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Nandrolone; Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, Interactions

Nandrolone /Deca-Durabolin is a synthetic anabolic steroid analog of testosterone. Similar to testosterone, nortestosterone (19-Nortestosterone) binds to and activates specific nuclear receptors. This agent may be used for testosterone replacement therapy in hypogonadal men, in HIV-wasting syndrome, and in other conditions in order to increase nitrogen retention and fat-free muscle mass.

Nandrolone also is known as 19-nortestosterone, is an androgen and anabolic steroid (AAS) which is used in the form of esters such as nandrolone decanoate and nandrolone phenylpropionate. Nandrolone esters are used in the treatment of anemias, cachexia (wasting syndrome), osteoporosis, breast cancer, and for other indications. They are not active by mouth and must be given by injection into a muscle.

Mechanism of Action of Nandrolone

Functionally overloading rat soleus muscle by synergist ablation induces a rapid increase in mass. Muscle remodeling during the first week of overload is critical for the overload-induced growth. Anabolic steroid modulation of this overload-induced remodeling response is not well understood. The purpose of this study was to determine whether pretreatment with nandrolone decanoate, a clinically administered anabolic steroid, alters muscle morphology and gene expression related to muscle growth during the initiation of functional overload in the rat soleus muscle. Adult (5 mo) male Fisher 344 x Brown Norway rats were randomly assigned to control (Sham), 3-day functional overload (OV), nandrolone decanoate administration (ND), or 3-day functional overload with nandrolone decanoate administration (OV+ND) treatment groups. Morphologically, OV increased the percentage of small (361%) and large (150%) fibers and expanded the ECM 50%. ND administration decreased the 3-day OV induction of small fibers 51% and nuclei associated with the ECM 20%. ND administration also attenuated the induction of cell cycle regulator p21 (64%) and myogenin (37%) mRNAs after 3 days of overload. These data demonstrate that nandrolone decanoate pretreatment can alter morphological and cell cycle regulator expression related to muscle growth at the onset of functional overload.

Anabolic-androgenic steroids (AASs) are widely abused by adolescents, although persistent AAS use can cause several adverse physical and mental effects, including drug dependence. The first aim of the present study was to study the action of nandrolone decanoate on dopaminergic and serotonergic activities in the brains of rats. In order to evaluate the anabolic or toxic effects of the dosing regimens used, selected peripheral effects were monitored as well. Male Wistar rats were treated for 2 weeks. Injections containing nandrolone (5 and 20 mg/kg, i.m.) or vehicle were given once daily, 5 days a week. The levels of dopamine (DA), 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) and their metabolites were assayed from dissected brain regions 3 days after the last injection. Blood was collected for chemical assays before, after 1 week treatment and at decapitation. Both doses of nandrolone significantly increased the levels of 3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetic acid (DOPAC), a metabolite of DA in the cerebral cortex, and the higher dose of nandrolone increased the concentrations of 5-HT in the cerebral cortex compared with the vehicle. In addition, after nandrolone treatment, the levels of hemoglobin and erythrocytes increased, and reticulocyte levels decreased. The results suggest that nandrolone at supraphysiological doses, high enough to induce erythropoiesis, induces changes in the dopaminergic and serotonergic neuronal system in the brains of rats. These phenomena may account to some of the observed central stimulatory properties that have been reported following AAS abuse.

Indications of Nandrolone

Anemia Associated with Chronic Renal Failure
Breast Cancer
Osteoporosis (loss of bone tissue)
Certain types of anaemia
Breast cancer (in women)
Patients on long term corticosteroids.

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Therapeutic Indications of Nandrolone

Nandrolone decanoate is indicated for the treatment of anemia associated with renal insufficiency (and as adjuvant therapy for aplastic and sickle cell anemias Adequate iron intake is necessary for maximum therapeutic response.
Nandrolone phenpropionate is indicated in the treatment of refractory deficient red cell production anemias.
These may include aplastic anemia, myelofibrosis, myelosclerosis, agnogenic myeloid metaplasia, and hypoplastic anemias caused by malignancy or myelotoxic drugs. Anabolic steroid therapy should not replace other supportive measures.
Anabolic steroids and nandrolone phenpropionate are indicated as a treatment for palliation of inoperable metastatic breast cancer in postmenopausal women. However, anabolic steroids should be considered for use only after inadequate response to newer, less toxic medications such as tamoxifen in hormonally responsive breast cancer.
Anabolic steroids have also been used to treat breast cancer in premenopausal women who have undergone oophorectomy and are considered to have a hormone-responsive tumor.

Side Effects of Nandrolone

In general

pain at the injection site
fluid retention e.g. swelling of the ankles or feet
increased blood pressure
oily skin, greasy hair
acne, rash
itching
nausea
increased blood fats
abnormal liver function
increased or decreased sexual desire
liver anatomy changes
incomplete statural growth.

In Males

enlargement of the penis
enlargement of the breast
difficulty to urinate (growth of the prostate)
disturbed formation of sperm
painful erections
testicular atrophy
impotence.

In females

hoarseness or changes of the voice, which may be long-lasting or permanent
increased body or facial hair
irregular periods (or complete absence of periods)
enlargement of the clitoris
masculinization.

Due to the nature of Deca-Durabolin side effects cannot be quickly reversed by discontinuing the medication. Injectables in general may cause local reaction at the injection site.

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Children and adolescents

The following side effects have been reported in pre-pubertal children using anabolic steroids:

early sexual development;
penis enlargement;
an increased frequency of erections;
growth limitation (limited body height)

The benefit of deca durabolin

Here are the top benefits Deca Durabolin brings onboard

Impressive gains in muscle mass – Deca Durabolin will not only give you some rapid increase in size, what gains you see will be lean muscle.
Improved recovery times – this is an important one, which means you can go harder sooner after each workout.
Easy on the liver – with deca you can forget about any toxic effects on the liver.
Milder on the side effects – the slower release of hormones means deca is lighter on the sides.
Increases appetite – deca will generate hunger to help you pile on the calories. It’s up to you to make sure they are the right ones.
Increased bone density – stronger bones means a stronger frame.
Less frequent Deca Durabolin injections required – let’s face it, who really likes stabbing juice into their butt every day?
Improves endurance – the increased production of red blood cells is going to let you bang through those extra reps.
Strength gains – as you get bigger and workout more naturally you will grow stronger too.
Improves overall performance – when you put all these benefits into one mix, it’s obvious you will see gains all round.
Eases pain in the joints – it’s pretty safe to say, anyone who lifts weights will have picked up the odd injury from overtraining along the way.