What Is It?

• Nandrolone decanoate is a pharmaceutical version of the naturally-occurring steroid hormone nandrolone (19-nortestosterone). It is manufactured by a number of drug companies and is mostly known as Deca-Durabolin. Molecularly, it is very similar to testosterone. Like testosterone, it has a number of anabolic effects in humans. These include increased muscle mass, improved bone density, and appetite stimulation. Unlike testosterone, it is a weak androgen (hormone that causes masculine characteristics).
  
  

Medical Uses

• Nandrolone decanoate has a number of medical benefits and received FDA approval in 1983. Because nandrolone increases red blood cell counts, doctors have prescribed it to treat anemia of the kidneys. It has also been used as a contraceptive in women and to treat osteoporosis after menopause.
  Nandrolone must be injected into intra-muscular tissue. Typical weekly dosages range from 50 to 100 mg for women and 100 to 200 mg for men.
  
  

Athletic Uses

• Nandrolone exhibits anabolic properties by facilitating nitrogen retention in muscle tissues, leading to increased muscle mass. Many athletes have used the drug to build muscle and increase strength or to aid recovery after muscle injury. Nandrolone also stores excess water (as synovial fluid) in the joints. This additional joint lubrication has made nandrolone a popular choice for strength athletes.
  
  Because the drug has a long half-life (the amount of time it takes the liver to break down half of it), many athletes have tested positive in competition long after use of the drug. There is no medically prescribed dosage for athletic use.
  
  

Contraindications

• Nandrolone should not be prescribed to men with prostate carcinoma (a form of cancer) or to members of either sex with breast carcinoma. Women suffering from hypercalcemia (excess calcium in the bones), or women who can become pregnant during use should avoid taking nandrolone.
  
  For women who are already pregnant, nandrolone is considered a Category X drug, which means that it is known to cause birth defects in unborn fetuses.
  
  The elderly are susceptible to enlarged prostates and prostate cancer after taking nandrolone.
  
  Anyone with liver, kidney, or heart disease should discuss these conditions with a doctor before taking nandrolone. Persons taking coagulants or insulin should consult a doctor as nandrolone can affect the action of these medications.
  
  

Side Effects

• The most serious side effect of nandrolone is that it can cause peliosis hepatitis, the formation of blood-filled cysts inside the liver and/or spleen. It can also cause liver cell tumors. Both conditions can cause death.
  
  Nandrolone has also caused changes in blood serum cholesterol, including the lowering of HDL (good cholesterol). Women may experience hypercalcemia.
  
  The more benign effects include jaundice (yellowing of skin), acne, depression, aggression, and insomnia. Some users have experienced diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting.
  
  

Sexual Side Effects

• Men may suffer from gynecomastia (the development of breast tissue), change in testicular function and sperm production and erectile dysfunction (including priapism, the condition of a constant erection).
  
  Women may experience virilization effects (the adoption of male characteristics), including deepening voice, enlarged clitoris, disruption of menstrual cycle and increased facial and body hair.
  
  Both sexes may experience change in libido.
  
  

Legality

• The United States Department of Justice has listed nandrolone as a Schedule III drug and made it illegal to possess without a prescription. The illegal sale, distribution or possession of nandrolone is a felony under federal law, punishable up to five years imprisonment. State laws vary.
  
  Additionally, the use of nandrolone is prohibited by most professional sporting associations, the International Olympic Committee and the NCAA. Anyone caught using nandrolone in amateur athletics faces a two-year ban for first offense, and up to a lifetime ban for subsequent offenses.