Nandrolone is an anabolic-androgenic steroid (AAS) known for its ability to promote muscle growth, increase red blood cell production, and enhance bone density, and it has been used in both medical and non-medical contexts since its discovery. First synthesized in the late 1950s, nandrolone gained medical approval in the 1960s for conditions such as anemia, osteoporosis, and muscle-wasting diseases because of its relatively favorable anabolic-to-androgenic ratio compared with testosterone. Over time, its performance-enhancing effects led to widespread misuse in competitive sports and bodybuilding, prompting strict international regulation and its inclusion on anti-doping prohibited lists. Despite this, nandrolone and its derivatives such as nandrolone decanoate remain clinically relevant in controlled therapeutic settings, while their misuse continues to be monitored due to potential health risks and ethical concerns.
