Side Effects of Propionate
The side effects of Propionate can largely be broken down into two categories, estrogenic and androgenic. When it comes to the estrogenic side effects of Propionate, we will find each one to fall into the realm of possible and by no means guaranteed. As for those of an androgenic nature, while not guaranteed genetic predispositions will play a much larger role. Of course, when it comes to the side effects of Propionate there is also the issue of side effects that affect testosterone, and while that might sound ironic it’s of little concern when use is of a responsible nature.
Speaking of responsible use, in-order to avoid the side effects of Propionate and enjoy only positive results there is a checklist each and every individual must meet. Failure to abide by this checklist will more than likely see problems arise, but thankfully it’s a fairly easy list to follow. If you are to avoid the side effects of Propionate the following rules apply:
· You must be a healthy adult male: adolescents must not supplement with this or any anabolic steroid as it will have a disastrous effect on their developing androgen system and often irreversibly so. Further, women should not supplement with Propionate as it carries a strong virilization rating with issues such as body hair growth, a deepening of the vocal chords and clitoral enlargement being almost assured.
· You must not have high blood pressure: due to the estrogen side effects of Propionate, blood pressure can increase. Even so, it is very easy to avoid high blood pressure with this steroid, but you don’t want to complicate things by walking into use with already improper levels.
· You must not have high cholesterol: Propionate can have a small effect on cholesterol; however, what we may need to do in-order to protect against the estrogenic side effects of Propionate may have a large effect and as a result we must walk into supplementation with healthy lipid profiles.
· You must not suffer from prostate enlargement: due to the androgenic nature of Propionate prostate enlargement is possible; while unlikely it is possible and such a condition must not be enhanced.
Primary Side Effects of Propionate:
As a testosterone compound, the side effects of Propionate include those due to aromatization. When an anabolic steroid aromatizes, this causes the testosterone hormone to convert to estrogen and as a result gynecomastia (male breast enlargement) and water retention may occur. In-order to prevent gynecomastia, we have two choices, Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulators (SERM’s) like Clomiphene Citrate (Clomid) or Tamoxifen Citrate (Nolvadex) or Aromatase Inhibitors (AI’s) like Anastrozole (Arimidex) or Letrozole (Femara). By their natural mode of action, SERM’s bind to the receptors in the chest thereby preventing estrogen from binding; estrogen binding is what causes male breast enlargement. As for AI’s, they function by directly inhibiting the aromatase process and even go as far as to lower the body’s estrogen levels. Without question, SERM’s can work; however, they’re often not enough and an AI is the only way to afford protection.
As for water retention, this will be somewhat dose dependent but those who are sensitive may experience a fair amount of water retention despite a low dose; especially if they carry a lot of body fat. Once again, AI’s can protect you due to their natural ability to lower estrogen levels, but diet is also extremely important. Many who hold water often blame the side effects of Propionate when in truth they’re overeating. When you control your diet, especially your carbohydrate consumption and use an AI there’s really no reason you should hold any water. Furthermore, if you fail to control water retention this can lead to increases in blood pressure making water retention control extremely important.
Speaking of AI’s, they can have a strong negative impact on both HDL and LDL cholesterol. Testosterone Propionate can also have a negative impact but it should be minimal. In any case, it is imperative you keep a close eye on your cholesterol levels and that you live in a way that promotes the continuation of healthy levels. A great place to start is consuming plenty of omega fatty acids. Omega fatty acids will increase your HDL levels (good cholesterol) and HDL cholesterol plays an imperative role in regulating LDL cholesterol (bad cholesterol).
Secondary Side Effects of Propionate:
By its nature, Propionate can lead to a dihydrotestosterone (DHT) conversion and as a result the side effects of Propionate can include three prominent DHT adverse effects. First and foremost is acne, by far the most common as well as the easiest to avoid. If you are sensitive to acne to begin with, you will be the first one to have a problem, but there is hope. Keeping your skin as clean and dry as you can will prove to be very beneficial and this may very well mean an extra shower each and every day. Further, without question it means changing your shirt into a clean and dry shirt anytime you become sweaty as acne will most commonly occur on the back, shoulders and chest.
The side effects of Propionate can also include hair loss in men who are genetically predisposed to male pattern baldness. If you are not genetically predisposed, you will not lose the first hair on your head. For those who are predisposed and concerned about their hair line, they may find the 5-alpha reductase inhibitor Finasteride to be useful. The reason for the hair loss is DHT’s ability to deteriorate the hair follicles, but Finasteride is an androgen suppressor and since the androgen DHT is causing the problem a remedy is provided. Speaking of Finasteride, where it can truly be useful is in combating prostate enlargement; once again, DHT is the culprit. Even so, while the side effects of Propionate include prostate enlargement it is highly unlikely if use is of a responsible nature. Nevertheless, if prostate enlargement occurs for any reason, Finasteride has been shown to have the ability to dramatically improve prostate enlargement, in many cases completely with six months of therapy.
Testosterone Side Effects of Propionate:
If it’s an anabolic steroid and being used in a way to promote performance it’s going to suppress natural testosterone production to one degree or another. Absolutely, the side effects of Propionate include natural testosterone suppression, and as a result the side effects of Propionate include testicular atrophy. Of course, in this case the issue of a low testosterone condition is of no concern thanks to Propionate providing the testosterone we need; however, this will do nothing for testicular atrophy. Even so, once all use is discontinued and all the exogenous steroidal hormones have cleared your system all will return to what it once was. It must be noted; testosterone recovery is assuming proper supplementation practices that did not damage your HPTA and is further assuming no prior low testosterone condition existed.
