LifterElite
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For those following the ongoing debate regarding 19-nor compounds and their potential effects on prolactin, erectile function, and so-called "Deca Dick," this is Part 3 of the series, where we dive into an experiment designed to shed light on these concerns. This section builds upon the data discussed in Part 2 and ultimately disproves the theory that Deca alone is to blame for prolactin issues or sexual dysfunction.
Recap:
- Part 1 focused on the widespread belief that 19-nor compounds (such as nandrolone) cause prolactin to spike, leading to side effects like erectile dysfunction.
- Part 2 reviewed scientific literature, suggesting that 19-nor compounds themselves do not directly raise prolactin. However, when used in combination with testosterone, excess testosterone can lead to elevated estrogen, which in turn can increase prolactin levels.
Given this, we needed a direct experiment to observe the effects of 19-nor use in a real-world bodybuilding context with supraphysiological doses, especially considering the possible impact on prolactin.
Experiment 1: Single-Subject Self-Study (Uncontrolled)
Protocol:
- Nandrolone Decanoate: Starting at 1000mg per week, gradually increasing to 3000mg over several phases.
- No estrogen control, no prolactin control.
Results:
- Weeks 1–5: Increased libido, strength, and vascularity. By week 2, noticeable muscle size gain from nutrient retention. Erectile function remained optimal throughout, with no signs of “Deca Dick” or sexual dysfunction. No blood pressure spikes, water retention, or cognitive issues.
- Weeks 4–5: Estrogen levels dropped significantly due to inadequate aromatization of nandrolone, leading to cognitive decline, joint soreness, and depressive symptoms. Despite this, erectile function remained unaffected.
Conclusion: In this case, nandrolone alone did not cause sexual dysfunction or "Deca Dick," even when estrogen levels crashed. However, a pure nandrolone cycle without proper estrogen control is unsustainable in the long term.
Experiment 2: TRT + Nandrolone Cycle
Protocol:
- Nandrolone Decanoate: Starting at 1000mg per week, gradually increasing to 3000mg.
- Testosterone: Starting at 200mg per week, tapering down to 150mg, split into two doses. HCG used to maintain testicular function.
- No estrogen or prolactin control.
Results:
- No noticeable "wet" side effects, such as high blood pressure, water retention, or cognitive impairment. At times, estrogen levels were too low and required adjustment. When testosterone was switched off and only HCG was used, estrogen crashed.
- Bloodwork taken at the end of the cycle showed very low prolactin levels. While it wasn’t as low as when prolactin is actively suppressed with a dopamine agonist (DA), it was sufficiently low.
- Despite low prolactin and estrogen, erectile function and libido remained excellent throughout.
Conclusion: In this experiment, nandrolone did not lead to elevated prolactin or "Deca Dick." The low prolactin did not cause any sexual dysfunction, suggesting that prolactin levels in isolation may not be the key factor in erectile health.
Comparison to High-Testosterone + 19-Nor Cycles:
When comparing these results to a high-testosterone cycle with 19-nor compounds, the outcomes were dramatically different. In the high-testosterone cycle, elevated testosterone led to increased estrogen, which then raised prolactin levels significantly, resulting in sexual dysfunction (anorgasmia, low libido, etc.).
- Nandrolone alone does not raise prolactin or cause “Deca Dick” issues.
- Prolactin does not appear to be the sole culprit behind erectile dysfunction in bodybuilders using nandrolone.
- The issue of erectile dysfunction is more complex and can be influenced by high testosterone leading to increased estrogen and prolactin, rather than just the presence of 19-nor compounds.
- To truly understand the impact of steroids on the body, it’s crucial to think in terms of multi-compound cycles and their cascading effects on hormones, rather than focusing on single substances in isolation.
I encourage anyone with personal experience using 19-nor compounds or managing prolactin-related side effects to share their insights. Your experiences can help build a more comprehensive understanding of how these compounds truly affect the body.
Recap:
- Part 1 focused on the widespread belief that 19-nor compounds (such as nandrolone) cause prolactin to spike, leading to side effects like erectile dysfunction.
- Part 2 reviewed scientific literature, suggesting that 19-nor compounds themselves do not directly raise prolactin. However, when used in combination with testosterone, excess testosterone can lead to elevated estrogen, which in turn can increase prolactin levels.
Given this, we needed a direct experiment to observe the effects of 19-nor use in a real-world bodybuilding context with supraphysiological doses, especially considering the possible impact on prolactin.
Experiment 1: Single-Subject Self-Study (Uncontrolled)
Protocol:
- Nandrolone Decanoate: Starting at 1000mg per week, gradually increasing to 3000mg over several phases.
- No estrogen control, no prolactin control.
Results:
- Weeks 1–5: Increased libido, strength, and vascularity. By week 2, noticeable muscle size gain from nutrient retention. Erectile function remained optimal throughout, with no signs of “Deca Dick” or sexual dysfunction. No blood pressure spikes, water retention, or cognitive issues.
- Weeks 4–5: Estrogen levels dropped significantly due to inadequate aromatization of nandrolone, leading to cognitive decline, joint soreness, and depressive symptoms. Despite this, erectile function remained unaffected.
Conclusion: In this case, nandrolone alone did not cause sexual dysfunction or "Deca Dick," even when estrogen levels crashed. However, a pure nandrolone cycle without proper estrogen control is unsustainable in the long term.
Experiment 2: TRT + Nandrolone Cycle
Protocol:
- Nandrolone Decanoate: Starting at 1000mg per week, gradually increasing to 3000mg.
- Testosterone: Starting at 200mg per week, tapering down to 150mg, split into two doses. HCG used to maintain testicular function.
- No estrogen or prolactin control.
Results:
- No noticeable "wet" side effects, such as high blood pressure, water retention, or cognitive impairment. At times, estrogen levels were too low and required adjustment. When testosterone was switched off and only HCG was used, estrogen crashed.
- Bloodwork taken at the end of the cycle showed very low prolactin levels. While it wasn’t as low as when prolactin is actively suppressed with a dopamine agonist (DA), it was sufficiently low.
- Despite low prolactin and estrogen, erectile function and libido remained excellent throughout.
Conclusion: In this experiment, nandrolone did not lead to elevated prolactin or "Deca Dick." The low prolactin did not cause any sexual dysfunction, suggesting that prolactin levels in isolation may not be the key factor in erectile health.
Comparison to High-Testosterone + 19-Nor Cycles:
When comparing these results to a high-testosterone cycle with 19-nor compounds, the outcomes were dramatically different. In the high-testosterone cycle, elevated testosterone led to increased estrogen, which then raised prolactin levels significantly, resulting in sexual dysfunction (anorgasmia, low libido, etc.).
- Nandrolone alone does not raise prolactin or cause “Deca Dick” issues.
- Prolactin does not appear to be the sole culprit behind erectile dysfunction in bodybuilders using nandrolone.
- The issue of erectile dysfunction is more complex and can be influenced by high testosterone leading to increased estrogen and prolactin, rather than just the presence of 19-nor compounds.
- To truly understand the impact of steroids on the body, it’s crucial to think in terms of multi-compound cycles and their cascading effects on hormones, rather than focusing on single substances in isolation.
I encourage anyone with personal experience using 19-nor compounds or managing prolactin-related side effects to share their insights. Your experiences can help build a more comprehensive understanding of how these compounds truly affect the body.