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Table 3 Overarching themes and sub-themes

From: Gendered perspectives on women’s anabolic–androgenic steroid (AAS) usage practices

Overarching theme

Sub-themes

Theme 1: Women in strength sports—feminine empowerment

1. Femininity and masculine landscapes

2. Social acceptance of muscle

3. Strength sports and AAS

Theme 2: Perceived harm reductionRather go orals than injectables

1. Choosing Anavar

2. The injectable shift

3. Reducing harms

Theme 3: For females—it’s going to come with other s**t as well

1. Impact of AAS on women

  a. Physical changes

  b. Psychological changes

2. Men’s perspectives of women’s AAS harms

Theme 4: The role of stigma in women’s use of AAS

1. Gendered secrecy

2. Stigma and judgement

3. Peer-education and support