British Dragon Durabol 100 10 ml vial (100 mg/ml)

Nandrolone Phenylpropionate

Nandrolone phenylpropionate is an anabolic steroid available in injectable form. Its pharmacological profile closely resembles that of Deca-Durabolin, which utilizes the slower-acting nandrolone decanoate. The main distinction lies in the rate of nandrolone release into the bloodstream; the decanoate variant maintains its effects for about 3 weeks, while the phenylpropionate version is effective for roughly one week. Clinically, this allows for Deca-Durabolin to be administered biweekly, whereas Durabolin generally requires injections every few days to once a week. Both compounds are largely interchangeable, prized by athletes and bodybuilders for enhancing strength and promoting lean muscle mass gains while minimizing estrogenic and androgenic side effects.

Structural Characteristics

Nandrolone phenylpropionate features a modified structure where a propionic acid ester is attached to the 17-beta hydroxyl group, resulting in slower absorption compared to free steroids. Upon entering the bloodstream, the ester is cleaved, releasing active nandrolone. The design of esterified steroids allows for extended therapeutic effects, resulting in less frequent injections. Following an intramuscular injection, nandrolone phenylpropionate induces a rapid release of nandrolone within 24 to 48 hours, tapering off to baseline levels within a week.

Side Effects (Estrogenic)

Nandrolone exhibits a low propensity for estrogen conversion, approximately 20% that of testosterone. The liver can transform nandrolone into estradiol, but aromatization is less significant in other sites like adipose tissue. Thus, estrogenic side effects are considerably less likely than with testosterone. However, higher doses may lead to elevated estrogen levels, resulting in increased water retention, body fat gain, and gynecomastia. Employing anti-estrogens such as clomiphene citrate or tamoxifen citrate may mitigate these effects. Alternatively, using an aromatase inhibitor like Arimidex (anastrozole) may provide more efficient estrogen management, although it can be costly and may negatively impact blood lipids. Nandrolone also demonstrates progestin activity in the body. As a 19-nor compound, it possesses heightened receptor affinity, leading to significant progesterone-related effects, including potential negative feedback on testosterone production and increased fat storage. The interplay between progestins and estrogens may elevate gynecomastia risk even without excessive estrogen levels. To counteract these effects, anti-estrogens can effectively diminish gynecomastia caused by nandrolone use.

Side Effects (Androgenic)

Despite being classified as an anabolic steroid, nandrolone can produce androgenic side effects at higher doses, including oily skin, acne, and hair growth. It may exacerbate male pattern baldness and present virilizing risks for women, such as voice deepening and menstrual irregularities. Nandrolone features relatively lower androgenic potency compared to other agents like testosterone, thus requiring higher doses for pronounced androgenic effects. Additionally, nandrolone may suppress natural testosterone, potentially affecting libido when used in isolation. In androgen-responsive tissues like skin, scalp, and prostate, nandrolone’s androgenicity is diminished by conversion to dihydronandrolone (DHN) via the enzyme 5-alpha reductase. However, using a 5-alpha reductase inhibitor like finasteride can hinder this metabolism, increasing the likelihood of androgenic effects. Thus, reductase inhibitors should be avoided for those seeking low androgenicity with nandrolone.

Side Effects (Hepatotoxicity)

Nandrolone is not c-17 alpha alkylated and is not associated with hepatotoxicity in healthy individuals, making liver toxicity unlikely.

Side Effects (Cardiovascular)

Anabolic/androgenic steroids may adversely affect cholesterol levels, decreasing HDL (good) cholesterol and increasing LDL (bad) cholesterol, which can elevate arteriosclerosis risk. The impact of nandrolone on serum lipids, including a documented 26% reduction in HDL during trials, shows a slightly worse profile than testosterone enanthate. While nandrolone decanoate generally exerts a milder effect on blood lipids compared to c-17 alpha alkylated steroids, it may contribute to issues like hypertension and elevated triglycerides, thereby increasing the risk of cardiovascular diseases.

Side Effects (Testosterone Suppression)

Like all anabolic steroids, nandrolone suppresses endogenous testosterone production. Research indicates that doses around 100mg weekly can reduce serum testosterone by approximately 57%, with 300mg resulting in a 70% reduction. This suppression is thought to be influenced by nandrolone’s progestational properties, often occurring even with low estrogenic activity. Testosterone levels generally normalize 2 to 6 months post-therapy, but prolonged steroid use can lead to lasting hypogonadism requiring medical attention.

Administration (Men)

For general anabolic effects, initial guidelines suggested a weekly dose of 25 to 50mg for 12 weeks. For physique or performance enhancement, doses of 200 to 400mg weekly in cycles of 8 to 12 weeks are common, enabling users to achieve notable gains in lean mass and strength. Due to its rapid-acting phenylpropionate ester, users typically divide the weekly dosage into two equal injections.

Administration (Women)

For women, the general recommended dosage is 25 to 50mg weekly for 12 weeks for anabolic effects. For performance enhancement, 50mg weekly is common, typically administered in one injection for 4 to 6-week cycles. Higher doses are discouraged due to the risk of androgenic effects. Although nandrolone has mild androgenicity, women may experience virilization symptoms, necessitating immediate discontinuation to prevent permanent changes.