Laurabolin is a popular trade name for the oil based injectable steroid nandrolone laurate. This steroid is a pronounced anabolic, with only moderately androgenic properties. As this is a nandrolone product, the effect is comparable to that of Deca-Durabolin® (nandrolone decanoate). Aside from releasing the same steroid hormone, the two products also stay active in the body for a very similar period of time. Both compounds are extremely long acting, the decanoate ester sustaining a notable release of nandrolone for about three to four weeks while Laurabolin should remain active the full four (the laurate ester is only two carbon atoms longer). The main difference between these two compounds is really the field in which they are applied. Deca-Durabolin® is generally a human use item while Laurabolin is exclusively used in veterinary medicine. This of course is of little concern to athletes, finding Laurabolin a welcome, and often reasonably priced substitute for Deca. Since veterinary items are usually held in a slightly lower regard however, Deca is usually the preference if both steroids are available.
Nandrolone is similar in structure to testosterone, although it lacks a carbon atom at the 19th position (which explains its other given name 19-nortestosterone). This feature causes it to exhibit much weaker androgenic properties than testosterone. This is primarily due to the fact that unlike testosterone, nandrolone does not break down into the harsh metabolite dihydrotestosterone. Although it is altered by the same enzyme (5a-reductase), the product here is a much milder hormone, dihydronandrolone (less active than the parent nandrolone). Side effects like oily skin, acne, body/facial hair growth and hair loss therefore occur much less frequently than if using an androgen such an injectable testosterone. Androgenic effects can still become apparent with nandrolone (as with all anabolic/androgenic steroids) however, but usually only when high dosages are used. Laurabolin (and Deca) is also not the ideal steroid for female athletes. The much faster acting Durabolin® (nandrolone phenylpropionate) should be preferred, as with it blood hormone levels are easier for the user to control (you don't have to wait 3 or 4 weeks to get it out of your system if there is a problem).
Laurabolin also display a relatively low tendency for estrogen conversion. The rate in which nandrolone converts has been estimated to be roughly 20% of that seen with testosterone, quite a considerable difference. This is because in many active sites of aromatase activity such as adipose tissue, nandrolone interacts poorly with this enzyme. The liver remains as the primary site of aromatization for nandrolone, as tissues here are shown to aromatize both it and testosterone with similar efficacy. Consequently estrogen related side effects are generally not a major concern with this steroid. The possibility for gynecomastia cannot be excluded however, but is usually only seen among very sensitive individuals or those taking very large doses. Water retention may appear with this steroid to some extent, but again, is usually only a mild occurrence when the drug is taken at normal therapeutic levels. In the unlikely event that estrogen related side effects become too pronounced during a cycle, the addition of Proviron® and/or Nolvadex® should prove to be more than a sufficient remedy.
In general, all of the side effects associated with androgen use will be greatly reduced with a nandrolone. Likewise Laurabolin, and other nandrolones, are extremely well tolerated by their users. This clearly makes these compounds an exceptional choice for the athlete who wants to gain muscle mass, yet is conscious about possible health effects. Although new muscle growth is likely going to be less pronounced than what is seen with an equal dose of testosterone, it will no doubt be of a higher quality (greater definition). One can also expect to retain a larger percentage of gained weight after the cycle is concluded, not having the same water loss of a testosterone to deal with. Nandrolone injectables can still interfere with endogenous testosterone production however, despite the fact that estrogen conversion is not pronounced.The use of a testosterone stimulating compound like Clomid®/ Nolvadex® and/or HCG may therefore still be necessary when discontinuing a cycle however, especially after taking the drug for longer periods.
Although active for much longer, most users opt to inject this drug at least weekly. For men, the ordinary dosage each week is in the range of 200-400mg. Although the anabolic effect would likely be amplified at a slightly higher dose, it is difficult to inject this much if you are using a product in the strength of 50mg/mL. Some do find it possible to inject 500-600mg with the Intervet product, but I cannot imagine this practice being very comfortable. Women who do choose this compound will generally keep to the dosage range of 50 to 10Omg per week. To further reduce the chance for virilization symptoms, the interval between injections can be expanded to prevent high peaks in blood hormone level.
Just as with Deca, Laurabolin is quite versatile. Although it is a strong enough anabolic to use alone, it is most often combined with other steroids. For bulking, it fits comfortably with androgens like Dianabol, testosterone, or Anadrol 50®. In this case it can allow the user exceptional mass gains, while at the same time keeping the androgen dosage to an effective but comfortable level. For cutting we can add an oral anabolic like Winstrol® or Primobolan®. Here we are looking to minimize the water and fat retention usually associated with excess estrogen. We can further add a non-aromatizing androgen like Halotestin®, Proviron® or trenbolone. This should further enhance the level of hardening and fat loss attained during the cycle, making for a harder and more defined physique.
U.S. bodybuilders were recently taken aback with the release of a 250mg version of nandrolone laurate (Laurdrol 250) from the Mexican veterinary drug firm Loeffler. This is five times the strength of all preceding products, and similarly is the only nandrolone laurate product athletes are really looking for right now. I have not run lab tests to confirm Loeffler is accurately dosing the product; however, this has been an issue in the past with this company. Still, even if underdosed you should still be assured to get a much higher concentration of steroid than Intervet will ever provide you. Loeffler has released several products lately in this high strength in fact, which is clearly representative of the new trend in this country to produce newer and ever more potent anabolic compounds.
The Intervet brand name Laurabolin product from Mexico is still circulating, and can usually be trusted. Note that Intervet has shipped vials of Laurabolin to Mexico that come without sealed caps (the rubber stopper is exposed). This presents a problem to the buyer, as you may not be able to tell if someone had adulterated the contents of the vial before it reached your hands. It would be quite easy to use a high gauge needle to remove some or all of the contents, leaving a mark in the rubber that is so small it will be difficult to spot with the naked eye. Therefore, it may be best to purchase Laurabolin only from a vet pharmacy in Mexico directly, and not on the open black market.
In the past, Fortabol was found on very rare occasion in the U.S. This product includes 20mg nandrolone laurate with an added amount of Vitamin A.Since the dosage is so low, this brand is really only beneficial to women. This brand has been very quiet as of late, and may have discontinued the product.
Although even less common than other brands, Intervet sells Laurabolin in a couple of European countries. These are, of course, of similar reliability to Mexican Laurabolin.