Hormone, anabolic & androgen-receptor research compounds
Nandrolone Decanoate
Also known as 19-nortestosterone · Deca-Durabolin · deca
A 19-nortestosterone anabolic steroid with a high anabolic-to-androgenic ratio, used clinically in some anaemia, osteoporosis and wasting settings.
In 60 seconds
A scheduled prescription medicine; heavily researched as a doping agent (prohibited for over 30 years). Systematic reviews document misuse-related adverse effects, including reproductive suppression, cardiovascular changes and behavioural effects in preclinical studies.
- A systematic review of nandrolone’s clinical uses, misuse and documented side effects.
- A meta-analysis of trials measuring muscle strength, body composition and bone density with nandrolone.
- A systematic review of preclinical studies linking nandrolone to behavioural changes.
Mechanism
Nandrolone binds the androgen receptor; because 5α-reduction converts it to a weaker androgen (unlike testosterone to DHT), it is relatively more anabolic in muscle and bone. It suppresses the reproductive axis like all exogenous androgens.
Research status
A scheduled prescription medicine; heavily researched as a doping agent (prohibited for over 30 years).
Key studies
A systematic review of nandrolone’s clinical uses, misuse and documented side effects.
Nandrolone Decanoate: Use, Abuse and Side Effects — Medicina (Kaunas), 2020 · PMID 33187340
A meta-analysis of trials measuring muscle strength, body composition and bone density with nandrolone.
Effects of Nandrolone Decanoate on Muscle Strength, Body Composition and Bone Density: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis — J Cachexia Sarcopenia Muscle, 2026 · PMID 41936385
A systematic review of preclinical studies linking nandrolone to behavioural changes.
Association between nandrolone and behavioral alterations: A systematic review of preclinical studies — Steroids, 2021 · PMID 34407462
Reviews nandrolone metabolism and detection in doping control.
Nandrolone: a multi-faceted doping agent — Handb Exp Pharmacol, 2010 · PMID 20020363
Safety signals in the literature
Systematic reviews document misuse-related adverse effects, including reproductive suppression, cardiovascular changes and behavioural effects in preclinical studies.
Legal status (South Africa)
Androgens and anabolic steroids are scheduled substances in South Africa (prescription-only under the Medicines and Related Substances Act) and are prohibited in sport. SARM-class compounds are unapproved for human use anywhere. Educational content only — no use guidance.
Questions
What is Nandrolone Decanoate?
A 19-nortestosterone anabolic steroid with a high anabolic-to-androgenic ratio, used clinically in some anaemia, osteoporosis and wasting settings. Nandrolone binds the androgen receptor; because 5α-reduction converts it to a weaker androgen (unlike testosterone to DHT), it is relatively more anabolic in muscle and bone. It suppresses the reproductive axis like all exogenous androgens.
What is the research status of Nandrolone Decanoate?
A scheduled prescription medicine; heavily researched as a doping agent (prohibited for over 30 years).
What safety signals are reported for Nandrolone Decanoate?
Systematic reviews document misuse-related adverse effects, including reproductive suppression, cardiovascular changes and behavioural effects in preclinical studies.
Does Living Water Labs stock Nandrolone Decanoate?
Not at present. Nandrolone Decanoate is profiled here for reference, with citations to the published literature. Androgens and anabolic steroids are scheduled substances in South Africa (prescription-only under the Medicines and Related Substances Act) and are prohibited in sport. SARM-class compounds are unapproved for human use anywhere. Educational content only — no use guidance.
More in Hormone & anabolic
Research reference only. This page summarises published literature; it is not medical advice and contains no guidance on human use. Products supplied by Living Water Labs are for laboratory research only.