What Is Nandrolone?
Nandrolone is a steroid hormone manufactured in pharmaceutical versions that are used to treat a variety of medical conditions. Although nandrolone is banned from most sports, athletes have used it to enhance performance. Nandrolone use is not recommended for patients with certain medical conditions, and it can cause a number of side effects.
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Identification
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Nandrolone is a naturally occurring steroid hormone (19-nortestosterone), manufactured in drug form, usually as nandrolone decanoate, and sold under a number of brand names, such as Deca-Durabolin. It is similar in molecular structure to testosterone and, like testosterone, produces a number of anabolic effects in humans, including increased muscle mass, improved bone density, and appetite stimulation. Unlike testosterone, it only exhibits weak androgenic effects (development of masculine characteristics).
Legality
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The United States Department of Justice has classified nandrolone as a Schedule III drug, which means it is illegal to possess, distribute or sell the drug without a prescription. Those caught in violation of this law can be convicted of a felony and receive penalties of up to five years imprisonment.
Also, the International Olympic Committee (IOC), the NCAA, and the governing bodies of many professional sports have banned the use of nandrolone. Athletes caught using nandrolone can face suspension and/or banishment from their sport.
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Medical Uses
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In 1983, synthetic versions of nandrolone received approval by the Federal Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of a number of medical conditions. Nandrolone increases red blood cell counts, and doctors have prescribed it to treat anemia of the kidneys. Doctors have also used it as a female contraceptive and to treat osteoporosis after menopause.
Nandrolone must be injected into intramuscular tissue. Typical weekly dosages range from 50 to 100 mg for women and 100 to 200 mg for men.
Athletic Use
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Nandrolone increases muscle mass by facilitating nitrogen retention in muscle tissues, which also prevents muscle catabolism (the breakdown of tissue). Although there is no medically prescribed dosage for athletic use, many athletes and bodybuilders 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, or those recovering from joint injuries.
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. Some of the more high profile cases include British sprinter Linford Christie, tennis player Petr Korda, and Ultimate Fighting Championships (UFC) competitor Sean Sherk. All three received suspensions from their respective sports.
Contraindications
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Men with prostate carcinoma (a form of cancer), and patients of either sex with breast carcinoma should not take nandrolone. Women suffering from hypercalcemia (excess calcium in the bones), or women who can become pregnant during use should avoid taking nandrolone.
Nandrolone is classified as a Pregnancy Category X drug, which means that it is known to cause birth defects in unborn fetuses, and pregnant women should not take it.
Nandrolone use can cause enlarged prostates and prostate cancer in elderly patients. 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
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Nandrolone can cause peliosis hepatitis, a serious and sometimes fatal condition that occurs when blood-filled cysts form inside the liver and/or spleen. It can also cause liver cell tumors, which are also sometimes fatal.
Nandrolone has also caused changes in blood serum cholesterol, including the lowering of HDL (good cholesterol). Women may experience hypercalcemia.
Allergic reactions to nandrolone may include jaundice (yellowing of skin), acne, depression, aggression, insomnia, diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting.
Sexual Dysfunction
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In men, nandrolone can cause gynecomastia (the development of breast tissue), change in testicular function and sperm production, and erectile dysfunction (including priapism, the condition of a constant erection).
In women, nandrolone can cause 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.
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