Steroid Hormone Powders for Female's Bodybuilding

Lots of people have very strong convictions against women using steroids. The most common misconceptions involve the strain of thought that steroids will turn a woman into a muscle-bound man with a vagina. Although this may be true in some cases, the fact remains that steroids could be very beneficial to women.


It is often believed that women on steroids have or will in-fact sacrifice all femininity but this is a dubious assumption. Many women on steroids build and maintain very beautiful physiques ripe with feminine appeal; those that do simply understand what to use and how to use it. For years some of the most beautiful fitness models from around the world have supplemented with such hormones.


With that in mind, the only question is which anabolic steroids can women take? Without question, the number one anabolic steroid for any woman is Oxandrolone; more commonly known by its most popular trade name Anavar. Anavar is the most female friendly steroid. Anavar is such a female friendly steroid, in most performance based circles it is informally referred to as �The Girl Steroid.� This steroid carries the lowest virilization rate of any anabolic steroid.


While Anavar should be any woman�s top choice, there are other steroids that can be solid options. Of such steroids, Primobolan Depot (methenolone enanthate) is the second most female friendly anabolic steroid. Oral Primobolan can be used, but as it is not a C17-aa oral steroid it is not recommended as most of it will be destroyed by the liver. At any rate, most women will find they tolerate 100mg of Primobolan Depot a week fairly well, but they must limit their use with 4 weeks of use generally being a safe time frame and 6 weeks being the max.


Then we have the Stanozolol hormone, more commonly known as Winstrol. This one is more or less a 50/50 shot; about half the women who supplement with it will tolerate it well, perhaps a little more than half will tolerate it well, but it falls below Anavar tremendously in-terms of toleration. If it can be tolerated, most women will find 10mg every other day to be all they need. Injectable and oral Winstrol are both fine.


Clomid can be used to stimulate ovulation. It works by blocking estrogen receptors at the hypothalamus, which is an important "hormonal control center" for the body. When this happens, the hypothalamus is stimulated to release follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), and luteinizing hormone (LH). These are the naturally occurring ovarian stimulants, which prompt ovulation in a normal cycle.

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What Women Need to Know About Growth Hormone

Women make more growth hormone (GH) than men. This is a (strange, but true) fact we established in my last article. We also established that the production of estrogen seems to be positively correlated with our levels of human growth hormone. The more estrogen we have circulating, the more growth hormone we produce. So, what does this really mean for us? Can we capitalize on our production of growth hormone? What happens when we aren�t making as much estrogen anymore? And can we use supplements and nutrition to enhance production of growth hormone and its effects?

Growth Hormone, Estrogen, and Testosterone
First, we make more growth hormone than men. Weird, right? It�s a pretty darn anabolic hormone and given that men are generally so much bigger and more muscular than us ladies, it seems odd that we make more. How is it we aren�t hulking she-beasts? Well, while there aren�t a lot of studies out there discussing this, I feel we don�t get as muscular as men largely due to the fact we do not make as much testosterone as men. Yes, while we make a lot of growth hormone, without coupling that with testosterone, muscle growth is limited.
However, it is very common to see women start to lose muscle and gain fat when they start going through menopause (when their estrogen starts to decrease). Most people associate this with the drop in estrogen, but I am inclined to think it is the combination of the loss of estrogen and growth hormone that contributes to this problem. Growth hormone and estrogen both have positive effects on hair, skin, and nails, and when we go through menopause these things tend to suffer. We lose our hair, our skin gets dry and creepy, our nails break and crack. I truly believe these two things combined and their dramatic reduction causes accelerated aging, loss of muscle and fat accumulation.

Bio-Identical Hormone Therapy
Which brings up a great question, what in the heck do we do when we go through menopause and our estrogen takes a nosedive? Well, if you ask me, I say find someone who specializes in bio-identical hormone replacement and start bio-identical estrogen (and probably testosterone) therapy. We know that women and men who are given exogenous estrogen produce more growth hormone. We also know that once the ovaries stop working our estrogen level plummets, and you�ll be hard pressed to get your natural levels to come up on their own. Thus, the only way you can really get adequate levels of estrogen and therefore, healthy levels of growth hormone, is to supplement estrogen. Bio-identical therapy is the safest and most beneficial way to go about doing that.

What�s Up With the Muscle-y Ladies?
Of course, we all know some women who are naturally much more muscular than average and if you�re into fitness and health this is usually seen as a good thing. Of course, many of us see a muscular woman and jump to the conclusion she must be using steroids. Before we accuse these ladies of  �using,� let�s consider they may be making the most of their higher growth hormone production. There are several ways they may be doing things differently that allows them to take advantage of their GH.
First, these muscular women are probably engaging in some very intense exercise. Hard-hitting workouts increase growth hormone levels in both men and women, with the highest GH production occurring when workouts last longer than ten minutes and push athletes past their lactate threshold. General strength training has been shown to increase GH levels in both men and women. However, women need more intense strength training with less rest and more work done in a set amount of time to raise their growth hormone above baseline. This may be why we see women who engage in intense workouts like CrossFit developing more muscular and leaner physiques. The intense exercise, little rest, and considerable volume of work CrossFit athletes engage in on a regular basis primes their bodies to produce more GH, form muscle, and burn fat.
Women athletes can also maximize their GH production by eating protein post-workout. Studies have shown GH levels increase with the ingestion of whey protein after a workout. Also, due to the high GH levels and increased insulin sensitivity post workout, macronutrients eaten after a workout will be shuttled into muscle cells and be used to fuel and grow new muscle. If you aren�t taking advantage of the post-workout window by ingesting protein, namely whey protein, then you are missing a grand opportunity to improve your body composition and up your GH.
Oh, and occasionally not eating can also increase your GH levels. You may have heard of intermittent fasting. There are tons of benefits to fasting besides increased GH production, of course, but it has been shown to increase GH by 1300% in women during a 24-hour fast. WHAT?! This is thought to occur in an effort to protect the bodies lean muscle mass and protect other metabolic functions. The key word here is intermittent, however. If you fast too often or for too long your body will be forced to slow its metabolism and alter endocrine production to stay alive. You�ll likely end up burning muscle and hanging on to fat.

Supplements and Sleep for More Growth Hormone
There are some important supplements you may also want to add to improve your growth hormone production. The amino acids arginine and orthinine have both been associated with increased GH levels. The magic dose of arginine appears to be somewhere between 5 and 9 grams daily and orthinine is around 170 mg per kilogram per day. Studies have shown that only high doses of these two supplements actually stimulates an increase in GH. So, if you�re going to supplement with these two amino acids don�t waste your money by doing tiny doses.
Lastly, let�s talk about sleep! Have you ever heard that your body repairs itself at night? Sure you have. Now, be honest. Are you getting enough shuteye? If you�re not, you�re missing a prime opportunity to allow your body to produce GH. This is actually when the body normally produces the majority of growth hormone. So sleep is pretty darn important to recovery and body composition goals. Quality and quantity of shuteye are also are important. Make it a goal to get around eight hours of sleep per night and make sure you are following those sleep rules. You want a cool, dark room, and you want to avoid stimulation from the TV, computer, and exercise prior to bed.
So, that about sums it up. Ladies, if you want to get leaner, stronger, and keep your bones, skin, and hair healthy and pretty, then you want to maximize your growth hormone production. If you can implement the aforementioned strategies you�ll be well on your way to making the most of your naturally higher GH levels.

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Why Woman Should Lift Weights

Why Women Do Need a Strength Training Routine

We know that increasing and maintaining adequate muscle mass is one of the best ways to keep body fat at bay and to improve overall fitness, particularly as we age. We also know that weight lifting is the best way to build muscle mass. Still, the number of women who actually participate in any formal or consistent weight training workout is still extremely low. Most women who exercise are spending most of their gym time on cardiovascular exercise. Whatever your reasons for avoiding the weights, if you are a woman, here are ten reasons why you need to take strength training seriously.

    You Will Be Physically Stronger.
    Increasing your strength will make you far less dependent upon others for assistance in daily living. Chores will be easier, lifting kids, groceries and laundry will no longer push you to the max. If your maximum strength is increased, daily tasks and routine exercise will be far less likely to cause injury. Research studies conclude that even moderate weight training can increase a woman's strength by 30 to 50 percent. Research also shows that women can develop their strength at the same rate as men.

    You Will Lose Body Fat.
    Studies performed by Wayne Westcott, PhD, from the South Shore YMCA in Quincy, Massachusetts, found that the average woman who strength trains two to three times a week for two months will gain nearly two pounds of muscle and will lose 3.5 pounds of fat. As your lean muscle increases so does your resting metabolism, and you burn more calories all day long. Generally speaking, for each pound of muscle you gain, you burn 35 to 50 more calories each day. That can really add up.

    You Will Gain Strength Without Bulk.
    Researchers also found that unlike men, women typically don't gain size from strength training, because compared to men, women have 10 to 30 times less of the hormones that cause muscle hypertrophy. You will, however, develop muscle tone and definition. This is a bonus.

    You Decrease Your Risk Of Osteoporosis.
    Research has found that weight training can increase spinal bone mineral density (and enhance bone modeling) by 13 percent in six months. This, coupled with an adequate amount of dietary calcium, can be a women's best defense against osteoporosis.

    You Will Improve Your Athletic Performance.
    Over and over research concludes that strength training improves athletic ability in all but the very elite athletes (See Article). Golfers can significantly increase their driving power. Cyclists are able to continue for longer periods of time with less fatigue. Skiers improve technique and reduce injury. Whatever sport you play, strength training has been shown to improve overall performance as well as decrease the risk of injury.

    You Will Reduce Your Risk Of Injury, Back Pain and Arthritis.
    Strength training not only builds stronger muscles, but also builds stronger connective tissues and increases joint stability. This acts as reinforcement for the joints and helps prevent injury. A recent 12-year study showed that strengthening the low-back muscles had an 80 percent success rate in eliminating or alleviating low-back pain. Other studies have indicated that weight training can ease the pain of osteoarthritis and strengthen joints.

    You Will Reduce Your Risk of Heart Disease.
    According to Dr. Barry A. Franklin, of William Beaumont Hospital in Royal Oak, Michigan, weight training can improve cardiovascular health in several ways, including lowering LDL ("bad") cholesterol, increasing HDL ("good") cholesterol and lowering blood pressure. When cardiovascular exercise is added, these benefits are maximized.

    You Will Reduce Your Risk of Diabetes.
    In addition, Dr. Franklin noted that weight training may improve the way the body processes sugar, which may reduce the risk of diabetes. Adult-onset diabetes is a growing problem for women and men. Research indicates that weight training can increase glucose utilization in the body by 23 percent in four months.

    It Is Never Too Late To Benefit.
    Women in their 70s and 80s have built up significant strength through weight training and studies show that strength improvements are possible at any age. Note, however, that a strength training professional should always supervise older participants.

    You Will Improve Your Attitude And Fight Depression.
    A Harvard study found that 10 weeks of strength training reduced clinical depression symptoms more successfully than standard counseling did. Women who strength train commonly report feeling more confident and capable as a result of their program, all important factors in fighting depression.

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Breaking the Myth: If I Lift Heavy I'll Look Like A Man!

Rosie Chee talks about another myth - If I lift Heavy I'll end up looking like a man! Rosie explains the facts about resistance training.

You hear it time and again from females in and out of the gym, when it is suggested to them that they either a) lift weights, or b) increase the weight that they are lifting. �I don't want to do that, because I don't want to look like a man.� Many people, males included, have come to believe that for a female to lift weights means that she will somehow transform into the stereotype image of the female bodybuilder. This is simply NOT the reality of females and resistance training. This article will discuss and compare the physiology, the hormonal adaptations to resistance training, and the role of diet in gaining muscle, in both males and females.

Whilst males and females are structurally similar, there are many physiological differences that affect the sexes' ability to gain muscle mass.
Hormones

The primary reason that females cannot gain muscle mass as fast or to the extent as males is the difference in hormone status.

Testosterone is one of the androgenic hormones responsible for anabolism in the body. It is testosterone that is responsible for masculine traits (i.e. excess hair (especially facial), deepening of voice, increase in muscle mass). Both males and females produce testosterone, as it is necessary for hormonal balance and body function. However, males have much HIGHER levels of testosterone than females, with the �normal� range of total testosterone (in the bloodstream) being 0.95-4.3 pg/dl, compared to the 0.7-3.6 pg/dl of females. However, it is not so much the total amount of testosterone that an individual has that determines their potential/ability for muscle growth, since most of the testosterone in the body is bound to either sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG) or other non-specific proteins such as albumin, but their levels of FREE testosterone (i.e. the amount of testosterone that is NOT bound in the body). In males 0.3-5% (with an average of 2%) of their total testosterone if free, with their free testosterone normal values being 270-1100 ng/dl, compared to only 6-86 ng/dl of free testosterone available to females.

The female �equivalent� of testosterone is estrogen. Whilst estrogen may increase Growth Hormone (GH), it also increases a) SHBG, which decreases the amount of free testosterone in the body; and b) cortisol, which reduces muscle mass.
Muscle Fibres and Types

There is a similar distribution of the percentage of Type I, Type IIa, and Type IIb muscle fibres in both males and females. However, females have ~60-80% of the muscle cross-sectional area (CSA) and whole muscle anatomical cross-sectional area (ACSA) than that of males. Therefore, despite the potential for muscle hypertrophy in a relatively short period of time, similar percentage increases in either muscle mass or volume as a result of resistance training, results in smaller total overall gains in CSA and ACSA in females than in males.
Resistance Training and Hormonal Adaptations

Studies have shown that resistance training acutely increases total testosterone in males; whereas there is NO change in females. However, free testosterone HAS been shown to be elevated up to 25% in females after resistance training. Yet, because females have less free testosterone than males at rest, any increase is not significant enough to allow for muscle hypertrophy to the extent of a male. Therefore, it has been suggested that other anabolic hormones, such as GH may be responsible for hypertrophy in females.
Role of Diet in Gaining Muscle

Diet is an important component of gaining muscle mass. To gain muscle mass one needs to be eating MORE than Maintenance calories. Because females are generally smaller than males (i.e. smaller bone size and mass, less muscle mass, etc.), they generally require (and eat) LESS than males. If a female ate the amount that a male ate to gain mass, they would most likely end up gaining a lot of unwanted bodyfat along with muscle hypertrophy. Females are also generally more prone to eating disorders such as anorexia and bulimia, etc. that are detrimental to muscle hypertrophy, and cause muscle loss.
Conclusion

Masculinization in females does not occur as a result of [heavy] weight training, but rather because of the excess of androgenic hormones (i.e. testosterone) coupled with the correct stimulus for muscle growth (i.e. chronic resistance training AND diet directed at muscle growth). The stereotype image of the female bodybuilder in the media is a result of said females chronically using androgenic compounds (i.e. steroids) in order to increase their muscle mass and size. For the female who is NOT doing this, they can lift as hard and as heavy as they want, and will come nowhere close to �looking like a man?".

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Striking the Balance � Femininity, Muscle, and Symmetry

An Interview with IFBB Pro Women's Bodybuilder Shannon Courtney


 For a woman, especially a young woman entering a sport that many say is on its way out, that's an important milestone. There's a segment of Women's Bodybuilders, the pragmatists if you will, that see the writing on the wall and they've started jumping ship. Some will choose retirement, meanwhile others will opt to join the ranks of Women's Physique, Figure, or maybe even Bikini. But then there's the women that do bodybuilding because they love it. They're the women that will go down with the proverbial ship. That is, if they can't steer that ship to safe waters by way of striking a balance � delivering a perfect combination of femininity, muscle, and symmetry. Shannon Courtney, like a small handful of others, just may save the sport of Women's Bodybuilding.


For too long, those of us that support the women have had to point to the past champions (e.g. Corey and Lenda) and/or past sell-out crowds. Shannon Courtney is the present and the future. Here's to Shannon and Women's Bodybuilding!

Q: Shannon, please take a moment to introduce yourself to the audience (full name, age, include IFBB Pro status, where you're from and if possible what gym you train at).
A: Shannon Courtney, 22 years old, IFBB Pro Bodybuilder, from Oakdale, California, Inshape and Fitness Evolution.


Q: You initially got started with Physique, talk to us about transitioning from that division to Bodybuilding and do you ever see yourself competing in both?
A: At first I started with Figure (2 shows) and never did well, I was always too muscular and too lean, judges told me to switch to bodybuilding. I never wanted to compete as a bodybuilder, though. I hated the image it had. I didn't want to be a part of it. Then when I heard about the new division Physique I thought it was perfect for someone like me.  So I entered a Physique show thinking I would do very well. Turns out they placed me close to last because again I was too muscular and too lean. Judges and others advised me to either tone down my legs and back to fit the category or transition into Bodybuilding. I wasn't positive on switching to Bodybuilding, but I also didn't want to stop training the way I liked and, of course, eating how I want. It took a while for me to decide, but I thought why do I need to become the stereotypical women's bodybuilder? I just need to stay true to myself, keep doing exactly what I'm doing. So� I switched.


Q: You placed 3rd in your class at the 2012 USA's and then returned a year later win your class and the Overall, turning Pro. I've always believed that the USA is the gold standard for turning Pro, followed by Nationals, the North Americans, and Team Universe, respectively. Was this contest the only show you had your heart set on winning to turn Pro? And what changes did you make to your training, diet, and/or supplementation from 2012 to 2013?
A: I agree with you with the order of national shows. I believe USAs is the most competitive and the best Pros come from that show. I was set on winning USAs, but I did have in mind doing Nationals if I didn't achieve my pro card that July. The first changes I made for prep of USAs was switching coaches. The best decision I could've made. Last USAs I was on a starvation diet and hours of cardio (which screwed me up big time after the show), so this past USAs was completely different � I had a cheat meal every week up to two weeks out! Sometimes even two cheat meals! Best prep I ever went through. I sailed through it.


Q:What are some immediate and long-term goals that you've set for yourself as a Pro Women's Bodybuilder? Is it possible for a woman to still make a living in the supplement/bodybuilding industry without delving into obscure, perhaps risqu� employment?
A: I would love to qualify for the Olympia. That is a goal I'm setting for myself next year. We�ll see what happens! Honestly, I don't think 95% of women bodybuilders are promotable. I get that and understand why. I'm hoping I will bring a new look to the division and change some opinions on female bodybuilding. I do have a couple sponsors, so I am lucky with that and very, very grateful.


Q: Aside from having a beautiful physique, you're a beautiful woman. What are the fans like at contests, online, and/or in person? Did you set boundaries early on, or was it a learning process?
A: I�ve been gaining a following very quickly� on Facebook, Instagram, other places on the web I don't even know about and randomly find out. It�s pretty cool and motivating for me.
But as I gain more fans I gain more haters. Sometimes it's hurtful but I�ve learned more and more just to ignore and keep doing my thing. And of course there are the ones with the weird fetishes that I completely ignore!


Q: Let's talk about the future of Women's Bodybuilding. If, heaven forbid, the Ms. Olympia went the way of the Ms. International, would you stop training, would you stop improving yourself? I guess the real question is, even without the shows, would you stop being a woman bodybuilder?
A: This year there was a lot of talk of the end of Women�s Bodybuilding and it did make me reconsider what division I wanted to continue with. I was considering Physique again, stopped training for 5 weeks, cut my proteins way down, upped my cardio and I was depressed... I hated it, it just wasn't me. Then I received the schedule for next year�s shows and saw that there were actually shows added this year for Women�s Bodybuilding and Olympia was scheduled again. I was excited and talked with my coach and realized if this sport really isn't about money why am I doing something that's making me unhappy? So I'm back to bodybuilding and will not stop until it does end. If it does, I think I will take a break and have another baby, this might force me to get smaller if I need to transition to Physique.


Q: Let's talk about training. It seems everyone in this game has a nutritionist, a training guru, a massage therapist, a publicist, and if possible someone to train for them (kidding on that last one!). Is your Team a Team of 1 or do you have people that help you along the way?
A: I have an amazing coach � IFBB Pro Lisa Aukland. She has coached me through this past USAs, the Tampa Pro show, and now this off season. I will continue with her this next year. She is there for me every steshaCourtneyp of the way, I cannot thank her enough!


Q: In terms of training and diet, what's your take on women having an off-season and/or bulking up? I think that women (from Bikini to Bodybuilding) shouldn't add a ton of weight (like the men do) because it's a lot harder for women to lose it later. What's your take, what's worked (or not worked) for you?
A: I think women should NEVER bulk, absolutely no reason� unless you are trying to step into Bodybuilding and need to put on a good amount of size. Even then bulking doesn't mean eat whatever you want when you want. It seems to me that's an excuse to get fat. Throughout the off season women (and men) should be on a consistent program to either maintaining or adding lean muscle � still need to eat clean foods.


Q: How important is femininity to building muscle for a woman? Why do you suppose some men and some women attack muscular women? Envy, jealousy, ignorance?
A: I think the majority are just so unfamiliar with what the human body is capable of, they want to shout 'STEROIDS!' any time they see a muscular women. I'm not saying most female bodybuilders don't go overboard, that's why it has a bad name. I�m saying it is possible to gain a great amount of size not drugged up. Staying feminine in this division is so important. After all, it is called �Women�s� Bodybuilding.  I understand some don't like the muscular look, but those are also the ones that can�t appreciate it � the ones that have no idea how much hard work is put into it. To those people I don't even waste my time on.


Q: Let's talk about the 2013 Ms. Olympia. Are you happy with the placings? I'd love if you could share your Top 5 for that contest.
A: I hate to say it... because I do like Iris Kyle but honestly she isn't a good image for the sport. It makes me upset that the judging isn't going toward the feminine look, they're setting it up for failure. In my opinion I think Alina Popa should've received the 1st place and Debi Laszewski 2nd.

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How Women Build Muscle

There are more myths and misconceptions about strength training than any other area of fitness. While research continues to uncover more and more reasons why working out with weights is good for you, many women continue to avoid resistance training for fear of developing muscles of Herculean proportions.

Other women have tried it and been less than thrilled with the results. �Don�t worry,� people say. �Women can�t build muscle like men. They don�t have enough testosterone.� This is, in fact, only partly true.

Many women, believing they wouldn�t build muscle, hit the gym with a vengeance and then wondered why, after several weeks of resistance training, their clothes didn�t fit and they had gained muscle weight.

The truth is, not everyone responds to training in quite the same way. While testosterone plays an important role in muscle development, the answer to why some men and women increase in muscle size and others don�t lies within our DNA.

We are predisposed to respond to exercise in a particular way, in large part because of our genetics. Our genetic makeup determines what types of muscle fibers we have and where they are distributed. It determines our ratio of testosterone to estrogen and where we store body fat. And it also determines our body type.

A Question of Body Type

All women fall under one of three body classifications, or are a combination of types. Mesomorphs tend to be muscular, endomorphs are more rounded and voluptuous and ectomorphs are slim or linear in shape. Mesomorphs respond to strength training by building muscle mass much faster than their ectomorphic counterparts, even though they may be following identical training regimens.

Endomorphs generally need to lose body fat in order to see a change in size or shape as a result of strength training. Ectomorphs are less likely to build muscle mass but will become stronger as a result of resistance training.

Building Just Your Heart Muscle

One of the fundamental principles of strength training is that if you overload a muscle, you will increase its size. With aerobic training, the overload is typically your body weight. Activities such as step training or stair climbing result in changes in the size and shape of the muscles of the lower body. Increasing the height of the step or adding power movements increases the overload.

For those concerned about building muscle, it would be better to reduce the step height or lower the impact of the movements. While this may reduce the aerobic value of the workout, it also will decrease the amount of overload on the muscles, making it less likely that you will build more muscle.

Training by the Rules

When it comes to strength training, the old rule still applies: To get stronger, work with heavier weights and perform fewer repetitions. To promote endurance, use lighter weights and complete more repetitions.

It�s encouraging to note that just like men, most women will experience a 20 to 40% increase in muscular strength after several months of resistance training.

Understanding your body type and how you might respond to exercise can help you set realistic goals and expectations. Avoid comparisons to others you see, at the gym or elsewhere, and remember that no two people are alike.

Focus on how good exercise makes you feel rather than how you would like to look. Accepting our bodies for what they are is a great way to get rid of the guilt or pressure we often feel to look a certain way.

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Secret World of Women's Bodybuilding

It is a subculture that involves bulging biceps, protruding veins and never-ending workouts.

And for many of the women who take up the sport, bodybuilding can involve being stared at, whispered about, and insulted to their faces.

"They look at you like you're from outer space or something," says bodybuilder Yvette Williams.

"I remember people sneering and making lewd comments," says another woman. "'What is that? A man or a woman?'"

In the world of female bodybuilding, not only do women spend grueling hours in the gym pumping iron, pushing genetics to the limit, but many pay an even higher price for their 60 seconds on stage: The toll on their bodies can be irreversible, and the subculture can be all-consuming, obsessive and dangerous.

A Consuming World

"It's a horrendous sacrifice to make," says Katie Arnoldi, a former bodybuilder, referring to the hundreds of women who start out with big dreams but end up so desperate to succeed they may turn to performance-enhancing drugs. "But they're doing it."

Arnoldi started bodybuilding when she was 33 to get back in shape after the birth of her second child. But what started out as an innocent exercise plan quickly turned into an obsession as she fell deeper and deeper into the bodybuilding subculture.

"It's the opposite of anorexia," says Arnoldi, who wrote a novel called Chemical Pink about the world she left behind when she quit bodybuilding. "It's a compulsion. It's an obsession. And there is no satisfying that."

"Somehow it becomes an addiction," says Mimi D'Attomo, a former bodybuilder. "It's like an alcoholic."

Drugs That Transform

D'Attomo, who started bodybuilding when she was in her late 20s, became fanatical and her desire to win turned her to drugs. She started mixing chemical cocktails of steroids and diuretics after competing for three years.

"You can train as hard as you can," she says, "but realistically, it's almost impossible to make gains without anabolic steroids, because anabolic steroids help you recuperate so you never really feel the aches and pain."

Many women, she says, mix potentially harmful combinations of insulin, diuretics, human growth hormone, beta blockers, and anti-wasting HIV drugs.

"I feel to be a professional bodybuilder," she says, "you have to be a chemist. You have to know what to mix, what not to mix, or it could kill you."

Women can pay a devastating price for the advantages drugs offer them. The testosterone, for example, can cause disturbing male characteristics.

"They grow facial hair, their vocal chords thicken, their voices drop, they get hair on their chest and back, a woman's clitoris will grow into a male-like appendage," explains Arnoldi. "These bodies become what is normal to you. And then the real world is almost invisible."

D'Attomo knows all too well how that can happen.

"I didn't think I looked weird," she recalls. "It was normal for me � up until I went outside the gym and socialized outside with other people. Then I realized how different I looked. I said, 'Whoa, I'm freaky. I'm a freak.'"

Fortunately for D'Attomo, she stopped using anabolic steroids before the side effects became irreversible, but it took her three years to recover. The hormonal withdrawal caused her to gain 40 pounds, her joints ached and she suffered from depression. But many women who take steroids for too long may never lose the facial hair or deep voice, and may have pregnancy difficulties.

 Arnoldi says industry insiders know what goes on, but the sport is reluctant to test bodybuilders more strictly for anabolic steroids because big bodies draw big bucks.

Sandy Ranalli of the National Physique Committee, an organization for the bodybuilding and fitness industry, also says drug testing can just be too expensive.

"To be honest with you, we're such a small sport, it's just not financially feasible," says Ranalli of testing the athletes for drugs. She says they do, however, try to do random testing occasionally.

Ranalli adds: "There's steroids in every sport � But to say you're not going to get to the competitive level � without anabolic steroids, that itself is false.

The Sexual Subculture

Arnoldi, who says she quit after two years rather than take drugs, says chemical abuse is not the only dark side to the sport. Even more sinister, perhaps, is the strange sexual subculture that exists.

"There is this whole subset of men that would pay a lot of money to have a girl come over, get them in a headlock or wrestle with them," she says. "I've talked to these guys that are very excited by the idea of being overwhelmed by a strong female � by a big muscular female who can physically overpower them."

D'Attomo saw it, too. "I saw a lot of rich men sponsoring big women," she says. "They would pay for their everything in exchange for maybe a whipping."

But not all bodybuilders paint such a bleak picture of the sport.

For Lesa Lewis, a 33-year-old construction worker from Kansas City, bodybuilding is a challenge and a way to look and feel beautiful.

"I love the competitive part," says Lewis, who will vy in the prestigious Ms. Olympia competition this fall. "I love travel for the shows � I love looking in shape and looking fit."

Many women say it can be a liberating or empowering statement. But Arnoldi says despite the positives, the drawbacks remain.

"Nobody is making these girls do this," she says. "This is a choice � I don't see anything changing."

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