Overview and History of Drive (225mg nandrolone decanoate and 75mg methandriol dipropionate)

225mg Nandrolone Decanoate

Deca-Durabolin is the brand and trade name for the anabolic steroid Nandrolone. Specifically, Deca-Durabolin is the trade name for Nandrolone Decanoate – the decanoate ester variant of Nandrolone. “Deca”, as it is informally known as among bodybuilders, ranks among the top three anabolic steroids where it is the second most popular and widely utilized anabolic steroid in existence. First place is held by none other than Dianabol (Methandrostenolone), and third by Winstrol (Stanozolol). There is good reason for why Deca-Durabolin is so well liked by bodybuilders and athletes, and is even held in high regard by the medical establishment as well.

Nandrolone Decanoate was first introduced within the scientific community in 1960[1], making it among the first handful of pioneer anabolic steroids developed. It was developed by Organon, and not long afterwards in 1962 it was released onto the prescription drug market as Deca-Durabolin. Not many are aware, however, that Nandrolone did exist a few years prior in 1957, as the fast-acting Nandrolone Phenylpropionate ester variant. Nandrolone Phenylpropionate did gain significant popularity, but unfortunately its very short half-life imposed limitations on its use, requiring every-other-day injections at a minimum, and so Nandrolone was reinvented as Deca-Durabolin with the decanoate ester affixed to it. The decanoate ester grants Nanadrolone a much longer half-life of approximately 15 days as opposed to the phenylpropionate variant’s 4 days (approximate).

It enjoyed extensive application as a medicinal drug among the medical establishment over time and gained popularity among bodybuilders and athletes for its purportedly ‘mild’ nature. There is some truth to this, but much misunderstanding and myth as well, which will be explained shortly. Deca is only slightly stronger than Testosterone where anabolism is concerned, with a strength rating of 125. By comparison, Testosterone’s anabolic strength rating is 100. However, it possesses a very low androgenic rating of 37, making it favorable for those who are either sensitive to or with to avoid androgenic side effects. Additionally, Nandrolone possesses very low Estrogenic activity and binds very poorly with the aromatase enzyme, which is the enzyme responsible for the conversion of androgens into Estrogen.Only about 20% of Nandrolone is converted into Estrogen in comparison to Testosterone’s conversion rates[2]. The fact that Deca is a Progestin (as all 19-nor compounds are) is what contributes to this low estrogenic activity[3]. Looking further into this, we can also see that Nandrolone experiences aromatization into Estrogen in the liver, but in areas of the body where there is normally a high degree of Estrogen conversion (in fat tissue, for instance), Deca is considerably resistant here[4].

Deca is classified as a 19-no compound because it lacks the 19th carbon that Testosterone possesses, making it a Progestin and therefore express an affinity for the Progesterone receptor[5]. This can present some potential side effects and issues that are unique to 19-nor compounds, and are unseen in most other anabolic steroids.

One particular point to address here is the common claim that Deca-Durabolin is good for the joints and bone tissue, which is indeed true. However, the proposed explanations that circulate among athletes and bodybuilders as to why this is the case are often incorrect myths and misconceptions. Deca does not “lube the joints”, “store water in connective tissue and joints”, or any other such preposterous nonsense. In actuality, Nandrolone promotes very significant increases in collagen synthesis[6], more so than most other anabolic steroids. Other studies have also demonstrated an ability for Deca to also promote vast increases in bone mineral content[7]. What does all of this mean for the athlete? It means that bodybuilders and athletes can experience positive effects on connective and joint tissue, strengthening them during bulking, strength gaining, and mass gaining cycles. It grants them the ability to lift heaver weight with an enhanced recovery of bone and connective tissue, as well as a greater tolerance to the stressors on joints and bone that are produced by intense exercise and resistance training.

Deca-Durabolin Side Effects

As previously noted, Deca is often cited as an anabolic steroid that is very ‘mild’ by comparison to other compounds where side effects are concerned. Unfortunately, this is a mix of fact and fiction that needs to be addressed, and most of these ‘Deca is a mild steroid’ claims are from a bygone era where not much was yet known about these drugs, and today we know much more. Deca-Durabolin is by all accounts both a mild and harsh anabolic steroid, possessing both such properties.

The good news is that Deca-Durabolin experiences a very low aromatization rate into Estrogen, making estrogenic side effects less of an issue compared to other anabolic steroids. Although Estrogen related side effects are not totally and utterly eliminated with Deca, it is more manageable and users should therefore still be conscious of this fact. Estrogenic side effects can include bloating, water retention, blood pressure increases as a result of water retention, and gynecomastia.

As a Progestin, Deca can also increase Prolactin levels in the body. All of the Progesterone and Prolactin related issues can manifest in the form of side effects that are very similar to Estrogen – puffy nipples, gynecomastia, bloating, etc. Anti-estrogens and aromatase inhibitors are known for combating these side effects effectively even if they are attenuated through the Progesterone receptor. However, for Prolactin issues, the use of vitamin B6 in order to control Prolactin levels has been demonstrated in studies using 600mg daily[8]. Anti-prolactin drugs such as Cabergoline and Bromocriptine are also very effective at reducing elevated Prolactin levels effectively, and are often the first line of treatment in Prolactin issues[9][10][11].

Nandrolone is not a C17-AA oral anabolic steroid, and therefore no effects on the liver exist with this compound. Deca does express a small degree of androgenic effects, and therefore much like its estrogenic properties, is less of a concern but should still be monitored and kept in mind. Androgenic side effects can include increased oily skin and acne, increased bodily and facial hair growth, increased risk of male pattern baldness (MPB), and an increased risk of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).

Nandrolone does also express side effects that are common among all anabolic steroids: disruption and/or shutdown of the HPTA (Hypothalamic Pituitary Testicular Axis), and negative cardiovascular implications. For a long time, Deca was cited as an anabolic steroid that was mild on its impact on the HPTA and natural endogenous Testosterone levels. This is simply untrue as studies have demonstrated that at even as low as 100mg per week of Deca-Durabolin, suppression of endogenous Testosterone production rapidly reached close to 60%, and even higher (and faster) when larger dosages of Deca are used[12]. This is common of any 19-nor compound, and the severe and rapid suppression is due to Deca Durabolin and other 19-nors being Progestins by nature[13].

Deca is quite concerning where impacts on the cardiovascular system are concerned, especially with recent discoveries that were not known several decades ago. First and foremost, Deca has shown to decrease HDL (“good” cholesterol) levels by 26% over 10 weeks of administration[14]. And, when compared with Testosterone, Nandrolone tends to exhibit far worse negative cholesterol alterations on average[15]. If these potential cardiovascular issues were not concerning enough, fairly recent data has demonstrated that Deca is 11 times more damaging to blood vessels than Testosterone[16].

Deca-Durabolin Cycles and Uses

Deca-Durabolin is naturally reserved by most athletes and bodybuilders for bulking, mass-adding, and strength gaining cycles. This is due in part to its positive and beneficial effects on connective and bone tissue, allowing a greater rate of healing in these areas and an added injury preventative when heavier weights are used and more intense physical activity is engaged in.

Being that Deca Durabolin is a long-acting long estered variant of Nandrolone (possessing a half-life of 15 days), Deca-Durabolin cycles are and should be at least 12 weeks in length. Here it is often combined with similar long-estered compounds, such as Testosterone Cypionate. Because of its long acting nature, most users will not experience the ‘kick-in’ of the compound until at least several weeks into the cycle, and this is where many individuals will insert a kickstarting compound into the Deca-Durabolin cycle for the first few weeks. This is typically any oral anabolic steroid, such as Dianabol, Winstrol, Anadrol, Anavar, etc. However, for the purposes of bulking and strength gaining, most individuals tend to lean towards compounds generally suitable for these goals, such as Anadrol (Oxymetholone) or Dianabol (Methandrostenolone) for the first 4 – 6 weeks. These compounds are used because of their mass-adding properties that lend themselves to Deca and Testosterone quite well.

This is where the typical age-old cycle stack of Testosterone / Deca / Dianabol is often discussed. Quite simply put, this is the most popular cycle stack in all history. The Testosterone/Nandrolone/Dianabol stack was originally devised, pioneered, and popularized by the golden era bodybuilders of the 1960s and 1970s. This particular stack is often recommended for all tiers of users (beginners, intermediates, and advanced) as it is a timeless stack that will provide quality gains to any user no matter the experience.

Deca-Durabolin Dosages and Administration

As a prescription drug and medication, Nandrolone Decanoate was originally recommended to be prescribed at a dosage of 50 – 100mg every 3 – 4 weeks, for no longer than 12 weeks. Because every medical condition, disability or disease can be different, the prescription recommendations for Deca have changed to suit the individual patient’s needs. For instance, anemic patients were prescriped 100 – 200mg per week, a Deca Durabolin dosage that is considerably larger than the common prescription doses.

For the purpose of performance and physique enhancement, Deca is usually used by beginners in the range of 300 – 500mg per week. Intermediate users normally do not have to venture above the 500mg mark within that beginner range, especially when Deca Durabolin is stacked with other compounds such as Testosterone and/or another oral compound as a kickstarter. Advanced users should likewise have no major requirement to veer outside this dose range, but should an advanced user require a higher dose to elicit gains, a range of approximately 600 – 800mg or greater should suffice, especially if Nandrolone is the primary anabolic compound of a cycle and Testosterone is simply run as a supportive compound at TRT (Testosterone Replacement Therapy) doses.

How to Buy Deca-Durabolin

With Deca holding its place as the second most widely utilized and second most popular anabolic steroid ever used, it tends to be an extremely common and considerably cheap product on the anabolic steroid black market. Both pharmaceutical and underground lab (UGL) versions of this drug exist.

Anywhere from a decent source to pricy sources can be known to sell pharmaceutical grade Deca-Durabolin pricing in the range of $11 – $23 for a single 2ml vial containing 100mg/ml (typically an example of Norma Hellas Greece or Organon Greece products). If you buy Deca Durabolin and seek an underground product from the same type of source ranges from $90 – $145 for a single 10ml vial containing 200mg/ml.

Deca-Durabolin Information

Nandrolone (AKA Deca, Deca Durabolin, Nandrolone Decanoate, Nandrolone Phenylpropionate)

Chemical Name: 19-norandrost-4-en-3-one-17beta-ol, 17β-Hydroxyestra-4-en-3-one

Molecular Weight: 274.40 g/mol

Formula: C18H26O2

Original Manufacturer: Organon

Half Life: 15 days

Detection Time: 17 – 18 months

Anabolic Rating: 125

Androgenic Rating: 37

Deca-Durabolin References:

1. De Visser, J. et al. Acta Endocrin. (Kbh.) 35 (1960):405.
2.  Biosynthesis of Estrogens, Gual C, Morato T, Hayano M, Gut M and Dorfman R. Endocrinology 71 (1962):920-25.
3. Competitive progesterone antagonists: receptor binding and biologic activity of testosterone and 19 nortestosterone derivatives. Reel JR, Humphrey RR, Shih YH, Windsor BL, Sakowski R, Creger PL, Edgren RA. Fertil Steril 1979 May;31(5):552-61.
4. Aromatization of androstenedione and 19-nortestosterone in human placental, liver, and adipose tissues (abstract). Nippon Naibunpi Gakkai Zasshi. 1986 Jan 20;62(1):18-25.
5. Studies of biological activity of certain 19-nor steroids in female animals. Pincus G, Chang M, Zarrow M, Hafez E, Merril A. December 1956.
6. 1990 Nov;39(11):1167-9.
7. Effects of nandrolone Deca Durabolin on bone mineral content. R, Righi GA, Turchetti V, Vattimo A.
8. Influence of administration of pyridoxine on circadian rhythm of plasma ACTH, cortisol prolactin and somatotropin in normal subjects. Barletta C, Sellini M, Bartoli A, Bigi C, Buzzetti R, Giovannini C. Boll Soc Ital Biol Sper. 1984 Feb 28;60(2):273-8.
9. Verhelst J, Abs R, Maiter D, et al. (July 1999). “Cabergoline in the treatment of hyperprolactinemia: a study in 455 patients”. J. Clin. Endocrinol. Metab. 84 (7): 2518–22. doi:10.1210/jc.84.7.2518. PMID 10404830.
10. Webster J, Piscitelli G, Polli A, Ferrari CI, Ismail I, Scanlon MF (October 1994). “A comparison of cabergoline and bromocriptine in the treatment of hyperprolactinemic amenorrhea. Cabergoline Comparative Study Group”. N. Engl. J. Med. 331 (14): 904–9. doi:10.1056/NEJM199410063311403. PMID 7915824.
11. Colao A, Di Sarno A, Guerra E, De Leo M, Mentone A, Lombardi G (April 2006). “Drug insight: Cabergoline and bromocriptine in the treatment of hyperprolactinemia in men and women”. Nat Clin Pract Endocrinol Metab 2 (4): 200–10. doi:10.1038/ncpendmet0160. PMID 16932285.
12. The administration of pharmacological doses of testosterone or 19-nortestosterone to normal men is not associated with increased insulin secretion or impaired glucose tolerance. Karl E. Friedl et al. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 68:971, 1989.
13. Influence of nandrolone decanoate on the pituitary-gonadal axis in males. Bijlisma J, Duursma S, Thijssen J, Huber O. Acta Endocrinol 101 (1982):108-12.
14. Metabolic effects of nandrolone decanoate and resistance training in men with HIV. Sattler FR, Schroeder ET, Dube MP, Jaque SV, Martinez C, Blanche PJ,Azen S,Krauss RM. Am J Physiol Endocrinol Metab. 2002.
15. Lipemic and lipoproteinemic effects of natural and synthetic androgens in humans. Crist DM, Peake GT, Stackpole PF, Clin Exp Pharmacol Physiol 1986 Jul;13(7):513-8.
16. Toxicol Lett. 2007 Mar 8; 169(2):129-36.
17. www.steroidal.com

75 mg Methandriol Dipropionate

Methandriol is the brand name for the anabolic steroid methylandrostenediol. In this profile we will review the properties and usage of this drug for the athlete looking for an edge.

Methandriol (or MAD as I like to call it) seems to be one of the more rare and exotic anabolic steroids. It is actually 5-androstenediol (5AD) that has had its chemical structure modified by adding a methyl group so the compound can resist being broken-down by the liver when taken orally. This results in better utilization by the body and is called 17-alpha alkylation (17AA). The first aspect that will be addressed is the one that most interests bodybuilders, the muscle building potential of the drug. With an anabolic (muscle building) effect of 20-60 (compared testosterone which has an anabolic rating of 100), not much muscle gain can be expected from MAD use. It is also slightly androgenic, again when compared to testosterone which has an androgenic effect of 100 MAD only rates 30-60. Methandriol low androgenic properties may be a blessing and a curse, on one hand with its low androgenic effects the drug can be used without worries by prone individuals who suffer from prostate problems, hair loss and acne. It may also be used by female bodybuilders who wish to avoid the masculinizing side effects of androgens once they stick to a reasonable dosage and cycle duration.1 On the other hand the benefits of using an androgenic steroid are lost, there is a direct correlation between a drugs androgenic levels and strength gains, highly androgenic steroids also tend to aid in fat loss by binding strongly to the androgen receptor (A.R). So not much muscle or strength gain from this one. So what the hell is it good for? Glad you asked. Methandriol has been shown to have an affinity for glucocorticoid-binding sites(2) so this may result in an anti-catabolic (muscle destroying) effect by inhibiting the muscle wasting effects of glucocorticoid hormones(3) also the parent hormone of methandriol, 5-androstenediol (5AD) has been shown to promote favorable immune function(4). MAD is said to process a unique trait that no other steroid has, the ability to sensitize the androgen receptor (A.R) to other hormones or the ability to unblock the AR, I do not know how it started but this statement is untrue and very misleading, first the A.R does not get "clogged up", in fact all androgens increase the number of A.R in muscle tissue (5) so there is no need to use any specific steroid for this purpose. So far the report on methandriol does not look as good as other anabolic steroids, little muscle and strength gains, however it may boost immune function and activate other non-A.R dependant mechanisms of muscle growth. Adverse androgenic sides are also not a major concern.

Methandriols parent hormone 5AD has been shown to be a steroid with "potent estrogenic properties"(6), since methylation makes a hormone more bio-available and thus "stronger" I am lead to believe that methandriols estrogenic activity is even more potent than 5AD. This alone is bad news for any Steriod.com members interested in adding this drug to a cycle, excessive estrogenic activity can lead to breast tissue growth in men (gynecomastia), fat gain, water retention, loss of sex drive, and sluggish natural testosterone production. Worse still is that 5AD itself activates the estrogen receptor (E.R.)(6) This would make aromatize inhibitors like letrozole (femera) and anastrozole (arimidex) a bit less effective in combating MAD estrogenic sides because it does not have to be exposed to the aromatize enzyme to do any harm. More evidence that supports MAD has direct estrogenic properties is its use in veterinary injectables. Commonly used for promoting weight gain in animals(7), studies indicate combining anabolic steroids with female sex hormones (estrogen, progesterone) promote better weight gain that either alone(8)this especially holds true to when female sex hormones are stacked with the non aromatizing nandrolone derivative trenbolone(9). MAD estrogenic properties would make it useful in this regard, this is the REAL reason MAD is added to other anabolic veterinary preparations, not because it sensitizes the A.R. Most of the profiles on methandriol says it gives "massive strength gains", however looking at the evidence it would seem the only "massive strength gains" from MAD could stem from the increased amount of water retention inside the muscles which would result in a rebound effect when the muscles are compressed during the lowering of a weight, similar to the action of a benching shirt. Believe or not estrogen is a muscle building hormone as well, causing growth by attaching to the estrogen receptor on muscles (10) these are minor benefits however and are not worth the potential adverse sides. A common trait from using MAD is elevated blood pressure (11) this could be from the water retention due to high estrogenic activity or other actions in the body (11) There is no evidence that methandriol negatively effects cholesterol so your cardio vascular heath would be the least of your worries if you chose to use methandriol.

Right, now that we know the properties of this drug, we can design cycles to take advantage of MAD. Dosages for MAD range from 30mg to 50mg per day, taken orally or by injection. Being a water based suspension the active life of the drug would be measured in hours thus methandriol must be injected at least everyday to keep steady blood levels of the active hormone, if you are to ever come across this drug in its water based form and did not want to inject it dont worry, remember its a 17AA compound so yes, YOU CAN DRINK METHANDRIOL. The same thing applies to the drug (oral administration) in tab from if you were to ever find it. Being a 17AA steroid it puts some strain on the liver when orally consumed, steroid.com members are advised to limit the drugs intake to several weeks. It is obvious that MAD is too weak to be used without stacking it with other steroids, and it is very common to find it included in various exotic steroid preparations. Keep in mind MAD itself has an estrogenic action so the appropriate precautions must be taken to combat this. Methandriol first must be stacked with testosterone, preferably a short ester one (see testosterone propionate). Testosterone will combat the libido lowering effects of MAD, as stated before estrogenic hormones like MAD seems to work best when combined with trenbolone so this would be the second anabolic of choice. Now you are going to need something to deal with methandriols estrogenic action, letrozole would be my first choice, it does not only block the aromatize enzyme, it reduces the concentrations of estrogen receptors as well (12), leaving MAD with less to bind to. Tamoxifen (novice) would also be a good addition to the letrozole, binding to what ever estrogen receptors are left. However, ancillary usage could negate many of methandriols benefits because they are seemingly are estrogen dependant!! Now the previously mentioned cycle looks like a cutting cycle, I did not design it to be one, its just that combining MAD with other highly aromatizing steroids or "bulking" drugs like dianabol, anadrol and long ester testosterones seems like asking for trouble. The level of water retention to follow would surely result in high blood pressure (not to mention the potential estrogenic side effects). I cannot recommend MAD be used with other bulking agents... In fact I do not recommend that methandriol be used at all!

Methandriol is a rare find in the hands of steroid.com members. An obscure anabolic that is reported to have special properties it simply does not have. Highly estrogenic and barely anabolic it is extremely doubtful this steroid will ever catch on in the steroid.com bodybuilding community.

Methandriol Profile

(Methylandrostenediol base) [17a-Methyl-5-androstene-3B,17B-diol.]

Formula: C20 H32 O2

Molecular Weight: 304.4716

Molecular Weight (base): 304.4716

Molecular Weight (ester): nil

Formula (base): C20 H32 O2

Formula (ester): N/A

Melting Point (base):

Melting Point (ester): N/A

Manufacturer: Various

Effective Dose (Men): 30-50mg orally (daily)/ 300-500mg injectable (weekly)

Effective Dose (Women): Active life: 2-3 days

Detection Time: 3 months

Anabolic/Androgenic ratio: 30-60/20-60 

References:

1. J Reprod Fertil Suppl. 1982;32:213-8.
2. Endocrinology. 1994 Mar;134(3):1401-8.
3. Endocr Pract. 1999;5(5):277-81.
4. Int J Immunopharmacol. 2000 Jan;22(1):1-14.
5. J Appl. Physiol.94 1153-61 2003
6. J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol. 2003 Sep;86(3-5):423-32.
7. Veterinary Drug List.
8. J Anim Sci. 1999 Dec;77(12):3133-9
9. J Anim Sci. 1997 May;75(5):1256-65.
10. J Anim Sci. 1985 Jan;60(1):294-300.
11. Endocrinology. 1978 Jul;103(1):1-5.
12. Curr Med Res Opin. 2001;16(4):276-84
13. www.steroid.com
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