Throughout the last 30 years, Deca Durabolin has remained one of the most popular steroids in bodybuilding.
Known to be a favorite of Arnold Schwarzenegger—this synthetic has been touted by many as the “safe” way to bulk up—without the side effects that many other steroids provide. As a result, it’s led to many guys using Deca-Durabolin as their gateway drug into the juicing world.
But, as it’s mostly hearsay and conjecture—doubts remain in your mind.
You’re with me on that, yeah?
The facts behind Deca Durabolin are not as simple as some bros want you to believe. Yes, it’s an effective synthetic and it’s not as dangerous as Anadrol—but that doesn’t mean you should start injecting right away.
So, I am going to expose the naked truth.
This article explores the scientific and proven facts behind Deca Durabolin—not the gossip. It details what it is, how it works, the results you can expect, and whether there are any downsides.
But, be warned.
You may discover things that you really didn’t want to hear. If you’re ready to have the veil finally lifted from your eyes—then read on.
What Is Deca Durabolin?
Deca Durabolin (or nandrolone decanoate), commonly known as “Deca” or just “Dec,” is one of the oldest injectable androgenic anabolic steroids.
Although originally developed by the pharma, Organon, back in 1960 for the treatment of osteoporosis, breast cancer, and cachexia (muscular atrophy)—bodybuilders soon started using this drug for its muscle mass building powers and the seemingly lack of side effects.1 2 3
Throughout the 1970s, it gained massive popularity in the numerous gyms of the US. Remember, these were different times when as long as you had a doctor willing to give you a prescription—steroids were perfectly legal.
Schwarzenegger explained, in the 1977 film Pumping Iron, that Deca Durabolin, combined with Primobolan and Dianabol, was his steroid cocktail of choice.
But it then became illegal.
The widespread use of Deca Durabolin in sport attracted the attention of both national governing bodies and the IOC (International Olympic Committee)—leading to it being banned under the Anabolic Steroids Control Act and by the WADA (World Anti-Doping Agency). 4 5
Here’s the irony.
Although being declared illegal—it seems that this status hasn’t put off professional athletes from continuing to use Deca Durabolin. Prominent athletes, such as Linford Christie, Greg Rusedski, and Starling Marte, have all been in hot water over this banned steroid.6 7 8
How Does Deca Durabolin Work?
To understand the functions of Deca Durabolin, we need to look at its chemical structure.
Stick with me.
As with virtually all steroids, Deca Durabolin is a derivative of testosterone. However, it has two significant alterations from its predecessor—it lacks a carbon atom at the 19th position and is attached to a decanoate ester.9
So, what does that mean?
Mainly, these alterations have three main effects:
- Increases the anabolic power above that of testosterone (by about 25 percent).
- Extends its lifespan—remaining effective in the body for about two weeks after injection.
- Reduces its unwanted androgenic effects.
These aspects have made it particularly appealing to the bodybuilder, as it means fewer injections, more muscle gains than those provided by testosterone, and reduced masculine side effects (hair growth, acne, oily skin etc.).
And it doesn’t stop there.
Relatively speaking, Deca Durabolin has low estrogenic effects for an anabolic steroid—meaning that man boobs, weight gain, and water retention are less likely.
These factors enhance Deca Durabolin’s ability to perform the following functions.
- Increase the rate of muscle protein synthesis—building larger muscle than exercise alone can provide.10
- Inhibit the production of glucocorticoid hormones—which can lead to muscle catabolism (breaking down).11
- Boost red blood cell production—increasing oxygenation and nutrient delivery to the muscles while alleviating fatigue.12
- Enhance nitrogen retention—allowing the body to be in a prime anabolic state.13
While these are all anabolic effects which are common across most steroids, there’s one way in particular that Deca Durabolin stands out.
It improves the action and comfort of the joints.
However, don’t fall into the group of people who tell you that it “greases the joints” or stores water around them.
That’s complete trash—and impossible.
What Deca Durabolin does do, is improve the synthesis of collagen (for the tendons) and increase bone density.14 15
This is why it’s so popular amongst both athletes and lifters.
It enables the joints to work both effectively and strongly—reducing the chance of injury and improving the rate of recovery, post-exercise.
Deca Durabolin Side Effects
Considering what many people believe about Deca Durabolin, you may expect this to be an extremely short section of the article.
After all, everyone knows Deca Durabolin is safe, right?
No—and it’s this belief that needs addressing.
Let’s take the good first. It’s true that, compared to an extremely potent steroid such as Anadrol, Deca Durabolin is safer. But, that’s like saying playing Russian roulette with one bullet is safer than with two—there are still some pretty high risks.
Here’s the truth.
Deca Durabolin does exhibit low estrogen aromatization rates—meaning, it’s not as likely to cause man-boobs or water retention as other steroids. Yet, it still aromatizes. Equally, its androgenic side effects are also reduced—but they still remain.
Think of it like this.
You may not grow a female chest-rack—but, you will sprout some totally awesome puffy nipples.
This belief about Deca Durabolin as a “safe steroid” probably grew during the 1970s—where the lack of visible side effects made guys consider it was harmless. But, they didn’t know what was going on inside their bodies.
Today, with increased scientific knowledge, we know the truth. It’s still dangerous.
Get ready for the worst part.
Deca Durabolin can shut down the hypothalamic pituitary testicular axis (HPTA). Basically, that’s the signal from your brain to your balls to produce testosterone. You may be taking in lots of anabolic hormones—but your own production can cease.16
And it may never, ever, start again.
That’s right. The only way you’re going to feel like a man again and get awesome erections is by supplementing with injectable testosterone or other steroids—for the rest of your life.
Do you want some more bad news?
In addition to wrecking your balls, Deca Durabolin can also cause:
- Reduced blood glucose levels.17
- Leg and lung edemas (water retention).
- Impotence.18
- Cardiovascular disease.
- Enlargement of the prostate gland.
- Liver damage.
- Nausea
- Baldness
- Shrinking balls (testicular atrophy).
- Cancer (most commonly of the prostate).
I’m often asked how to avoid side effects of Deca Durabolin. There’s really only one guaranteed way—and that’s to avoid using it completely.
Anyway, if they’re the side effects of the “safe steroid,” Deca Durabolin. Makes you wonder what the dangerous ones can do, right?
Deca Durabolin Results
I’m guessing you’re wondering—how long does Deca Durabolin take to work?
Although it’s mainly used as a bulking steroid—don’t expect massive returns within just a few weeks.
As previously mentioned, the decanoate ester attached to Deca Durabolin increases its longevity—meaning that it provides steady and proportional muscle growth over the period of the cycle—usually 12 weeks.
So, if you’re looking to bulk up like a beast in 28 days—choose something more fast-acting such as Dianabol or Anadrol.
Listen up.
While it doesn’t provide instantaneous returns, many guys consider the mass provided by this steroid to be of better “quality”—it’s mainly muscle with little water retention, and will not “drop off” as soon as the use of Deca Durabolin has ceased.
And then, there’s strength.
Although some increases to overall lifting should be witnessed week by week—it’s not what would be termed a real power steroid.
One of the first returns users notice from juicing Deca Durabolin is increased relief and comfort to the joints. Many athletes and lifters use this steroid in a low dose, not to build muscle, but simply to enjoy the therapeutic benefits.
There’s more.
These soothing aspects often make Deca Durabolin an attractive addition to a cutting cycle stack. As extreme dieting can put the body under a lot of stress, this steroid can alleviate the uncomfortable joint pain that often accompanies a serious cut. Additionally, during cutting, Deca Durabolin can act to help retain lean muscle.
The bottom line.
The results from Deca Durabolin are slow and steady—mass and strength gains will be witnessed, but over a long period of time.
Deca Durabolin Cycle and Dosage
As Deca Durabolin is mainly used in bulking cycles, that’s what I will concentrate on.
Throughout the 1970s and 1980s, generally, the accepted rule for dosing on this steroid was 2 mg per pound of bodyweight per week.
However, nowadays, a dose of 400 mg per week is standard—with many of the serious juicers taking this up to 600 mg. Although, naturally, the higher the dose, the more chance and severity of side effects.
Here’s the key.
You should use Deca Durabolin for a minimum of eight weeks, ideally twelve. As it’s so slow acting, this period is required for maximum results to be achieved.
Deca Durabolin is delivered into the body through an injection, once per week. However, some guys will halve the dose and inject twice a week to reduce overloading the body in one single shot.
So, down to business.
As Deca Durabolin inhibits testosterone production, you will need to stack with testosterone enanthate or propionate to keep levels high. Additionally, I would suggest that you also add Arimidex into the stack—to offset any estrogenic activity.
A beginner’s Deca Durabolin cycle stack could look like this:
Weeks 1 to 12 Deca Durabolin 400 mg per week
Weeks 1 to 12 Testosterone enanthate 500 mg per week
Weeks 1 to 12 Arimidex 0.5 mg every other day
For a more intense bulking cycle, Dianabol can be added to the stack for weeks 1 to 6 at a dosage of 30 mg per day. This Dianabol, Deca Durabolin and testosterone cycle stack is one of the most popular used by bodybuilders today.
Legal Deca Durabolin
While the above stack will be an effective way to build some serious muscle mass, there’s an issue.
It will destroy your balls.
What’s more, this is assuming you can actually get hold of Deca Durabolin. Sure, it’s easy enough to find online websites purporting to sell it—but after parting with your cash you may end up with no steroids at all, or some other concoction that is anything but the real deal.
You will also be breaking the law.
Luckily, there’s a simple answer—DecaDuro from Crazybulk.
This supplement is the legal alternative to Deca Durabolin. Incredibly, it mimics the returns that the actual steroid provides—but without the serious side effects.
It’s truly a win-win.
Made from natural ingredients and with no lab-created synthetics, it’s 100 percent safe.
What’s more—it’s completely legal.
The guys at Crazy Bulk have put together DecaDuro with ingredients that are scientifically proven to enhance bodybuilding returns.
This is what it can do:
- Increase overall strength and power.
- Build phenomenal muscle by enhancing protein synthesis.
- Elevate endurance levels.
- Improve recovery
- Provide effective relief from joint and tendon pain.
- Boost nitrogen retention
- Increase red blood cell production.
Does any of that sound familiar?
Yep, it’s the same impressive results that Deca Durabolin provides—without any adverse health issues.
In many ways, you can consider that DecaDuro is an improvement on Deca Durabolin, because it:
- Will not land you in trouble with the legal authorities.
- Is guaranteed to be 100 percent DecaDuro—not an online gamble.
- Doesn’t harm your testicles, prostate, or heart—in fact, it’s completely safe.
- Requires no hypodermic needles—just an easy-to-swallow pill.
- Free worldwide delivery.
- Can be stacked with other Crazy Bulk legal steroids for serious gains.
All the returns, none of the side effects—it’s a no-brainer.
Deca Durabolin Summary
Guys will tell you that Deca Durabolin is safe.
Don’t believe a word of it.
This age-old misconception can lead you into a false sense of security. Sure, it’s a great way to make steady and impressive muscle gains and alleviate joint issues.
But, you will have an enormous prostate and tiny balls—that don’t work anymore.
Here’s my personal advice.
For all the powerful effects of Deca Durabolin—without the side effects—head over to the Crazy Bulk website and get your hands on the awesome DecaDuro.
Deca Durabolin FAQ
“Where Is Deca Durabolin for Sale?”
Being one of the most commonly used steroids—theoretically, it’s not difficult to find Deca Durabolin for sale online.
However, as the old adage says—buyer beware.
As these steroids are being sold illegally, there are no regulations or quality checks made on the products. At best you could receive a placebo, at worst, it could be poisonous.
“How Much Does Deca Durabolin Cost?”
Generally speaking, it will cost you $12-$25 for a vial of 2 ml of Deca Durabolin in the concentration of 100 mg per ml.
“Is Deca Durabolin Legal?”
While it’s legal under prescription for medical use, Deca Durabolin is banned under the Anabolic Steroids Control Act and by the WADA (World Anti-Doping Agency) for competitive use.
“Is Deca Durabolin an Anabolic Steroid?”
As a testosterone derivative that promotes muscle protein synthesis, Deca Durabolin is classed as an androgenic anabolic steroid.
“How Long Does It Take for Deca Durabolin to Kick In?”
The Deca Durabolin result time is around eight weeks. As it’s a slow acting anabolic steroid, it’s unusual to see any visible changes before this time.
However, users often report improvements in joint strength, comfort, and recovery after about one week’s consumption.
“What’s the Half Life of Deca Durabolin?”
The Deca Durabolin half life is around 8–12 days.
This means out of all the anabolic steroids it’s one of the longest lasting.
“Can Drug Tested Athletes use Deca Durabolin?”
No.
Deca Durabolin is banned by WADA for competitive sporting use. What’s more, if you are trying to beat drug testing—beware. This steroid can remain detectable in the human body for up to 18 months after cessation of use.
“Is Deca Durabolin Dangerous?”
Yes.
While Deca Durabolin is not the most dangerous of all the steroids, its side effects are still very serious. It can shrink the testicles, cause heart disease, enlarge the prostate, and inhibit natural testosterone production.
“How Long Should You Use Deca Durabolin?”
As a slow-acting anabolic steroid, the minimum cycle should be for 8 weeks, to witness visible results. Ideally, use for no longer than 12 weeks.
“Do You Need PCT After Using Deca Durabolin?”
Yes.
As Deca Durabolin can seriously impair testosterone production, a course of post-cycle therapy will be necessary to help restore normal hormone levels.
However, there’s no guarantee that it will be effective—your testicles could be damaged for life.
“What’s the Most Dangerous Part About Using Deca Durabolin?”
Deca Durabolin can impair the hypothalamic pituitary testicular axis (HPTA)—the signal from the brain to the testicles to produce testosterone.
During use, natural testosterone production will be lowered and can possibly switch off entirely. This may never recover.
“Can You Buy Deca Durabolin Tablets?”
No.
Deca Durabolin is an injectable anabolic steroid. The only way for it to enter the body is through the use of a hypodermic needle.
“What Are the Ingredients in Deca Durabolin?”
The Deca Durabolin ingredients in a genuine pharmaceutical form of this anabolic steroid are—nandrolone decanoate, peanut oil, and benzyl alcohol.
“How to Avoid Side Effects When Using Deca Durabolin?”
The best ways to alleviate adverse health issues are to keep the weekly dosage below 200 mg per week, use Arimidex to offset estrogenic side effects, and cease use immediately if you witness any unpleasant reactions.
References
1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/8133796
2. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/3978249
3. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/7723666
4. https://www.congress.gov/bill/101st-congress/house-bill/4658/text
5. https://www.wada-ama.org/sites/default/files/wada_2019_english_prohibited_list.pdf
6. http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/sport/411951.stm
7. http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/tennis/3381111.stm
8. https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/mlb/2017/04/18/pirates-starling-marte-suspended-80-games-violating-mlbs-performance-enhancing-drug-policy/100609904/
9. https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/nandrolone_decanoate#section=2D-Structure
10. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/1952814
11. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24403377
12. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK482418/
13. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/10048900
14. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/2233278
15. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15972619
16. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4609496/
17. https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/nandrolone#section=Toxicological-Information
18. https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/nandrolone#section=Toxicity-Summary
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