"Seeing first hand what steroids do to people, I would think they would be a great help as far as injuries go."
You are right on with that. I've got lower back arthritis from a water skiing accident when I was 16. I get 2 shots, one in each side of my lower spine, about every 2-3 months. This really helps with pain control, and it's giving me the ability to rehab my back to get it stronger. I started at once every 2 months, now I'm at the 3 month mark and still not needing anymore at the moment. To me this is a miracle because it has just gotten worse over the years, and at 41, I was almost completely debilitated.
You are speaking about two different hormones. Mom is talking about the antiinflammatory steroids that docs refer to as "steroids;" mercier is speaking about the male hormones.
I've had two shots for a heel spur. Shots hurt like Hell! But after the initial pain, it's great for 2-3 months like you said. HOWEVER, I've also gained 15lbs since that first shot in January. I need another shot, but I can't afford to buy any more clothes! lol.