Experts Warn of Public-Health Risk as More Women Turn to Steroids

For decades, steroid use has been stereotypically associated with hyper-muscular men, like Arnold Schwarzenegger or modern-day shirtless influencers like “the Liver King.” But that image is rapidly shifting. Women now account for a growing share of steroid users, signalling an urgent need to rethink harm-minimisation strategies that have long targeted men alone.

Although long-term global data remain patchy, emerging research points to a notable rise. A 2024 systematic review found that around 4% of adult women worldwide have used anabolic steroids at least once, up from 1.6% in 2014. Among women bodybuilders, usage jumps to nearly 17%, or roughly one in six, with similarly elevated rates in strength sports and recreational lifting communities. While Australia lacks comprehensive national statistics, the trend is mirrored in enforcement data: steroid seizures increased an astonishing 1,372% between 2011–12 and 2020–21, soaring from 33.7kg to 496.8kg. Analysts say this likely reflects the global boom in women’s strength training since 2021.

The surge in women's participation in weightlifting, powerlifting, and bodybuilding has undeniably opened empowering spaces, places where women feel strong, capable, and confident. But these same communities can also introduce users to online subcultures where performance-enhancing drugs are normalised. Social media amplifies this exposure. Instagram, Tiktok, and YouTube are saturated with "fitfluencers" flaunting dramatic transformations; some openly promote steroid cycles or other chemical shortcuts in the pursuit of the "perfect body." And qualitative research from Australia and Scandinavia shows many women are introduced to steroid use by partners, friends, or coaches who frame it as essential for progress or competition.

The dangers, however, are significant and often irreversible.
Women face unique health risks from anabolic steroids, including:

• facial and body hair growth
• deepening of the voice
• menstrual disruption or infertility
• breast tissue reduction
• acne and hair loss
• clitoral enlargement
• severe mood changes such as anxiety and irritability

Beyond these biological effects, new Australian studies reveal a more insidious threat: many underground steroid products contain toxic contaminants like lead, arsenic, and cadmium, metals linked to cancer, cardiovascular disease, and organ damage. Long-term consequences such as heart disease, stroke, liver damage, and mental health disorders remain among the most under-discussed risks.

Compounding the problem is a stark information gap. Because most research has focused on men, many women know far less about the dangers. Stigma intensifies the issue: women often report harsher judgment in medical settings, and some avoid healthcare altogether, increasing their vulnerability to complications.

Experts stress that cracking down on steroids alone will not reverse the trend. Nor will moralistic appeals for women to “just say no.” Instead, evidence points to three strategies that could make a real difference:

Experts argue that women need targeted, evidence-based health education on steroid risks, as most existing information is written by and for men. They also stress the importance of reaching women on the platforms where many first encounter steroid-related content. By collaborating with credible female fitness influencers, health agencies can counter misinformation and promote safer training practices directly within online communities.

At the same time, reducing healthcare stigma is critical. Training clinicians to offer non-judgmental support would encourage more women to seek medical advice early, rather than avoid services for fear of criticism. With women's participation in strength sports rapidly increasing, experts warn that failing to address these shifting patterns could have significant public-health consequences, making gender-specific interventions more urgent than ever.