Home / Health / Women's Steroid Use Surges: New Dangers Emerge
Women's Steroid Use Surges: New Dangers Emerge
8 Dec
Summary
- Women's steroid use has increased significantly in recent years.
- Social media and fitness communities normalize performance-enhancing drugs.
- Unique irreversible side effects and toxic contaminants pose risks.
The landscape of gym-goers using steroids is shifting, with women now representing a growing demographic. While precise long-term data is limited, a 2024 review indicated about 4% of adult women have used anabolic steroids, a notable increase. This trend is further evidenced by a substantial rise in seized steroids nationally.
The escalation in women's steroid use is attributed to several factors, including the booming popularity of strength sports like powerlifting and bodybuilding, and the pervasive influence of social media. "Fitfluencers" often showcase dramatic transformations, normalizing performance-enhancing drugs within online communities where women seek fitness advice.
Beyond common steroid risks, women face unique, irreversible side effects. Emerging research also highlights the danger of toxic contaminants like lead and arsenic in underground products. Addressing this requires improved health promotion tailored for women, leveraging social media for accurate information, and reducing stigma in healthcare to encourage early support seeking.
