Description
Commonly known as Deca-Durabolin, Nandrolone decanoate is an anabolic-androgenic steroid (AAS) utilized in the treatment of conditions like anemia, wasting syndromes, and osteoporosis in postmenopausal women. The medication is administered through injections into muscle or fat tissue every one to four weeks.
Nandrolone decanoate has been associated with symptoms of masculinization, such as acne and hair growth, due to its ability to suppress endogenous testosterone production without being an adequate androgen itself. Its target is the androgen receptor (AR), which binds to androgens like testosterone and dihydrotestosterone (DHT). The compound exhibits strong anabolic effects and weak androgenic effects, making it suitable for women and children. Nandrolone decanoate is a long-acting ester of nandrolone.
First reported in 1960, anabolic steroid nandrolone decanoate (NDC) was the second nandrolone ester to be released, following nandrolone phenylpropionate in 1959. It has become one of the most widely used AAS worldwide and is particularly popular for enhancing physique and performance. However, non-medical use of the drug is illegal in many countries, as it is classified as a controlled substance.
Non-medical Uses
Athletes, bodybuilders, and powerlifters use nandrolone decanoate to improve their physical appearance and performance. Typically, bodybuilders incorporate it into 8-12 week bulking cycles alongside some form of testosterone, as research shows that nandrolone decanoate can inhibit natural testosterone synthesis by altering blood-testis barrier components. Despite this, it remains one of the most commonly used injectable AAS among bodybuilders and athletes due to its favorable anabolic to androgenic ratio and low potential for androgenic and estrogenic side effects.
Side effects of nandrolone decanoate depend on the dosage, duration, and individual sensitivity. The drug can cause a range of common, uncommon, and rare side effects at prescribed doses. Among women, virilization (masculinization) is the most common side effect. Other potential side effects include impaired spermatogenesis, testicular atrophy, erectile dysfunction, gynecomastia, increased frequency of penile erections, and clitoral hypertrophy. Rare side effects may consist of liver dysfunction, jaundice, peliosis hepatis, liver tumors, oily skin, urticaria at the injection site, and furunculosis. The toxicology of nandrolone decanoate remains unclear.
Virilization
In women, virilization is a common side effect of nandrolone decanoate, manifesting as acne, voice hoarseness, hirsutism (excessive facial/body hair growth), and changes in libido. Clitoral enlargement is a rarer symptom. The risk of virilization increases with higher doses and/or long-term use, with some effects, such as voice deepening, being irreversible. Even at relatively low doses, nandrolone decanoate can cause virilization in women, especially with long-term use. In a study where women received nandrolone decanoate at a dose of 100 mg every 2 weeks for 12 weeks, there was a modest but statistically significant incidence of virilization. When administered for more than a year, even at doses of 50 mg every 2 or 3 weeks, substantial virilization was observed in women.
For men, the typical dosage of nandrolone decanoate ranges from 200-600 mg per week, with the optimal balance between gains and side effects being achieved at 4 mg per kg of body weight.
Here, we present two examples of nandrolone decanoate cycles for muscle building:
The first example combines nandrolone decanoate with testosterone cypionate. This moderate blend of two anabolic steroids can promote not only muscle mass gain but also muscle hardening while keeping estrogen levels under control.
The second example involves nandrolone decanoate, dianabol, and testosterone cypionate, with dianabol adding mass to the cycle. This combination allows for muscle mass gain with only mild androgenic effects.
In conclusion, using nandrolone decanoate for bodybuilding can be an excellent choice on its own. By adhering to the basic guidelines, cycles, and dosages mentioned above, users can achieve a satisfactory level of muscle mass while maintaining a low body fat percentage.
