(Testosterone cyclohexlypropionate)
Testosterone CHP, a French testosterone preparation, introduces an intriguing approach to dosing with its unique ampule sizes of 296mg, 148mg, and 37mg, each containing one milliliter. These seemingly odd doses effectively deliver very practical amounts of testosterone: 200mg, 100mg, and 25mg respectively, once the ester’s weight is accounted for. This is due to the ester attached to testosterone, which in the case of Testosterone CHP, a long-acting ester with nine carbons, provides an extended release over about 13.5 days. This places it in the same category as other long-acting esters like cypionate (eight carbons) and decanoate (ten carbons), making it ideal for bulking phases due to the propensity of longer esters to cause water retention, though less so for cutting.
Testosterone is essential for developing male physical and sexual characteristics, enhancing libido, promoting fat loss, and supporting the growth and maintenance of lean muscle mass and bone density. It may even offer protection against heart disease. Essentially, all anabolic steroids derive from the testosterone molecule, modified to alter the hormone’s effects. Testosterone CHP, like other forms, acts on androgen receptors in fat cells to stimulate fat breakdown and inhibit new fat formation. It enhances nitrogen retention in muscles, crucial for protein synthesis and muscle growth, and boosts red blood cell production, improving endurance and recovery by delivering more oxygenated blood to muscles.
The anabolic and androgenic effects of testosterone are dose-dependent, with higher doses amplifying muscle-building effects. Testosterone CHP also increases IGF-1 levels in muscle tissue, activates satellite cells crucial for repairing damaged muscle, and tightens the androgen receptor’s binding to promote muscle gain and fat loss. It induces changes in muscle cells’ shape and size, possibly altering the number and appearance of muscle fibers. Moreover, it protects muscles against catabolic hormones, enhances muscle contraction by increasing motor neuron numbers, improves neuromuscular transmission, and promotes glycogen synthesis, thus boosting endurance and strength. Testosterone-CHP even influences behavior, encouraging aggression and dominance, illustrating that despite its specific French formulation, it remains a potent variant of testosterone with a broad range of effects.
Side Effects of Testosterone CHP
The use of Testosterone-CHP is not without its potential drawbacks, primarily due to its conversion into estrogen through the action of the aromatase enzyme, a process known as aromatization. This conversion may lead to several undesirable effects, including the development of gynecomastia (growth of breast tissue in men), an increase in fat accumulation, a decrease in the body’s ability to break down fat, a possible reduction in libido, and likely testicular atrophy. Moreover, due to the nature of its ester, Testosterone-CHP is prone to causing significant water retention, which might contribute to heightened blood pressure and, over time, weaken the vascular system.
Additionally, Testosterone-CHP interacts with the enzyme 5 alpha-reductase, converting testosterone into Dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a more potent androgen. DHT has a strong affinity for scalp tissue, which can accelerate hair loss in individuals predisposed to male pattern baldness. The impact of DHT extends to the prostate as well, potentially leading to an enlargement that may exert pressure on the bladder. Such swelling can complicate urinary functions, often resulting in difficulties with urination.
