The use of hormones and anabolic steroids to be what we aren't naturally, or cannot be even with effort, is a path fraught with danger.
 
That's because taking hormones for any purpose overrides what the body is intelligently designed to do--produce hormones when and where they're needed. In the long run, except for when there is no choice due to health problems, consequences are greater than the temporary benefits.
 
 
HORMONE TRAPS FOR WOMEN
Testosterone patches can increase libido in women during and after menopause. However, over time, there is metabolic disruption and an increased risk of heart disease and cancer. Also, the voice will deepen, body and facial hair blossom, and anger, aggression, and hostility increase—not so good for the libido of the husband.
 
Birth control hormones have become fashionable to limit the inconvenience of menstruation. Risks include ectopic pregnancies, cancers, heart attacks, mood swings, depression, and can even affect who a woman is attracted to.
 
 
STEROIDS AND THE PRICE OF RELIEF
Long-term use of corticosteroids for allergies, inflammation, or injuries can result in serious adrenal gland diseases, immune suppression, and vulnerability to infection. T
 
 
AN EXAMPLE IN VETERINARY MEDICINE
Dogs were once given hormones for birth control. Years after discontinuing them, treated dogs would present with life-threatening illness, extreme thirst, and white blood cell counts off the charts. Their abdomens would enlarge due to the uterus swelling gigantically with pus (pyometra). Pints of it could accumulate, all just because a little ol' hormone was given years ago, with nary a hint of any ill effect in the near term.
 

Radiograph of dog with abdomen filled with pus-filled uterus

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BODY WISDOM
The body is wise and self-regulating. It's not fooled by fads, swayed by shortcuts, or endlessly forgiving. It keeps score, even when we don't.
 
Hormones are like metabolic slings. They suppress the production of the hormones that the body normally produces. When this happens, there's a negative feedback loop: the more that hormones from the outside are introduced into the body, the less the body does what it no longer needs to, which is to synthesize its own hormones. Organs that produce hormones weaken from disuse and atrophy, just like muscles atrophy if put in a sling or cast and not used.
 
If the outside source of hormones is withdrawn, the organs that are now withered from the easy-chair life do not have the strength to produce enough hormones. Since almost every function in the body is hormone-influenced, and every hormone interacts with every other hormone in complex ways, the collapse of one piece can affect the whole puzzle.
 
We can't suspend our organs in chemical slings by taking hormones and then expect long-term health. Nature doesn't look the other way. Sooner or later, the disease piper will be paid.
 
 
MUSCLES AT WHAT COST?
In the case of anabolic steroids to increase muscle mass, appetite is increased to supply the needed protein for muscle growth. The digestive system is forced to digest and assimilate massive amounts of food daily. For example, some bodybuilders try to consume 600 grams of protein per day. That's about 20 chicken breasts and represents only the protein fraction of their diet.
 
The strain this puts on the digestive system, kidneys, liver, and heart is staggering.

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Over time, anabolic steroid bodybuilders are susceptible to digestive problems, heart disease, cancer, immune weakness, atrophy of the testicles, and metabolic disorders. Painful and debilitating injuries to bones, joints, tendons, cartilage, and ligaments from the massive weights and intense workout regimens used may not show up until later in life.
 
But the body notices, keeps count, and demands a penalty.
 
 
THE TEENAGE TRAP
A huge number of high schoolers now try steroids for looks and sports.  Parents need to be aware that this is prevalent and deeply harmful. If the argument is that taking hormones is the only way to excel in a sport, then have them change sports. Insist. No contest is worth a lifetime of broken health.
 
 
RONNIE COLEMAN: A CAUTIONARY TALE
Even the legendary Ronnie Coleman, eight-time Mr. Olympia, couldn't escape the consequences. He built a physique few could rival—even with drugs. But today, he struggles to walk. His story is a clear warning: nature will not be cheated without cost.
 
Ronnie Coleman as Mr. Olympia

Ronnie Coleman as Mr. Olympia

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Even Ronnie could be outdone with enough drugs.
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Ronnie Coleman later in life trying to walk

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CHOOSE A BETTER PATH
Anyone toying with the idea of taking hormones--whether for muscle, beauty, mood, libido, etc.--should think long and hard. Read the contraindications and cautions on the drug insert sheet. Read again and take heed.
                                                                       
There are other ways to stimulate the body's natural ability to enhance or improve itself. Exercise, lifestyle, and nutrition are a good start. They may not be as fast or dramatic, but they align with and respect how the body was made to function.
 
Make health choices for the future, not the ease, thrill, or fame of the moment.