With the possible exception of Dianabol, Deca-Durabolin is probably the most popular steroid available. Although most sources of Deca available are marketed under the generic name nandrolone deconate, most bodybuilders still use the trade name Deca, made famous by the Organon Company. Deca's huge popularity can be linked to its outstanding muscle building effects and relative lack of side effects. Bodybuilders place it very high on the cost-benefit scale of performance enhancing drugs.

Nitrogen-retaining Power!

Deca Durabolin, Nandrolone Deconate work by causing the muscle cells to increase retention of the element nitrogen. This is whats called positive nitrogen balance. A positive nitrogen balance is needed for increased muscle growth because muscle cells use nitrogen to promote muscle tissue synthesis. Bodybuilders have discovered that for Deca to work most effectively they must ingest a sufficient amount of protein.

Muscle-building without side effects!

As steroids go Deca Durabolin, Nandrolone Deconate is moderately to highly anabolic but only moderately androgenic. This means that unlike some steroids that cause such side effects as hair loss, acne, and aggression, Deca is relatively side effect free. Of course bodybuilders who abuse the drug and use megadoses will no doubt experience side effects, perhaps the most unsightly of which is gynecomastia.

Water water everywhere!

Deca is not considered a good pre-contest steroid as most bodybuilders find that it produces considerable water retention. This leaves the user looking smooth on contest day. The upside to Decas water retention is that the drug promotes more water storage in the joints and surrounding connective tissues. Many users report that one or two cycles of Deca can temporarily relieve or even cure chronic joint pain. Bodybuilders who have been training through shoulder, elbow, and knee pain for years especially welcome this. After years of excruciating pain they can suddenly do their workouts relatively pain-free.

How much?

Although bodybuilders have been known to do crazy things with their cycles, most users take between 200 and 600 mg/week of Deca. Many users have discovered that an intake of 2-mg/pound body weight, seems to provide the best gains with the fewest side effects. Those who take less than 200 mg/week usually only report slight anabolic effects. Conversely those who throw caution to the wind and inject 1000mg/week or more report good muscle gains accompanied by side effects. Most bodybuilders experience great results by taking an average of 400 mg/week.

Stacking?

Most bodybuilders dont just use one steroid; they combine multiple drugs into groups called stacks. One of the most popular mass-gaining stacks consists of Deca-Durabolin, Dianabol and a testosterone derivative. For example bodybuilders report a phenomenal gain in muscle size and strength when they take 400 mg Deca/week, 30 mg Dianabol/day, and 500 mg Sustanon 250/week.

Testing 1,2,3 Deca Durabolin, Nandrolone Deconate!

If Deca has one big disadvantage for competitive athletes its that the drug is one of the easiest to detect in drug tests. Unlike some steroids that will be eliminated from the body within a few weeks or even days, the metabolites (breakdown products) for Deca can be traced back as far as 18 months from the last usage. Some users have reported being caught after two years of being off the steroids. So despite its popularity with noncompetitive and non-drug-tested athletes Deca is usually given a pass by those who know they will be subjected to a drug test.

Even those who take so-called natural steroid replacers are at risk for being caught in a drug test as one of the main ingredients in many steroid replacers is nandrolone one of the major compounds in nandrolone deconate.

Not above the law!

Being an anabolic steroid, Deca Durabolin, Nandrolone Deconate falls under the Anabolic Steroid Control Act of 1991. This means that if you get caught with Deca you may end up pumping Iron in the prison yard! Play it safe and dont fall victim to drug legislation.

Bob Howard, 03/15/2006