The Science of Nandrolone (Deca & NPP)

Summary

In this Muscle Science episode, hosts Big Paul, Kurt Havens, and Coach Colton delve into the science of natural anabolic compounds, focusing on Nandrolone (Deca). They discuss its discovery, its naturally occurring state in humans, and its effects on muscle growth and protein synthesis. The conversation covers the benefits and drawbacks of using Deca, its binding affinity to the androgen receptor, and its impact on psychological states like anxiety. They also touch on the importance of cycle management, dosage, and the need for a balanced approach to maximize benefits while minimizing side effects.

Takeaways

• 😀 The video discusses the science of natural anabolic steroids, focusing on Nandrolone (Deca or NPP), its effects, and usage among bodybuilders.
• 🧪 Nandrolone was first described in 1950 by a scientist named Birch, who was looking for a way to reduce testosterone to estrogen to bypass hydrolysis.
• 🌱 Methyltrienolone (Methandienone or Dianabol) is a naturally occurring hormone in humans, present in very small amounts, and is thought to contribute to fetal growth during pregnancy.
• 💪 Nandrolone has a stronger binding affinity to the Androgen receptor than testosterone, which can lead to increased protein synthesis and muscle mass.
• 🚫 Despite its anabolic properties, Nandrolone lacks non-genomic effects that testosterone has, which might lead to some users experiencing anxiety and other psychological side effects.
• 🤔 The video suggests that individual reactions to Nandrolone can vary, with some users experiencing negative effects like anxiety and impotence, especially at higher doses or with long-term use.
• 📉 The discussion mentions that as people age, their sensitivity to the effects of Nandrolone might increase, leading to a change in how it is tolerated.
• 💊 The video touches on the use of finasteride with Nandrolone, which can be problematic as it can lead to the conversion of Nandrolone back to a more potent form that may cause hair loss.
• 🧬 It is noted that much of the research on anabolic steroids is based on rodent studies, which may not fully translate to human effects due to differences in physiology.
• 🏆 The video also discusses the experiences of professional bodybuilders with Nandrolone, highlighting its use in post-contest recovery and its potential synergistic effects when stacked with other compounds.
• 📚 The script ends with a reflection on the historical context of anabolic steroid use in bodybuilding, referencing past literature and the evolution of knowledge in the field.

Q & A

What is the primary purpose of the video discussed in the transcript?

The primary purpose of the video is to discuss the science of natural anabolic steroids, specifically focusing on Nandrolone (Deca) and its effects, benefits, and drawbacks in the context of bodybuilding and athletic performance.

Who discovered Nandrolone and why was it initially sought after?

Nandrolone was discovered by a scientist named Birch, who was looking for a way to reduce testosterone to estrogen to bypass hydrolysis, essentially seeking a faster process to create new drugs beneficial for bodybuilders.

What is the natural occurrence of Nandrolone in the human body?

Nandrolone is a naturally occurring hormone in humans, present in the blood at a very minuscule ratio, approximately 1 to 50 compared to testosterone levels in men, and in higher amounts in women during pregnancy.

What is the biological purpose of having Nandrolone in the human body?

Nandrolone serves as an intermediate between testosterone and estrogen during the aromatase process. It is one of the metabolites produced in this process, and while it is suggested to contribute to fetal growth, its exact biological purpose in the body is not fully understood.

How does Nandrolone compare to testosterone in terms of binding affinity to the androgen receptor?

Nandrolone has a much stronger binding affinity to the androgen receptor than testosterone, which can lead to increased protein synthesis and potentially greater muscle mass.

What are some of the potential side effects of using Nandrolone that were discussed in the transcript?

Some potential side effects of using Nandrolone include anxiety, impotence, and issues related to estrogen receptor stimulation, which can lead to mood changes and other psychological effects.

What is the significance of the 'Golden Age of bodybuilding' mentioned in the transcript?

The 'Golden Age of bodybuilding' refers to a period when many anabolic steroids, including Nandrolone, were developed and used extensively by bodybuilders, marking a significant era of growth and advancement in the sport.

What is the difference between MPP (Nandrolone Phenylpropionate) and Deca (Nandrolone Decanoate) in terms of ester half-life?

MPP has a shorter half-life, estimated to be around 5 to 7 days, while Deca has a longer half-life of approximately 14 days.

Why might someone choose to use MPP over Deca or vice versa?

Some might choose MPP for its faster acting properties and the ability to clear the body more quickly if needed, while others might prefer Deca for its longer-lasting effects and less frequent administration.

What are some of the cognitive effects associated with Nandrolone use as discussed in the transcript?

The cognitive effects associated with Nandrolone use include potential changes in spatial memory, synaptic activity in the hippocampus, and the inhibition of GABA, which could lead to increased anxiety and other psychological effects.

How do the experiences of individuals using Nandrolone differ, and why might this be the case?

Individual experiences with Nandrolone can vary due to factors such as personal physiology, dosage, and the balance of other compounds in their system, leading to different responses and outcomes.