Steroids Quietly Infiltrating Women's Fitness: A Growing Health Crisis

• Anabolic steroid use is increasing among women, driven by pressure for 'Instagram-ready' physiques and faster results, moving beyond its traditional association with male athletes.
• Women are often unaware of the severe, sometimes irreversible, health consequences, including virilization (facial hair, voice deepening), menstrual irregularities, and fertility issues.
• The unregulated supplement market in India blurs the line between legal enhancers and banned drugs, making access easy but increasing risks.
• Social media influencers normalize extreme physiques, and gym culture often discusses 'cycles' and 'cuts' casually, making steroid use seem standard.
• Lack of tailored information for women, cultural stigma, and doctors missing signs contribute to underreporting and inadequate medical support for female users.

Why It Matters: Steroid use is rising among women for fitness, posing significant, often irreversible, health risks due to lack of awareness and regulation.