The muscle building effect of Nandrolone Decanoate is quite noticeable, but not dramatic. The slow onset and mild properties of this anabolic steroid therefore make it more suited for cycles with a longer duration. In general one can expect to gain muscle weight at about half the rate of that with an equal amount of testosterone. A cycle lasting eight to twelve weeks seems to make the most sense, expecting to elicit a slow, even gain of quality mass. Although active in the body for much longer, Nandrolone Decanoate is usually injected once per week. The dosage for men is usually in the range of 200-600mg. If looking to be specific, it is believed that Nandrolone Decanoate will exhibit its optimal effect (best gain/side effect ratio) at around 2mg per pound of bodyweight/weekly. Nandrolone Decanoate is also a popular anabolic steroid among female bodybuilders. They take a much lower dosage on average than men of course, usually around 50mg weekly. Although only slightly androgenic, women are occasionally confronted with virilization symptoms when taking Nandrolone Decanoate. Should this become a concern, the shorter acting nandrolone Durabolin would be a safer option.