Nandrolone (Deca-Durabolin)

Nandrolone is an anabolic agent that is used as an ancillary medicine to TRT. It is officially included in the group f class II androgen/anabolic steroid (AAS), which is composed of 19-nortestosterone derivatives. Compared to testosterone, nandrolone is considered to have a strong anabolic (muscle growth) effect but a weak androgenic (male pattern baldness, body hair growth, deeper voice, etc) effect. Testosterone is what other anabolics are compared against, which has a 1:1 anabolic/androgenic ratio. Nandrolone has a 4.92:0.41 ratio (essentially 5:0.5) ratio. This means it is 5 times stronger than testosterone for muscle growth purposes, with half the potential for the side effects of testosterone. This effectively means that nandrolone has one of the highest ratio of anabolic to androgenic effects of any other AAS that exists.

Dosing:

The usual nandrolone dose depends on the purpose of use, whether for medical treatment or performance enhancement. Nandrolone is typically dosed with TRT, and is often dosed at half the dose of testosterone in order to prevent side effects. Doses vary from 70mg/wk to 200mg/wk.

Side effects:

Nandrolone is a well-tolerated anabolic steroid compared to others, but it still carries potential side effects, especially at higher doses or with prolonged use. The most common side effects include:

Hormonal & Endocrine Effects:

• Estrogenic Side Effects (via Prolactin Activity) – May cause water retention, gynecomastia (male breast tissue growth), and bloating, though nandrolone does not convert heavily to estrogen.
• Progestogenic Activity – Can increase prolactin levels, potentially causing sexual dysfunction and lactation-like symptoms in men.

Androgenic Effects (Lower than Other Steroids):

• Acne & Oily Skin – Less common than with testosterone but still possible.
• Hair Loss (for those genetically predisposed) – Less severe than DHT-based steroids but still a risk.

Other Side Effects:

• Erectile Dysfunction & Low Libido – Caused by nandrolone’s suppression of dopamine and its progestin-like activity, especially if used without a higher dose of testosterone.

To reduce side effects, users often pair nandrolone with testosterone, manage prolactin levels with cabergoline or P5P (Vitamin B6), and monitor cardiovascular health.

In short:

Adding nandrolone to testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) can provide significant benefits, particularly for individuals seeking enhanced joint health, muscle preservation, and recovery. Nandrolone is known for its collagen synthesis and water-retention properties, which can help reduce joint pain and improve mobility, making it popular among aging individuals or those with joint issues. It also has a high anabolic-to-androgenic ratio, promoting lean muscle growth and strength with fewer androgenic side effects compared to testosterone alone. Additionally, nandrolone has a lower conversion to DHT, reducing the risk of prostate enlargement and hair loss while still complementing TRT for overall well-being. However, proper prolactin management and testosterone balance are essential to avoid side effects such as sexual dysfunction or hormonal imbalances.