Nandrolone decanoate, an anabolic steroid, has been studied for its potential effects in treating rheumatoid arthritis (RA). However, research has shown mixed results regarding its efficacy in managing RA symptoms and disease progression.
## Effects on Bone Metabolism
A controlled trial investigating the use of nandrolone decanoate in RA patients found that it had no significant impact on bone metabolism[1][2]. The study involved 47 patients, with 24 receiving 50 mg of nandrolone decanoate intramuscularly every three weeks for two years, while 23 patients served as controls. Despite producing a significant anabolic effect, nandrolone decanoate did not demonstrate any measurable action on bone metabolism in RA patients.
## Clinical Outcomes
The same study reported modest clinical deterioration in both the treatment and control groups, with the exception of grip strength[1]. There were no significant changes observed in:
- Total body calcium
- Total body phosphorus
- Body weight
- Bone index/bone width measurements
## Hematological Effects
Interestingly, the study found that nandrolone decanoate may have some beneficial effects on chronic anemia associated with RA[1][2]. Significant increases were observed in:
- Total body nitrogen
- Total body potassium
- Hemoglobin
- Packed cell volume (by six months)
These improvements in hematological parameters suggest that nandrolone decanoate might help alleviate anemia in RA patients, which is a common complication of the disease.
## Side Effects
The main reported side effect of nandrolone decanoate treatment was hoarseness[1]. No significant radiological changes were observed in the patients receiving the treatment.
## Potential Benefits in Male RA Patients
Some research has suggested that nandrolone decanoate may have more pronounced benefits in male RA patients. A study examining its use as adjunct therapy in male RA patients reported an increase in hemoglobin levels (from 13.9 ±1.8 to 15.9± post-treatment)[7]. This finding aligns with the hematological improvements noted in the earlier study.
## Joint Pain Relief
While not specifically studied in RA, nandrolone decanoate has shown promise in relieving joint pain in hypogonadal men. A pilot study found that nandrolone decanoate improved joint pain in these patients within 8 weeks of treatment[8]. Although this finding is not directly related to RA, it suggests potential pain-relieving properties that could be relevant to RA patients experiencing joint pain.
In conclusion, while nandrolone decanoate does not appear to significantly impact bone metabolism or overall disease progression in RA, it may offer some benefits in managing anemia and potentially alleviating joint pain. However, more research is needed to fully understand its role in RA treatment, particularly regarding its effects on male patients and its potential for pain relief.
Citations:
[1]
A controlled trial of nandrolone decanoate in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis in postmenopausal women - PubMed
[2]
A controlled trial of nandrolone decanoate in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis in postmenopausal women. | Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases
[3]
https://www.semanticscholar.org/pap...shaw/90b1f7e77b95a8fff686a0776a763b69b7a54361
[4]
Nandrolone decanoate relieves joint pain in hypogonadal men: a novel prospective pilot study and review of the literature - Tatem - Translational Andrology and Urology
[5]
Effect of nandrolone decanoate (Deca-Durabolin) on the disease activity of female patients with systemic lupus erythematosus - Rheumatology International
[6]
Europe PMC
[7]
https://www.researchgate.net/public...py_in_male_patients_with_rheumatoid_arthritis
[8]
027 Nandrolone Decanoate Improves Joint Pain in Hypogonadal Men Within 8 Weeks: Updates to a Novel Prospective Pilot Study
