Deca Durabolin Side Effects – Preventing and Reversing
One of the best and most popular anabolic steroids available to bodybuilders and athletes today. It packs a terrific punch, and it can help you gain 20 or more pounds in a single cycle. However, it is not without its pitfalls. Here are some ways to prevent and reverse the most common Deca Durabolin side effects.
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Adverse Deca Durabolin Side Effects
A progestin compound, and like all others, this means that it promotes estrogenic activity. However, in this case, the estrogenic effects are almost 100% limited to progesterone, which stimulates the development of mammary (breast) tissue. As such, while this compound has very low actual estrogenic activity, its progestin nature can cause some problems.
You will need to utilize aromatase inhibitors to avoid these Deca Durabolin side effects. Some of the most popular include Arimidex and Aromasin and not only do they prevent gynecomastia, but they also help to limit water retention. If you experience bloating, try to stay hydrated and reduce your sodium intake somewhat.
These things will not completely prevent the bloat, but they can help it remain manageable rather than uncomfortable and embarrassing. If you begin to show signs of Gynecomastia, such as red, itchy, or puffy nipples, stop using and start a course of Letrozole, which is a powerful aromatase inhibitor that can reverse gynecomastia in its early stages. Continuing to use despite these warning signs can lead to permanent gynecomastia that can only be resolved with surgery.
Effects of Testosterone Suppression
A synthetic testosterone derivative, so as long as you use it, your body will stop producing testosterone naturally. This can lead to some disheartening and often frightening side effects, such as lack of libido and erectile dysfunction. Aside from these, you may also experience things like Fatigue, lack of strength, fat gain, muscle wasting, and more – all the traditional signs of low-T.
The good news is that none of these Deca Durabolin side effects are permanent, and there is a simple way to make sure that you do not experience them. All you need to do is supplement with exogenous testosterone (enanthate and propionate are best, but any type will do) to keep your libido and your performance in check. A Deca Durabolin dosage of about 500mg each week is recommended, though some men fare well with less and others may need more.
Adverse Cardiovascular Effects
Most of the “wet” steroids (those that are prone to causing water weight gain) also carry with them some risk of Cardiovascular problems. Deca is certainly no different. Controlling the potential cardiovascular problems, which include high blood pressure and high cholesterol, is possible. First, the high blood pressure comes as a result of water retention.
Excess fluid in the body translates into excess blood, which your heart must work harder to circulate. Anti-estrogens can go a long way to prevent this. To manage your cholesterol, keep an eye on saturated fat intake and make use of some good omega-3 supplements.
Along these same lines, the side effects of Deca Durabolin can be especially dangerous for those who have preexisting heart conditions, high blood pressure, diabetes, or poor lipid profiles. Be sure you understand your current health before starting a Deca Durabolin cycle. If you have not had a physical in the last year, you should do this first before you start a cycle with anabolic steroids.
Androgenic Side Effects
Although it is only slightly androgenic and does not produce androgen-related side effects in most users, men who are predisposed to certain conditions may see them worsen. If you have a history of male-pattern baldness in your family, or if you have a receding hairline or thinning hair, you may see this condition speed up.
What’s more, if you regularly combat oily skin and acne, these issues may worsen. You should carefully weigh the pros and cons before you use this product if any of these statements apply to you, as there is no way to prevent the androgenic side effects.
Male pattern baldness cannot be prevented, and though some products claim to help prevent hair loss and even help regrow hair, they don’t work for everyone. It is possible to prevent oily skin and acne to a degree.
Wash using a water-based soap, and never use oil-based products on your skin. Face and body washes containing salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide can help to prevent and even treat acne, too.
Mitigating Deca Durabolin Side Effects with PCT
Many of the worst Deca Durabolin side effects actually occur once your cycle ends. This is due in part to the serious fluctuation of hormones happening in your body. After all, it suppresses testosterone production, so when you stop using it abruptly, you are left with little to no testosterone at all in your body.
There are a few goals associated with using PCT to negate Deca Durabolin side effects: restarting testosterone production, reducing estrogenic side effects, and maintaining muscle.
The only necessary part of PCT is going to be a SERM, or Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulator. These drugs limit the effects of estrogen by only letting a small amount reach their intended receptors, and they also help to kickstart testosterone production by facilitating the production of luteinizing and follicle-stimulating hormones.
Without these, the body would be unable to make its own testosterone. A sample PCT cycle can be found in the chart below, but remember that you should use either Clomid or Nolvadex – never both at the same time.
| Weekly Timeframe | Clomid | Nolvadex |
|---|---|---|
Weeks five and six are optional. If you complete week four and you still notice any form of estrogenic effects, or if you are experiencing Fatigue or bloat, continue with the fifth and sixth week of PCT. Otherwise, you can stop after the 4th week.
As you can see, most of the Deca Durabolin side effects are completely preventable with the right diet and supplements. However, like all steroids for performance enhancement, it is up to you to determine whether the risk is worth the benefit.
Some Common Adverse Effects
- Insomnia ( Trouble Sleeping )
- Acne ( Oily Skin )
- Masculinization ( For Women )
- Breast Tenderness ( Enlarged )
- Nausea ( Vomiting )
- Diarrhea
- Painful Erection
