What is Oxandrolone?
Oxandrolone is a synthetic anabolic steroid that is used in the medical field for various purposes. It is a derivative of testosterone, a hormone that plays a crucial role in the development of male sexual characteristics. Oxandrolone is known for its limited virilizing effects, making it a preferred choice for specific medical conditions [1].
Uses of Oxandrolone
One of the primary uses of Oxandrolone is to promote weight gain in patients suffering from severe health conditions that cause muscle wasting. These conditions include severe burn injuries, HIV/AIDS, hepatitis C, and other wasting syndromes [2]. It has been shown to increase net muscle protein balance, maintain lean body mass, and reduce intensive care unit stay [3].
Oxandrolone has also helped treat hereditary angioedema, a condition that causes episodes of swelling in different body parts [1]. Additionally, it effectively reduces serum triglycerides in certain types of hyperlipoproteinemia, a condition characterized by an excess of lipoproteins in the blood [4].
In the context of burn injuries, Oxandrolone has been shown to improve wound healing and protect against the development of multiorgan failure [3]. It has also been used to treat children with growth delays in various diseases, including Turner's syndrome [3].
However, it's important to note that despite Oxandrolone's many potential benefits, it should be used under medical supervision due to possible side effects and interactions with other medications.
What is Nandrolone?
Nandrolone, or 19-nortestosterone, is an anabolic-androgenic steroid derived from testosterone [5]. It shares a similar chemical structure with testosterone but has a higher myotrophic: androgenic ratio, which results in improved effects on muscle mass [5].
Uses of Nandrolone
Nandrolone has diverse medical applications. It is used in the treatment of male hypogonadism, a condition characterized by low serum testosterone levels and diverse symptoms. The cure for this condition often focuses on testosterone supplementation, but Nandrolone offers an alternative approach [5].
In addition to its use in treating hypogonadism, Nandrolone has been suggested to improve joint healing following rotator cuff repair based on animal models [5]. It has also been shown to slow bone loss in a rat model of bone loss due to denervation, preserving 80% and 60% of bone mineral density in the femur and tibia, respectively [6].
Furthermore, Nandrolone has been used in the treatment of several chronic diseases, including cancer [7]. It has also been used to treat breast cancer and to reduce inflammation, pain, and oedema [8].
However, it's important to note that while Nandrolone has potential therapeutic applications, further human studies are required to fully understand its effects and possible side effects [5].
Side effects
Oxandrolone and Nandrolone are often used for various medical purposes but can be misused for performance enhancement or aesthetic improvement. Both of these substances can cause a range of side effects.
Side effects of Oxandrolone
Some of the common side effects of Oxandrolone include difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep, enlargement of the breasts, and changes in sex drive or ability [9]. More severe side effects, although less common, include swelling of the arms, hands, feet, ankles, or lower legs, new or worsening acne, abnormal or absent menstrual periods, and inability to control urination [9].
Oxandrolone may also interfere with expected growth in children, potentially resulting in shorter adult height [9]. It may decrease fertility in men [9]. Oxandrolone can also cause damage to the liver or spleen and may increase the risk of developing heart disease [9].
Side effects of Nandrolone
Nandrolone can cause a significant increase in serum aldosterone and sodium ion concentrations, which could potentially be a severe risk factor for cardiovascular-related disorders [10].
It can also inhibit antibody production, potentially affecting the immune system [11]. In male rats, Nandrolone has been shown to significantly decrease the weights of the testes, prostate glands, and seminal vesicles and inhibit testicular testosterone production [12].
Are they safe to use?
As we previously discussed, Oxandrolone has been used in the treatment of conditions such as HIV-related muscle wasting, severe burn injury, trauma following major surgery, neuromuscular disorders, and alcoholic hepatitis for over 30 years [13].
It has an acceptable safety profile and is generally well-tolerated. The most commonly documented adverse effects are transient elevations in transaminase levels and reductions in high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels [13]. However, in a case study of a 6-year-old boy with hereditary angioedema, early signs of virilization were noted with oxandrolone treatment [1].
Nandrolone has been used to treat anaemia of chronic kidney disease (CKD). It has shown no significant difference in efficacy compared to Erythropoietin (EPO) for the treatment of anaemia of CKD in men over 50 years [14]. However, a study showed that Nandrolone presented genotoxic effects in different cells of mice, indicating potential risks associated with its use [15].
In conclusion, Oxandrolone and Nandrolone have benefits and potential side effects. A healthcare professional should make the choice between the two, considering the specific condition being treated, the patient's overall health, and each medication's potential risks and benefits.