‘Can taking anabolic steroids really give a woman a penis?’

A wild rumour has circulated about a female Aussie influencer growing a penis after taking anabolic steroids. A doctor unpacks if it’s possible.

Welcome to Ask Doctor Zac, a weekly column from news.com.au. This week, Dr Zac Turner discusses the side effects of anabolic steroids.

QUESTION: Hi Dr Zac, Have you seen the latest gossip that an Australian female fitness influencer grew a penis from abusing steroids? It’s wild! Surely that’s not possible?

What are anabolic steroids? Are they the same steroids my son uses for his asthma? I’m sure my son’s not going to grow another penis – but are there other side effects? – Stella, 43, Sydney

ANSWER: Let’s just tone down the alarm bells Stella. You nailed it on the head in your first sentence by saying this is all based on gossip. This rumour claims that the woman’s clitoris has grown into an appendage that resembles a penis.

Anabolic steroids can cause a clitoris to grow larger than normal, but not large enough that it resembles a penis. Picture: iStock

From my years of study and practice I’ve learnt to tread lightly. I’ve seen a lot of things as a scientist, a nurse, humanitarian worker and now a doctor. And the more I study and learn I realise that we are all individuals and need thorough care and attention before needles, pills and action.

This may be one of the most extreme anabolic steroid side effects I have ever heard of, and I highly doubt it happened. People start gossip for many reasons, especially those in the influencer world.

@Jarrahmartinfitness is one of many TikTok influencers who promote muscle building. Picture: TikTok

Influencer @kingofgains inspires young men to bulk up via TikTok. Picture: TikTok

This does raise a fascinating insight into the misconceptions around steroids, and how little people know about them.

I do think the increased misuse of steroids ties in with the rise of disordered male body image – most specifically, muscle dysmorphia. Young men are becoming more fascinated by the fitness influencers they follow. In their quest to become the muscly Michelin men on their screens, they are putting themselves at serious risk.

Anabolic steroids are not the same as the steroids in your son’s asthma medication. Instead, they are a prescription only medicine that are commonly bought illegally to increase muscle mass and boost athleticism. These are dangerous if misused, and can be addictive.

They work by copying the effects of the male hormone testosterone.

Consider natural testosterone as the real deal, and anabolic steroids as the knock off.

There are some knock offs you can buy which are almost the same as the original. And then there are cheap knock offs so bad they cause problems the moment you start taking them.

Anabolic steroids can increase the user’s confidence and strength, which form addictive behaviours that cause prolonged use.

To put it simply, these drugs cause irreversible damage. They can lead to early heart attacks, strokes, liver tumours, kidney failure and psychiatric problems. Often people feel depressed following a cessation of use.

The potential side effects of anabolic steroids for women include a deeper voice, changes in face shape, facial hair growth, irregular period, shrinking breasts and in some cases infertility. The clitoris can grow larger than normal, but not large enough that it resembles a penis.

For men, on the other hand, it causes enlarged breasts, shrunk testicles, male-pattern baldness and potentially aggression.

For men, anabolic steroids can cause enlarged breasts, shrunk testicles, baldness and aggression. Picture: iStock

These steroids aren’t always harmful. There is a reason they are prescribed by doctors, as they can increase bone density, red blood cell production and maintain muscle mass when you have a condition like liver disease or cancer.

Stella, there is no reason to fear. Women on Instagram aren’t growing penises, and your son won’t go bald from his asthma medication. If you really are worried, it’s always best to speak to your doctor. So whenever you’re reading gossip columns and news make sure you take it with a grain of salt and get sound advice before you cut loose.

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Dr Zac Turner has a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery from the University of Sydney. He is both a medical practitioner and a co-owner of telehealth service, Concierge Doctors. He was also a registered nurse and is also a qualified and experienced biomedical scientist along with being a PhD Candidate in Biomedical Engineering.

Originally published as ‘Can taking anabolic steroids really give a woman a penis?’