DEAR READER: Steroids are powerful hormone-like substances prescribed for a great number of disorders. Athletes have been known to take them for performance enhancement. I cannot stress strongly enough that they and all herbals or OTC substitutes should be prescribed only for a specific cause by a qualified healthcare professional who knows your medical history. They should be taken under detailed instruction because of vital dosing reductions that must be adhered to.

That said, there are several herbals that might be taken alone or in conjunction with other OTCs. They include nettle root, saw palmetto, hydrangea root, pygeum bark, pomegranate, viburnum, ginkgo biloba, black cohosh, lemon balm, chaste tree berry (monk’s pepper) and hawthorne. As you can imagine, the list goes on and on.

You neglected to indicate why you or someone else might choose an alternative, and there are countless disorders for which a physician might make the recommendation. Is it for menopause, pain, poison ivy, low testosterone levels or performance enhancement? The possibilities are limitless, so without knowing the specific reason, I cannot even consider what might be appropriate.

Speak with your primary-care physician or a naturopath for direction. Good luck.

To provide related information, I am sending you a copy of my Health Report “Herbs and Other Healing Fads.” Other readers who would like a copy should send a self-addressed stamped No. 10 envelope and a $2 check or money order made payable to Newsletter and mailed to Newsletter, P.O. Box 167, Wickliffe, OH 44092-0167. Be sure to mention the title or print an order form off my website at www.AskDrGottMD.com.