Archive · 8 Dec 2025
More Women Using Steroids, Often Unaware of Risks
More women are using steroids, especially in bodybuilding and strength sports.
This is partly because of social media influencers and the growing popularity of these sports.
However, many women don't know the serious risks, which include facial hair, voice changes, and even heart problems.
Some steroids also contain dangerous chemicals.
To help, experts suggest better education, using social media to spread accurate information, and reducing the stigma so women can seek medical help without fear.
Women now represent a growing share of steroid users, with about 4% of adult women having used them at least once.
Nearly 17% of women bodybuilders report using steroids, and rates are higher in strength sports communities.
The increase in steroid use among women is linked to the rise of strength sports, social media influence, and encouragement from male partners or coaches.
Women face unique and irreversible side effects, including facial hair, voice deepening, infertility, and severe mood changes.
Many underground steroid products contain toxic contaminants like lead, arsenic, and cadmium, posing long-term health risks.
- Who
- Women, particularly those in strength sports and fitness communities
- What
- Increasing use of anabolic steroids among women
- When
- Since 2014, with a notable rise in recent years
- Where
- Globally, including Australia
- Why
- Influence of strength sports, social media, and male partners or coaches
- Percentage of adult women using steroids (2024)
- 4%
- Percentage of women bodybuilders using steroids
- 17%
- Increase in steroids seized in Australia (2011-2021)
- 1,372%
- Common side effects in women
- Facial hair, voice deepening, infertility, breast reduction, acne, hair loss, clitoral enlargement, mood changes
- Long-term risks
- Heart disease, stroke, liver damage, mental health problems
- Contaminants in underground steroids
- Lead, arsenic, cadmium