Girls Abusing Steroids Too

Girls are abusing steroids too, experts say (AP-MSNBC)

Graph An alarming number of American girls, some as young as 9, are using bodybuilding steroids — not necessarily to get an edge on the playing field, but to get the toned, sculpted look of models and movie stars, experts say.

Girls are getting their hands on the same dangerous testosterone pills, shots and creams that have created a scandal in major league baseball and other sports. Often, these are the same girls who have eating disorders, according to some research. “There’s been a substantial increase for girls during the 1990s, and it’s at an all-time high right now,†said Charles Yesalis, a professor of health and human development at Pennsylvania State University.

[…]

Overall, up to about 5 percent of high school girls and 7 percent of middle-school girls admit trying anabolic steroids at least once, with use of rising steadily since 1991, various government and university studies have shown. Researchers say that most girls are using steroids to get bigger and stronger on the playing field, and they attribute some of the increase in steroid use to girls̢۪ rising participation in sports. But plenty of other girls are using steroids to give themselves a slightly muscular look, they say.

Lovely.

FILED UNDER: Gender Issues, Health, Sports, , ,
James Joyner
About James Joyner
James Joyner is Professor and Department Head of Security Studies at Marine Corps University's Command and Staff College. He's a former Army officer and Desert Storm veteran. Views expressed here are his own. Follow James on Twitter @DrJJoyner.

Comments

  1. Jay Tea says:

    Well, at least they don’t have to worry about their testicles shrinking…

    J.

  2. Half Sigma says:

    7% of middle school girls have used steroids? That sounds a little bit high.

  3. Vicky says:

    THAT IS PATHETIC. I’M 14 AND I HAVE A TONE LOOK AND THAT IS BECAUSE I DO IT NATRUALLY. I EXCERCISE AND I TAKE MY VITAMINS. I WOULD NEVER TAKE STEROIDS! I DON’T WANT TO LOOK LIKE A MAN!