Nandrolone, or Deca Durabolin, is an injectable anabolic steroid often used by bodybuilders during the off-season to increase muscle mass. It was initially described in 1960 and was introduced to the market by the pharmaceutical company Organon in 1962. In this article, we are going to discuss its cycle and how PCT might fail after the cycle.
The long-lasting metabolites of nandrolone make post-cycle therapy (PCT) ineffective due to their prolonged suppression of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis.
Even after discontinuing the drug, its metabolites, like 19-norandrosterone and 19-noretiocholanolone, can stay in the body for over a year.
This persistence prevents the natural recovery of testosterone production, as the pituitary gland still senses the presence of external androgens.
Since PCT drugs such as Clomid and Nolvadex work by stimulating luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) to restore testosterone levels, their effectiveness is limited as long as nandrolone metabolites remain in the body.
Consequently, users often experience prolonged low testosterone levels, making complete hormonal recovery nearly impossible after a nandrolone cycle.
Therefore, the only viable approach after a nandrolone cycle is to continue using testosterone for at least 12 months before attempting a PCT.
The response to post-cycle therapy (PCT) can vary significantly between beginner and professional bodybuilders due to several factors:
Faster Recovery: Beginners, especially those in their late teens or early 20s, often recover more quickly from steroid cycles. Their bodies haven't been exposed to anabolic steroids for long, so their natural hormone production can bounce back faster.
Less Aggressive PCT: Beginners typically require a less aggressive PCT protocol. They might only need basic medications like Clomid or Nolvadex to help restore natural testosterone levels.
Fewer Compounds: Beginners are usually advised to avoid using multiple recovery agents, as these can sometimes cause more side effects than the low testosterone itself.
Slower Recovery: Professional bodybuilders, who have been using steroids for longer periods and in higher doses, often experience a slower recovery. Their bodies have adapted to the presence of exogenous hormones, making it harder to restore natural hormone production1.
More Aggressive PCT: Professionals may need a more comprehensive and aggressive PCT protocol, including medications like HCG, Aromatase Inhibitors (AIs), and other advanced recovery agents.
Experience with Side Effects: Professional bodybuilders are more likely to have experienced side effects from both the steroid cycles and the PCT medications, so they might need a more tailored approach to manage these effects.
Beginners generally have an easier time recovering from steroid cycles and require a simpler PCT regimen, while professionals need a more intensive and customized approach due to their longer exposure to anabolic steroids and higher tolerance to recovery medications.
Deca Durabolin is mainly utilized for bulking, but since it only promotes moderate lean muscle gain (by bodybuilding standards), it's often combined with other, stronger anabolic-androgenic steroids (AAS).
Typically, combining steroids can amplify side effects, like raising cholesterol and liver enzyme levels. However, in the case of Deca Durabolin, stacking it with other steroids can actually help reduce negative effects on sexual health by increasing androgen levels.
As a result, experienced bodybuilding patients rarely use Deca Durabolin alone. Instead, they combine it with other steroids to maintain high androgen levels and reduce the risk of erectile dysfunction during their cycle.
Experienced steroid users, who have previously cycled testosterone and developed some tolerance to anabolic steroids, typically undertake this steroid cycle.
We've observed that this combination can result in a weight gain of 30-40 pounds and a strength increase of 50-70 pounds in compound lifts. Some of the weight gained will be due to water retention, which is expected as Dianabol activates the aromatase enzyme.
This cycle carries the risk of gynecomastia because of the elevated levels of progesterone (from Deca Durabolin) and estrogen (from Dianabol). To counteract the conversion of testosterone to estrogen, an anti-aromatase inhibitor (AI) can be used. However, we have found that AIs can raise blood pressure, so we do not generally recommend them.
The mentioned cycle is typically favored by advanced steroid users due to Anadrol's severe impact on the body, particularly regarding cardiovascular and liver strain.
Anadrol, at doses of 50–100 mg per day, can independently cause hypertension. Additionally, it affects hepatic lipase, an enzyme that, when activated, can significantly lower HDL cholesterol levels.
The risk of gynecomastia is heightened with this cycle, as Deca Durabolin increases progesterone levels and Anadrol elevates estrogen levels.
Aromatase inhibitors (AIs) are ineffective in managing Anadrol's estrogenic effects, as Anadrol does not convert to estrogen but rather directly stimulates estrogen receptors.
Selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMs) like Clomid or Nolvadex can inhibit estrogen activity at the receptor level, thus preventing gynecomastia caused by Anadrol.
However, these SERMs can also increase progesterone levels, potentially exacerbating nandrolone-induced gynecomastia when used in this stack.
Some steroid users may attempt to prevent gynecomastia during this cycle by using an aromatase inhibitor (AI) to reduce progesterone (not estrogen) levels. However, this approach can worsen cardiovascular strain due to decreased estrogen levels. Additionally, gynecomastia induced by Anadrol remains a concern even when using an AI.
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This bulking cycle is not the most cardiotoxic stack, but changes in cholesterol levels are anticipated, leading to mild to moderate increases in blood pressure.
Deca Durabolin and testosterone are among the most cardiovascular-friendly steroids. Testosterone pairs well with Deca Durabolin because of its androgenic properties, which help mitigate Deca Durabolin's sexual side effects. Unlike Anadrol, testosterone achieves this without severely affecting other health aspects, such as the liver.
We find this cycle more suitable for individuals concerned about gynecomastia, as an aromatase inhibitor (AI) can be used to lower both estrogen and progesterone levels synergistically.
Two AI medications commonly used by our clients are:
Anastrozole
Letrozole
Endogenous testosterone levels will drop significantly, necessitating a PCT. Some users may experience hair thinning, recession, or loss on the scalp due to testosterone increasing DHT (dihydrotestosterone) levels. In our experience, this cycle is less favorable for hair compared to the Deca Durabolin/Dianabol stack.
Here are 10 alternatives to Nandrolone for post-cycle therapy (PCT) for bodybuilders, along with detailed explanations:
A Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulator (SERM) that helps restore natural testosterone production by blocking estrogen receptors in the brain. It's commonly used in PCT to prevent gynecomastia and other estrogen-related side effects1.
Another SERM that works similarly to Tamoxifen by blocking estrogen receptors and stimulating the body's natural production of testosterone. It's often used in PCT to help restore hormonal balance.
Medications like Anastrozole (Arimidex) and Letrozole (Femara) that inhibit the enzyme aromatase, which converts testosterone to estrogen. AIs are used in PCT to reduce estrogen levels and support natural testosterone production.
A hormone that mimics luteinizing hormone (LH) and stimulates the testes to produce testosterone. It's used in PCT to maintain testicular size and function during and after a steroid cycle.
Involves the use of exogenous testosterone to restore natural testosterone levels after a cycle. TRT can help maintain muscle mass and overall well-being during PCT.
An anabolic steroid that can be used in PCT to help maintain muscle mass and strength while the body recovers from a steroid cycle.
A powerful anabolic steroid that can be used in PCT to help maintain muscle mass and strength. It's often used in combination with other PCT medications.
A hormone that stimulates growth, cell reproduction, and cell regeneration. HGH can be used in PCT to help maintain muscle mass and overall well-being.
A hormone that promotes cell growth and division. IGF-1 can be used in PCT to help maintain muscle mass and support recovery.
There are various natural supplements available that can support PCT, such as Tribulus Terrestris, Fenugreek, and Zinc. These supplements can help boost testosterone levels and support overall recovery.
It's important to consult with your physician and fitness coach before starting any post-cycle therapy to ensure it's safe and appropriate for your individual needs.
There are several remedies and strategies to address a failed post-cycle therapy (PCT) after a Nandrolone cycle. Here are some options:
Extended PCT: Sometimes, extending the duration of your PCT can help. This might involve continuing with medications like Tamoxifen or Clomiphene for a longer period.
Combination Therapy: Using a combination of medications such as Tamoxifen, Clomiphene, and Aromatase Inhibitors (AIs) can be more effective than using a single medication.
Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (hCG): Adding hCG to your PCT regimen can help stimulate natural testosterone production and maintain testicular size and function.
Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT): If natural testosterone levels are not recovering, TRT can be considered to restore hormonal balance.
Natural Supplements: Supplements like Tribulus Terrestris, Fenugreek, and Zinc can support natural testosterone production and overall recovery.
Lifestyle Changes: Improving diet, reducing stress, and ensuring adequate sleep can support hormonal balance and recovery.
Consulting a Healthcare Professional: It's crucial to consult with a healthcare professional to assess your specific situation and adjust your PCT regimen accordingly.
Monitoring Hormone Levels: Regularly monitoring hormone levels can help track progress and make necessary adjustments to the PCT plan.
Avoid Further Steroid Use: Avoiding additional steroid cycles until natural hormone levels are fully restored is essential.
Patience and Consistency: Recovery can take time, so being patient and consistent with your PCT regimen is key.
A failed post-cycle therapy (PCT) after a Nandrolone cycle occurs when the body fails to restore its natural hormonal balance. This results in persistent symptoms such as fatigue, decreased libido, mood swings, and issues like gynecomastia, water retention, and erectile dysfunction. Additionally, there's a noticeable loss of muscle mass and strength, and high levels of estrogen and progesterone can lead to further complications like increased body fat and emotional instability.
Prolonged suppression of natural testosterone poses long-term health risks, including cardiovascular issues and bone density loss. Addressing a failed PCT requires consulting with a healthcare professional to develop a tailored recovery plan, which may involve extended PCT, hormone replacement therapy, or lifestyle changes.
Related Article: First Injectable Steroid Cycle
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