Level 1 — Base Hormone
Testosterone · Base Hormone
Testosterone
Endogenous androgen · Reference standard
AromatizesInjectable
Anabolic
100
Androgenic
100
BulkingStrengthRecompTRT
✂ MODERATE⚠ MODERATE
TESTOSTERONE ESTERS
Level 2A — Testosterone Esters
Testosterone Ester
Testosterone Cypionate
Test C · Depo-Testosterone
AromatizesInjectable
Anabolic
100
Androgenic
100
BulkingStrengthTRT
✂ MODERATE⚠ MODERATE
Testosterone Ester
Testosterone Enanthate
Test E · Delatestryl
AromatizesInjectable
Anabolic
100
Androgenic
100
BulkingStrengthTRT
✂ MODERATE⚠ MODERATE
Testosterone Ester
Testosterone Propionate
Test P · Testoviron
AromatizesInjectable
Anabolic
100
Androgenic
100
CuttingRecompTRT
✂ MODERATE⚠ LOW
DHT DERIVATIVES
Level 2B — DHT-Derived Compounds
DHT-Derived
Stanozolol
Winstrol · Winny
Non-AromatizingHepatotoxic
Anabolic
320
Androgenic
30
CuttingStrength
✂ VERY HIGH⚠ NONE
DHT-Derived
Masteron
Drostanolone P/E
Non-AromatizingInjectable
Anabolic
62
Androgenic
25
CuttingRecomp
✂ VERY HIGH⚠ NONE
DHT-Derived · Oral
Proviron
Mesterolone
Non-AromatizingOral
Anabolic
40
Androgenic
30–40
CuttingRecomp
✂ HIGH⚠ NONE
DHT-Derived · ⚠ Very High Risk
Halotestin
Fluoxymesterone
Non-AromatizingSevere Hepatotoxicity⚠ Extreme
Anabolic
1900
Androgenic
850
Strength
✂ EXTREME⚠ NONE
19-NOR DERIVATIVES
Level 2C — 19-Nor (Nandrolone) Class
19-Nor Derivative
Nandrolone Decanoate
Deca-Durabolin · Deca
Aromatizes (low)Injectable
Anabolic
125
Androgenic
37
BulkingStrengthRecomp
✂ LOW⚠ HIGH
19-Nor Derivative
Nandrolone Phenylprop.
NPP · Durabolin
Aromatizes (low)Injectable
Anabolic
125
Androgenic
37
BulkingRecomp
✂ LOW⚠ HIGH
19-Nor · ⚠ High Risk
Trenbolone
Tren A / Tren E / Parabolan
Non-Aromatizing⚠ High Risk
Anabolic
500
Androgenic
500
BulkingCuttingStrength
✂ VERY HIGH⚠ VERY HIGH
ORAL AAS
Level 2D — Oral AAS (17α-alkylated)
Oral AAS · 17α-AA
Methandrostenolone
Dianabol · Dbol
AromatizesHepatotoxic
Anabolic
210
Androgenic
60
BulkingStrength
✂ MODERATE⚠ HIGH
Oral AAS · 17α-AA · ⚠ Very High Risk
Oxymetholone
Anadrol · A-Bombs
Estrogenic (indirect)Severe Hepatotoxicity
Anabolic
320
Androgenic
45
BulkingStrength
✂ MODERATE⚠ HIGH
✕
Base Hormone
Testosterone
Endogenous androgen · Reference molecule
OVERALL RISK: Moderate
Overview
Hair / Gyno
Cardio / Organ
Practical
Pharmacokinetics
Half-lifeFree: ~10 min | Varies by ester
RouteInjectable (esterified) / Transdermal / Implant
AromatizesYes — via CYP19A1 (aromatase)
HPTA SuppressionDose-dependent; significant at supraphysiological levels
Detection WindowTestosterone cypionate/enanthate: ~3 months | Propionate: ~2 weeks | Undecanoate: up to 6 months | Endogenous T/E ratio test can flag use
Anabolic / Androgenic Index
Anabolic
100
Androgenic
100
Testosterone = 100/100 reference. In vitro binding assay values; in vivo effects differ.
Mechanism of Action
Testosterone binds the androgen receptor (AR) with high affinity. The T–AR complex translocates to the nucleus acting as a transcription factor binding androgen response elements (AREs), upregulating protein synthesis genes (IGF-1, follistatin), nitrogen retention, and satellite cell activation. Converted peripherally to DHT via 5α-reductase amplifying androgenic effects, and to estradiol (E2) via aromatase producing both beneficial and adverse estrogenic effects.
Key Benefits
- Dose-dependent skeletal muscle hypertrophy via AR-mediated protein synthesis
- Increased IGF-1 and GH axis potentiation
- Enhanced nitrogen retention and anti-catabolic signalling
- Improved erythropoiesis (EPO upregulation → higher RBC/haematocrit)
- Improved bone mineral density
- Libido, mood, and cognitive function at physiological levels
Risks & Adverse Effects
- HPTA suppression → testicular atrophy, LH/FSH suppression
- Estrogen conversion → gynecomastia, water retention
- DHT conversion → androgenic alopecia (genetically predisposed), BPH risk
- LVH risk with chronic supraphysiological use
- Erythrocytosis → elevated haematocrit → thrombosis risk
- Dyslipidaemia: HDL suppression, LDL elevation
Monitoring Biomarkers
Total TFree TSHBGE2 (sensitive)LHFSHHaematocritRBCHDLLDLPSALFTs
💈 Hair Loss Risk
Hair Loss RiskMODERATE
Converted to DHT via 5α-reductase (SRD5A2) in scalp follicles. DHT binds follicular AR with 5× greater affinity than testosterone, shortening anagen phase and causing miniaturisation. Risk scales with dose.
✓ Mitigation Available: Finasteride (1mg/day) or dutasteride (0.5mg/day) block T→DHT conversion effectively. Topical minoxidil additive. Target DHT suppression with dutasteride for maximum protection.
⚠ Gynecomastia Risk
Gyno RiskMODERATE
Aromatizes via CYP19A1 to estradiol. E2 binds ERα in breast tissue → ductal proliferation. Risk scales non-linearly with dose.
Management: AI (anastrozole 0.5mg EOD, exemestane 12.5mg EOD) or SERMs (tamoxifen 20mg/day, raloxifene 60mg/day). Target E2 20–30 pg/mL. Over-suppression causes joint pain, libido loss, and worsens lipids.
♥ Cardiovascular Risk
Cardiovascular RiskMODERATE
LVH risk dose/duration dependent. HDL suppression proportional to dose. Haematocrit elevation → blood viscosity → thrombosis risk. Polycythaemia risk with long-term TRT.
Monitoring & Mitigation: Monitor BP, lipid panel, haematocrit every 3–6 months. Donate blood or therapeutic phlebotomy if haematocrit >52%. Aerobic exercise partially offsets LVH progression.
🫀 Organ Stress
Organ StressLOW
No hepatic burden (injectable form). Renal stress only with extreme doses/duration via haematocrit-driven hyperviscosity. Testicular atrophy from HPTA suppression — reversible in most cases.
Protocol: Safest on liver of all AAS when used as injectable. Prostate monitoring (PSA) essential with long-term use. HCG during long cycles preserves testicular volume and function.
PCT Required
Yes — HPTA suppression is significant. See PCT tab for protocol.
Female Risk
Female Virilisation RiskMODERATE
Virilisation possible at supraphysiological doses — voice deepening (irreversible), clitoral enlargement, acne, hair growth. Menstrual disruption. Low-dose TRT in women is clinically used and relatively safe with monitoring.
Counterfeit Risk
Counterfeit / Purity RiskLOW
Testosterone esters are the most commonly produced and generally reliable UGL compound. Concentration mislabelling (e.g. 200mg/mL labelled as 250mg/mL) is the most common issue rather than substitution.