Why Do Females Use Steroids? 5 Harmful Side Effects! There was a time when words like muscular and strong were associated with only men. But those days are gone now. Females are out of the kitchen, and they're doing all sorts of things that were only related to men. With each passing day, more and more females are getting interested in bodybuilding, which is a good thing that is happening in the fitness industry. However, as we know, every coin has two sides, which means there’s always something bad in good. Simply put, it's a well-known fact, the use of steroids is one of the negative sides of the fitness industry and females have also started using them. But the question is why have they started using these harmful anabolic substances? Keep reading to know the answer. Why Females Use Steroids? As we discussed earlier, many females are getting interested in gymming for fitness, which is a good thing. But they have also gotten involved in the dark side of this industry. And using steroids to perform better in a bodybuilding competition or in any athletic sport is the best example of that. Furthermore, the second most common reason for females to use steroids is to look better and achieve a more toned physique. Females who are so obsessed with their physical appearance think of steroids as a body-shaping drug, and that can be extremely harmful. While steroids increase strength by improving muscle mass, which is crucial for achieving a desirable body shape or performing better in the gym, these benefits come at the cost of life-threatening side effects. Side Effects of Using Steroids in Females A study shows that the use of steroids in teen girls can lead to high-risk behaviors, such as using another harmful substance, having suicidal thoughts, and mating with more than one partner in a very short period of time. Here are some other side effects of anabolic steroids in females: #1. Extreme Mood Changes It's a well-known fact—females are, by nature, more emotional, and they tend to experience mood changes frequently. The use of steroids can take these normal mood changes to an extreme level. These performance-enhancing drugs can mess up your head so badly that it may lead to homicidal rage. Furthermore, a number of studies have shown, the use of synthetic hormones can lead to psychological problems. It is because steroids affect the limbic system, which is responsible for balancing mood and hormones. Interference with the limbic system can lead to changes in behavior that may make a person more aggressive and violent. #2. Skin and Hair Problems Skin problems are one of the most common side effects of steroids. Many bodybuilders and athletes experience this. For example, developing acne on the body is considered a common sign of abusing anabolic steroids. You will be amazed to know, there is a form of acne, known as acne conglobata, that particularly develops when one abuses this performance-enhancing drug. Furthermore, those females who use this drug as a beauty enhancement should be aware because it can make their skin rough and harsh in texture. Additionally, Hair loss from steroid cycle is also very common. Hair problems like premature balding are related to it, no matter if you are male or female; this side effect can occur in anyone. #3. Developing Men-Like Features As we know, steroids are another name for synthetic testosterone, and testosterone is the male-dominant hormone. This makes it obvious why females who use this drug then develop features like men. Increasing facial hair is one of the most common issues women have to face while using these steroids. Furthermore, the deepening of voice is another anabolic steroid side effect in females. This happens because of an increase in testosterone and because testosterone is a male hormone, its overdominance makes the body start exhibiting male-like tendencies. #4. Negative Effect on Heart Health If you want to live longer, don't ever think of using steroids because it doesn't only have a mild effect like mood change and hair loss, but it also comes with some serious health problems like heart attack. It has been seen that the use of this synthetic drug can lead to a heart attack and stroke, irrespective of the user's age. It affects heart health by increasing the blood pressure. Steroids can have a negative effect on blood flow by disturbing the functioning of nitric acid, which is responsible for dilating the blood vessels. So, when the blood vessel is not dilated properly, it narrows the path of blood circulation, which results in hypertension that may lead to a heart attack. #5. Can Damage Kidney As we discussed earlier, the usage of steroids can cause high blood pressure, which can affect our heart health. But not many people know, high BP can also damage the kidney, which supports the filtration system of the body. According to data, oral steroids that come in the form of tablets can cause kidney issues more than any other form of steroids. It happens because steroids put an extra load on the kidney, which makes it work harder and this may result in kidney damage. So, a woman should immediately stop the use of steroids if she wishes to recover from this damage. Otherwise, it may lead to kidney failure. Furthermore, blotchy skin, yellowing of eyes, change in menstrual cycle and reduction of fat tissues of the breast are some other side effects of steroids in females. But above mentioned 5 are the most common ones. Final Takeaway Females have started using steroids to enhance their performance and achieve the desired body shape. However, one should not use these drugs for enhancing performance or to build muscle. This is because steroids have side effects that can vary from mild to harsh. Females who use it to enhance their physique should be careful because it can be the reason for developing skin problems and hair problems like premature balding. Furthermore, it can also have an effect on important organs - The Heart and The Kidney. XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX