The esters of injectable steroids play an important role in deciding which version of a certain steroid you may need to choose. We’re often getting questions such as: “What testosterone version should I use?”.
You may have noticed that there are different steroids with the same ester. For example – Testosterone Enanthate, Trenbolone Enanthate, Drostanolone Enanthate, and others. This is because the same ester is attached to the main compound (steroid). What are the differences?
What Are Esters?
The ester of a steroid makes the particular AAS (anabolic and androgenic steroid) more metabolism resistant, improving bioavailability, and extending the half-life. The esters do NOT alter the way the main hormone (steroid) works. This means that, for example, Testosterone, Drostanolone, or Trenbolone will work in the ways they are working, irrelevant of the attached ester. They are doing their job the way they should be doing.
However, this means that the ester is extending the release time of the said steroid in the blood system after administration. It basically just extends the elimination half-life. Increasing the half-life means that you need less frequent administration to maintain stable levels of the said steroid in the blood system. This comes with advantages and disadvantages. For example, longer lasting esters will not require you to inject so frequently, but they will enter the system (and provide the expected results) slower. That’s why cycles with longer lasting esterified steroids are usually longer than with steroids that are shorter versions (Usually 6-8 weeks vs 12-14 weeks).
- They will stay in the system for longer, meaning there’s less risk of fluctuations in blood. Yet, you can still maintain stable levels in the blood with a more frequent administration schedule with shorter versions. However, since they have longer half-life, it also means that they are detectable for longer (anti-doping tests).
Other Differences
There are other differences between esters besides half-life. The half-life (release time) is the most important thing to consider, however. Because the ester attached to the steroid suggests how frequently you should inject it to keep stable levels of the particular steroid in the system, reaping the best benefits. Less frequently with longer esters with longer half life and more frequently with shorter esters with shorter half-life. This will also indicate the common cycle length. Longer cycles with longer versions, and of course, shorter cycles with shorter esters. Lastly, it will indicate how fast you can expect results. With those esters that slowly release the steroid, you’ll expect delayed results than those that quickly release the steroid in the system.
However, with faster acting steroids, the compound is likely to quickly flush out of the system. This means that in case you experience side effects, they will disappear quicker than with longer versions that are lingering in your system for longer.
Moreover, usually, the longer lasting esters are causing less Post Injection Pains (or Problems) – PIP. That’s because they slowly release in the system, rather than steroids with shorter esters that will quickly enter your system.
Yet, there is one more difference that you may consider (but not as relevant). The ester weight. The longer the ester, the more weight it has. This means that there’s less raw steroid per 100 mg. So, longer versions will usually provide slightly lower amounts. Example:
Propionate is much shorter than Enanthate, which is why with Propionate versions you’re going to receive around 83 mg of raw compound per 100 mg used. Enanthate offers around 72 mg, Cypionate 70 mg, Undecanoate 63 mg, and so on. I guess you got the idea.
Esters Types and Their Half-Lives
Some steroids do not have any esters attached to their main compound. Such as Testosterone Suspension (Testosterone Base, or Testosterone No Ester – TNE). They are extremely unpopular because they are extremely inconvenient to use. Testosterone without ester has a half-life of only a few hours. This means that in order to keep stable blood levels of it, you need to inject it multiple times a day. You get raw testosterone, all at once. This is the reason why some use it only as a pre-workout, but keep in mind that this is not enough to maintain stable levels, so professionals stack it with longer versions of testosterone.
So, here are common esters you will find with their half-life:
- Suspension (or Base) – no ester, provides the half-life of raw hormone
- Acetate 1-3 days
- Propionate 1-3 days
- Phenylpropionate: 3-5 days
- Isocaproate 5-9 days
- Enanthate 7-11 days
- Cypionate: 8-12 days
- Decanoate: 12-16 days
- Undecanoate: 15-17 days
Frequently Asked Question
What Testosterone Ester Do I Need?
When it comes to the frequency of injections, the ester is very important to pay attention to. The type of testosterone you need to go for depends on various factors. However, considering that you’re likely a beginner, I would recommend Enanthate or Cypionate versions which are more convenient to use as they require just twice a week administration schedule. Propionate, for example, must be injected daily or every other day to maintain stable blood levels, that’s why beginners do not really go for it.
What is an Ester?
An ester is a molecule attached to the main hormone (testosterone / drostanolone / trenbolone / nandrolone etc.) that will extend the release time of the compound after administration. Different esters provide different release times (half life).
Why is the Ester Important?
Without an ester, it would be extremely inconvenient to use injectable steroids as they would require frequent injections. With the help of the ester, you can get along by using the steroid you wish only a few times a week. In the end, the ultimate goal is to keep stable levels of the compound in the blood so it would work and provide the necessary results. The ester will dictate how frequently you need to inject it. Depending on the ester, you will get faster or slower results, and can go for a shorter or longer cycle. You will get faster or slower effects (and side effects) and they will disappear at the same rate.
What is The Best Ester (Version) of Testosterone / Trenbolone / Nandrolone / Drostanolone etc.?
There’s no one better than the other. Each ester comes with its advantages and disadvantages. You should decide which is better for you based on how often you’re willing to inject, how fast you need the results, the cycle length you plan, as well as other factors. Keep in mind, however, that the ester is not going to alter the way the main compound works. This means that as long as you have the same weekly dosage and maintain stable levels of the particular steroid in your system (injecting at a certain schedule, based on the ester), then you’ll get the same results. Trenbolone Acetate and Trenbolone Enanthat for example, will provide the same results. Testosterone Propionate and Testosterone Cypionate, for example, then again, will provide the same results. Yet, Testosterone Enanthate and Trenbolone Enanthate will provide completely different results. You just need to inject them at a similar frequency schedule.
