Post-menopausal osteoporosis
In the human, Nandrolone has been shown to positively influence calcium metabolism and to increase bone mass in osteoporosis. In women with disseminated mammary carcinoma Nandrolone Decanoate has been reported to produce objective regressions for many months. Furthermore, Nandrolone Decanoate has a nitrogen-saving action. This effect on protein metabolism has been established by metabolic studies and is utilized therapeutically in conditions where a protein deficiency exists such as during chronic debilitating diseases and after major surgery and severe trauma. In these conditions, Nandrolone Decanoate serves as a supportive adjunct to specific therapies and dietary measures as well as parenteral nutrition.
Androgenic effects (e.g. virilisation) are relatively uncommon at the recommended dosages. Nandrolone Decanoate lacks the C 17 alpha-alkyl group which is associated with the occurrence of liver dysfunction and cholestasis.
If signs of virilisation develop, discontinuation of the treatment should be considered, preferably in consultation with the patient.
It is recommended to monitor patients with any of the following conditions:
- latent or overt cardiac failure, renal dysfunction, hypertension of migraine (or a history of these conditions), since anabolic steroids may occasionally induce fluid retention
- incomplete statural growth, since anabolic steroids in high dosages may accelerate epiphyseal closure skeletal metastases of breast carcinoma. In these patients
- hypercalcaemia may develop both spontaneously and as a result of anabolic steroid therapy. The later can be indicative of a positive tumour response to the hormonal treatment. Nevertheless, the hypercalcaemia should first be treated appropriately and after restoration of normal calcium levels hormone therapy can be resumed
- liver dysfunction
The use of anabolic steroids to enhance athletic ability may carry severe risks to the user’s health and should be discouraged
