E. 161 What Bodybuilding Really Costs Women (Hormones, PEDs & Motherhood) With Daraja Weidemoyer
About this episode
Daraja Weidemoyer discusses the challenges and realities of bodybuilding for women, including health, motherhood, and the use of performance-enhancing drugs.
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] –…
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