There are many ways to look at the types of steroids depending on how you want to classify them. There are different types of steroids based on their medical definitions, there are different types of steroids within each of these medical definitions and there are different types of steroids based on how they are administered.

The first of the types of steroids includes corticosteroids where are steroids related to the hormones in the body that are associated with the adrenal cortex. These are often steroids that are found as prescription and over-the-counter creams used to treat rashes and other topical ailments. The second of the types of steroids are those associated with the female sex hormones – estrogens and progestogens. They are often found in prescription birth control. The last of the types of steroids are androgens which are those related to the male sex hormone testosterone. Androgens are used medically for many reasons including for treatment of female breast cancer, weight gain and growth stimulation. This is also the type of steroids that you'd find used by athletes and bodybuilders to help increase lean muscle mass and strength.

There are multiple types of steroids in each of the above categories, each with its own characteristics, benefits and side effects. For example, androgenic steroids, also known as anabolic-androgenic steroids each have their own mixture of anabolic and androgenic characteristics and with that its own benefits and list and range of side effects.

Another way to classify the types of steroids is by how they are administered. One of the types of steroids is a topical administration which is a cream, lotion or ointment. Other types of steroids are the kinds that are administered by injection. These steroids either come in liquid form or in powder form that needs to be mixed with water. Finally, the last of the types of steroids are those that come as tablets to be swallowed.