Medical Uses of Nandrolone: Beyond Bodybuilding Benefits

Nandrolone is an anabolic steroid that is highly sought after by fitness enthusiasts and bodybuilders. However, beyond the bodybuilding benefits, Nandrolone has multiple medical advantages. Want to know more about the medical usage of Nandrolone? In this blog, we are going to explore the medical application of Nandrolone and how it differs from its bodybuilding effects.

Nandrolone is medically used for treating anemia caused by cancer, allergic reactions, brittle bones, and appetite loss. However, the usage of this compound is commonly associated with bodybuilding and performance enhancement. But what is Nandrolone? How does it work in the body to show optimal results? Let’s learn more about it.

What is Nandrolone?

Nandrolone is also known as 19-nortestosterone, which is classified as a synthetic anabolic androgenic steroid (AAS). The brand name of Nandrolone is Deca-Durabolin, which has nandrolone decanoate as the active ingredient. Nandrolone’s effects are almost indistinguishable from those of testosterone.

Given below are the testosterone and nandrolone structures, respectively.

History and Medical Development

Nandrolone esters were first introduced in 1959 in Spain. It is clinically known for the management of anemia and postmenopausal osteoporosis. In 1960, the long-term action and strong anabolic effect of this compound were depicted. 

Medical Approval and Usage

In most countries, Nandrolone usage is regulated and prescription-only. In the UK, Nandrolone usage is controlled under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 and the Misuse of Drugs Regulations 2001. In the UK, Nandrolone is grouped as a Class C drug. 

Medical-Approved Uses of Nandrolone

The usage of Nandrolone in Bodybuilding is widely known. However, the therapeutic effects of Nandrolone help in treating various serious medical conditions. 

1. Treatment of Anemia

Nandrolone is medically used for treating different types of anemia, like Aplastic Anemia and Anemia caused by chronic kidney failure. But how does Nandrolone work in Anemia? 

When people become anemic, their bodies do not generate sufficient red blood cells. Consumption of Nandrolone will increase red blood cell production. The compound stimulates erythropoietin production. This hormone manages the creation of RBC in the bone marrow. Thereby, oxygen transport in the body improves massively, and overall vitality is increased in the body. 

Besides, Nandrolone also helps with treating anemia, which occurs due to chronic kidney failure, by boosting red blood cell production.

2. Osteoporosis Management

Osteoporosis is an ailment where the bones become fragile, making them more vulnerable to fractures. It happens as an aftermath of other medical conditions, when bone density and bone mass decrease drastically. 

Nandrolone enhances bone density by reducing bone resorption and encouraging bone formation. This way, a positive calcium balance is achieved. Furthermore, it also helps in treating osteoporosis in postmenopausal women. Nandrolone benefits these patients by enhancing skeletal strength. Therefore, aging people suffering from chronic bone disease can benefit from this treatment. 

3. Muscle-Wasting Conditions

Scheduled Nandrolone usage can help reduce muscular atrophy. Furthermore, it helps in retaining the lean body mass and strength. People consume Nandrolone for bodybuilding purposes, as it helps sustain muscular strength. 

4. Hormonal Therapy for Breast Cancer Treatment

Nandrolone has also been experimentally used in breast cancer treatment and the associated hormonal therapy. It particularly helps with hormone-sensitive cancers by regulating the hormonal environment, which can be effective in slowing down the progression of malignant tumors. However, this treatment procedure is less practiced today, with the introduction of several modern drugs. 

5. Nandrolone’s Usage in Combating Catabolism in Burn Patients

Severely injured patients often go into a hyper-catabolic state, where the body breaks down its own tissue to respond to the inflammation caused by the injury. There is an evidence-backed study, which shows that Nandrolone can help in combating catabolic effects among burn patients. 

This drug helps in the preservation of lean body mass and protein synthesis. Furthermore, it also helps in reaching a balanced nitrogen implication among the burn patients.

Risks and Limitations of Medical Nandrolone Use

Although Nandrolone is medically used to treat different health conditions and injuries, some Nandrolone side effects can be observed among the patients. Here are some side effects of Nandrolone usage: 

Side Effects in Male

Generally, Nandrolone can cause headache, acne, diarrhea, and a nauseating feeling. Furthermore, among adult men, some common Nandrolone side effects also include: 

• Low Sperm Count
• Testicular Atrophy
• Erectile Dysfunction
• Chronic Priapism (Persistent and aching erections)
• Painful bladder
• Fluctuation in libido
• Gynaecomastia (development in breast tissue) 

Side Effects among Females 

These are some common and long-term side effects of Nandrolone among women, which include: 

• Irregular menstrual cycle
• Facial hair growth on the face and chest
• Baldness among women 
• Change in libido
• Deepening of voice

Therefore, consumption of Nandrolone without consulting healthcare practitioners can be risky and detrimental to your overall well-being. Long-term consumption of Nandrolone in high doses will likely end in serious side effects such as:

• Bloody cysts in the liver
• Liver tumors
• Hardening of your blood vessels

Your healthcare provider will likely look for your comprehensive medical history before prescribing Nandrolone. If you have specific types of allergies and medical conditions, you cannot consume Nandrolone. Furthermore, even if you take it in the prescribed appropriate dosage, Nandrolone can lead to heart and liver diseases.

Safety Advice Before Consumption of Nandrolone

Patients need to follow some key safety advice before using Nandrolone to treat their particular medical needs. 

1. Avoid Nandrolone Usage if You Have Prostate or Breast Cancer

Nandrolone usage is strictly not recommended for patients with prostate and breast cancer. This is because nandrolone can promote the growth of the cells responsible for prostate and breast cancer. 

2. Frequent Liver Function Tests are Required

High doses of Nandrolone consumption can cause immune cell infiltration that helps in maintaining a proinflammatory condition in the liver tissue. Therefore, it is crucial to check the liver function frequently to assess the status. 

3. Use with Caution if You Have Heart Disease

If you have a chronic heart problem (such as a history of congestive heart failure), make sure to use Nandrolone as per medical guidance and maintain cautious use. Nandrolone can reduce the contractility of the heart and its compliance, which can lead to heart failure.

Key Differences Between Medical and Non-Medical (Bodybuilding) Use

Aspect	Medical Use	Bodybuilding Use
Dosage	Comparatively low	Non-comparatively low
Goal	Treating diseases and improving the life	Increase muscle size
Monitoring	Regular lab tests	Rare bloodwork

Table: Differences Between Medical Use and Bodybuilding Use

Wrapping Up

Beyond its usage in bodybuilding and the fitness world, Nandrolone also has a scientifically backed medical usage. It has real medical applications in treating anemia, osteoporosis, muscle wasting, hormonal therapy, and reducing muscle catabolism. However, consumption of Nandrolone requires careful consultation with a healthcare professional, which will help in balancing benefits and associated risks. 

Consult a Healthcare Professional Before Starting Consumption of Steroids!

Thinking of Nandrolone consumption to treat your medical conditions? Consult experienced healthcare professionals, and get information about the risks and the right dosage before consumption. 

Frequently Asked Questions