According to a study published in Archives of Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine, a JAMA/Archives journal, the use of steroids by girls is not restricted to participation in athletic events.
A team of researchers from the Division of Health Promotion & Sports Medicine at Oregon Health & Science University said that females use steroids for many unhealthy choices such as smoking and diet pills.
From Sciencedaily.com:
In addition to greater substance use, young female steroid users were more likely to have had sexual intercourse before age 13; have been pregnant; drink and drive or have ridden with a drinking driver; carry a weapon; have been in a fight on school property; have feelings of sadness or hopelessness almost every day for at least two weeks; and have attempted suicide. Those reporting anabolic steroid use were less likely to participate in team athletics.
Overall, more than two-thirds of those surveyed reported trying to change their weight. Girls who used steroids were more likely try extreme weight-loss techniques, such as vomiting and laxative use.
Adolescent girls reporting anabolic steroid use had significantly more other health-harming behaviors, Elliot explained, “They were much more likely to use other unhealthy substances, including cigarettes, alcohol, marijuana and cocaine.”
It was remarked by Diane Elliot, M.D., professor of medicine (health promotion and sports medicine), OHSU School of Medicine that further study is needed to develop effective interventions for young women with high-risk, who have received less attention than young men in the past.
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