| Some indications of virilization are the appearance of physical male gender characteristics. This includes undesirable effects such as increased acne (particularly on the chest and back), increased body and facial hair, decreased hair on the head, a deepened voice and oily skin.
Women who used anabolic steroids also experience a change in their overall physique. With their increased muscular tissue and decreased fat, they lose their feminine curves including breast tissue.
Probably the biggest issue with virilization is that many of the physical effects are irreversible. This means that a woman might not be able to regain her curves, may not be able to reduce the increased body hair and may permanently have a deeper or hoarse voice.
Women who use steroids might also notice some characteristic changes that seem to be more masculine such as aggression or “roid rage” which is a seemingly uncontrollable violent outburst.
The threat of virilization is sometimes enough to keep women from using steroids because they don’t want to permanently masculinize their bodies. It also has another effect, however. Some women are afraid to weight train (even without steroids) because they fear that their bodies will become more masculine instead of lean or trim. It is important for women to weight train as a part of their normal exercise routine to help increase and maintain their strength.
Sources: |
