Nilevar

strongarm

Trusted Member
Nilevar

Nilevar
(norethandrolone)
Nilevar was one of the first oral steroids available in the United States. It was essentially Searle´s answer to Ciba´s Dianabol (Methandrostenolone), which was released that same year. In fact, with respect to Nilevar´s effects on weight gain, anabolism, and water-retention, it is frequently compared to Dianabol. Seven years prior, to the release of Nilevar, the Mayo Clinic heralded the dramatic effectiveness of cortisone in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. This in turn stimulated tremendous interest in all facets of steroid chemistry, endocrinology, and related fields. G. D. Searle & Co. promptly initiated a major effort in steroid research, with the objective of discovering better steroidal compounds than were previously available, and new steroids that could be used for conditions for which no other compounds were available. This effort resulted in the introduction of Norethandrolone, marketed in 1956 as Nilevar, the first anabolic agent with a favorable separation between protein building and virilization (which is the development of androgynous characteristics). (1) Paradoxically, in men, only weak androgenic effects are found (possibly because it is deactivated by 5-alpha-reductase, which we don´t need to delve into, just remember that in men, only mild androgenic effects are generally seen), though in women virilization is very common (for women this would mean developing male physiological characteristics: a deepening of the voice, the growth of extra body hair, and a tendency to leave the toilet seat up). I wouldn´t recommend this drug for use by female athletes, not only due to these side- effects but also due to some issues with infertility, which are also possible in females, though probably not with males(5)(6) . The anabolic effect of this drug is moderate, and this is probably due to its moderately strong binding to the Androgen Receptor (this makes it quite different from Dianabol, which has a poor binding to the Androgen Receptor) as well as it´s ability to stimulate protein synthesis (which it has in common with Dianabol) and stop protein catabolism (7). Nilevar was Searle´s first unique entry into the world of AAS, and it was this drug that eventually led to the research and develpoment of the much less androgenic and estrogenic/progesteronic Oxandrolone (Anavar) a decade later, and the resulting decline in popularity and use of Nilevar.

As you will see, though, Nilevar still has it´s own niche and purpose in athletics and bodybuilding, and can be an important part of either a cutting or bulking stack...but I´m getting ahead of myself, and we need to understand a few basics about Nilevar first.

A quick look at the molecular structure of this drug tells us that it is a 19-nor steroid, which means that it could/should possess some of the same characteristics as Nandrolone, which is why it is often referred to as "Oral Deca". Although this is a gross oversimplification of this drug, it´s the easiest place to start when describing this compound. Norethandrolone, shares many characteristics with the injectable Nandrolones; it aromatizes and it is also a progestin. This means that it can convert to estrogen (since it aromatizes) and also fits into and stimulates the progesterone receptor (being a progestin). And unfortunately, progestins fall into the category of being severely gonadotrophin suppressive compounds) (3), and it also means that most ancillaries aren´t going to have 100% of their desired effect, and Nolvadex especially won´t help, and could actually hurt you by increasing progesterone receptors (4). The 19-nor structure of this compound, very much like injectable Nandrolone, indicates that this drug can shut down your natural Testosterone production and HPTA (which is the term used to describe a whole host of interdependent hormones and processes within your endocrine system). It does all of this while also causing side effects such as gyno, acne, and water retention (the dreaded "smooth look"). If I were going to use Nilevar, I´d strongly consider having anti-progesteronic compounds on hand (preferably Bromocriptine which I´d take at a dose of 2.5mgs/day, and perhaps some Letrozole, which I´d use at .5mg/day to fight water retention and estrogen) as well as the typical ancillaries used with other AAS, as those generally only fight/eliminate the process that causes AAS to convert to estrogen or fight/eliminate the estrogen itself. Sadly, we´re fighting side effects from both estrogen and progesterone when we use Nilevar. On the positive side of being a 19-nor compound, it must be noted that you also can reap many of the positive effects of other such compounds including a relatively strong bind to the Androgen Receptor, which is positively correlated with lypolysis (fat-burning). (2). Although at first glance, I´d say that you should consider Nilevar as a "bulking" type of drug, I´m speculating that if you use something to keep the water-retention to a minimum while using this compound (for this purpose, I´ve already reccomended Femera) , it can successfully be used in a cutting cycle. Users who experience joint pains may find similar relief with Nilevar as they would with Deca, sadly, though, as Nilevar is an oral steroid, it can´t be used for the same length of time as Deca, so it´s use for joint relief is probably contraindicated by possible issues with hepatoxicity (Liver Toxicity) stemming from its being 17 alpha-alkylated. On the bright side, since it is orally active and not estrified like the injectable 19-nor drugs (like Deca), it´s metabolites will most likely clear your body in much less time than with the injectables, the most common estimate being roughly 5 weeks. I´ll also speculate that a novel use for this drug may be in the middle/end portion of a heavy bulking or powerlifting cycle (which doesn´t include another 19-nor compound), when Nilevar can be used for a month or so when the heaviest lifting is involved, and the joint relief (and obviously the anabolic effect) it provides could allow the athlete to lift heavier than would normally be possible. There are many other oral
 
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