A new study published in Drug and alcohol screening has provided important insights into the challenges and risks faced by women who use anabolic and androgenic steroids (AAS).

Although these substances are illegal in Australia, changing ideals regarding body aesthetics and the growing popularity of sports such as powerlifting are pushing more and more women to extreme measures.

Since steroid use has previously been considered primarily a male issue, the study highlighted the gender-specific barriers women faced in obtaining safe and reliable AAS and the urgent need for tailored harm reduction interventions.

Lead researcher Dr. Tim Piatkowski said women are increasingly turning to steroids to meet the demands of competitive sport and a fitness culture that emphasizes building muscle.

“It is important to understand the motivations and health risks associated with this trend,” he said. “By focusing on women’s experiences with anabolic steroids, we can begin to fill the significant knowledge gap in sports medicine and develop more effective support and intervention strategies.”

Dr. Piatkowski also emphasized that there are many unknowns for anyone using steroids since it is an illegal substance.

“The lack of accountability in the black market seriously endangers the health of all users, and access to information and medical support is difficult.

“Men and women have different ideas when it comes to taking AAS. Yet products advertised for women can often contain undesirable compounds such as testosterone, which can lead to unintended and potentially harmful side effects.”

These side effects may include masculinizing effects such as a deeper voice or facial hair, as well as acne, menstrual irregularities, clitoral enlargement, and psychological distress.

Worldwide estimates suggest that about 4% of women use AAS, but among female bodybuilders this figure has increased significantly to almost 17%.

In countries (outside Australia) where the use of AAS is legal, approximately 60% of users sought advice or obtained prescriptions from licensed physicians.

In Australia, however, users generally concealed their use from their doctors.

The survey highlighted the need for medication review services specifically designed for women who use AAS.

Such services could verify the authenticity and safety of AAS products and thus help mitigate the risks associated with counterfeit substances.

The research team also advocated for better female-targeted education on the use of AAS, so-called “steroid literacy,” to give women the knowledge they need to make informed decisions and to reduce the health risks associated with the use of AAS.