It seems there are large number of us who experience discomfort while lifting. Whether due to lifting itself or past sports injuries, it's no secret that Deca can greatly reduce or all together temporarily eliminate joint related discomfort. Question is...how long can low dose Deca be administered before you risk long term side effects? This post is only investigating low dose Deca at less than 200mg/wk.

Nandrolone is very similar to testosterone in structure, but it does not possess a carbon atom at the 19th position. The structure we are left with, is a steroid that exhibits much weaker androgenic properties than testosterone. Nandrolone does not break down to a more potent metabolite in androgen target tissues, which is a big problem with Test. However, nandrolone does go through reduction through the same enzyme that produces DHT from testosterone, which gives us dihydronandrolone. This metabolite is weaker than before, and has less unwanted androgenic side effects. Side effects include: oily skin, acne, hair growth and hair loss occur very rarely. It is possible for Nandrolone to produce unwanted androgenic side effects but this is normally found in higher doses

Nandrolone decanoate is released from the injection site into the blood with a half-life of 6 days. Deca can be used to increase lean body mass, treat decrease in Red Blood Cells due to Kidney Failure, Sickle Cell Anemia, A Hereditary Progressive Anemia of Unknown Cause, but more importantly for the sake of this forum is it's ability to increase bone mass and stimulate the formation of red blood cells in the bone marrow. Deca has also been shown to be beneficial to the immune system, which was noted in HIV studies. Hopefully we have all heard the warnings of taking the proper substances to prevent prolactin buildup that is more commonly seen with Deca i.e. caber. It is generally thought that this is less of a necessity in the lower doses of less than 200mg/wk, but better to have it on hand just in case. One would also want to consider taking some form of prostate support supplement i.e. saw palmetto, as deca can cause prostate enlargement.

Now that we have established the background and history of Deca, lets dive into the long term low dosage protocol. In the medical world, Deca is administered to males at the dosage of 200mg per 1-3 wks depending on the situation and patient. This dosage is continued for 12 wks and discontinued for 4 wks, allowing time for it to clear the system and let the body reset. In the medical world, it is said this process of cycling can be continued while managing/preventing sides. Obviously we know that the world of medicine will often play things a bit safer than is absolutely neccesary, but there have not been any studies I have read that extend use before cycling off at more than 16 wks. However, this could be different as each individual finds there sweet spot with dosage in order to reach the desired effect of joint discomfort relief.

So for those of you who insist on administering low dose Deca year round, you may find it both equally beneficial to your joints and your overall health to simply cycle off for 4 weeks and then continue your normal regimen. It may be necessary, due to the need of build up in the body for Deca to really start working, to do a small kicker of low dose NPP to transition back into your Deca regimen.

www.blogigo.co.uk/deca_durabolin_side_effects
www.mydr.com.au/medicines/.../deca-durabolin
www.news-medical.net/drugs/Deca-Durabolin.aspx
www.rxmuscle.com/.../395-deca-durabolin-miracle-or-monster.html