I like a propionate blend a lot, but in my opinion the pharmacies aren't using nearly enough propionate compared to the longer ester. My results with daily dosing of propionate, which are pretty consistent with the stated half-life, suggest a fluctuation of approximately +/-50% about the mean level of serum testosterone. When propionate is only 24% of total (T) then the fluctuation is reduced to +/-12% about the mean—cypionate is assumed to produce nearly constant levels with daily use. However, young men have variations of more like 20-25% about the mean, which is what I target. For this the blend needs to be more like 110/90, cypionate/propionate.Personally, I used to use the 160/40 blend from Empower, and I liked it. There seemed to be an ‘entourage’ effect when combining the two esters. Additionally, and I’m sure @Cataceous can elaborate on this, every day or every other day shots of this blend of esters can provide a more physiological fluctuation of testosterone levels than single ester preparations.
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I use a combo of cypionate and cream to essentially do the same thing. It's hard to say how much testosterone I absorb from my typical cream dose. But I suspect I am somewhere around the 110/90 cream/cypionate blend. Cream also has a super useful flexibility to it depending on where I apply it on my body. If I want to spike my libido, I can put it on my scrotum. If not I rub it on my upper thighs.I like a propionate blend a lot, but in my opinion the pharmacies aren't using nearly enough propionate compared to the longer ester. My results with daily dosing of propionate, which are pretty consistent with the stated half-life, suggest a fluctuation of approximately +/-50% about the mean level of serum testosterone. When propionate is only 24% of total (T) then the fluctuation is reduced to +/-12% about the mean—cypionate is assumed to produce nearly constant levels with daily use. However, young men have variations of more like 20-25% about the mean, which is what I target. For this the blend needs to be more like 110/90, cypionate/propionate.
Predict estradiol, DHT, and free testosterone levels based on total testosterone
This tool provides predictions based on statistical models and should NOT replace professional medical advice. Always consult with your healthcare provider before making any changes to your TRT protocol.
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A form of estrogen produced from testosterone. Important for bone health, mood, and libido. Too high can cause side effects; too low can affect well-being.
Dihydrotestosterone is a potent androgen derived from testosterone. Affects hair growth, prostate health, and masculinization effects.
The biologically active form of testosterone not bound to proteins. Directly available for cellular uptake and biological effects.
Lakshman KM, Kaplan B, Travison TG, Basaria S, Knapp PE, Singh AB, LaValley MP, Mazer NA, Bhasin S. The effects of injected testosterone dose and age on the conversion of testosterone to estradiol and dihydrotestosterone in young and older men. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2010 Aug;95(8):3955-64.
DOI: 10.1210/jc.2010-0102 | PMID: 20534765 | PMCID: PMC2913038