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Abstract
The illicit use of anabolic–androgenic steroids (AAS) is a public health problem and the prevalence of use is increasing among different populations including women. We aimed to evaluate the use of AAS in a sample of Brazilian women and to develop a user profile in order to support the development of AAS education, prevention, and treatment programs. A self-administered, anonymous, close-ended questionnaire was completed by 361 female recreational resistance training participants (29.0 ± 8.1 years). Descriptive statistics were applied. The prevalence rate of lifetime AAS use was 13.3% and the average age of AAS users (n = 48) was 25.4 ± 4.6 years. The most frequently used AAS are Stanozolol (Winstrol) and Oxandrolone. Other substances used in association with AAS are primarily alcohol and diuretics. Friends, physicians, and physical education teachers were the most common sources for obtaining AAS. Several adverse effects were noted as follows: acne, menstrual irregularities, water retention, deepening of the voice, and clitoral enlargement. In summary, the primary reason for AAS use among the women was aesthetic; the AAS used were purchased primarily through friends and from pharmacies using medical prescriptions.
Acknowledgments
OA and NSF were involved in the data collection. All authors were responsible for the conception and design of the study. All authors participated in the consensus discussions, contributed to the interpretation of findings, and had full access to all data.
The study designs were approved by the Committee of the local University/Physical Education Course (document #0072.0.412.000-11).