Gendered perspectives on women's anabolic-androgenic steroid (AAS) usage practices.
Harm Reduct J
; 20(1): 56, 2023 04 25.
Article
em En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-37098574
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND:
The masculinizing effects from anabolic-androgenic steroid (AAS) appear to be different between men and women, leading to calls for more gender-specific information regarding women and AAS use. This study sought to gather perspectives from both men and women on the unique challenges surrounding women's use of AAS, irrespective of their personal use. Secondly, the study interrogated how women's AAS practices differ from those of men specifically.METHODS:
The data presented in this paper come from a subsample of participants who participated in a larger study investigating women and performance and image enhancing drug (PIED) use in Australia. Participants were included in the current analysis if they were (i) males or females who competed with or coached female strength athletes using AAS and (ii) female and male strength athletes who used AAS. The final sample comprised 21 participants of which there was a proportion of males (n = 7) and females (n = 7) using AAS.RESULTS:
Women's choices in AAS selection were predominantly around oral compounds (e.g. Oxandrolone) as well as other PIEDs (e.g. Clenbuterol). Some women report the use of injectable AAS represents a change in the profile of the typical female user as it reportedly comes alongside drastic physical and psychological changes.CONCLUSIONS:
The unique challenges facing women who use AAS are largely isolation and stigma, with little evidence-based practice or education being available to them online or through peer-groups. Future work may consider piloting harm reduction strategies that may be co-designed with this group.Palavras-chave
Texto completo:
1
Base de dados:
MEDLINE
Assunto principal:
Substâncias para Melhoria do Desempenho
/
Anabolizantes
Limite:
Female
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Humans
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Male
Idioma:
En
Ano de publicação:
2023
Tipo de documento:
Article