The question of whether girls can take steroids is complex, requiring a clear distinction between the types of compounds involved and their purpose. “Steroids” is a broad term for a class of organic compounds, but medically, it refers to two vastly different drug categories. These substances are either legitimate, prescribed treatments for serious health conditions or are misused illegally for performance and physique enhancement. Understanding the chemical differences and physiological roles of these compounds is the first step in addressing the implications for a girl’s health.
Understanding the Two Main Categories of Steroids
The two main types of steroids relevant are corticosteroids and anabolic-androgenic steroids (AAS). Corticosteroids are synthetic versions of cortisol, a hormone naturally produced by the adrenal glands. Their main function is to mimic the body’s natural anti-inflammatory response by binding to glucocorticoid receptors. This suppresses the immune system and reduces swelling, making them invaluable in treating various diseases.
Anabolic-androgenic steroids (AAS), in contrast, are synthetic derivatives of testosterone, the primary male sex hormone. Their structure allows them to bind to androgen receptors, promoting two effects: anabolic (building muscle and bone mass) and androgenic (developing male characteristics). Although both steroid categories share a common molecular core, structural alterations lead to entirely different functional outcomes. AAS are anabolic, specifically designed to promote tissue growth, while corticosteroids are catabolic, meaning they can break down tissue.
Therapeutic Administration and Supervised Use
When administered under physician supervision, corticosteroids are a safe and necessary treatment option for girls and women. These medications are commonly prescribed to manage conditions characterized by excessive inflammation or an overactive immune system. For example, inhaled corticosteroids are a standard long-term therapy for asthma, reducing airway inflammation and preventing severe attacks.
Oral or injected corticosteroids treat autoimmune disorders, such as lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, and inflammatory bowel diseases, by suppressing the immune response that mistakenly attacks the body’s tissues. Dosage and duration are carefully managed by doctors to minimize potential side effects like bone loss or mood changes. In rare cases, hormonal steroids may be prescribed to address specific hormonal deficiencies or certain types of anemia. Medical use of these compounds is strictly controlled, balancing their benefits against the potential for adverse effects.
Specific Risks of Anabolic Steroid Misuse in Females
The non-prescribed use of Anabolic-Androgenic Steroids (AAS) by females, often for performance or cosmetic reasons, carries significant and often irreversible health risks. Because AAS are synthetic testosterone, they introduce high levels of male hormones into the female body, leading to virilization. This masculinization affects multiple body systems and is the most concerning consequence of misuse.
One of the most noticeable and permanent changes is the deepening of the voice, resulting from the enlargement of the larynx and vocal cords. Another non-reversible effect is clitoral enlargement (clitoromegaly), which can cause significant distress. These physical alterations are difficult to conceal and may persist even after the user stops taking the drugs.
Other physical changes are potentially reversible upon cessation of use, but may still be long-lasting. These include hirsutism, the excessive growth of dark, coarse body and facial hair in a male pattern. Users may also experience severe acne and male pattern baldness (androgenic alopecia), as the androgens increase the skin’s sensitivity.
The reproductive system is highly susceptible to disruption from AAS misuse. External androgens interfere with the body’s natural hormone balance, causing menstrual cycle irregularities, such as oligomenorrhea (infrequent periods) or amenorrhea (absence of periods). This disruption can lead to infertility, which may or may not be reversible. Decreased breast size due to breast tissue atrophy is also a common consequence of androgen dominance.
Beyond the physical changes, AAS misuse can have significant neuropsychiatric effects, contributing to behavioral and mood disturbances. Increased aggression, often termed “roid rage,” is a documented psychological effect of non-prescribed AAS use in females. Users may also experience severe mood swings, anxiety, irritability, and symptoms of mania or depression. Health risks also extend to the cardiovascular system, including high blood pressure and harmful changes in cholesterol levels, raising the overall risk of heart attack or stroke.