Oral Steriods

Oral steroids are a form of steroid taken by mouth in the form of tablets or capsules, making them one of the most common and convenient methods of steroid administration. Like their injectable counterparts, they fall into two main categories. Corticosteroids in oral form, such as prednisone, dexamethasone, and methylprednisolone, are frequently prescribed by doctors to treat inflammation-related conditions like asthma, arthritis, lupus, and allergic reactions. They work by suppressing the immune system and reducing inflammation throughout the body and are generally used for short-term treatment to minimize side effects.

The second category is oral anabolic-androgenic steroids (AAS), which are synthetic testosterone-derived compounds taken in pill form. Medically, they may be prescribed for conditions like delayed puberty or muscle-wasting diseases, but they are widely known for their misuse in bodybuilding and athletic performance enhancement. Common examples include Dianabol (methandrostenolone), Anavar (oxandrolone), and Winstrol (stanozolol). Because oral anabolic steroids are processed through the liver, they carry a higher risk of liver toxicity compared to injectables, along with other risks such as high blood pressure, cholesterol imbalance, and hormonal disruption. They are banned in competitive sports worldwide.