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Nandrolone: Uses, Benefits & Side Effects

**Nandrolone: An Overview**

| Item | Information |
|------|-------------|
| **Drug class** | Synthetic anabolic‑steroid hormone (derived from testosterone) |
| **Common trade names** | Deca‑Dynabol, Decadron, Nandrelin, Nandrofast |
| **Primary medical uses** | • Treat anemia of chronic disease (e.g., renal failure)
• Reconstruct muscle mass after surgery or injury
• Certain hormone‑deficiency disorders in men |
| **Non‑therapeutic use** | Performance enhancement in athletes and bodybuilders (illegal without prescription) |
| **Key pharmacologic action** | Binds androgen receptors → ↑ protein synthesis, muscle growth; ↓ catabolic processes |
| **Side‑effect profile** | • Virilization in women: hirsutism, voice deepening, clitoromegaly
• Liver toxicity (especially oral formulations)
• Cardiovascular strain (hypertension, dyslipidemia)
• Mood/behavior changes |
| **Legal status** | Prescription‑only drug; banned in most professional sports; possession without prescription is illegal |

### Quick Reference – \"What to Watch For\"

| Category | Typical Manifestation | Why It Matters |
|----------|-----------------------|----------------|
| **Physical Signs** | Rapid growth of facial/body hair, deepening voice, menstrual irregularities | Indicative of androgen excess from anabolic steroids |
| **Behavioral Changes** | Aggression, irritability, mood swings | Often linked to steroid‑induced neurochemical shifts |
| **Medical Symptoms** | Liver enzyme elevations, cardiovascular strain, acne | Reflect systemic side effects that can be life‑threatening |

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## 3. How a Physical Therapist Can Detect and Address Steroid Use

### A. Initial Assessment & Screening
1. **History Taking**
- Ask about exercise routines, supplements, performance-enhancing substances.
- Include questions on weight changes, appetite shifts, or unusual cravings.

2. **Physical Examination**
- Look for muscle hypertrophy patterns inconsistent with training goals.
- Assess skin for acne, stretch marks, or unusual pigmentation.
- Evaluate liver function (if available) through bloodwork referral.

3. **Functional Testing**
- Compare strength and endurance tests to baseline or normative data.
- Note any disproportionate gains in strength relative to muscular hypertrophy.

### B. Intervention Strategies
1. **Education on Risks**
- Discuss potential side effects: liver damage, hormonal imbalances, cardiovascular risks.
- Emphasize the importance of safe training practices and balanced nutrition.

2. **Training Program Adjustments**
- Introduce periodization with adequate rest periods to mitigate overtraining.
- Incorporate mobility and recovery protocols (stretching, foam rolling, massage).

3. **Nutrition Guidance**
- Ensure protein intake aligns with muscle repair needs without excessive caloric surplus.
- Advise on micronutrients that support hormonal balance (e.g., zinc, magnesium).

4. **Monitoring & Follow-Up**
- Track body composition changes to detect any abnormal trends.
- Schedule periodic assessments of cardiovascular health and blood markers if needed.

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### 5. Conclusion

The athlete’s current weight is within the healthy range for his height, indicating that he is not over‑ or under‑weight. His BMI places him in the \"normal\" category. While a higher muscle mass can raise BMI values, it does not necessarily signal excess body fat. Regular monitoring of body composition, strength gains, and overall health will provide a more accurate picture than BMI alone.

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**Prepared by:**
Your Name, Sports Medicine Specialist
Date

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