The Female Perspective: Steroids and Women in Bodybuilding
Bodybuilders have used androgenic steroids for long to build muscle mass and enhance performance.
Hence, steroids are now being used by women in bodybuilding as well. This article will discuss the best steroids to use for Women Bodybuilders.
Let us trace the relationship between steroids and women in bodybuilding.
Historical Context and Current Trends
In the early 20th century, a lean, petite, and feminine physique was preferred for women. Therefore, women in bodybuilding were rare. However, despite resistance, women like Rachel McLish pioneered women in bodybuilding and challenged traditional conventions of women’s sports and beauty standards.
In the late 20th century, around the 1980s and 1990s, steroids entered the picture in women’s sports. This was due to the increased appeal of a toned, defined, and built body with muscles. Additionally, being bulky and growing muscle became markers of fitness. Moreover, a rising concern over the side effects of steroids in women’s bodybuilding led to anti-doping movements.
Currently, steroids are urged to be taken in a more regulated manner. The focus has shifted to holistic growth and fitness. Being bulky is not synonymous with well-being, and a broader range of categories is promoted. For example, a balanced diet, a more inclusive approach to women’s bodybuilding, and an emphasis on being athletic.
Health and Physiological Considerations
There are several reasons why steroids are taken by women in bodybuilding. While the benefits are many, some health considerations must be considered.
First, let’s look at the reasons behind steroid use:
The Perfect Female Body
In striving for the ideal feminine body, women take steroids to manage their anxiety, build muscles, and look fit and toned.
Increasing Self-esteem
Steroid usage has helped women with body dysmorphia, eating disorders, and a history of body-shaming to accept and love their bodies by assisting them to achieve their perfect bodies.
Staying In Touch With One’s Femininity
To avoid masculinizing themselves, women in bodybuilding carefully regulate their steroid usage such that muscle development doesn’t lead to losing touch with femininity.
Feeling Of Empowerment
Plenty of women feel empowered about the fact that the agency of their bodies and their appearance now is under their control, thanks to steroids.
And now, let us take a look at the health considerations that need to be kept in mind alongside steroid use:
Tendon Injuries
These are some of the most common injuries that can be caused by the change in biomechanics of a limb’s movement caused by steroid abuse.
Health Risks
The use of unclean needles to take steroids can cause irreversible damage like AIDS, hepatitis, and abscesses.
Signs Of Steroid Abuse
Steroids are potent and can be abused, which is why they are used under strict regulations. However, here are the signs you need to watch out for in women to identify steroid abuse:
- Acne
- Deepening of voice
- Male pattern balding
- Infertility
- Depression
- Moodiness
Best Steroids for Women
According to the National Health Service, UK, it is completely legal to consume anabolic steroids for personal use since they come under class-C drugs. They can only be issued by a pharmacist. However, according to a BBC article, steroid use among male bodybuilders has been increasing lately.
Let us now take a look at a list of the 10 best steroids for women in bodybuilding under different categories:
Top 5 Injectable Steroids
Used for treating low testosterone in men, this steroid enhances sexual features and strength while helping treat rapid weight loss in people.
Intex Pharma T400 is the best mass and muscle-building catalyst, a blend of various testosterone esters.
This steroid has an active life of 14 weeks and is beneficial in promoting hair growth, strengthening bones, and building muscle.
This injectable drug can be very useful to bodybuilders and athletes to boost body functions and help them gain weight. However, it might have more side effects.
This anabolic and androgenic steroid boosts stamina, immunity, and growth and stabilizes mood, making it popular amongst bodybuilders and wrestlers.
Top 5 Oral Steroids
This oral steroid is extremely beneficial for new muscle development and promotes growth even at a low dosage.
Anavar is widely renowned for being effective despite discontinued use due to its promising rise in intensity.
This steroid not only treats breast cancer but also prevents it from occurring in women post-menopause. Ultimately, it works by affecting estrogen production in the body.
This drug helps build new muscles and quickly repair damaged tissues. However, at a high dosage, this steroid can have adverse side effects.
Clomid is one of the most common steroids prescribed to women bodybuilders. It improves performance and stamina, which is much needed in sports.
Alternatives to Steroids and Emerging Trends
There are some excellent alternatives to steroids:
Supplements
Nutritional supplements are extremely important for holistic development and help build up muscle mass that lasts long and doesn’t depend on steroid use.
Cryotherapy
This cold exposure therapy shocks the body into cold, reduces inflammation, speeds up muscle recovery, and eliminates muscle soreness.
A Balanced Diet
There is little that a balanced diet can’t fix, and drugs can. Whole foods can contribute to the mental as well as physical well-being of any bodybuilder.
Neurostimulation
Neurostimulation techniques enhance cognitive functions and perfect motor skills for better focus and coordination.
Personalized Training
Genetic testing leading to personalized training optimizes routines and charts for maximum effectiveness of a sportsperson to achieve their best with their healthy bodies.
Nootropics
These cognitive enhancer substances boost focus and concentration and help achieve mental clarity to train hard.
Conclusion
Steroids have been an integral part of the bodybuilding industry for women to deal with beauty standards and self-esteem issues. However, women in bodybuilding are using steroids at the risk of developing irreversible health effects.
While more research still needs to be done, we hope this article was helpful for you to understand all about steroid use in women’s bodybuilding.
