Nandrolone esters are used in the treatment of anemias, cachexia (wasting syndrome), osteoporosis, breast cancer, and for other indications. They are not used by mouth and instead are given by injection into muscle or fat.

Nandrolone esters were first described and introduced for medical use in the late 1950s. They are among the most widely used AAS worldwide.[8] In addition to their medical use, nandrolone esters are used to improve physique and performance, and are said to be the most widely used AAS for such purposes.

The positive effects of nandrolone esters include muscle growth, appetite stimulation and increased red blood cell production, and bone density.