Deca-Durabolin (Nandrolone Decanoate)
A comprehensive profile on the most famous mass-building compound after Testosterone, known for joint relief and slow, heavy gains.
Deca-Durabolin (Nandrolone Decanoate)
Deca-Durabolin (commonly just "Deca") is the trade name for Nandrolone Decanoate. It is a 19-nortestosterone (19-nor) steroid.
Deca is a staple of "Golden Era" bodybuilding. It is prized for its ability to add significant mass over long cycles and its unique ability to soothe painful joints, allowing lifters to train heavier.
Quick Specs
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Active Compound | Nandrolone |
| Half-Life | ~6-12 Days (Functional: ~15 Days) |
| Detection Time | ~18 Months |
| Anabolic/Androgenic Ratio | 125 : 37 |
| Chemical Family | 19-Nor |
| Administration | Injectable (IM) |
Mechanism of Action
Nandrolone is testosterone without the carbon atom at the 19th position. This modification gives it a higher anabolic rating than testosterone but significantly lower androgenic activity.
It converts to estrogen at only about 20% the rate of testosterone. However, it has a strong affinity for the Progesterone receptor, which introduces a different set of side effects.
Pharmacokinetics & Dosing
Half-Life: Long (~15 Days)
The Decanoate ester is very heavy and long.
- Kick-in: It takes 4-6 weeks to notice significant effects.
- Cycle Length: Due to the slow buildup, Deca is rarely run for less than 12-16 weeks.
- Clearance: It takes months to fully clear the system. PCT cannot start for at least 3-4 weeks after the last pin.
Primary Effects
1. Mass Builder
Deca promotes significant nitrogen retention and IGF-1 elevation. It is a classic "wet" bulker, adding size and fullness.
2. Joint Relief
Deca increases the synthesis of collagen and bone mineral content. It also increases synovial fluid, acting as a lubricant for joints. This is a therapeutic benefit, not just masking pain.
Side Effects & Harm Reduction
Deca Dick:
Sexual Dysfunction: Nandrolone is infamous for causing erectile dysfunction (ED). This is usually due to an imbalance between Testosterone and Nandrolone, or elevated Prolactin. Always run Testosterone alongside Deca to maintain sexual function.
1. Prolactin
As a 19-nor, it raises prolactin levels. High prolactin causes gyno (even with low estrogen) and lactation.
- Management: Keep P5P (Vitamin B6) or Cabergoline on hand.
2. The Finasteride Interaction
Do NOT use Finasteride with Deca. Finasteride blocks 5-alpha reductase. When Nandrolone interacts with 5-alpha reductase, it converts to DHN (Dihydronandrolone), which is less androgenic. Blocking this conversion leaves more potent Nandrolone to attack hair follicles. Finasteride makes hair loss worse on Deca.
3. Suppression
Deca is extremely suppressive. Even a single 100mg dose can shut down natural production for weeks.
Tracking Deca
Using the Anabolic Tracker app:
- Inventory: Add Deca-Durabolin.
- Scheduling: Once or Twice Weekly.
- Plotter: Observe the extremely long "tail" on the graph. This visualizes why you must wait so long to start PCT.
- Bloodwork: Monitor Prolactin and Progesterone alongside E2.
Disclaimer:
This guide is for informational purposes only. Deca-Durabolin is a controlled substance. Misuse can lead to permanent health damage.