Anabolic-androgenic steroids (AAS) are prescription drugs sometimes misused to enhance muscle growth, strength, and athletic performance. While medically approved corticosteroids are also classified as steroids and used to treat conditions like asthma or inflammation, they are not commonly associated with misuse.
Anabolic steroids, however, are tightly monitored in sports and fitness contexts due to their performance-enhancing effects and potential health risks. Detection windows for steroids vary widely depending on the compound and method of use, making it important for athletes and others subject to drug testing to understand how long these substances can remain in the body.
- Steroids are substances that mimic naturally produced hormones and can be used to treat medical conditions.
- There are two types of steroids: corticosteroids, which are prescribed for medical treatments, and anabolic steroids, which are commonly misused for their impact on muscle gain and performance.
- Steroids can be detected using different types of tests, but their detection windows will vary depending on the type of steroid and the administration method used.
Types of steroids and how they are metabolized
Steroids are synthetic drugs with very different purposes—some prescribed for legitimate medical needs, others commonly misused for performance and appearance enhancement. The type of steroid determines not only its effects but also how long it can remain detectable in the body.
Once taken, steroids are primarily metabolized in the liver and excreted through the kidneys in urine. [2] Their detectability depends on the compound, dosage, method of administration, and the sensitivity of the testing method. In general, anabolic steroids, especially when misused, remain detectable much longer than corticosteroids.
Anabolic-Androgenic Steroids (AAS)
AAS mimic testosterone and are prescribed for medical conditions such as male hypogonadism, delayed puberty, anemia, and muscle wasting due to diseases like AIDS. Medically approved AAS in the US include: [3]
- Testosterone (various formulations such as gels, injections, and patches)
- Oxandrolone
- Oxymetholone
- Fluoxymesterone
- Methyltestosterone
Outside of medical use, AAS are frequently misused at doses 10–100 times higher than prescribed or combined in “stacks” to accelerate muscle growth and athletic performance. This kind of misuse not only prolongs detection windows but also carries serious health risks, including hormonal imbalance, cardiovascular strain, and liver damage. In addition, black-market AAS, such as nandrolone or veterinary-only steroids, are often unregulated and unsafe for human use, compounding the risks.[2][3]
Corticosteroids
Corticosteroids, by contrast, are prescribed to treat inflammatory conditions like asthma, eczema, or inflammatory bowel disease. Examples include prednisolone, methylprednisolone, beclomethasone, and hydrocortisone. These medications are available in multiple forms—tablets, injections, creams, and sprays—and typically have shorter detection times than AAS. Some, like hydrocortisone creams, can even be purchased over the counter, reflecting their routine therapeutic use rather than performance enhancement potential. [1]
Detection windows by test type
Most drug tests, such as those administered for employment checks or at the roadside, will not test for the presence of steroids. Steroid drug tests might be more common in professional athletic or sports competitions, as they can be used to enhance performance and create an unfair advantage. [4]
Steroids can be detected with the use of various types of tests, including urine, blood, saliva, hair, and fingernail tests. The detection windows of steroids will vary, depending on several factors, including the type of steroid and the administration method. [5]
Additionally, some steroids have a short half-life, and others have a longer half-life. This refers to how long the steroid remains in the body, which prolongs the effects of the substance. Steroids with a longer half-life will therefore have longer-acting effects and can be detected for longer.
Urine testing
This is the most common testing method in sports and employment. Steroids can be detected in the urine for up to 28 days, depending on the type of steroid. Some steroids have a short urine detection time of around 2-4 days, while others might be detectable for over a month. [5][6][7]
Blood testing
Blood tests can detect steroid use for up to 14 days, depending on the type and amount used and the method of administration. [5]
Saliva testing
Saliva testing can detect steroids for only around 24 hours, making it a less effective choice than other testing methods with longer duration windows. [5]
Hair follicle testing
Steroids can be detected in hair samples. Roughly 1 cm of hair indicates one month of growth, which means that past steroid use can be recognized even after a period of abstinence, and patterns of use can be assessed. Depending on the length of the hair, steroids can be detected for several months or up to a year. [5][6]
Factors influencing steroid detection times
Many factors can influence the detection times of steroids, including: [2][5][6]
- The type of steroid: AAS often have longer detection windows than corticosteroids, as they are often modified to have longer half-lives.
- The method of administration: Injected steroids can be detected for a longer duration than orally ingested steroids.
- The amount and frequency of use: Greater use can increase detection duration windows.
- Age and weight: Metabolism is affected by the age and weight of the individual, which impacts how long steroids can be detected. For example, a younger, petite female with a faster metabolism may process and clear steroids from her system more quickly than an older, heavier male whose slower metabolism and larger fat stores can retain steroid metabolites for a longer period.
- Additional substances: Concurrent steroid use or use of other medications or substances can impact the metabolism and detection window of steroids (e.g., ketoconazole can increase the effects of testosterone by inhibiting its metabolism, leading to prolonged detection and enhanced steroid activity).
Myths and facts about speeding up steroid clearance
Steroid clearance cannot be sped up. The rate at which steroids are eliminated from the body can differ from person to person and may depend on the factors mentioned above. People using steroids as prescribed may eliminate the substance faster than those who misuse steroids.
Using cleanses, detox methods, overhydration, or excessive sweating will not help to speed up steroid clearance.
What to do if you're facing a drug test or concerned about steroid use
Depending on the situation and type of steroid, people who are facing a drug test following steroid use might face legal consequences, employment termination, disqualification from sporting events, or other ramifications of their substance use. It may be necessary to seek legal representation in some circumstances.
People who are misusing steroids may wish to seek professional help to stop. As AAS can be addictive, it can be difficult to reduce or stop using them. Professional services can help with withdrawal and detox, rehabilitation, physical health treatment, and managing psychological issues associated with or caused by steroid use.
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