone propionate is a fast-acting, short-ester, oil-based injectable testosterone compound that is commonly prescribed for the treatment of hypogonadism – low testosterone levels and various related symptoms in males.

Uses

Testosterone propionate is a slower releasing anabolic steroid used mainly in the treatment of low testosterone levels in men.

Available forms

Testosterone propionate is usually provided as an oil solution for use by intramuscular injection.It was also previously available as an 30 mg or 50 mg aqueous suspension.Buccal tablets of testosterone propionate were previously available as well.

Pharmacokinetics

Testosterone propionate is administered in oil via intramuscular injection.It has a relatively short elimination half-life and mean residence time of 2 days and 4 days, respectively.As such, it has a short duration of action and must be administered two to three times per week.

Intramuscular injection of testosterone propionate as an oil solution, aqueous suspension, and emulsion has been compared.

Side effects

Side effects of testosterone propionate include symptoms of masculinization like acne, increased hair growth, voice changes, and increased sexual desire.The drug is a synthetic androgen and anabolic steroid and hence is an agonist of the androgen receptor (AR), the biological target of androgens like testosterone and dihydrotestosterone (DHT).It has strong androgenic effects and moderate anabolic effects, which make it useful for producing masculinization and suitable for androgen replacement therapy.Testosterone propionate is a testosterone ester and a relatively short-acting prodrug of testosterone in the body.Because of this, it is considered to be a natural and bioidentical form of testosterone.