What Is 19-Norandrosterone

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Last updated: April 14, 2026

Quick Answer: 19-Norandrosterone is a metabolite of nandrolone, an anabolic steroid banned in sports since the 1980s. It is detectable in urine for up to 18 months after use, making it a key marker in anti-doping tests.

Key Facts

19-Norandrosterone is a urinary metabolite of the anabolic steroid nandrolone
Nandrolone was banned by the International Olympic Committee in 1974
Detection window for 19-Norandrosterone can extend up to 18 months post-use
Levels above 2 ng/mL in urine trigger adverse analytical findings in WADA tests
Found in some prohormone supplements marketed before 2005

Overview

19-Norandrosterone is a steroid metabolite primarily associated with the use of nandrolone, a synthetic anabolic steroid. It is not naturally produced in significant quantities in the human body and is considered a biomarker for doping when detected in urine samples.

First identified in the 1970s, 19-Norandrosterone became a focal point in anti-doping efforts as athletic organizations sought reliable methods to detect performance-enhancing drugs. Its long detection window and specificity to nandrolone make it a critical compound in sports drug testing.

Metabolic origin: 19-Norandrosterone is formed when the liver processes nandrolone, a synthetic testosterone derivative used to increase muscle mass and strength.
Detection method: Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) is used to identify 19-Norandrosterone in urine at concentrations as low as 2 ng/mL.
Regulatory status: Classified as a prohibited substance by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) since its founding in 1999, with strict threshold limits.
Natural occurrence: Trace amounts may appear in women and elderly individuals, but levels above 5 ng/mL are considered suspicious.
Historical case: In 2002, sprinter Kelli White tested positive for 19-Norandrosterone, leading to a two-year ban and stripped medals.

How It Works

Understanding 19-Norandrosterone requires examining its biochemical pathway and how it is processed in the body after nandrolone administration. The compound serves as a stable end-product of metabolism, allowing laboratories to confirm past steroid use even months after ingestion.

Nandrolone: A synthetic anabolic steroid derived from testosterone, commonly used to enhance athletic performance and increase lean muscle mass.
Hepatic metabolism: After injection, nandrolone is broken down in the liver into metabolites including 19-Norandrosterone, which is then excreted in urine.
Excretion timeline: Detectable levels can persist for up to 18 months in some users, especially with chronic or high-dose use.
False positives: Rare cases linked to high-dose testosterone therapy or consumption of certain meat products contaminated with bovine hormones.
Threshold limit: WADA sets a reporting threshold of 2 ng/mL in urine; exceeding this triggers an adverse analytical finding.
Testing protocol: Samples undergo initial screening with immunoassays, followed by confirmatory GC-MS analysis to identify 19-Norandrosterone with high specificity.

Comparison at a Glance

Below is a comparison of 19-Norandrosterone with other common steroid metabolites used in doping control.

Compound	Parent Steroid	Detection Window	WADA Status	Typical Threshold
19-Norandrosterone	Nandrolone	Up to 18 months	Prohibited	2 ng/mL
Epitestosterone	Testosterone	2–3 weeks	Monitored	T/E ratio >4:1
Stanozolol metabolite	Stanozolol	3–10 weeks	Prohibited	Unspecified
Chlorodehydromethyltestosterone	DHCMT	2–3 weeks	Prohibited	Unspecified
19-Noretiocholanolone	Norandrostenedione	Up to 12 months	Prohibited	2 ng/mL

The extended detection period of 19-Norandrosterone makes it one of the most reliable markers for long-term doping surveillance. Unlike shorter-lived metabolites such as epitestosterone, its persistence allows anti-doping agencies to catch users even after the performance-enhancing effects have worn off.

Why It Matters

19-Norandrosterone plays a crucial role in maintaining fairness and integrity in competitive sports. Its detection has led to numerous high-profile disqualifications and has shaped anti-doping policies worldwide.

Anti-doping enforcement: Over 1,200 athletes tested positive for nandrolone metabolites between 1998 and 2008, many due to 19-Norandrosterone detection.
Legal implications: Positive tests can result in multi-year bans, loss of medals, and criminal charges in countries with strict anti-doping laws.
Supplement regulation: The presence of prohormones that convert to nandrolone led the U.S. Congress to pass the Designer Anabolic Control Act in 2014.
Medical research: Studies on 19-Norandrosterone have improved understanding of steroid metabolism and endocrine disruption.
Forensic value: Its long half-life allows retrospective analysis in retesting stored samples from past competitions.
Public health: Awareness of its risks has discouraged misuse among amateur athletes and bodybuilders.

As testing technologies advance, 19-Norandrosterone remains a benchmark in the fight against performance-enhancing drugs. Its scientific reliability and regulatory significance ensure it will continue to be monitored in elite sports for the foreseeable future.