Methenolone Propionate
The short-ester injectable form of methenolone (Primobolan), using the propionate chain for a fast, short release requiring frequent injection. Effects mirror methenolone: mild, non-aromatising, DHT-derived anabolic favoured for lean gains and cutting, with low androgenicity and no estrogenic activity.
01 Overview
Methenolone propionate is methenolone (a 1-methyl DHT derivative) esterified with propionic acid, marketed historically as injectable Primobolan alongside the longer enanthate. The propionate ester gives a short half-life, so it must be injected every day or two to keep levels stable.
The active hormone is methenolone, so effects match Primobolan: a mild, non-aromatising anabolic with a strong safety-per-milligram reputation, valued for preserving lean tissue in a caloric deficit. It does not aromatise and is not progestogenic, so estrogenic side effects are absent, though it still suppresses the HPTA. Ester-specific human data are limited, so the score is modest.
02 Mechanism
Esterases cleave the propionate ester to release methenolone, a dihydrotestosterone derivative that binds the androgen receptor. It does not aromatise (no estrogen conversion) and is already 5-alpha reduced in structure, giving mild, dry anabolic activity.
03 Dosing
| Tier | Dose | Route | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Common (methenolone-equivalent) | 300–500 mg/wk | IM | Short ester; daily or EOD injections. Inferred from methenolone use. |
Ester comparison
| Ester | Half-life | Injection freq. | Testosterone by mass |
|---|
04 Effects
| Effect | Magnitude | Evidence | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lean mass preservationPreserves muscle in a deficit; favoured for cutting. | modest | Observational | |
| No estrogenic effectsDoes not aromatise, so no water retention or gynecomastia from this compound. | Clinical | ||
| Mild, 'dry' gainsUsers report hard, dry lean gains without bloat. | Anecdotal |
05 Side effects
| Effect | Severity | Frequency | Evidence | Countermeasures |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| HPTA suppressionSuppresses endogenous testosterone, though generally milder than more androgenic compounds. | Moderate | Universal | Clinical | |
| Adverse lipid changesNon-aromatising DHT-derived androgens can lower HDL and raise LDL. | Moderate | Dose-dependent | Observational | |
| Androgenic effects (hair/skin)Acne or hair thinning possible in predisposed individuals despite relatively low androgenicity. | Mild | Less common (low androgenicity) | Observational |