Nandrolone Decanoate: Use, Abuse and Side Effects

Area of Science:

• Endocrinology
• Toxicology
• Sports Medicine

Background:

• Androgens, like nandrolone, are crucial for male reproductive organ development.
• Synthetic testosterone derivatives, such as nandrolone, are used clinically to maximize anabolic and minimize androgenic effects.
• Class II anabolic androgenic steroids (AAS), including nandrolone, are increasingly used clinically and illicitly for their anabolic properties and exercise enhancement.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically review the scientific literature on side effects associated with illicit nandrolone decanoate abuse.
• To identify and highlight the most frequent adverse effects observed in individuals abusing AAS.

Main Methods:

• A systematic literature review was conducted using the PubMed database.
• Search terms included "nandrolone decanoate" combined with "abuse" or "adverse effects".
• 148 out of 766 initially identified articles met the inclusion criteria (English language, relevant keywords).

Main Results:

• The most frequent adverse effects of nandrolone decanoate (ND) abuse were endocrine (42%), including virilization, gynecomastia, hormonal disorders, dyslipidemia, genital alterations, and infertility.
• Cardiovascular dysfunctions (14%) such as vascular damage, coagulation disorders, and hypertension were commonly reported.
• Skin disorders (12%), psychiatric/mood disorders (9%), musculoskeletal, excretory, and gastrointestinal disorders (5% each) were also significant findings.

Conclusions:

• Abuse of nandrolone decanoate (ND) predominantly affects the endocrine, cardiovascular, skin, and psychiatric systems.
• The findings provide valuable insights for healthcare professionals in sports and clinical settings.
• Understanding these common adverse effects is crucial for managing AAS abusers.