Drostanolone propionate is an injectable anabolic steroid derived from dihydrotestosterone (DHT). Here, the backbone of DHT is modified with a 2-methyl group to increase its anabolic properties, making the compound more effective at promoting muscle tissue growth than the unmethylated parent. Described in product literature as a “steroid with potent anabolic and anti-estrogenic properties,” drostanolone propionate has mild anabolic properties, especially when combined with other anabolic agents. It is most commonly used by bodybuilders who are cutting and athletes with high agility requirements because it can greatly promote the increase of lean muscle mass and also has strong gains in strength, while this process is usually accompanied by a decrease in body fat levels and very few side effects.
How to use drostanolone propionate (for men)
For the purpose of physical enhancement or performance improvement, the drug is usually injected 2-3 times per week. The total weekly dose is usually 400-800 mg for 6-12 weeks. This dose and period is sufficient to achieve very large increases in lean muscle mass and strength.
Drostanolone Propionate is often combined with other steroids to enhance the effects. Common cycle combinations include injectable anabolics such as Deca-Durabolin® (nandrolone decanoate) or Equipoise® (undecaprenone) which can lead to significant muscle growth without excessive water retention. To increase muscle mass, it is often combined with injectable testosterone. The result of the combination is more solid muscle with less water retention and other estrogenic side effects than using these steroids alone (usually at higher doses). However, Drostanolone Propionate is most often used in the fat loss and prep phase. Here, it is often combined with other non-aromatizable steroids such as Winstrol®, Primobolan®, Parabolan, or Anavar, which can greatly aid in muscle retention and fat loss.
How to Use Drostanolone Propionate (Female)
When used for physique or performance enhancement, the most common dose is 50mg per week for 4 to 6 weeks. Side effects are rarely seen with doses equal to or less than 100mg per week. Note that due to the short-acting nature of the propionate ester, the total weekly dose is usually divided into multiple injections, one every two or three days.
Reference for Bodybuilders
The vast majority of athletes’ experience with this drug has been very satisfactory, with no side effects. In addition, I think the drug has value as an anabolic steroid modulator. Let me explain. Drostanolone has a high SHBG and albumin binding rate. Some would argue that this is a bad thing because these two hormones bind to proteins, preventing other steroids from fusing to their receptors. Drostanolone is 3-5 times more active than testosterone, so the unbound fraction circulating in the bloodstream is very active. Because the drug binds a higher percentage of SHBG and albumin, any other steroids co-administered with it remain unbound/active/free to a greater extent.
In addition, because this drug is cleared from the body quickly, it is favored by many athletes.
Structural Features of Drostanolone Propionate
Drostanolone (also known as dromostanolone) is a modified form of dihydrotestosterone. It differs by the introduction of a methyl group at carbon 2 (alpha), which greatly increases the anabolic strength of the steroid by increasing its resistance to metabolism by 3-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase in skeletal muscle tissue. Drostanolone propionate is a modified form of drostanolone in which a carboxylic acid ester (propionic acid) has been attached to the 17-beta hydroxyl group. Esterified steroids are less polar than free steroids and are absorbed more slowly from the area of injection. Once in the bloodstream, the ester chain is removed, yielding free (active) drostanolone. Esterified steroids are designed to prolong the therapeutic effect after administration, allowing for less frequent injections than free (unesterified) steroids, which are approximately every 2-3 days for drostanolone propionate.
Drostanolone Propionate Side Effects (Estrogen)
Drostanolone propionate is not aromatized by the body and is incapable of producing estrogens. Anti-estrogens are not necessary when using this steroid, as gynecomastia is not a problem even in sensitive populations. Since estrogen is a common culprit for water retention, drostanolone propionate can reduce body fat and make muscle definition more obvious without worrying about excess subcutaneous fluid retention, making it a very suitable steroid for fat loss cycles when water and fat retention are the main concerns. As a non-aromatizable DHT derivative, drostanolone propionate has anti-estrogenic effects, and the drug competes with other (aromatizable) drugs for binding to the aromatase enzyme.
Drostanolone propionate side effects (androgenic)
When used in higher than normal therapeutic doses, its side effects may include oily skin, acne, and body/facial hair growth. Anabolic/androgenic steroids may also exacerbate male pattern baldness. Possible effects in female use include deepening of the voice, menstrual irregularities, changes in skin texture, facial hair growth, and clitoral enlargement.
Drostanolone propionate side effects (hepatotoxicity)
Drostanolone propionate is not c17-alpha alkylated and is therefore not hepatotoxic.
Side Effects of Drostanolone Propionate (Cardiovascular)
Anabolic/androgenic steroids may have deleterious effects on serum cholesterol. This includes a tendency to decrease HDL (good) cholesterol values and increase LDL (bad) cholesterol values, which may shift the HDL to LDL balance toward a greater risk of atherosclerosis. The relative effects of anabolic/androgenic steroids on serum lipids depend on dose, route of administration (oral or parenteral), type of steroid (aromatizable or non-aromatizable), and degree of resistance to hepatic metabolism. Due to its non-aromatizable nature, Drostanolone Propionate has a stronger negative effect on hepatic cholesterol than testosterone or nandrolone, but its effects are weaker than those of c-17 alpha alkylated steroids. Anabolic/androgenic steroids may also adversely affect blood pressure and triglycerides, reduce endothelial relaxation, and contribute to left ventricular hypertrophy, all of which may increase the risk of cardiovascular disease and myocardial infarction.
To help reduce cardiovascular strain, it is recommended that an active aerobic exercise program be maintained at all times during dosing and that intake of saturated fat, cholesterol, and simple carbohydrates be minimized. Supplementation with fish oil (4-5 grams per day) and products with natural cholesterol/antioxidant formulas such as lipid stabilizers are also recommended.