YOUR HEALTH
"Steroid" pertains to different hormones
DR. DONOHUE

DEAR DR. DONOHUE: What most Americans know about steroids is their illegal use, particularly by athletes, whose reputations are then ruined. Is there a legal use for steroids? Or are steroids primarily for building strength and power? Could they be a miracle cure? -- R.R.

ANSWER: "Steroid" is the name given to many hormones that share a common chemical structure. The various steroids, however, have completely different actions and are used for completely different conditions. One family of steroids is the cortisone family, and prednisone is one of its most popularly used members. The cortisone steroids are powerful antiinflammatory agents and are used to treat many illnesses.

Male sex hormones -- testosterone being one example -- are also steroids. They have no anti inflammation properties. They also are called androgens or anabolic steroids. They promote muscle growth, and they also enhance male characteristics, like the pattern of body hair growth and the deepening of the voice. They have a legitimate place in medicine to build muscle for those who have wasting illnesses. They're used to replace testosterone in men with a testosterone deficiency. They are illegally used by people wanting to promote muscle growth. Such use can bring on serious complications. The prostate gland might grow larger. The testicles can shrink. Breasts tend to enlarge. Hair can be lost. Inappropriate aggression often results. They are not miracle workers.

DEAR DR. DONOHUE: I find that milk relieves my symptoms of acid reflux. I read somewhere that dairy products can cause reflux symptoms (heartburn). What should I do when symptoms arise, and what can I do to prevent them? I take Prilosec. -- K.W.

ANSWER: Milk used to be promoted as something that soothed the stomach. It doesn't. The calcium in milk promotes acid secretion.

Prilosec is one of the proton pump inhibitors, the strongest medicines for suppression of stomach acid. Maybe your strength of Prilosec is too low, or maybe you'd benefit from a different proton pump inhibitor.

Or have you tried simple antacids, like Maalox, Mylanta, Tums and Rolaids?

If you can identify a particular food that brings on heartburn, you can prevent it by avoiding that food. Caffeine, tomato-based products, citrus juices, chocolate, peppermint, onions and alcohol often provoke heartburn. Weight reduction, if called for, also diminishes it. Not lying down for three hours after eating is another preventive step.

Dr. Donohue regrets that he is unable to answer individual letters, but he will incorporate them in his column whenever possible. Readers may write him or request an order form of available health newsletters at P.O. Box 536475, Orlando, FL32853-6475. Readers may also order health newsletters from www.rbmamall. com. 2006 North America Syndicate Inc. All Rights Reserved