Description
Nandrolone Decanoate, commonly known as Deca-Durabolin or just Deca, is an androgen and anabolic steroid that was introduced for medical use in 1962. It was the second nandrolone ester to be introduced, preceded by nandrolone phenylpropionate (NPP). It has been used primarily in the treatment of anemias, wasting syndromes (illness causing ongoing muscle loss), and osteoporosis in menopausal women. It is argued that nandrolone esters, specifically nandrolone decanoate, are the most popular AAS used by bodybuilders and elite athletes looking to improve physique and performance. The decanoate ester is a longer ester that results in a half-life of 14 days compared to the very short half-life of 4 days for NPP, meaning less injections required in order for blood serum levels to remain stable. Nandrolone is one of the least androgenic steroids on the market, with Deca carrying an anabolic/androgenic rating of 125/37 respectively, with low estrogenic activity. The combination of strong anabolic activity with low androgenicity allows users to make massive gains while avoiding androgenic side effects. Both nandrolone and testosterone aromatize, however, nandrolone does so at approximately 20% the rate of testosterone.
Some of the many benefits of Deca include: improved endurance and recovery, increase in Red Blood Cells and glycogen replenishment, reduced joint pain, increased protein synthesis, nitrogen retention, and IGF-1 production, inhibition of cortisol, increased collagen synthesis and bone mineral content, and the ability to slowly gain and maintain lean muscle mass. Although the slow addition of muscle mass may not be favourable for some users, for others it can be extremely beneficial as this generally means that the muscle mass can be maintained for much longer post-cycle.
Although Deca is less likely to cause severe masculinizing side-effects such as acne, increased hair growth, deepening of voice, etc., it is not recommended for use in women due to its long-acting nature. It can cause virilization in women, and therefore, should be immediately discontinued if symptoms arise. These effects have been found in women taking as little as 50mg/week. Therefore, it is recommended that women stick to NPP as the body can rid itself of the hormone in a much shorter time-frame, reducing the possibility of permanent masculinizing effects. Nandrolone Decanoate is a strong agonist of the androgen receptor, which is the biological target of androgens like testosterone and DHT, meaning it has the ability to suppress endogenous testosterone synthesis while not being a sufficient androgen itself.
What is the recommended dosage?
The recommended dosage of Deca varies widely depending on who you talk to. In our opinion, a sensible dosage for most athletes is between 200-600mg per week for males, with advanced athletes reaching up to 800-1000mg/week. A typical cycle will last 8-12 weeks, and although Deca is commonly tolerated in longer cycles, it is not recommended to exceed a cycle of 16 weeks. It is not recommended for use in women, however, if deca is desired, female users should not exceed 50mg/week for a maximum of 6 weeks to minimize the virilization effects. It is strongly recommended that women use NPP over Deca in case virilization effects arise.
It is common for users to take their desired dosage in one injection/week, however, can be split into two with the same results.
What does Deca stack well with?
For males, it is recommended that Deca be added with a testosterone base such as Test Enth, Cyp, or Sustanon at a ratio of roughly 60% testosterone, 40% Deca, as Deca can suppress the body’s natural testosterone production. This can be further supplemented with an oral anabolic steroid such as Dianabol, Anadrol, Turinabol, or Anavar for maximum size and strength gains. Due to the addition of testosterone, it is recommended that an anti-estrogen is also used. It is not recommended that deca be stacked with Trenbolone as they are both progesterone-based drugs that can cause a buildup of prolactin in the body. There are no recommended stacks for females.
