Durabolin is a Nandrolone based anabolic steroid and is one of the oldest Nandrolone compounds on the market. In fact, this Organon product predates the more well-known Deca Durabolin. An extremely popular anabolic steroid, Durabolin represents one of the most beneficial steroids in both therapeutic and performance circles and carries a very high level of toleration for most men. Side effects of Durabolin most certainly exist, but most men can supplement with this anabolic steroid without issue if the proper steps are followed. If the side effects of Durabolin are recognized and understood, in truth there’s really no reason for any issue to exist. While it is possible to be a poor responder despite responsible use, we’re all unique, it’s highly unlikely with this steroid. With that in mind, let’s take a look at the possible side effects of Durabolin, understand what they are and what we can do about them.
The estrogenic side effects of Durabolin are some of the most concerning for many men, but they are also some of the easiest to avoid. Like all Nandrolone compounds, Durabolin does aromatize, which can promote gynecomastia and excess water retention. This can also lead to high blood pressure should the water retention become severe. However, Nandrolone only aromatizes at 20% the rate of testosterone, a much lower rate but still enough to warrant caution. However, estrogenic activity does not end with this slight aromatizing factor. Nandrolone carries a strong binding affinity for the progesterone receptor; no surprise as it is a 19-nortestosterone (19-nor) anabolic steroid and like all 19-nor compounds is a progestin. This will increase the risk of gynecomastia, especially in sensitive men. In order to combat the estrogenic side effects of Durabolin, the use of an anti-estrogen is normally recommended. There are two general classes of anti-estrogens, Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulators (SERM’s) and Aromatase Inhibitors (AI’s). AI’s will provide the strongest protection, but some men may find SERM’s to be enough. However, men who are generally sensitive to gynecomastia will always want to stick with an AI.
Androgenic side effects of Durabolin are possible, but they are highly unlikely in most men. This steroid simply doesn’t carry a lot of androgenic activity. For this reason, Durabolin is a common favorite for men who are strongly sensitive to androgenic effects. While unlikely, androgenic side effects of Durabolin are possible and may include hair loss, acne and body hair growth. Such effects are completely dependent on genetic predispositions, but even those who are genetically predisposed to such conditions will rarely find this steroid causes an issue. Important note – like the testosterone hormone, Nandrolone is metabolized by the 5-alpha reductase enzyme; however, unlike testosterone it does not reduce it to dihydrotestosterone (DHT). When Nandrolone is metabolized by the 5-alpha reductase enzyme it is reduced to dihydronandrolone (DHN). This reduction to DHN reduces the hormone’s androgenicity; however, there is a note of caution. Some men will use 5-alpha reductase inhibitors like Finasteride in order to combat androgenic effects of hormones like testosterone. This should not be attempted when using the Nandrolone hormone as a 5-alpha reductase inhibitor will increase the androgenicity of the Nandrolone hormone dramatically. While the androgenic side effects of Durabolin are minimal in most men, the androgenic nature of this hormone is enough to promote virilization in women. This steroid’s overall androgenicity is low, but its translating action often appears to be higher than its rating implies. Many women can use low doses of the hormone, but virilization is always a risk. Virilization symptoms can include body hair growth, a deepening of the vocal chords and clitoral enlargement. If for any reason such symptoms begin to show, use should be discontinued immediately. If use is discontinued at their onset they will fade away rapidly. If symptoms occur, are ignored and use continues, they may become permanent and irreversible.
Cardiovascular side effects of Durabolin are possible, but overall it is generally friendly compared to many anabolic steroids. High blood pressure is possible but by controlling estrogen, barring any underlying issue, most men should not have a problem. The cardiovascular side effects of Durabolin that can be potentially concerning revolve around cholesterol, but such effects should not be severe and easily controlled. The overall effect of this steroid on cholesterol can be slightly stronger than testosterone, but not heavily and like testosterone will primarily revolve around HDL cholesterol (good cholesterol) suppression. In order to maintain cholesterol health, a cholesterol friendly lifestyle is the best thing you can do. Your diet should be rich in omega fatty acids, low in saturated fats and very limited in simple sugars. Daily fish oil supplementation is highly recommended as is daily cardiovascular activity. While not always necessary, some may find a cholesterol antioxidant supplement to be beneficial.
The side effects of Durabolin will include natural testosterone suppression in all men who supplement with this anabolic steroid. All anabolic steroids suppress natural testosterone production, and while the rate of suppression can vary from steroid to steroid, the Nandrolone hormone is as suppressive as it can get. Studies have shown a single 100mg injection of Nandrolone is enough to suppress 75-100% of all testosterone production; again, this is after a single 100mg injection. Due to the suppressive nature of this anabolic steroid the use of exogenous testosterone is strongly advised and highly important. Many will be stacking large amounts of testosterone to begin with, but at minimum a therapeutic level dosing should be applied. This will ensure you do not fall into a low testosterone condition. If you supplement with Durabolin and forgo exogenous testosterone use, you will fall into a low testosterone condition and be subject to all the related symptoms. Once the use of Durabolin has come to an end and all exogenous steroidal hormones have cleared the system, natural testosterone production will begin again. However, total recovery will take some time; most men will want to implement a Post Cycle Therapy (PCT) program. A solid PCT plan will promote a faster and stronger recovery. It will not bring you back to normal on its own, but it will ensure you have enough testosterone for proper bodily function while your levels continue to naturally rise. Important note – natural testosterone recovery assumes no prior low testosterone condition existed. Natural recovery also assumes the Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Testicular-Axis (HPTA) was not severely damaged due to improper anabolic steroid use.
