E. 182 10 PEDs Bikini Competitors Use: Risks, Side Effects & What You Need to Know episode artwork

EPISODE · Aug 31, 2026 · 38 MIN

E. 182 10 PEDs Bikini Competitors Use: Risks, Side Effects & What You Need to Know

from Self-Selecting · host Cory Hageman

What are bikini competitors actually using—and what are the risks that often get left out of the conversation?In this episode, I break down 10 categories of performance-enhancing drugs commonly seen in bikini bodybuilding, including anabolic androgenic steroids, GLP-1s, growth agonists, beta agonists, thyroid hormone, TRT, SERMs, SARMs, diuretics, and hormone replacement therapy.Rather than presenting these drugs as shortcuts, I explain why athletes use them, the potential side effects and contraindications, and why “female-friendly” or non-androgenic doesn’t mean risk-free. I also cover virilization, muscle loss, cardiovascular and liver concerns, hormone health, and why medical supervision and an individualized risk assessment matter when making decisions around PED use.If you’re a bikini competitor, physique athlete, or someone comparing your natural progress to enhanced physiques online, this episode will give you more context around what may be happening behind the scenes—and the trade-offs that come with it. Timestamps:- [00:00 – 05:23] – PED Use in Bikini Bodybuilding: Natural vs. Enhanced Expectations- [05:23 – 09:00] – #1 Anabolic Steroids- [09:00 – 10:12] – #2 GLP-1s- [10:12 – 13:21] – Androgenic vs. Non-Androgenic PEDs & GLP-1 Risks- [13:21 – 15:28] – GLP-1 Contraindications & Mental Health Considerations- [15:28 – 18:05] – #3 Growth Agonists- [18:05 – 19:19] – #4 Beta Agonists- [19:19 – 21:33] – #5 Thyroid Hormone- [21:33 – 24:02] – #6 TRT for Women- [24:02 – 28:39] – #7 SERMs: Estrogen, Contest Prep & Unnecessary Risk- [28:39 – 31:53] – #8 SARMs- [31:53 – 34:27] – #9 Diuretics- [34:27 – 37:37] – #10 HRT- [37:37 – 38:38] – PED Risk, Medical Supervision & Final TakeawaysLinks & Resources: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

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E. 182 10 PEDs Bikini Competitors Use: Risks, Side Effects & What You Need to Know

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