Women's Experiences of Using Anabolic Androgenic Steroids

Area of Science:

• Sports Science
• Human Physiology
• Sociology of Sport

Background:

• Anabolic androgenic steroids (AAS) are used by women for performance enhancement and increased muscle mass.
• Inadequate knowledge exists regarding the specific experiences and motivations of women using AAS.
• The high risk of adverse side effects associated with AAS use is often underestimated.

Purpose of the Study:

• To deepen the understanding of women's lived experiences with anabolic androgenic steroids.
• To explore the phenomenon of AAS use from a reflective lifeworld perspective.
• To identify the driving forces and psychological tensions associated with AAS use in women.

Main Methods:

• Phenomenological study utilizing the Reflective Lifeworld Research (RLR) approach.
• In-depth lifeworld interviews conducted with 12 women aged 21-56 years.
• Qualitative data analysis focusing on subjective experiences of AAS use.

Main Results:

• Women using AAS experience a significant sense of pride upon achieving their fitness or performance goals.
• A complex interplay of suffering and success emerges as a central theme in their experiences.
• The pursuit of goals through AAS use creates a distinct tension between the desire for achievement and the associated difficulties.

Conclusions:

• Women's use of anabolic androgenic steroids is a multifaceted phenomenon influenced by personal goals and psychological factors.
• Understanding the subjective experiences of women using AAS is crucial for providing effective support.
• Further research is needed to address the specific fears and difficulties encountered by women engaging in AAS use.