The amount of time a steroid remains in your system varies widely depending on a number of factors, including:
- the type of steroid you’re using
- your dose
- method of administration (injected, inhaled, applied topically)
- formulation of steroid (Depo injection vs. regular injection, foam vs. cream)
- your individual metabolism
- age and health
- body mass index
Generally speaking, steroids used for medical purposes (such as prednisone, cortisone, or dexamethasone) clear faster than anabolic steroids used for athletic performance.
The table below lists the average time that steroids stay in your system. However, these times can vary depending on all the factors listed above.
For the most accurate information on how long a steroid will remain in your system, talk with a medical professional.
| Type of steroid | How long it typically stays in your system |
| anabolic steroids (e.g., testosterone enanthate, trenbolone acetate, deca-durabolin, equipoise) | injected: 2 to 3 days, depending on the type taken orally: 7 days to 6 weeks, depending on the type |
| corticosteroids (e.g., prednisone, fluticasone, hydrocortisone, dexamethasone) | taken orally: 16.5 to 22 hours inhaled: up to 14 hours applied topically: varies, very minimal absorption into your system |
| sex-hormone steroids (e.g., testosterone, estrogen, progresterone) | taken orally: 3 to 8 weeks injected: |
While steroids may clear from your bloodstream in a certain amount of time, they may be detectable for a longer period of time using other methods, such as hair, urine, and nail testing.
For example, steroids may be detected in hair follicles for up to 12 months after use. And steroids may be detected in fingernails for up to 12 months in toenails.
Talk with a doctor if you’re curious or concerned about how long a steroid you’ve taken may be detected in your body.