Women's Experiences of Using Anabolic Androgenic Steroids

Abstract

Anabolic androgenic steroids are used by women to increase their muscle mass and because of their performance-enhancing effects. Despite permanent/high risk of side effects, knowledge is inadequate. Our aim has been to deepen understanding about women's use of anabolic androgenic steroids. This phenomenological study is based on the reflective lifeworld research (RLR) approach. Lifeworld interviews were conducted with 12 women, aged 21–56 years, about their experiences of using anabolic steroids. The results show that women experience a sense of pride when they successfully achieve their goals. This is the driving force, triggering tension between suffering and success. Our research adds important knowledge from a reflective lifeworld perspective and shows that women's use of anabolic androgenic steroids is a complex phenomenon. Understanding and knowledge are important in order to be able to meet and support women in their fears and difficulties.

Rethinking Women’s “Performance and Image-Enhancing Drug Consumption”: An Agenda for Ontopolitically-Oriented Research

“…The potential for virilization or “masculinizing” side-effects features in almost all research on women’s consumption (Havnes et al, 2021; Huang & Basaria, 2018). Studies suggest that women are concerned about becoming “too” muscular, developing excessive body hair, clitoral enlargement, voice deepening, changes to the menstrual cycle and increased libido (Abrahin et al, 2017; Börjesson et al, 2021; Sverlersspm et al, 2020; Van Hout & Hearne, 2016). One of only a few qualitative studies conducted with women focuses on virilization effects.…”

Annual banned‐substance review—Analytical approaches in human sports drug testing 2021/2022–

“…Comprehensive and extended analytical retrospectivity for AASs have been subject of continued research, but also advanced means facilitating the differentiation of natural and endogenously produced steroids from synthetic substances as well as enhancing the understanding of metabolic pathways depending on drug amounts or application routes. 102 In the light of the considerable health risks associated with AASs, both physically [38][39][40][41][42][43] and psychologically, [44][45][46] detection and containment in recreational as well as elite sport remains critical. 103 Here, the utility of luteinizing hormone (LH) was revisited and reported to represent a sensitive marker for current androgen abuse, 47 which, in concert with established targeted testing approaches, can contribute further insights into the prevalence and misuse of steroidal substances.…”

Mixed-methods research on androgen abuse – a review

“…For men, a wide range of further motivations are reported including: occupational, improved appearance, aggression, personal security, psychological well being (boosting self-esteem or confidence), sexual attraction, physiological recovery or injury prevention, overcoming depression, curiosity, trainers’ approval, family influence, media influence, peer influence, use of androgens as a social norm, for sporting or competitive activities, preparation for crime, concealing concomitant substance use, becoming brave, increasing sex drive, or fat loss [12–14]. The authors suggest deeper underlying motivation for use by men, relating to the internalisation of western hegemonic masculine ideals [6 ▪ ,15]. There are fewer studies on motivations for androgen abuse in women, but studies have found that female androgen users are more likely to take part in competitive sports [4,16].…”

“…There is a need for a deeper understanding to support people who use androgens, particularly in relation to specific vulnerabilities for abuse, the stigma faced and to encourage harm minimisation [15,23,24]. Mixed-methods studies allow for a diverse range of researchers to explore complexities of use.…”