There are possible side effects of Deca Durabolin (Nandrolone Decanoate), and unfortunately, while possible they are often greatly misunderstood. The Nandrolone hormone is one of the more well-tolerated hormones for healthy adult men. In fact, while testosterone remains the primary beneficial hormone we can still put Nandrolone high atop the list. Not only is it extremely beneficial, when it comes to the side effects of Deca Durabolin they are very easy to avoid if use is proper. The key to avoiding the side effects of Deca Durabolin is to first understand the Nandrolone hormone. From here, we can then determine which steroidal side effects are actually possible, what’s not and what we can do about the ones that are in an effort to reduce the probability.
It is commonly said that the side effects of Deca Durabolin are extremely harsh on the libido and erectile function. Like most all anabolic steroids, Deca Durabolin is suppressive to natural testosterone production, and in this case, it is extremely suppressive. For this reason, the term “Deca Dick” has been thrown around quite commonly but often without a full understanding of what’s going on. There are countless individuals who are petrified of this steroid due to the idea of erectile dysfunction, and while it is possible it is also extremely easy to avoid. It’s also important to understand erectile dysfunction can occur with the use of almost any anabolic steroid. Once again, this leads us to the importance of understanding a hormone’s full functioning capacity, and when we do we’ll be able to avoid this and most all the side effects of Deca Durabolin.
The possible side effects of Deca Durabolin will primarily surround its moderate estrogenic activity, its progestin nature, testosterone suppression and cardiovascular. Androgenic side effects of Deca Durabolin are possible and we will look into them as well, but they carry a very low probability.
Deca Durabolin, as with all Nandrolone hormones, is a 19-nortestosterone (19-nor) anabolic androgenic steroid. Like all 19-nor compounds it is a progestin and this can promote estrogenic activity, especially gynecomastia. Progesterone has the ability to activate the estrogenic mechanism by stimulating the mammary tissue. Then we have the hormone’s actual estrogenic activity, which while low does still exist. Nandrolone does aromatize; however, it only aromatizes at a rate of approximately 20% of testosterone. However, this can produce enough estrogenic activity to promote water retention and gynecomastia; the probability of gynecomastia is then enhanced due to the progesterone factor.
As an anabolic steroid, the side effects of Deca Durabolin will always include natural testosterone suppression. Data has shown that the Nandrolone hormone has the ability to suppress as much as 75% of all natural testosterone production with a single low dose injection. Some data has shown that suppression may be as great as 100%. It does not matter who you are, your genetics or what else you’re taking; the side effects of Deca Durabolin will include natural testosterone suppression.
Like many anabolic steroids, the side effects of Deca Durabolin can include those of a cardiovascular nature. High blood pressure is possible, but it is very unlikely so as long as water retention is controlled. Then there’s the issue of cholesterol, and Nandrolone can have a negative effect. The total affect on cholesterol should be much milder than most anabolic steroids, but it will be a little stronger than testosterone. LDL cholesterol (bad cholesterol) should not be statistically affected due to the Nandrolone hormone; however, a moderate to significant reduction in HDL cholesterol (good cholesterol) is very possible.
Then we’re left with the possible androgenic side effects of Deca Durabolin. The androgenic side effects of Deca Durabolin can include hair loss, acne and body hair growth. While possible, the androgenicity of this steroid is very low and most men will not have any issue for concern.
In order to avoid the side effects of Deca Durabolin, we must take the proper steps in order to ensure our success. To avoid the estrogenic side effects of Deca Durabolin, gynecomastia and water retention, anti-estrogen medications will normally get the job done. Aromatase Inhibitors (AI’s) such as Arimidex (Anastrozole) or Femara (Letrozole) will prove to be the most effective. AI’s will inhibit the aromatase process, thereby reducing serum estrogen levels. What does not exist cannot cause a problem. They will also greatly protect against progesterone. Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulators (SERM’s) such as Nolvadex (Tamoxifen Citrate) and Fareston (Toremifene Citrate) are also an option for some men. SERM’s will bind to the receptors preventing the estrogen hormone from binding and can be an effective means of protection. However, they will not be enough for some men, especially if sensitivity due to progesterone plays a role. They will also do very little to control water retention, and if this cannot be controlled through dosing and diet an AI will be necessary.
In order to avoid the negative effects associated with testosterone suppression, if the side effects of Deca Durabolin in this category are to be avoided, we merely need to supplement with exogenous testosterone. Due to the suppression that has occurred, your body does not have the testosterone it needs to support the hormone’s varying functions. By supplementing with exogenous testosterone, the problem is solved as the body now has all the testosterone it needs. The form of testosterone you choose is inconsequential; all that matters is that you provide your body with what it needs. It is commonly said that your testosterone dose should be at minimum double your Nandrolone dose in order to combat related issues, but this isn’t necessarily true. You can actually combat testosterone suppression with a therapeutic level dosing of testosterone even with supraphysiological doses of Nandrolone. The key to success is maintaining a total hormonal balance. If you’re not controlling estrogen, even with high doses of testosterone, you may have sexually related side effects. If you are controlling estrogen but suppressing too much estrogen, you may have sexually related side effects. In order to avoid the side effects of Deca Durabolin in this category, maintaining proper estrogen levels and testosterone levels simultaneously is the ultimate key. Use enough anti-estrogens to control the issues and supply your body with enough testosterone to meet its needs and you won’t have a problem.
In order to control the cardiovascular side effects of Deca Durabolin, the first step is controlling water retention. Water retention, especially severe water retention, is the number one cause of high blood pressure among anabolic steroid users. If water retention is controlled, baring no underlying issue, high blood pressure will not be a concern. Then we have cholesterol, and with a healthy cholesterol friendly lifestyle, baring no underlying issue, most men will not have a problem. The individual should ensure his diet is rich in omega fatty acids, low in simple sugars and saturated fats and is strongly encouraged to supplement daily with fish oil. Regular cardiovascular activity is also highly recommended and will go a long way in protecting your cholesterol. A cholesterol antioxidant supplement can also be considered.
When looking at the androgenic side effects of Deca Durabolin, we will find they are highly dependent on genetics. If you are predisposed to male pattern baldness it is possible for hair loss to occur. It was going to occur at some point no matter what you did, but the Nandrolone hormone may speed it up. Those who are sensitive to acne may also find the hormone causes breakouts, but most should not have a problem. Even those who are genetically prone to male pattern baldness will rarely have an issue with this steroid. Remember, while androgenic its androgenicity is extremely mild. In fact, those who are sensitive to androgenic effects often find Nandrolone to be one of the most well-tolerated steroids. It’s important to note – some will be tempted to combat the androgenic side effects of Deca Durabolin with a 5-alpha reductase inhibitor. The Nandrolone hormone is metabolized by the 5-alpha reductase enzyme, but in this case, this metabolism reduces the hormone to dihydronandrolone (DHN) not dihydrotestosterone (DHT) as it does with testosterone. For this reason, the use of a 5-alpha reductase inhibitor will enhance the Nandrolone hormone’s androgenicity and should be avoided.
