Deca Durabolin

(Nandrolone Decanoate)

Nandrolone Decanoate is a popular anabolic androgenic steroid that has been available since the early 1960’s. Best known by the trade name Deca Durabolin given to it by Organon, this steroid is produced by numerous pharmaceutical compounding facilities as well as underground labs (UGL’s). Regardless of the manufacturer, most will simply refer to the compound as Deca. When this steroid debuted, it was touted as holding innumerable therapeutic advantages, and perfect for treating numerous conditions. It would live up to its hype. Unfortunately, during the mid 1970’s and through the 1980’s the U.S. government would continually limit the steroids use. Restrictions have become so tight Organon no longer offers the steroid in the U.S. market. Fortunately, there are numerous generic versions available on the U.S. prescription market, and performance purposes can easily be met due to the massive underground supply.

Deca 101:

Nandrolone Decanoate is an injectable 19-nortestosterone (19-nor) anabolic steroid. The 19-nor classifications denotes this steroid’s nature, which is specifically the testosterone hormone lacking the carbon atom at the 19^th position. This slight change promotes a notable difference in hormones. Deca is a bit more anabolic than testosterone; however, its total androgenic activity is notably less.

Deca is a very slow acting steroid as the Nandrolone hormone has been attached to the large Decanoate ester. This massive ester controls the release of the Nandrolone hormone making it a slow yet steady release over a long period of time. When Nandrolone first hit the market, it was attached to the smaller Phenylpropionate ester, and this required the compound to be injected frequently. By attaching the Decanoate ester, therapeutic benefits can actually be gained with one injection approximately every two weeks. Performance enhancing athletes can easily maintain advantages with one weekly injection despite Deca displaying a sharp Nandrolone spike the first 48 hours post injection.

Deca carries with it numerous traits that can be beneficial from both a therapeutic and performance standpoint. In fact, it carries some at levels of power most other steroids could only dream of, especially those that pertain to rejuvenation. Such traits include:

Enhanced Nitrogen Retention
Enhanced Protein Synthesis
Increased IGF-1 Production
Enhanced Bone Mineral Content
Enhanced Collagen Synthesis
Increased Red Blood Cell Count
Decreased Glucocorticoid Production

Through these traits, conditions such as anemia can be remedied. This is the primary purpose of use for Deca in the U.S. It can also be a great anabolic steroid in the treatment of muscle wasting diseases or any condition that carries a need for lean tissue growth such as a severe burn victim. It has also been shown to be one of the leading combatants against osteoporosis. Unfortunately, many U.S. physicians have continued to fail at recognizing this proven life changing therapy. It has also been touted as being an excellent combatant of breast cancer in some cases. A benefit Organon has continued to stand by.

From its therapeutic benefits, you can begin to easily see how Deca might benefit a performance enhancing athlete. The primary benefit, and this can be argued, is promoting lean muscle tissue. No one will argue Deca won’t aid in lean tissue promotion, but some may find the therapeutic healing effects to be the primary benefit when it comes to athletes. Either way, this steroid has the ability to pack a lot of mass on your frame. It won’t come fast and will still require adequate calories and training, but with enough time it will be significant. It will also largely be lean tissue as it should not support a lot of water retention. Then there’s the therapeutic side, and this steroid will greatly promote endurance, recovery, and an overall healing effect. For any athlete, regardless of his pursuit those are some hard traits to not desire.

Side Effects of Deca:

Deca is a fairly well-tolerated anabolic steroid for most healthy adult men, but side effects are possible; especially when we enter performance level doses. The most common side effects of Deca will be those typically reserved for aromatizing steroids; however, Deca only aromatizes at about 20% the rate of testosterone. This is enough to produce water retention and gynecomastia, but there is another factor at play. Nandrolone carries a strong progestin nature, and progesterone activity can result in gynecomastia as well, and can even impact water retention. The use of an anti-estrogen is almost always advised when using this compound.

Deca, as we discussed, is not highly androgenic, but its corresponding androgenic activity in regards to side effects versus muscle building is much higher than its rating would imply. Acne and hair loss are both possible, but hair loss is only possible in those predisposed to male pattern baldness. The use of a 5-alpha reductase inhibitor will provide protection from these effects as the 5-alpha reductase enzyme causes them; however, their use will increase the total androgenic activity. This should be kept in mind.

Deca is normally not advised for women in a performance sense due to its androgenic action that can lead to virilization symptoms. Some women will be able to get away with low doses, but most will find side effects manifest. Use should be discontinued immediately if virilization symptoms begin to show. If discontinued, they will fade away. Most women will find this steroid should only be used in a therapeutic setting and at extremely low doses.

Of all the anabolic steroids available, none is more suppressive to natural testosterone production than Nandrolone. This steroid will suppress your natural testosterone production tremendously; exogenous testosterone should always be used when using Deca. Failure to supplement with exogenous testosterone will result in an extremely unhealthy and bothersome low testosterone condition. It does not matter who you are or what type of steroidal stack you use; your testosterone levels will be dramatically suppressed.