Deca Durabolin is officially classified as a 19-nortestosterone (19-nor) anabolic androgenic steroid. The 19-nor classification refers to its direct structural nature, which is the testosterone hormone lacking a carbon atom at the 19th position. While this is only a slight change in structure from the testosterone hormone, this slight change gives us a unique anabolic steroid. As a Nandrolone base, Deca Durabolin is attached to the large Decanoate ester, which controls the hormone’s releasing activity slowing it down tremendously.

This allows the individual to make use of the Nandrolone hormone without the need for frequent injections. Once injected, as the Decanoate ester begins to detach there will be a sharp spike in Nandrolone released within the body during the first 24-48 hours. From this point, the hormone will continue to release into the body for approximately 2-3 weeks.

Deca Durabolin carries a relatively potent anabolic rating, slightly greater than testosterone. However, its total androgenic activity is much lower than testosterone, carrying an androgenic rating of only 37 compared to testosterone’s 100. The lessened androgenic activity of Deca Durabolin is due to the hormone’s ability to reduce to dihydronandrolone (DHN) rather than dihydrotestosterone (DHT). This makes Deca Durabolin a much milder steroid than testosterone, and one of the most well-tolerated anabolic steroids for healthy adult men.

This tolerable nature is also evident by its low estrogenic activity. Deca Durabolin does aromatize, but only at approximately 20% the rate of testosterone. However, it does carry a strong progestin nature, and this will play into the side effects as we will see later on.

Like many anabolic steroids, Deca Durabolin has the ability to enhance protein synthesis, inhibit glucocorticoid hormones, and promote enhanced IGF-1 output. Like many anabolic steroids, Deca Durabolin also has the ability to increase nitrogen retention in the muscles, but it appears to have a stronger affect than many steroids in this regard. In fact, studies have shown that even low doses of Nandrolone can greatly enhance nitrogen retention.

This is an important factor, as all muscle tissue is comprised of approximately 16% nitrogen. While that may sound like a small amount, the more we retain the more anabolic we remain. When nitrogen levels are not maintained, this can cause us to enter a catabolic (muscle wasting) state.

Deca Durabolin is also well known for carrying two traits that are extremely important and largely separate it from many anabolic steroids. Again, many other steroids will carry these traits, but Deca Durabolin does so to a higher level. The traits in question are increasing bone mineral content and enhancing collagen synthesis. Due to these traits, Deca Durabolin is well known for promoting joint relief, and for many athletes that’s the only reason they’ll use it. Due to these traits, as well as its ability to increase red blood cell count, we can begin to see what types of therapeutic advantages this steroid can hold.

Deca Durabolin has been well noted for being an excellent steroid for those suffering from muscle wasting diseases, for improving geriatric weakness and fatigue, as well as anemia. Deca Durabolin has also been used to treat certain forms of breast cancer, has been life changing for severe burn victims, and even has the ability to treat ulcers. It has also been shown effective for treating pituitary deficient dwarfism, as well as development retardation in children.

While Deca Durabolin has proven beneficial in all these areas, it has truly shined is in its ability to treat osteoporosis. This isn’t surprising when we consider the bone mineral content and collagen synthesis improvements. However, in the U.S. the compound is only used to treat those suffering from HIV and anemia, but some physicians are beginning to recognize the potential for therapeutic rejuvenation plans. Undoubtedly, at a low dose this steroid could provide a positive anti-aging benefit.