Anabolic Steroid Withdrawal
Compiled from cited sources · not yet medically reviewedUpdated 2 sources
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For information only, not medical advice. Talk to a doctor before stopping or changing any medication. Medical disclaimer
⚠ Medical warning
Stopping anabolic steroids can cause depression, which NIDA says often leads people to start using again. If you have thoughts of suicide, call or text 988 now. A doctor can check your hormones and help you stop safely.
Quick answer
NIDA says withdrawal from anabolic steroids can include fatigue, restlessness, loss of appetite, insomnia, reduced sex drive and steroid cravings, and that stopping can cause depression, often leading people to start again. There’s no standard timeline; it depends on what you used and for how long. These aren’t the same as medical steroids like prednisone, which have their own withdrawal risks.
Anabolic steroids withdrawal timeline at a glance
| Phase | When | What you may feel | Severity | Red flags |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| After stopping | Weeks to months (varies; not well defined) | Fatigue, restlessness; Loss of appetite, insomnia; Reduced sex drive; Steroid cravings; Depression | Moderate | Thoughts of suicide or self-harm: call or text 988 now |
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Symptoms, phase by phase
NIDA’s research report says withdrawal symptoms can include fatigue, restlessness, loss of appetite, insomnia, reduced sex drive and steroid cravings, and that stopping steroid use can cause depression, often leading to resumption of use. It also notes that people may struggle to stop, possibly because of depression, anxiety about losing muscle mass and other unpleasant withdrawal effects. We haven’t found reliable timing data, so we don’t give hour or day ranges.
After stopping: Weeks to months (varies; not well defined)
- Fatigue, restlessness
- Loss of appetite, insomnia
- Reduced sex drive
- Steroid cravings
- Depression
What makes withdrawal longer or shorter
- Hormone disruption. NIDA says steroid use disrupts the body’s normal hormone production, and that some effects, such as lower sperm production, low testosterone and shrinking testicles, can be reversed.
- Mental health. NIDA says people may struggle to stop because of depression, anxiety about losing muscle mass or other unpleasant withdrawal effects.
When to see a doctor or get help now
- Before stopping, a doctor can check hormone levels and support recovery. NIDA says treatment can include endocrine therapies to restore hormone function and ease depression, and antidepressants if depression doesn’t respond.
- Call or text 988 for thoughts of suicide.
Not sure where to start? Call SAMHSA’s free, confidential helpline at 1-800-662-4357, 24/7. See Get Help.
Tapering
Hormone recovery after steroid use should be managed with a doctor. We don’t publish dose-by-dose schedules. Your prescriber should set your plan, and adjust it if symptoms appear.
Tips for getting through it
- Be honest with your doctor about what you used
- Get support for body image concerns; NIDA says treatment can include psychological therapies for muscle dysmorphia
Frequently asked questions
How long does steroid withdrawal last?
It varies; there’s no standard timeline.
Can steroid withdrawal cause depression?
Yes, NIDA says it can, sometimes leading people to use again.
Is this the same as prednisone withdrawal?
No. See our prednisone page for medical steroids.
Next steps
Talk to others going through it. Share your experience or ask questions on the Day-by-Day Check-ins board in our community forum. Forum posts are personal experiences, not medical advice. Please read the community guidelines.
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Sources
Last reviewed: October 25, 2026. Researched and written by Withdrawal Timelines from the cited sources. This article has not yet been reviewed by a medical professional. See How We Review and our Medical Disclaimer. This is general information, not medical advice.
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