E. 161 What Bodybuilding Really Costs Women (Hormones, PEDs & Motherhood) With Daraja Weidemoyer

In this episode, Daraja Weidemoyer and I dive into the evolving standards of bikini bodybuilding, the increasing density required to stay competitive, and the difficult conversations surrounding PED use, fertility, and long-term health. Daraja shares her perspective on building a pro-level physique naturally, navigating PCOS and endometriosis, and the impact birth control had on her mood, recovery, and overall well-being.We also talk about the identity shift that comes with motherhood, learning to adapt your routine instead of chasing perfection, and why balance and sustainability are critical for longevity in bodybuilding. This episode is a real conversation about competing at a high level while staying aligned with your values, protecting your health, and creating a life outside of the sport.Timestamps:- [00:00 – 03:20] – Daraja Weidemoyer intro, bodybuilding journey, and becoming a mom.- [03:21 – 11:29] – Bikini bodybuilding becoming denser and evolving judging standards.- [11:30 – 17:26] – PED use, genetic potential, patience, and risk tolerance in bodybuilding.- [17:27 – 22:07] – Fertility, virilization concerns, and family planning in bodybuilding.- [22:08 – 30:29] – Birth control, PCOS, PMDD, and hormonal health struggles.- [30:30 – 35:22] – Managing PMS, mindset shifts, and improving self-awareness.- [35:23 – 43:59] – Competing after motherhood and adapting to the new bikini standard.- [44:00 – 48:14] – Finding a new rhythm as a mom while pursuing bodybuilding goals.- [48:15 – 52:59] – Letting go of rigidity and adapting training to real life.- [53:00 – 59:59] – Why balance and flexibility create longevity in bodybuilding.- [01:00:00 – 01:05:59] – Social media comparison, mindset, and staying aligned with your values.- [01:06:00 – 01:17:33] – Building more size, lifting heavier, and Daraja’s future competitive goals.Links & Resources:Follow Daraja on Instagram: @darajaweidWork With Daraja: https://refinedstrengthcoaching.com/services/Purchase The Complete Fat Loss Guide: https://coryfit.com/product/the-complete-fat-loss-guide/Purchase The Glute Building Blueprint: https://coryfit.com/product/the-complete-glute-building-program/https://coryfit.com/⁠Coaching: Let's Chat⁠https://calendly.com/coryfit-coaching/15min⁠Consults: Book a Call⁠https://calendly.com/coryfit-coaching/one-time-consultationFor more content, follow along:⁠Instagram⁠: https://www.instagram.com/cory_fit/⁠Patreon⁠: https://patreon.com/CoryFit?utm_medium=unknown&utm_source=join_link&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=copyLink