Pushtoday
MuscleChemistry Registered Member
Women and steroids is a very controversial topic, and more so than the social controversy that already surrounds anabolic steroid use in general within the current social climate. This is due in large part because of the adverse side effects that females normally endure with anabolic steroid therapy, even in a medical and clinical setting. To those who do not understand anabolic steroids very well, the nature of this matter has placed a large amount of stigma and misconception upon anabolic steroids as they pertain to female use. Furthermore, there are even many medical professionals within the medical establishment that adhere strictly to the position that anabolic steroid therapy even for valid medical application in females should be avoided at all costs. Unfortunately, this does not change the fact that anabolic steroid use for the purpose of physique and performance enhancement among adult women continues to increase, and the use of these hormones for the purpose of performance and physique enhancement is by far a completely different story than their use as medicinal therapeutic agents within a medical setting.
It should be common knowledge that anabolic steroids are synthetic derivatives of the male hormone Testosterone. As such, they are properly and completely referred to as anabolic androgenic steroids (AAS). AAS are always by nature androgenic. Because of their natural properties and pharmacology, these hormones bind to and interact with the androgen receptor, which is the receptor site for these anabolic hormones that mediate anabolism (growth of muscle tissue) as well as the androgenic effects, such as male secondary sex characteristics. This includes effects naturally seen in males, such as deepening of the voice, growth of facial and bodily hair, and masculine features throughout the body. It stands to reason that a female that utilizes male hormones in an effort to increase athletic performance will expose herself to a greater probability of developing those side effects associated with androgyny. There are additional effects to be concerned with that are mostly due to the nature of the female physiology itself, as the female body is not optimally functional in a high-androgen environment, and vice-versa for males (the male physiology is not intended to support an excessive Estrogen-rich environment).
Nevertheless, women and steroids is a growing issue among the anabolic steroid using community, and even the majority of male anabolic steroid users tend to shun and condemn anabolic steroid use by female athletes and bodybuilders. Due to the nature of the subject of women and steroids, it is an issue that is driven underground even within the anabolic steroid using subculture. Information on harm reduction, proper usage, dosages, and cycle protocols for females is scarce. To make things worse, what information that does exist is wrought with dangerous misinformation, conjecture, and half-truth. Outside of the anabolic steroid using community, it is even worse. This article sets out to set things straight concerning women and steroids.
[h=3]History of Women and Steroids[/h]
The history of women and steroids is murky and does lack a great amount of detail. What we currently know about women and steroids is that the general history of anabolic steroids began in earnest in the 1930s with the discovery and isolation of Testosterone by German scientists. In the post-World War 2 era of the 1950s, the Soviet Union, armed with the obtained information and data from the defeated Nazi German government set out to utilize Testosterone on their own Olympic athletes. Needless to say, the Soviet Union dominated the male strength and speed contests of the Olympic Games. Soon afterwards, more variants and derivatives of Testosterone were developed (Dianabol, Equipoise, Winstrol, Primobolan, etc.). The use of anabolic steroids for performance and physique purposes quickly spread into bodybuilding in the 1960s and eventually to other major sports (American football, baseball, etc.) in the 1970s and onwards. How and where anabolic steroid use by females came into being by amateur athletes or even the regular everyday Jane gym goer is unknown if any even existed at the time. However, at the professional level during the late 1960s and 1970s, anabolic steroid use by female athletes was well underway, and this is perhaps the most available well-documented data to date that exists concerning women and steroids.
The first and most well-documented use of anabolic steroids by female athletes began in the late 1960s by East German Olympic athletes (both male and female). Although many nations and governments engaged in this activity to varying extents, East Germany was the first and most successful government for the longest time to implement a state-sponsored program designed to specifically and intentionally administer anabolic steroids to their Olympic athletes. In 1968, Chief Medical Officer of East Germany’s Olympic team, Dr. Manfred Hoeppner, developed and submitted a report to the East German government that recommended anabolic steroid administration and use to all of the East German Olympic athletes for the purpose of performance enhancement[1]. In addition to purposely increasing athletic performance, State Plan Research Theme 14.25 also had another specific purpose in mind: to circumvent and essentially cheat the anabolic steroid testing procedures. Under State Plan Research Theme 14.25, East German female Olympic athletes were administered anabolic steroids unbeknownst to them. Every single East German athlete under this program were informed that they were being given vitamins and nutritional supplements, though the reality was of course that they were really being administered anabolic steroids. Many of these anabolic steroids were also undetectable (at the time) primarily due to their relatively new development and unknown status.
Under this program, special emphasis was in fact placed on the administration of anabolic steroids to female athletes. The results of this treatment program, which continued for approximately 30 years, resulted in such spectacular performance increases in female athletes that the few competitors that were not utilizing anabolic steroids had little chance of matching, let alone winning against them. Dosages were steadily increased until the late 1970s when eventually the side effects and virilization began to manifest overtly in the female athletes, so much so that reporters and journalists were questioning the unusually deep voices and broad-shoulders of the East German female athletes.
Since that time, there have been many female athletes (both Olympic and non-Olympic athletes) that have utilized anabolic steroids and have been caught as well. One particularly well-known case is that of American Olympic athlete Marion Jones who was implicated in the BALCO scandal that involved many other athletes as well[2] [3]. The use of anabolic steroids by women today does not stop with professional athletes, but a small percentage of females that frequent gyms utilize anabolic steroids for noncompetitive purposes – a user group that for all intents and purposes did not exist two or more decades ago.
[h=3]Lack of Clinical Data on Female Anabolic Steroid Use for Performance Enhancement[/h]
Anabolic steroids have been used medically in the treatment of (primarily) female breast cancer[4] [5]. The use of anabolic steroids in female patients is extremely rare, and documented clinical data is even scarcer. Clinical data concerning the use of anabolic steroids by women is virtually nonexistent, and therefore solid empirical data does not exist and cannot be referenced concerning such a topic. Therefore, the majority of information from which to gather and form inferences from exists in the form of anecdotal evidence and the personal reports and experiences from female anabolic steroid users themselves. If any clinical studies are to be done on women and steroids for the purpose of performance and physique enhancement is unknown, and with the consideration of medical ethics and attitudes towards anabolic steroids in general considered, it is highly unlikely that such investigations and studies will ever be performed.
Medical References:
[1] Franke WW, Berendonk B. 1997. Hormonal doping and androgenization of athletes: a secret program of the German Democratic Republic government. Clin Chem. 43(7):1262-1279.
[2] Associated Press (December 12, 2007). “IOC strips Jones of all 5 Olympic medals”. MSNBC.com.
[3] “Jones Returns 2000 Olympic Medals”. Channel4.com. Retrieved October 8, 2007.
[4] Fujita H, Teller MN, Green S, Kreis W. 1983. Effects of 5-fluorouracil and 2 alpha-methyldihydrotestosterone propionate on the growth of human breast carcinoma MCF-7 in vitro. Eur J Cancer Clin Oncol. 1983 Sep;19(9):1231-7.
[5] Teller MN, Stock CC, Bowie M, Chou TC, Budinger JM. 1982. Therapy of 7,12-dimethylbenz(a)anthracene-induced rat mammary carcinomas with combinations of 5-fluorouracil and 2 alpha-methyldihydrotestosterone propionate. Cancer Res. 1982 Nov;42(11):4408-12.
****************************************************************************************************
[h=1]Side Effects For Women[/h]
Women and Steroids: Side Effects and Dangers
Overview
Naturally, the introduction of male hormones into the female body at supraphysiological levels for the purpose of bodybuilding, physique, and performance enhancement raises numerous concerns considering the natural female physiology. The female physiology in its natural state is not developed or ideal for such a hormonal environment, and there are some valid concerns and potential side effects associated with such a state. Side effects for females can be even more pronounced and more rapid than with male anabolic steroid users, and there are some additional unique concerns with females that are not present in males, such as the issue of female endocrine physiology in general, female-specific function of sex organs, menstrual cycle issues, and the possibility of birth defects if anabolic steroids are used during pregnancy.
Birth Defects
Anabolic steroid use during pregnancy is an unequivocal ‘no-no’ for females, as the use of androgenic anabolic steroids during this crucial developmental period can and will result in defects and abnormalities in the developing fetus, particularly virilization of the unborn child. This includes clitoromegaly (growth of the clitoris) in a female fetus, as well as pseudohermaphroditism (the simultaneous development of male and female sex organs in the fetus). The use (or even direct contact) with anabolic steroid products of any type should be avoided at all costs by pregnant females. Birth defects as a result of male anabolic steroid use (a man fathering a child) are not possible, but the use of anabolic steroids by pregnant women is directly linked to birth defects in unborn children.
Dysphonia (Deepening of the Voice)
As androgens are responsible for the male secondary sex characteristics, the development of a deeper voice is one of them. Androgen receptors exist in the tissues of the larynx and muscles involved in the vocal function of humans. High or prolonged exposure to androgenic anabolic steroids are what cause this change into a deeper voice in males during puberty and adulthood, and the same cause is true for those females who engage in excessive or chronic anabolic steroid use. Females are not naturally exposed to this magnitude of androgen exposure, and therefore do not develop these vocal changes naturally. The introduction of exogenous androgenic anabolic steroids, however, can cause this side effect to manifest in women who use anabolic steroids. This side effect is, of course, dose and duration dependent, and is normally slow to manifest with early warning symptoms. The first of these is a noticeable cracking and hoarsening of the voice[1]. These changes are normally identical to the same changes in pubescent males. If anabolic steroid use is not halted, the progress of these changes can be such that a distinct male-like voice in terms of pitch and tone can fully develop.
Anabolic steroids that are much stronger androgens are indeed higher-risk compounds in terms of this side effect, as the stronger androgenic nature can cause a much more rapid manifestation of dysphonia than those anabolic steroids that are not as strong in the area of androgenicity. Examples of strong androgenic compounds include Testosterone, Dianabol (Methandrostenolone), Trenbolone, Fluoxymesterone, and other similar strength compounds that can induce these rapid changes in vocal physiology[2] [3] [4] [5]. This is not to say that ‘mild’ anabolic steroids that exhibit lower androgenic strength ratings cannot produce the same side effect, however, as studies have demonstrated that with long enough exposure, anabolic steroids such as Anavar (Oxandrolone) and Deca-Durabolin (Nandrolone Decanoate) have produced dysphonia in women even when administered at therapeutic dosages and in medical settings[6] [7]. The cessation of all anabolic steroid use immediately upon first sign of symptoms should ensure that no further developments of this side effect occur. Most dysphonic changes prior to a certain point can revert, though it should be noted quite clearly that some vocal changes may be permanent, especially as the development of dysphonia progresses beyond a particular stage.
Clitoral Enlargement (Clitoromegaly)
The sex organs of males and females are developmentally related in many ways, and so they share the same responses to hormonal activity in the body. In this situation, clitoromegaly is characterized by the growth of the clitoris, even though male and female sex organs differentiate during development in the womb. Female sex organs are still very responsive into adulthood to androgenic hormones, and a dramatic rise in androgen levels via exogenous sources or otherwise can result in the enlargement of the clitoris. Being quite closely related to the male penis, the clitoris can eventually enlarge to the point where it resembles a penis and can even exhibit similar characteristics at that point (such as enlargement during sexual arousal).
As with all side effects, such development is dependent on the strength of the androgen used, the dosage, and duration of use. The effect of all of these factors should be very obvious to any reader: the stronger the androgen, the higher the dosage, and the longer the duration of use will provide enough hormonal stimulation to the clitoral tissues that significant and rapid clitoral hypertrophy (growth of the clitoris) can result. Once again, stronger androgens such as Testosterone, Trenbolone, Dianabol, etc. are likely to provide significant and rapid hormonal stimulation compared to anabolic steroids that are much milder in terms of androgenic strength, such as Anavar, Primoboloan, Nandrolone, etc. Clitoromegaly can progress from very minor almost unnoticeable growth to excessive enlargement of the clitoris when androgen levels in women remain high enough for long enough periods of time to facilitate this growth. Just as with dysphonia (deepening of the voice), changes in clitoral size are reversible prior to a certain point, provided anabolic steroid use is immediately halted upon notice of the first signs and symptoms. However, if left carelessly, growth can become more and more pronounced as anabolic steroid use continues until such point that clitoral growth and development achieves an irreversible stage, after which the only possibility of reversal rests with surgical reconstruction[8].
Increased Bodily and Facial Hair Growth (Hirsutism)
Hirsutism is characterized by the growth of bodily and facial hair identical to that seen in males (male-pattern hair growth). As with all side effects related to female anabolic steroid use, the intensity and rapidity of this side effect often begins with minor signs and symptoms, and is of course dependent on the strength of the androgenic anabolic steroid used, the dosage, and duration of use. As time progresses during anabolic steroid use, hirsutism can eventually result in more coarse and thick hair growth in undesirable areas on the female body. After a certain point in development, hair removal might be necessary. Other methods of prevention are available, such as the use of topical androgen blockers and other similar products.
Menstrual Cycle Disruptions and Irregularities (Amenorrhea)
The use of anabolic steroids in women can disrupt the menstrual cycle and temporarily interrupt fertility as well. This is naturally due to the disruption of endocrine balance as it relates to androgens and estrogens in the body. Menstrual cycles can end up being intermittent, absent, or very infrequent. Upon cessation of anabolic steroid use, the menstrual cycle should return to normal, though some females might require several months before the menstrual cycle is restored, and others might experience a very fast rebound to normal function.
Breast Size Reduction
Many anabolic androgenic steroids are anti-estrogenic in and of themselves, with some (such as Masteron) expressing direct anti-estrogenic effects in the body. As such, the interaction with receptor sites, enzymes, and other functions that involve Estrogen can result in a reduction in breast tissue and glandular size[9]. Some anabolic steroids have in fact been utilized exclusively in the treatment of female breast cancer, Masteron (Drostanolone) being one of them. With excessive androgen levels and/or the use of very strong androgens, significant tissue remodeling can occur.
Post Cycle Therapy for Women: To Do or Not to Do?
To date there has been no documented or published research conducted on the use of PCT agents on females for the purpose of restoring normal hormone function following a female anabolic steroid cycle. Anecdotal evidence tells us that very few females within the anabolic steroid using community engage in PCT protocols following the conclusion of anabolic steroid cycles. Logic should also tell us that females should not require PCT protocols, as the purpose of a PCT protocol is done so as to restore the HPTA (hypothalamic pituitary testicular axis) in male anabolic steroid users. It stands to reason that females do not possess testicles, and do not have any requirement for the restoration of Testosterone levels to any levels above a bare minimum trace after an anabolic steroid cycle. PCT medications such as Tamoxifen (Nolvadex), Clomiphene (Clomid), HCG (human chorionic gonadotropin), Arimidex (Anastrozole), Aromasin (Exemestane), and the whole plethora of other related compounds were originally developed and used to fight female breast cancer. While mostly beneficial for males in the restoration of the HPTA, there is not only no need for females to use these compounds, but the use of these compounds can and will result in a further disruption of normal hormonal function and many of them are also associated with a significant number of detrimental, uncomfortable, and inconvenient side effects in females.
Thus, female anabolic steroid users should steer absolutely clear of all traditional PCT compounds unless specifically prescribed by a physician. While some of these medications can aid in promoting fertility in females (such as HCG and Clomid, for example), they pose very tricky issues with the female endocrine physiology and should therefore be administered under the supervision of a qualified physician. Otherwise, female endocrine function should restore and normalize itself naturally without assistance in due time following the cessation of an anabolic steroid cycle. The lack of need for a PCT component is one particular advantage that female anabolic steroid users have over males. Although there are reports of some females within the anabolic steroid community engaging in PCT protocols following their cycles, there is no empirical evidence to support this, and these individuals might possibly be further complicating recovery efforts by utilizing these compounds. Until studies and such clinical evidence surfaces, conventional logic and what we know about the female endocrine physiology dictates that females should steer clear of the aforementioned PCT compounds.
[1] Baker J. 1999. A report on alterations to the speaking and singing voices of four women following hormone therapy with virilizing agents. J Voice. 13(4):196-507.
[2] Vuorenkoski V, Lenko HL, Tjernlund P, Vuorenkoski L, Perheentupa J. 1978. Fundamental voice frequency during normal and abnormal growth, and after androgen treatment. Arch Dis Child. 53(3):201-209.
[3] Acchiardo SR, Black WD. 1977. Fluoxymesterone therapy in anemia of patients on maintenance hemodialysis: comparison between patients with kidneys and anephric patients. J Dial. 1(4):357-366.
[4] Abdallah RT, Simon JA. 2007. Testosterone therapy in women: its role in the management of hypoactive sexual desire disorder. Int J Impot Res. 19(5):458-463. Epub 2007 Jun 21.
[5] Sorgo W, Zachmann M. 1982. Virilization caused by methandrostenolone-containing cream in 2 prepubertal girls. Helv Pardiatr Acta. 37(4):401-406.
[6] Andersson-Wallgren Gm Albertsson-Wikland K. 1994. Change in speaking fundamental frequency in hormone-treated patients with Turner’s syndrome – a longitudinal study of four cases. Acta Paediatr. 83(4):452-455.
[7] Gerritsma EJ, Brocaar MP, Hakkesteegt MM, Birkenhager JC. 1994. Virilization of the voice in post-menopausal women due to the anabolic steroid nandrolone decanoate (Decadurabolin). The effects of medication for one ear. Clin Otolaryngol Allied Sci. 19(1):79-84.
[8] Alper Aktas. 2004. Idiopathic isolated clitoromegaly: A report of two cases. Reproductive Health. 1:4.
[9] Slagter M, Gooren L. 2006. Effects of long-term androgen administration on breast tissue of female-to-male transsexuals. J Histochem Cytochem. 54(8):905-910.
It should be common knowledge that anabolic steroids are synthetic derivatives of the male hormone Testosterone. As such, they are properly and completely referred to as anabolic androgenic steroids (AAS). AAS are always by nature androgenic. Because of their natural properties and pharmacology, these hormones bind to and interact with the androgen receptor, which is the receptor site for these anabolic hormones that mediate anabolism (growth of muscle tissue) as well as the androgenic effects, such as male secondary sex characteristics. This includes effects naturally seen in males, such as deepening of the voice, growth of facial and bodily hair, and masculine features throughout the body. It stands to reason that a female that utilizes male hormones in an effort to increase athletic performance will expose herself to a greater probability of developing those side effects associated with androgyny. There are additional effects to be concerned with that are mostly due to the nature of the female physiology itself, as the female body is not optimally functional in a high-androgen environment, and vice-versa for males (the male physiology is not intended to support an excessive Estrogen-rich environment).
Nevertheless, women and steroids is a growing issue among the anabolic steroid using community, and even the majority of male anabolic steroid users tend to shun and condemn anabolic steroid use by female athletes and bodybuilders. Due to the nature of the subject of women and steroids, it is an issue that is driven underground even within the anabolic steroid using subculture. Information on harm reduction, proper usage, dosages, and cycle protocols for females is scarce. To make things worse, what information that does exist is wrought with dangerous misinformation, conjecture, and half-truth. Outside of the anabolic steroid using community, it is even worse. This article sets out to set things straight concerning women and steroids.
[h=3]History of Women and Steroids[/h]
The history of women and steroids is murky and does lack a great amount of detail. What we currently know about women and steroids is that the general history of anabolic steroids began in earnest in the 1930s with the discovery and isolation of Testosterone by German scientists. In the post-World War 2 era of the 1950s, the Soviet Union, armed with the obtained information and data from the defeated Nazi German government set out to utilize Testosterone on their own Olympic athletes. Needless to say, the Soviet Union dominated the male strength and speed contests of the Olympic Games. Soon afterwards, more variants and derivatives of Testosterone were developed (Dianabol, Equipoise, Winstrol, Primobolan, etc.). The use of anabolic steroids for performance and physique purposes quickly spread into bodybuilding in the 1960s and eventually to other major sports (American football, baseball, etc.) in the 1970s and onwards. How and where anabolic steroid use by females came into being by amateur athletes or even the regular everyday Jane gym goer is unknown if any even existed at the time. However, at the professional level during the late 1960s and 1970s, anabolic steroid use by female athletes was well underway, and this is perhaps the most available well-documented data to date that exists concerning women and steroids.
The first and most well-documented use of anabolic steroids by female athletes began in the late 1960s by East German Olympic athletes (both male and female). Although many nations and governments engaged in this activity to varying extents, East Germany was the first and most successful government for the longest time to implement a state-sponsored program designed to specifically and intentionally administer anabolic steroids to their Olympic athletes. In 1968, Chief Medical Officer of East Germany’s Olympic team, Dr. Manfred Hoeppner, developed and submitted a report to the East German government that recommended anabolic steroid administration and use to all of the East German Olympic athletes for the purpose of performance enhancement[1]. In addition to purposely increasing athletic performance, State Plan Research Theme 14.25 also had another specific purpose in mind: to circumvent and essentially cheat the anabolic steroid testing procedures. Under State Plan Research Theme 14.25, East German female Olympic athletes were administered anabolic steroids unbeknownst to them. Every single East German athlete under this program were informed that they were being given vitamins and nutritional supplements, though the reality was of course that they were really being administered anabolic steroids. Many of these anabolic steroids were also undetectable (at the time) primarily due to their relatively new development and unknown status.
Under this program, special emphasis was in fact placed on the administration of anabolic steroids to female athletes. The results of this treatment program, which continued for approximately 30 years, resulted in such spectacular performance increases in female athletes that the few competitors that were not utilizing anabolic steroids had little chance of matching, let alone winning against them. Dosages were steadily increased until the late 1970s when eventually the side effects and virilization began to manifest overtly in the female athletes, so much so that reporters and journalists were questioning the unusually deep voices and broad-shoulders of the East German female athletes.
Since that time, there have been many female athletes (both Olympic and non-Olympic athletes) that have utilized anabolic steroids and have been caught as well. One particularly well-known case is that of American Olympic athlete Marion Jones who was implicated in the BALCO scandal that involved many other athletes as well[2] [3]. The use of anabolic steroids by women today does not stop with professional athletes, but a small percentage of females that frequent gyms utilize anabolic steroids for noncompetitive purposes – a user group that for all intents and purposes did not exist two or more decades ago.
[h=3]Lack of Clinical Data on Female Anabolic Steroid Use for Performance Enhancement[/h]
Anabolic steroids have been used medically in the treatment of (primarily) female breast cancer[4] [5]. The use of anabolic steroids in female patients is extremely rare, and documented clinical data is even scarcer. Clinical data concerning the use of anabolic steroids by women is virtually nonexistent, and therefore solid empirical data does not exist and cannot be referenced concerning such a topic. Therefore, the majority of information from which to gather and form inferences from exists in the form of anecdotal evidence and the personal reports and experiences from female anabolic steroid users themselves. If any clinical studies are to be done on women and steroids for the purpose of performance and physique enhancement is unknown, and with the consideration of medical ethics and attitudes towards anabolic steroids in general considered, it is highly unlikely that such investigations and studies will ever be performed.
Medical References:
[1] Franke WW, Berendonk B. 1997. Hormonal doping and androgenization of athletes: a secret program of the German Democratic Republic government. Clin Chem. 43(7):1262-1279.
[2] Associated Press (December 12, 2007). “IOC strips Jones of all 5 Olympic medals”. MSNBC.com.
[3] “Jones Returns 2000 Olympic Medals”. Channel4.com. Retrieved October 8, 2007.
[4] Fujita H, Teller MN, Green S, Kreis W. 1983. Effects of 5-fluorouracil and 2 alpha-methyldihydrotestosterone propionate on the growth of human breast carcinoma MCF-7 in vitro. Eur J Cancer Clin Oncol. 1983 Sep;19(9):1231-7.
[5] Teller MN, Stock CC, Bowie M, Chou TC, Budinger JM. 1982. Therapy of 7,12-dimethylbenz(a)anthracene-induced rat mammary carcinomas with combinations of 5-fluorouracil and 2 alpha-methyldihydrotestosterone propionate. Cancer Res. 1982 Nov;42(11):4408-12.
****************************************************************************************************
[h=1]Side Effects For Women[/h]
Women and Steroids: Side Effects and Dangers
Overview
Naturally, the introduction of male hormones into the female body at supraphysiological levels for the purpose of bodybuilding, physique, and performance enhancement raises numerous concerns considering the natural female physiology. The female physiology in its natural state is not developed or ideal for such a hormonal environment, and there are some valid concerns and potential side effects associated with such a state. Side effects for females can be even more pronounced and more rapid than with male anabolic steroid users, and there are some additional unique concerns with females that are not present in males, such as the issue of female endocrine physiology in general, female-specific function of sex organs, menstrual cycle issues, and the possibility of birth defects if anabolic steroids are used during pregnancy.
Birth Defects
Anabolic steroid use during pregnancy is an unequivocal ‘no-no’ for females, as the use of androgenic anabolic steroids during this crucial developmental period can and will result in defects and abnormalities in the developing fetus, particularly virilization of the unborn child. This includes clitoromegaly (growth of the clitoris) in a female fetus, as well as pseudohermaphroditism (the simultaneous development of male and female sex organs in the fetus). The use (or even direct contact) with anabolic steroid products of any type should be avoided at all costs by pregnant females. Birth defects as a result of male anabolic steroid use (a man fathering a child) are not possible, but the use of anabolic steroids by pregnant women is directly linked to birth defects in unborn children.
Dysphonia (Deepening of the Voice)
As androgens are responsible for the male secondary sex characteristics, the development of a deeper voice is one of them. Androgen receptors exist in the tissues of the larynx and muscles involved in the vocal function of humans. High or prolonged exposure to androgenic anabolic steroids are what cause this change into a deeper voice in males during puberty and adulthood, and the same cause is true for those females who engage in excessive or chronic anabolic steroid use. Females are not naturally exposed to this magnitude of androgen exposure, and therefore do not develop these vocal changes naturally. The introduction of exogenous androgenic anabolic steroids, however, can cause this side effect to manifest in women who use anabolic steroids. This side effect is, of course, dose and duration dependent, and is normally slow to manifest with early warning symptoms. The first of these is a noticeable cracking and hoarsening of the voice[1]. These changes are normally identical to the same changes in pubescent males. If anabolic steroid use is not halted, the progress of these changes can be such that a distinct male-like voice in terms of pitch and tone can fully develop.
Anabolic steroids that are much stronger androgens are indeed higher-risk compounds in terms of this side effect, as the stronger androgenic nature can cause a much more rapid manifestation of dysphonia than those anabolic steroids that are not as strong in the area of androgenicity. Examples of strong androgenic compounds include Testosterone, Dianabol (Methandrostenolone), Trenbolone, Fluoxymesterone, and other similar strength compounds that can induce these rapid changes in vocal physiology[2] [3] [4] [5]. This is not to say that ‘mild’ anabolic steroids that exhibit lower androgenic strength ratings cannot produce the same side effect, however, as studies have demonstrated that with long enough exposure, anabolic steroids such as Anavar (Oxandrolone) and Deca-Durabolin (Nandrolone Decanoate) have produced dysphonia in women even when administered at therapeutic dosages and in medical settings[6] [7]. The cessation of all anabolic steroid use immediately upon first sign of symptoms should ensure that no further developments of this side effect occur. Most dysphonic changes prior to a certain point can revert, though it should be noted quite clearly that some vocal changes may be permanent, especially as the development of dysphonia progresses beyond a particular stage.
Clitoral Enlargement (Clitoromegaly)
The sex organs of males and females are developmentally related in many ways, and so they share the same responses to hormonal activity in the body. In this situation, clitoromegaly is characterized by the growth of the clitoris, even though male and female sex organs differentiate during development in the womb. Female sex organs are still very responsive into adulthood to androgenic hormones, and a dramatic rise in androgen levels via exogenous sources or otherwise can result in the enlargement of the clitoris. Being quite closely related to the male penis, the clitoris can eventually enlarge to the point where it resembles a penis and can even exhibit similar characteristics at that point (such as enlargement during sexual arousal).
As with all side effects, such development is dependent on the strength of the androgen used, the dosage, and duration of use. The effect of all of these factors should be very obvious to any reader: the stronger the androgen, the higher the dosage, and the longer the duration of use will provide enough hormonal stimulation to the clitoral tissues that significant and rapid clitoral hypertrophy (growth of the clitoris) can result. Once again, stronger androgens such as Testosterone, Trenbolone, Dianabol, etc. are likely to provide significant and rapid hormonal stimulation compared to anabolic steroids that are much milder in terms of androgenic strength, such as Anavar, Primoboloan, Nandrolone, etc. Clitoromegaly can progress from very minor almost unnoticeable growth to excessive enlargement of the clitoris when androgen levels in women remain high enough for long enough periods of time to facilitate this growth. Just as with dysphonia (deepening of the voice), changes in clitoral size are reversible prior to a certain point, provided anabolic steroid use is immediately halted upon notice of the first signs and symptoms. However, if left carelessly, growth can become more and more pronounced as anabolic steroid use continues until such point that clitoral growth and development achieves an irreversible stage, after which the only possibility of reversal rests with surgical reconstruction[8].
Increased Bodily and Facial Hair Growth (Hirsutism)
Hirsutism is characterized by the growth of bodily and facial hair identical to that seen in males (male-pattern hair growth). As with all side effects related to female anabolic steroid use, the intensity and rapidity of this side effect often begins with minor signs and symptoms, and is of course dependent on the strength of the androgenic anabolic steroid used, the dosage, and duration of use. As time progresses during anabolic steroid use, hirsutism can eventually result in more coarse and thick hair growth in undesirable areas on the female body. After a certain point in development, hair removal might be necessary. Other methods of prevention are available, such as the use of topical androgen blockers and other similar products.
Menstrual Cycle Disruptions and Irregularities (Amenorrhea)
The use of anabolic steroids in women can disrupt the menstrual cycle and temporarily interrupt fertility as well. This is naturally due to the disruption of endocrine balance as it relates to androgens and estrogens in the body. Menstrual cycles can end up being intermittent, absent, or very infrequent. Upon cessation of anabolic steroid use, the menstrual cycle should return to normal, though some females might require several months before the menstrual cycle is restored, and others might experience a very fast rebound to normal function.
Breast Size Reduction
Many anabolic androgenic steroids are anti-estrogenic in and of themselves, with some (such as Masteron) expressing direct anti-estrogenic effects in the body. As such, the interaction with receptor sites, enzymes, and other functions that involve Estrogen can result in a reduction in breast tissue and glandular size[9]. Some anabolic steroids have in fact been utilized exclusively in the treatment of female breast cancer, Masteron (Drostanolone) being one of them. With excessive androgen levels and/or the use of very strong androgens, significant tissue remodeling can occur.
Post Cycle Therapy for Women: To Do or Not to Do?
To date there has been no documented or published research conducted on the use of PCT agents on females for the purpose of restoring normal hormone function following a female anabolic steroid cycle. Anecdotal evidence tells us that very few females within the anabolic steroid using community engage in PCT protocols following the conclusion of anabolic steroid cycles. Logic should also tell us that females should not require PCT protocols, as the purpose of a PCT protocol is done so as to restore the HPTA (hypothalamic pituitary testicular axis) in male anabolic steroid users. It stands to reason that females do not possess testicles, and do not have any requirement for the restoration of Testosterone levels to any levels above a bare minimum trace after an anabolic steroid cycle. PCT medications such as Tamoxifen (Nolvadex), Clomiphene (Clomid), HCG (human chorionic gonadotropin), Arimidex (Anastrozole), Aromasin (Exemestane), and the whole plethora of other related compounds were originally developed and used to fight female breast cancer. While mostly beneficial for males in the restoration of the HPTA, there is not only no need for females to use these compounds, but the use of these compounds can and will result in a further disruption of normal hormonal function and many of them are also associated with a significant number of detrimental, uncomfortable, and inconvenient side effects in females.
Thus, female anabolic steroid users should steer absolutely clear of all traditional PCT compounds unless specifically prescribed by a physician. While some of these medications can aid in promoting fertility in females (such as HCG and Clomid, for example), they pose very tricky issues with the female endocrine physiology and should therefore be administered under the supervision of a qualified physician. Otherwise, female endocrine function should restore and normalize itself naturally without assistance in due time following the cessation of an anabolic steroid cycle. The lack of need for a PCT component is one particular advantage that female anabolic steroid users have over males. Although there are reports of some females within the anabolic steroid community engaging in PCT protocols following their cycles, there is no empirical evidence to support this, and these individuals might possibly be further complicating recovery efforts by utilizing these compounds. Until studies and such clinical evidence surfaces, conventional logic and what we know about the female endocrine physiology dictates that females should steer clear of the aforementioned PCT compounds.
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