Everything You Need to Know About Testosterone Propionate

March 30, 2024

4 mins

Need a testosterone solution?

Elevate your vitality and supercharge your life with Rex MD.

Get Started

What is Testosterone Propionate?

Testosterone propionate is a synthetic form of testosterone, belonging to the class of androgen and anabolic steroid medications. It was formerly marketed under the brand name Testoviron, but it’s no longer distributed in the United States. However, it remains accessible in several other countries. 

The decline in popularity of testosterone propionate coincided with the introduction of longer-acting testosterone preparations such as testosterone enanthate, testosterone cypionate, and testosterone undecanoate, which require less frequent dosing and boast improved safety profiles.

These longer-acting alternatives have become the preferred choices for testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) today. One of the primary drawbacks of testosterone propionate is its brief half-life, indicating how long it takes for the body to eliminate the drug. 

Due to its short half-life, individuals would need to administer intramuscular injections multiple times per week to achieve and sustain adequate testosterone levels. The discontinuation of testosterone propionate by its manufacturer was likely not due to safety or efficacy concerns but rather the availability of more effective alternatives. 

Despite its discontinuation as a prescribed medication, testosterone propionate remains frequently employed in scientific research that requires a rapid-acting hormone.

How Does Testosterone Propionate Work?

Testosterone propionate works by supplementing or replacing the body's natural production of testosterone, the primary male sex hormone. Once injected into the body, testosterone propionate is gradually released into the bloodstream over a relatively short period.

Overall, testosterone propionate works by supplementing the body's natural testosterone levels, which can have various physiological and psychological effects depending on the individual's health status and dosage regimen.

How Do You Take Testosterone Propionate?

Testosterone propionate is typically administered via intramuscular injection. The dosing schedule and administration technique may vary depending on the individual's specific needs and the prescribing healthcare provider's recommendations. 

However, a common dosing regimen for testosterone propionate involves injections every one to three days due to its relatively short half-life. This is a more frequent dosing schedule than other testosterone injections. 

The injection process involves drawing the appropriate dosage of testosterone propionate solution into a syringe and then injecting it into a large muscle, such as the gluteal muscle in the buttocks or the deltoid muscle in the shoulder. 

Prior to administration, it's essential to thoroughly clean the injection site with an alcohol swab to minimize the risk of infection. Additionally, proper injection technique – including selecting an appropriate needle size and ensuring correct needle insertion and angle – is crucial for safety and effectiveness.

In some cases, individuals may be trained to self-administer testosterone propionate injections at home under the guidance of a healthcare provider. Alternatively, injections may be administered by a healthcare professional in a clinical setting. 

Regular monitoring of testosterone levels and symptom response is important to adjust the dosage as needed and ensure optimal therapeutic outcomes.

As with any medication, it's essential to follow the prescribed dosage and administration schedule precisely and to communicate openly with healthcare providers regarding any questions or concerns about testosterone propionate therapy.

What are the Side Effects of Testosterone Propionate?

Testosterone propionate, like other forms of testosterone, can cause various side effects, although not everyone will experience them. Some common side effects of testosterone propionate include:

• Injection site reactions

• Acne

• Fluid retention

• Increased libido

• Hair growth or hair loss

• Changes in mood

• Suppression of natural testosterone production

• Cholesterol imbalance

• Cardiovascular issues

Does Testosterone Propionate Interact with Any Other Drugs?

Yes, testosterone propionate can interact with other drugs, potentially altering their effects or increasing the risk of side effects. 

For instance, medications that affect liver function may impact the metabolism of testosterone propionate, potentially altering its effectiveness or leading to increased levels of testosterone in the body. 

Additionally, drugs that lower blood sugar levels – such as insulin or certain antidiabetic medications – may interact with testosterone propionate, leading to changes in blood sugar control.

Testosterone propionate can also interact with medications that affect blood clotting – such as anticoagulants like warfarin or antiplatelet drugs like aspirin – potentially increasing the risk of bleeding or bruising. 

Additionally, drugs that affect hormone levels or hormone receptors, such as corticosteroids or medications used to treat prostate conditions, may interact with testosterone propionate, leading to unpredictable effects or complications.

It's crucial for individuals undergoing testosterone propionate therapy to inform their healthcare provider about all medications they are taking, including prescription medications, over-the-counter drugs, and herbal supplements. 

This allows healthcare providers to assess potential drug interactions and adjust treatment plans accordingly to ensure safe and effective therapy. Regular monitoring of hormone levels and overall health is essential to identify and manage any adverse interactions promptly.

Who Shouldn’t Take Testosterone Propionate?

Testosterone propionate, like other forms of testosterone therapy, may not be suitable for everyone. Individuals with certain medical conditions or risk factors should exercise caution or avoid testosterone propionate altogether. Specifically, testosterone propionate may not be appropriate for individuals who:

• Have prostate cancer: Testosterone therapy can potentially stimulate the growth of existing prostate cancer or increase the risk of developing prostate cancer in individuals with undiagnosed prostate abnormalities.

• Have breast cancer: Testosterone therapy can exacerbate breast cancer or increase the risk of developing breast cancer in individuals with hormone-sensitive breast cancer.

• Have severe heart conditions: Testosterone therapy, including testosterone propionate, may worsen pre-existing heart conditions or increase the risk of cardiovascular events such as heart attack or stroke, particularly in individuals with severe heart disease.

• Have severe liver or kidney disease: Testosterone is metabolized by the liver and excreted by the kidneys, so individuals with severe liver or kidney disease may not be able to properly metabolize or eliminate testosterone propionate, increasing the risk of adverse effects.

• Are pregnant or breastfeeding: Testosterone therapy is contraindicated during pregnancy as it can cause virilization of female fetuses. It may also pass into breast milk and adversely affect nursing infants.

• Have hypersensitivity to testosterone: Individuals with a known hypersensitivity or allergy to testosterone or any of the components of testosterone propionate should avoid its use.

It's essential for individuals considering testosterone propionate therapy to discuss their medical history and any potential risk factors with a healthcare provider.

Healthcare providers can assess the individual's suitability for testosterone therapy and provide personalized recommendations based on their medical history and individual circumstances.

Are There Any Alternative Treatments?

While all testosterone injections aim to restore testosterone levels, the medications themselves can be slightly different. Other testosterone injections include:

• Testosterone undecanoate: an intramuscular injection given into the gluteal muscle by a healthcare provider. The brand name option for testosterone undecanoate is called Aveed. Its notable distinction from other testosterone injections lies in its dosage. The recommended dose is 750 mg, with a follow-up injection scheduled after four weeks. Subsequent doses can be administered every 10 weeks, amounting to approximately five shots per year.

• Testosterone cypionate: Also marketed under the brand name Depo-Testosterone, testosterone cypionate is a prevalent form of injectable testosterone. Administered intramuscularly into the buttocks every two to four weeks, this injection can be self-administered at home or administered by a healthcare provider. The recommended dosage of testosterone cypionate varies depending on factors such as age, individual response to the medication, and the presence of potential side effects. Dosages typically fall within the range of 50 mg to 400 mg.

• Testosterone enanthate: an injectable testosterone medication that can be administered either subcutaneously (under the skin) or intramuscularly (into the gluteal muscle). Xyosted – a brand name version of testosterone enanthate – is given subcutaneously at a recommended dose of 75 mg per week, self-administered. While many generic versions of testosterone enanthate are intramuscular, the dosage varies from person to person, typically ranging from 50 mg to 400 mg every one to four weeks. Testosterone enanthate is metabolized more quickly in the body compared to testosterone cypionate.

Other alternatives to testosterone injections include topical gels. Testosterone gel is a convenient and non-invasive mode of administration compared to other forms of TRT. This is because of its topical application in easy-to-reach areas of the body. 

The most popular testosterone replacement gel is called AndroGel® 1.62%. It’s a controlled substance available by prescription only for men. 1.62% refers to the strength of testosterone in each dose (40.5 mg of testosterone).

How Can Rex MD Help?

Balanced testosterone levels are a key factor in men’s health, and fortunately, Rex MD has got what you need to boost your testosterone. 

With the Rex MD TestoRx program, you’ll have access to quality care from a licensed healthcare provider and medications (when clinically appropriate) like testosterone cypionate – a testosterone injection with the same mechanism of action as testosterone propionate – that can help you feel like yourself again. 

To find out if the program is right for you, just answer some questions about your symptoms and medical history. Your provider will order lab work for you that can help determine if you’re eligible for testosterone cypionate or another treatment option available through the program. 

Then, you’ll be able to schedule a virtual call with the Rex MD care team to further discuss your results, eligibility, and which treatment option would be most suitable for you, if any.

Get started today.