Sterling Knight Nandro-Phenyl 10 ml vial (100 mg/ml)

Nandrolone Phenylpropionate

Nandrolone phenylpropionate is a powerful injectable anabolic steroid similar in properties to Deca-Durabolin, which utilizes the longer-acting nandrolone decanoate. The key distinction lies in the speed of release into the bloodstream; nandrolone decanoate lasts about 3 weeks post-injection, whereas Nandrolone Phenylpropionate remains effective for roughly a week. Consequently, while Deca-Durabolin is typically administered every 2-3 weeks, Nandrolone Phenylpropionate requires injections every few days to once a week. Both options, however, are highly favored by athletes and bodybuilders for enhancing strength and promoting lean muscle gains without significant estrogenic or androgenic side effects.

Structural Characteristics

Nandrolone Decanoate features a modified structure with a propionic phenyl ester attached to the 17-beta hydroxyl group. This esterification reduces overall polarity and slows absorption from the injection site. Once in the bloodstream, the ester detaches, releasing active nandrolone. This design extends the duration of therapeutic effects, allowing for less frequent injections compared to unesterified steroids. Nandrolone Phenylpropionate generates a rapid spike in nandrolone levels 24-48 hours post-deep intramuscular injection, tapering off towards baseline within a week.

Side Effects (Estrogenic)

Nandrolone possesses a low propensity for estrogen conversion, roughly 20% that of testosterone. Though some conversion occurs in the liver to estradiol, nandrolone is less likely to aromatize in sites like adipose tissue, reducing estrogen-related side effects compared to testosterone. However, elevated dosages may still lead to issues such as water retention, increased body fat, or gynecomastia. To mitigate such effects, an anti-estrogen like clomiphene citrate or tamoxifen citrate may be necessary, or alternatively, users can opt for aromatase inhibitors like Arimidex (anastrozole), though these can be more costly and may negatively impact blood lipid levels.

Importantly, nandrolone exhibits partial progestin activity. Despite being a c-19 steroid, the absence of this group in 19-norprogesterone enhances its receptor-binding affinity. Consequently, various 19-nor anabolic steroids share this trait, potentially causing side effects similar to estrogen, including decreased testosterone production and increased fat storage. Progestins also enhance estrogen’s stimulating effect on mammary tissue growth, raising the risk of gynecomastia even without high estrogen levels. Utilizing an anti-estrogen can effectively alleviate this condition caused by nandrolone.

Side Effects (Androgenic)

While classified as an anabolic steroid, androgenic side effects can occur, particularly at higher doses. Symptoms may include oily skin, acne, and increased body or facial hair. Additionally, such steroids can exacerbate male pattern hair loss and may lead to virilization in women, presenting symptoms like voice deepening, menstrual irregularities, altered skin texture, facial hair growth, and clitoral enlargement. Relative to stronger androgenic agents like testosterone, nandrolone’s low androgenic activity raises the threshold for side effects. Notably, nandrolone can suppress endogenous testosterone, causing libido issues in men when not paired with another androgen.

In androgen-sensitive tissues such as the scalp and prostate, nandrolone’s androgenic effects are moderated through its conversion to dihydronandrolone (DHN), facilitated by the enzyme 5-alpha reductase. Using a 5-alpha reductase inhibitor like finasteride can greatly increase androgenic side effects, making it advisable to avoid such inhibitors if low androgenicity is a goal.

Side Effects (Hepatotoxicity)

Exempt from c-17 alpha alkylation, nandrolone is not associated with hepatotoxicity in healthy subjects, rendering liver damage unlikely.

Side Effects (Cardiovascular)

Anabolic/androgenic steroids can negatively affect cholesterol levels, notably reducing HDL (good cholesterol) while increasing LDL (bad cholesterol), thereby elevating the risk of arteriosclerosis. The impact on serum lipids is contingent upon dosage, administration route (oral vs. injectable), steroid type (aromatizable vs. non-aromatizable), and resistance to liver processing. For instance, administering 600mg of nandrolone decanoate weekly for 10 weeks resulted in a 26% HDL cholesterol reduction, slightly more than with an equal testosterone enanthate dose. While nandrolone decanoate has a lesser impact on serum lipids than c-17 alpha alkylated steroids, it still adversely influences blood pressure, triglycerides, and endothelial function, increasing cardiovascular disease risk.

Side Effects (Testosterone Suppression)

All anabolic/androgenic steroids have the potential to suppress natural testosterone production when used in sufficient doses for muscle enhancement. Research shows a 100mg weekly dose of nandrolone decanoate over 6 weeks leads to roughly a 57% reduction in serum testosterone, escalating to 70% with a 300mg dose. The progestational properties of nandrolone significantly contribute to this suppression, despite its low estrogen conversion potential. Without the aid of testosterone-stimulating substances, normal testosterone levels may not resume for 2-6 months post-therapy. Prolonged hypogonadotropic hypogonadism can arise from steroid misuse, requiring medical intervention.

Administration (Men)

For optimal anabolic effects, initial guidelines suggested a dosage of 25-50mg per week for 12 weeks. However, for physique or performance enhancements, a range of 200-400mg per week is typical, administered in cycles lasting 8-12 weeks. Most users note significant improvements in lean muscle and strength at these levels. Given the quick-acting nature of the phenylpropionate ester, the total weekly dosage is usually split into two even applications.

Administration (Women)

Early recommendations for general anabolic outcomes suggest a dose of 25-50mg weekly over 12 weeks. In the context of performance enhancement, 50mg weekly is standard, usually given in a single injection and cycled for 4-6 weeks. Caution is advised against higher doses or extended use due to the risk of androgenic side effects. Although the drug has relatively mild androgenic properties, women may still experience virilization symptoms and should discontinue use immediately if such effects emerge to avoid lasting changes.