Body wasting is an increasingly frequent AIDS-defining condition and it is becoming evident that women are not exempt from this complication of HIV. Although multicenter trials of megestrol acetate, dronabinol and growth hormone have not specifically excluded women, women have generally been underrepresented in these trials. This study hopes to generate data that will be substantial enough to perform an analysis that might determine whether there are gender-based differences in anabolic potential.

Patients will be randomized to receive either nandrolone decanoate or placebo every 2 weeks for 12 weeks of the study. All patients who complete the first 12 weeks of the study will be eligible to receive open-label nandrolone for the subsequent 12 weeks.

Inclusion Criteria

You may be eligible for this study if you:

• Are an HIV-positive woman over 13 years old (need consent if under 18).
• Have lost weight over the past 12 months.
• Are able to eat almost enough to maintain your current weight.
• Agree to practice abstinence or use effective methods of birth control.
• Are on a stable anti-HIV drug regimen or have not been on any anti-HIV drug regimen for the past 30 days.

Exclusion Criteria

You will not be eligible for this study if you:

• Are allergic to nandrolone.
• Have a history of cervical cancer, diabetes, cardiomyopathy or congestive heart failure, or are taking certain medications.
• Have an active opportunistic (HIV-associated) infection or another major illness within 30 days of study entry.
• Have an abnormal PAP smear.
• Have difficulty eating (are on tube-feeding, for example).
• Have severe nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea.
• Have Kaposi's sarcoma (unless stable) or are receiving chemotherapy or radiation for any type of cancer.
• Are pregnant or breast-feeding.