air1220 (imported) wrote: Tue Feb 11, 2003 8:47 am I understand about the increased risk of osteoperosis. I also read Andrew's post of the effects of castration. I just have a few other questions about it.

Is there anything that can be done to reduce or eliminate the risk of osteoperosis without getting a prescription or taking drugs?

What other side effects of castration are there?

Can the reduction of muscle mass be reversed by lifting weights or working out? I guess maybe the increased fat tissues might be cured the same way. and kind of a personal question, but how much does the penis shrink? Are erections totally out of the question?

Very curious and seeking info.

THanks

Hello air1220,

You pose very valid questions on the effects of castration. I would like to tell you of my experiences of castration. Although I am chemicaly castrated, the effects are similar to physical castration. Exercise, I believe, is one of the most important things one can do to keep heathly and prevent osteoperosis. Taking vitamins and calcium supplements wouldn't be a bad idea either. I have a job that keeps me physicaly active throughout the day, so I have maintained good muscle tone during my two years plus of chemical castration. I have noticed that it is a little more difficult to do some of the jobs I am required to do, but so far it has not been anything I can't deal with yet. At the end of the day I feel as though I have worked harded than I used to for the same amount of work.

As far as physical effects, I have had a reduction in the size of my penis of about 2 inches so far, due to the fact I no longer get spontainious or nocturnal erections. If desired, I can achive an erection, but it takes much more effort and I am no where near as hard as before and can't maintain it for long. Intercourse w

happousai (imported) wrote: Wed Feb 12, 2003 5:59 pm ould not be possible at this time for me.

happousai (imported) wrote: Wed Feb 12, 2003 9:33 pm happousai,

So in terms of osteoperosis prevent
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ion, HRT is not as good as the body's natural hormones?

What about replacement estrogen, e.g. for M2F TGs?

I'm no expert, but I believe female HRT would have the same effects as male HRT on osteoperosis. As with male HRT, female HRT lacks certain hormones not produced naturally by the body. I feel HRT of any sort would be more benificial in the prevention of osteoperosis than no HRT at all after castration.

I'd like to comment on the risk of osteoporosis with aging and following castration. While it seems the risk increases with age, and the incidence of osteoporosis in men is half or more that for women - not insignificant as many men felt a few years ago, it's still very much an individual thing. I think that obvious aging can be stretched out if one takes good care of himself.

It depends on your own tendencies, as well as how well one cares for his body. I was castrated 3 years ago at 56 y.o. and am on a moderate TRT program. I get plenty of exercise and weigh about 15 #s more than when I got my driving licence at age 16. In addition to lifting weights and working out every morning at home (usually just 15-30 minutes), I use my bike for work and most other daily activities (30-80 km/day), run 10-20 km 2x/week, play recreational volleyball and badminton 2x/week and hike or ski on weekends. I watch ~2 hrs of TV/week, drink modestly and have never inhaled tobacco. There's no sign of osteoporosis. I was tested last year, and my bone density was average for a 21 y.o.