As women’s bodybuilding gains popularity, a concerning trend is also on the rise—the increasing use of illegal steroids among female athletes. According to a report from ABC’s Life Matters, growing pressure to achieve a muscular physique is driving more women to turn to performance-enhancing drugs (PEDs), often without fully understanding the health risks involved.
Unlike their male counterparts, women face unique physiological consequences from steroid use, including voice deepening, facial hair growth, and reproductive system changes. Experts warn that many female users obtain these substances through unregulated channels, making it even harder to monitor safety and dosage.
The report also highlights the lack of open conversation and education around steroid use in women’s bodybuilding. Stigma and secrecy continue to keep this issue in the shadows, despite its growing prevalence.
For a deeper look at this topic, read the full feature here: Women bodybuilding and the growing use of illegal steroids. Courtesy of ABC Life Matters.