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Not surprisingly, muscle mass, muscle relief, and body fat percentage vary depending on the athlete’s gender. Male bodybuilders gain weight and acquire muscle faster than females. So many female bodybuilders utilize drugs to reach sports ambitions. But before taking any medications such as steroids, women should consider their efficacy and safety outcomes to avoid future damage. With that, which anabolic steroids are safe for females? This article will address the issue with in-depth information to help women determine how rapidly they will pump out.
Male athletes have lower body fat percentages than female ones. It is because of the female body’s structure and hormonal backdrop. Because female bodies must constantly be ready for reproduction, they have more fat than male bodies. Fatty acids and cholesterol are used to synthesize female sex hormones, and the proper functioning is level-dependent. According to these findings, women have a more challenging time gaining muscle mass fast.
History of Anabolic Steroids
Anabolic steroids were developed in the 1930s to boost muscle development and sports performance. These chemicals have been used by bodybuilders, sportsmen, and others since the 1950s to increase performance and attractiveness. The International Olympic Committee initially prohibited anabolic steroids in 1975. Professional sports now routinely test for drugs, and most sporting organizations also restrict their usage. Growing public knowledge of steroid usage has led to government legislation. In 2004, a new regulation widened the definition of anabolic steroids to include compounds that might be converted to testosterone, such as androstenedione. These medicines are now used to treat libido issues, chronic illnesses like HIV, and anemia in women. But still, clinical usage needs a physician’s prescription and continuous monitoring.
Abuse Risk Factors
The pressure to perform well is widespread in amateur and professional sports, leading some to explore risky and unlawful techniques to improve performance. Athletes benefit from anabolic steroids by improving muscular strength and aggression. Anabolic steroids are also used to enhance physical appearance by increasing muscle mass and decreasing body fat. Teenage anabolic steroid users are predicted by perceived societal pressure to gain muscle, sadness, and a bad body image. They are also more likely to have participated in high school athletics, taken drugs, and engaged in dangerous activities. Steroid usage usually begins in late adolescence or early twenties.
Substance Types
Anabolic steroids include testosterone and other testosterone-related compounds that enhance the muscular building, boost hemoglobin levels, and influence secondary sexual characteristics. Aesthetic and athletic effects need supra-physiologic doses, resulting in blood testosterone levels 10–100 times on average.
Actual Incidence of Anabolic Steroid in Women
Although the actual incidence of anabolic steroid usage is unknown, the National Household Survey on Drug Abuse indicates that around one million Americans are current or past users, with over 300,000 using them yearly. The 2009 Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance Study surveyed over 16,400 high school students and found 2.2% of lifetime users are women.
Female Steroid Usage
Many physicians think there are no safe anabolic steroids. Despite all the warnings, significant adverse effects do not occur while using these medications. It includes both bodybuilding and medical uses of steroids in women. Based on studies, they effectively cure malignant tumors (particularly mammary glands and ovaries), anemia, and osteoporosis. Side effects may be prevented by following proper dosing and medical supervision. Anabolics are used by men and women, and a sports medicine doctor should be consulted when taking them.
Side Effects
For starters, it promotes rapid muscular development in women and cannot gain muscle naturally without medications. Second, fat is rapidly burned, resulting in significant muscular relaxation. It is also observed that the strength and endurance indicators improve, especially during extensive training. Some women report a boost in self-esteem and confidence, heightened desire and sexual activity, and psychological and cognitive impact due to raising testosterone levels.
Adverse Effects
Anabolic steroid usage has substantial physical and psychological adverse effects. Female anabolic steroid usage may alter the appearance and reproductive process. It also increases the risk of cardiovascular disease and thrombotic events such as venous thromboembolism, strokes, and myocardial infarctions, especially when combined with 17-methylated steroids. Male fetal virilization may occur from anabolic steroids usage during pregnancy. Anxiety, aggression, mood swings, personality shifts, and psychosis are among psychological repercussions. It may also induce tendon injuries by altering the biomechanics of limb motions. In some cases, infections such as hepatitis, HIV, and intramuscular abscesses may result from using unclean needles and sharing. It is thought that some of these health concerns are permanent.
Virilization: Common Steroid Side Effects in Women
Virilization is a disorder in which women gain masculine physical features such as facial features, male-type hair development on the face and body, acne, and even body shape changes. Mood swings, hostility, irregular periods, and even infertility might be seen. In virilized women, sex hormones, particularly testosterone, are commonly out of balance.
Using Anabolic Steroids for Women
According to athletic doctors, women should take mono-courses of steroids. Combining these drugs with additional fat-burning agents is recommended by dietitians and experts. Bodyweight, fat percentage, and metabolic characteristics are used to calculate a drug dose. Individualized anabolic steroid treatments for women should last 4-6 weeks.
Which Steroid Is Safe for Women?
So, which anabolic steroids are the most effective in this situation? Some anabolic steroids are not recommended for female usage. On the other hand, such medications were developed for both women and children. The drugs were produced with traditional medicine. However, they are now used for a variety of purposes, from medicinal to bodybuilding. Oxandrolone and methenolone are two of the safest anabolic steroids for ladies.
Anavar
Anavar (oxandrolone) is a popular steroid among professional bodybuilders and athletes who want to lose fat and grow muscle without worrying about water retention. What is it? Anavar has been shown to diminish thyroid-binding globulin while increasing thyroxine-binding pre-albumin. It implies boosting your metabolism, helping you shed more fat than folks who don’t utilize it. It may also help build muscle.
Anavar is a gentler substance than testosterone, meaning it has fewer adverse effects. This product works well for both men and women. It may boost your workouts by increasing your endurance and strength. You can work out longer and recover faster, burning more calories. Calorie restriction may cause loss of lean muscle mass. Do you have stubborn fat that won’t budge? Anavar may help your body burn fat more effectively.
Anavar Side Effects
First, Anavar is one of the most often used steroids among women. This is because it is a moderate steroid with one of the lowest androgenic ratios available. The greater the ratio, the more likely a woman will acquire masculine traits (virilization). Among these traits are:
- A deeper voice
- Body hair growth
- Facial structure changes
- Baldness in men
While Anavar is a moderate steroid, it still has adverse effects. Among the other negative effects are:
- Liver complications
- Hormonal changes, such as menstrual irregularity
- Clitoral growth
- Arms and legs swollen
- Acne
- Headaches
Anavar Dosage
Because of Anavar’s side effects, sticking to a smaller dose is preferable. Increasing the dose increases the danger of acquiring masculine traits. It is why women avoid other steroid kinds. Anavar dose for women ranges from 5mg to 20mg. Start with a 5mg dose if you are new to this medication. It enables you to test your body’s tolerance before increasing the amount.
Primobolan
Primobolan (methenolone) is a desirable steroid for women. It is used for both bulking and cutting. Women, on the other hand, may find this anabolic steroid beneficial. Many active girls want to be slender, fit, and toned, not bulky. It gives ladies the capacity to add the proper amount of muscle to their bodies. Strength and physical performance are increased, and there are no side effects.
Types of Primobolan
Bodybuilders use Primobolan for cutting cycles. It is a dihydrotestosterone (DHT) derivative that helps maintain muscle mass while dieting. Primobolan comes in two forms for women.
Oral Primobolan
It is less toxic to the liver than other oral steroids. Oral dosage is not as healthful as injectable dose.
Injectable Primobolan
It is an injectable form of the drug. The version is expensive and difficult to get.
Primobolan Benefits
Primobolan is the safest and most effective steroid for women. Women are gentle enough to be utilized for both bulking and cutting cycles. Primobolan is recognized for growing lean muscle, increasing strength, power, and speed.
It can also preserve, toughen, and condition muscle fibers throughout a cutting cycle. The steroid also helps athletes develop and recuperate faster.
Among the many advantages of Primo for women are:
- Nitrogen retention
- Muscle gain
- Fat loss
- Strengthening
- Power and speed gains
- More protein synthesis
Primobolan Dosage
Keep in mind that Primobolan dosages vary depending on how it is taken (orally or intravenously). Oral Primobolan is consistently dosed higher than injectable one. The injectable version of Primobolan bypasses the liver and enters the circulation immediately.
Primobolan is taken orally at least once a day and is injected only once or twice a week. Women often take 40-75 mg of oral Primobolan every day. However, injectable from 50-100 mg per week is sufficient.
Anadrol
Anadrol (oxymetholone) is an anabolic steroid used to treat aplastic anemia, myelofibrosis, and chemotherapy-induced anemia.
Anadrol may interact with blood thinners or oral insulin, or diabetic treatment. Additional medicines may interact with this, and you must tell your doctor about all your prescription and over-the-counter drugs and supplements you are using for safety.
Anadrol must not be taken during pregnancy owing to the potential of damage to a baby. It is suggested that women of reproductive age utilize birth control while using this medicine. It is not known if this medicine goes into breast milk. Due to the possible danger to a nursing baby, breastfeeding is not encouraged.
Anadrol Side Effects
- Anadrol side effects include:
- Diarrhea,
- Excitation,
- Restlessness,
- Insomnia (sleeplessness)
- Male breast swelling
If Anadrol is prolonged, women may acquire masculine features that are permanent. Menstrual changes, a hoarse or deeper voice, male pattern baldness or hair growth (such as on the chin or chest), an enlarged clitoris, or changes in your sex desire should be reported to your doctor.
Severe Anadrol adverse effects include:
- Mood swings
- Ankle or foot swelling
- Fast weight increase
- Chest pains
- Diminished or increased sex interest
- Acne flare-ups
Anadrol Dosage
Anadrol is advised for children and adults at 1-5 mg/kg body weight per day. The standard effective dosage is 1-2 mg/kg/day. However, greater doses may be necessary. Allow three to six months for a response since it is seldom rapid.
It is harmless for women to take and does not promote virilization while providing rapid muscle development. Women should use 50 mg every day for 4-6 weeks.
Winstrol
Winstrol (stanozolol) is not recommended for female use. It interacts tightly with the sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG), putting women at risk of becoming virilized. However, it is safe to use them in minimal dosages. Winstrol’s fat-burning qualities help women lose weight while improving lean muscle mass. It won’t be big, but it will be slim and muscular.
Winstrol Side Effects
Winstrol side effects include:
- Acne flare-ups
- Insomnia
- Headache
- Sexual desire shifts
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Skin color changes
- Swollen ankle
Winstrol Dosage
Winstrol is a potent anabolic steroid for women; thus, lower dosages work well. 5mg per day is a safe amount. Anything above 10 mg per day is asking for disaster.
Women using Winstrol should take two pills each day instead of one. It reduces the likelihood of adverse effects since users won’t receive a big spike of exogenous testosterone all at once.
By dividing the dosages, consumers get a continuous dose that stays in their bloodstream. So, 2 x 2.5 mg per day would be a safe but effective amount.
Clenbuterol
Clenbuterol isn’t officially a steroid, but it’s commonly wrongly referred to as one because of its potent fat-burning properties. It’s essentially a bronchodilator, allowing better oxygen flow throughout the body and treating people with acute asthma.
Clenbuterol isn’t exogenous testosterone; thus, it’s unlikely to provide women any noticeable muscular or strength increases. It also won’t stop women’s average testosterone production, so there are no libido issues.
On the other hand, clenbuterol seems to have some anabolic qualities, as seen by its capacity to enhance skeletal muscle mass in animals. Some women report that clenbuterol helps them gain muscle and strength, while others say they don’t notice any difference (if any improvement).
Clen stimulates the central nervous system, causing the body to enter a thermogenesis state, robustly influencing metabolism. It occurs as the body’s temperature rises, forcing it to cool itself down by sweating more. The heart rate rises dramatically, and a woman’s basal metabolic rate increases, just as it does when she exercises. The ‘heating up’ of the body is a very efficient method of fat loss.
Clenbuterol should not be overused since some users have been hospitalized after taking substantial amounts. After an unintentional ten-fold overdose, one man’s heart rate spiked to 254 beats per minute.
Clenbuterol Side Effects
The use of clenbuterol might have significant side effects. These can be:
- Rapid heartbeat
- Breathlessness
- Palpitations
- Rib discomfort
- Tremors
- Anxiety
- Dehydration
Clenbuterol Dosage
Oral clenbuterol is available as a syrup. Every cycle, women start taking 20-40 mcg clenbuterol daily. Then, every 3-4 days, increase the dosage by 10-20 mcg for a 4-6 week cycle. The dose is gradually increased until fat loss peaks and side effects are comfortable and tolerable.
The dosage may be increased to 120-160 mcg per day, but women should monitor their symptoms and blood pressure or heart rate to avoid overdosing.
Post-cycle Treatment
Using aromatase inhibitors for women is pointless. Also, a drop in estrogen levels worsens virilization. Post-cycle treatment options include Clomid (clomiphene citrate) and Tamoxifen. They are commonly utilized in the treatment of female cancer. Both medicines may adjust the hormonal backdrop by increasing testosterone and decreasing estrogen.
Natural and Safe Anabolic Steroid Alternatives
There are several safe, natural methods to gain performance, strength, and bulk aside from taking anabolic steroids. To obtain your physical goal, you should also:
- Consume a diet rich in proteins, fiber, and healthy fats. Include eggs, salmon, Greek yogurt, and quinoa.
- Focus on various muscle groups. Target biceps, triceps, or quads and alternate muscle groups for optimal results during a single session.
- Make a regular workout regimen. Whether you’re aiming to become healthy, compete, or bulk up, a fitness app or personal trainer can help you stay on track.
What Drugs Should Ladies Avoid and Take?
First, all testosterone esters (excluding propionate) are under suspension. Trenbolone, Danabol, and Stanozole are not safe for female usage due to virilization.
Other drugs, not anabolic steroids, are utilized for aesthetic and athletic goals. It includes danazol, dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate, growth hormone, hCG, insulin, and levothyroxine. These drugs are easier to get since they are not restricted substances. The drug dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate is available over the counter as a dietary supplement. Non-medical use of these products has substantial hazards, some of which resemble anabolic steroids.
Final Thoughts
Moderation is vital when it comes to improving your body’s performance, whether it’s on the field or in the world of competitive bodybuilding. But it’s important to realize that anabolic steroids have numerous advantages. Using anabolic steroids in women is still safe and beneficial. However, improper steroid self-administration may cause significant physical and mental health consequences.
It is highly recommended and assured if women utilize anabolic steroids with prudence as advised by medical professionals.
