Steroids are taken orally as tablets or injected into muscles. People who use steroids illegally may take several times more than a doctor would normally prescribe. Steroids can be taken using the following methods:
- Stacking - taking several different types of steroids at the same time in an attempt to improve their effectiveness.
- Cycling - taking multiple doses of steroids over a period of time, stopping for a while and then starting again.
- Pyramiding - increasing steroid use to a peak amount and then slowly reducing the amount.
Each of these methods can increase the risk and harms of steroid use.