With the number of steroids available, people have the option of choosing between injectable and oral steroids. While a lot of this depends on which medication was prescribed, many are available both as injectable and oral compounds. Furthermore, the choice between oral and injectable medications also depends on the individual’s physiology and specific needs. Thus, it is important to understand where the differences between oral and injectable steroids lie and how they work when administered.
Also termed anabolic-androgenic steroids (AAS), these synthetic forms of testosterone stimulate the development of tissue building (anabolic) and male sex characteristics (androgenic). Among those looking to gain muscle mass or suffering from low testosterone levels, anabolic-androgenic steroids (AAS) are a commonly prescribed supplements.
Bodybuilders, who use steroids to reach their target body type, opt for either of the alternatives. Let’s take a look at the differences between oral and injectable steroids and how they compare.
Oral Versus Injectable Anabolic Androgenic Steroids
Anabolic steroids are available in a range of forms that include gels, patches, oral pills, and injections. Among these, oral tablets and injections are the two most common options chosen for administration. When prescribed oral steroids, one has to take the prescribed dosage on time and as directed. For steroid injections, the person has to visit a licensed medical professional for their prescribed dose.
The differences between oral and injectable steroids can be explained based on the following criteria:
Absorption and Onset Speed
Oral compounds are absorbed through the digestive system. This helps them act faster, offering immediate effects on the human body. On the other hand, injectable compounds are available as intramuscular injections. Thus, they are absorbed slowly through muscle tissue, leading to a delayed onset of effects.
While oral options may deliver quicker visible results, but often plateau sooner. This is because they often have shorter half-lives, being absorbed and passed quickly through the body. In contrast, the injectable medications offer long-term effects on the body.
Administration
Oral steroids are taken with water or milk. They should ideally be taken at the same time, by mouth, and whole (never crushed or chewed as that hampers the effectiveness).
Injectable steroids, on the other hand, must be administered by a licensed physician or nurse. They can be intramuscular, intravenous, or subcutaneous. Self-administration can be highly dangerous.
In both cases, doses must not be missed. If you remember the missed dose too close to the next one, skip it, and move on (in case of injectable, consult with your doctor and schedule an appointment). Never take more than a single dose at once.
Half-Life and Dosing Frequency
Dosing frequency has a significant impact on the consistency and results seen from taking anabolic androgenic steroids.
Those prescribed oral steroids have to take a daily dose, sometimes multiple times a day. This is owed to the fact that oral compounds generally have a shorter half-life, due to which people require a daily dose.
On the other hand, injectables come with a longer half-life. Thus, they take longer to break down into simpler compounds. Therefore, they last longer in the body, due to which people are prescribed weekly or bi-weekly doses, depending on the drug.
Liver Toxicity and Health Risks
Oral compounds are absorbed through the digestive system and are often hepatotoxic (liver toxic) due to their chemical structure. Thus, long-term use or dosages in excess of the prescribed medical dosage can impact liver function.
Injectable steroids are administered intramuscularly, bypassing the liver. This makes them less harsh on the liver, and they are also less hepatotoxic in comparison.
However, long-term use of steroids in either form may pose cardiovascular, hormonal, or organ risks. This includes high blood pressure, blood clots, stroke, acne, gynecomastia, excessive body hair, male patterned baldness, and testicular atrophy in certain cases. Additionally, injectable compounds have a higher anabolic efficiency, thus offering lower risks of side effects like virilization.
Convenience and User Preference
Oral compounds are convenient, easier to ingest, and need to be taken with water. For injectable compounds, people need to visit a medical practitioner since they require sterile preparation, needles, and the knowledge of applying injections.
Additionally, injectables come in a range of ester forms, making them a better choice for steroid stacking. This is why injectables are more common among advanced users who practice steroid stacking.
Cost and Availability
Oral compounds are usually cheaper than injectables and are readily available. Injectable compounds often cost more, and their availability may vary depending on location and source reliability.
Cycle Length and Results
The steroid cycles for oral pills are typically shorter, ranging from 4 to 6 weeks, both due to the half-life of the medication and its impact on the liver. Steroid cycles with injectable compounds often last longer, from 8 to 12 weeks, or even more, due to their longer half-life and lower hepatotoxicity.
Further, orals may show faster visible gains early on; however, injectables tend to produce more stable, long-term muscle retention. Among advanced users, combining both, i.e., kickstarting with orals and sustaining with injectables, is often seen. However, this needs to be done with proper medical advice and only after a thorough physical evaluation of the person.
The recovery and post-cycle therapy (PCT) requirements vary depending on the cycle length and the type of compound taken.
Which Is Better for Your Goals?
While both oral pills and injectables are effective, the choice depends on two factors: the physiology of the person and which medication helps them reach their goals.
For Beginners
Oral steroids offer non-invasive administration and rapid action. Further, the shorter half-life ensures that the compounds leave the system early, making them a convenient choice.
For Experienced Users
Injectables are more stable, offer consistent results, a higher anabolic-to-androgenic ratio, and are better for steroid stacking. This is why experienced users often opt for injectable compounds.
Risk/Reward Breakdown
Oral compounds are hepatotoxic, alter LDL levels, increase blood pressure, and may lead to hormone suppression. However, they work fast, offer quick results, are convenient, and clear off the system early.
Injectables often have estrogenic side effects, suppress natural testosterone production, reduce HDL levels by 15-25%, and cause pain/inflammation at the injection site. However, they also deliver balanced results, have fewer side effects, and allow better steroid stacking.
Can You Combine Both?
For optimum results, people often combine orals with injectables. This ensures
- Rapid effects,
- Maximum anabolic benefits,
- Targeting of multiple pathways,
- Customised outcomes, and
- Shorter cycle lengths.
For bulking, a steroid stack may involve Anadrol (oral), Deca Durabolin, Testosterone, and Trenbolone (injectables). Similarly, for a cutting cycle, the stack can include Anavar (oral), Winstrol (oral), Testosterone, and Trenbolone (injectables).
Based on experience level, the cycle durations are as follows:
| Experience Level | Cycle Duration | Compounds Used |
| Beginner | 8–10 weeks | Injectable testosterone plus a mild oral compound. |
| Intermediate | 10–12 weeks | Testosterone, secondary injectable, oral compound. |
| Advanced | 12–16 weeks | Multi-compound cycles |
Table 1: Cycle duration during steroid stacking.
Steroid stacking should be done only with medical advice and keeping in mind the following:
- Get your bloodwork done regularly.
- Track health markers like blood pressure, heart rate, mood, and cognition.
- Watch out for side effects like gynecomastia, bloating, insomnia, and mood swings.
- Complete the proper PCT routine after your steroid cycle ends.
Final Thoughts: Choosing Between Oral Compounds and Injectables
When choosing between the form of steroid you need to take, refer to medical advice, consider your fitness goals, and tolerance. Be sure to start the PCT regimen once your steroid cycle ends for sustained long-term results.
Interested in using steroids to reach your fitness goals? Visit your doctor and get started with your chosen regimen.
FAQs
What is the safest oral anabolic steroid that one can take?
Among oral steroids available in the market, Anavar (oxandrolone) is often the safest choice, with mild to moderate side effects.
Can you switch from oral to injectable mid-cycle?
Unless you are steroid stacking with a doctor’s advice, it is best not to switch between different forms of steroids to prevent liver stress and side effects.
How do oral steroids affect the liver?
Oral steroids often contain C17α-alkylated steroids, which lead to liver tumors, cholestatic jaundice, and other forms of liver damage with long-term use.
