In this section:

Substances: Nandrolone

Nandrolone is a 19-Nor steroid (i.e. it lacks a carbon atom at the 19 position on the steroid molecule) and is derived from the male hormone, testosterone.

Nandrolone may have some legitimate medical uses, such as the treatment of major burns, malnutrition and osteoporosis. However, nandrolone's notoriety as an illegal performance-enhancing drug is its primary claim to fame.

Athletes who resort to nandrolone do so for various reasons. The drug, which needs to be administered via intra-muscular injection to be effective, is used to increase muscle mass. However, its reputation for easing the pain and strain caused by intensive training, or hasten recovery from injury, is not scientifically based.

Many nandrolone-positive tests have occurred in recent years. In most cases this is due to ingesting Norandrostenedione, an anabolic steroid widely marketed as a nutritional supplement, particularly on the Internet. Norandrostenedione in turn is then broken down in the liver to nortestosterone, which is also known as nandrolone.

Side effects

Nandrolone has the same side effects as anabolic steroids including psychological and physical effects such as jaundice, permanent liver damage, liver tumors, diabetes, acne (face and back), heart problems, high cholesterol levels, HIV infection through sharing needles, depression, mood swings, violent or aggressive behaviour, and paranoia.

Status in Sport

Nandrolone is prohibited both in and out of competition under the World Anti-Doping Code 2007 Prohibited List (effective from 01/01/07).

 

Login:

Athletes’ Zone: