Zac (imported) wrote: Thu Dec 14, 2006 5:27 am Even by taking 200mg of Androcur for the past 6 month, I am still as aggressive as before.Not that I am happy about that. Just a fact. So less T doesnt necessarily equate to less aggressive. In my opinion.

There is a mixed bag of reports on this subject, although the vast majority of literature on the subject does suggest a reduction in aggression. Keep in mind, however, that aggression is also very much a learned behavioral response, and one which you can unlearn.... Some of your approach should also look inside the head rather than just your pants.

kristoff wrote: Thu Dec 14, 2006 7:20 am There is a mixed bag of reports on this subject, although the vast majority of literature on the subject does suggest a reduction in aggression. Keep in mind, however, that aggression is also very much a learned behavioral response, and one which you can unlearn.... Some of your approach should also look inside the head rather than just your pants.

I agree with you in that a lot of the aggression response is "learned" behavior, yet when I started chemical castration about a year ago, I did notice a big drop in my aggression levels. I didn't do anything else at the time other than to drop my testosterone so I do believe that testosterone does play a major role in one's level of aggression.

By the way, always check the head on the top of your shoulders first, that check with the "other head".

What is interesting I am not normally and over aggressie person, but there are things going on in my life a the moment that would test a saint. I just thought I would have noticed some of this Eunuch calm most people talk about...

Zac (imported) wrote: Thu Dec 14, 2006 9:48 am What is interesting I am not normally and over aggressive person, but there are things going on in my life a the moment that would test a saint. I just thought I would have noticed some of this Eunuch calm most people talk about...

Zac,

Not all eunuchs experience the "eunuch calm" you're referencing. It is not something that is universal with all eunuchs.

While I feel that I have become much more calm and less aggressive since my castration, I'm not sure that I've experienced "the calm" that many speak of.

Zac (imported) wrote: Thu Dec 14, 2006 9:48 am What is interesting I am not normally and over aggressie person, but there are things going on in my life a the moment that would test a saint. I just thought I would have noticed some of this Eunuch calm most people talk about...

For the most part, I think the "Eunuch Calm" is largely a myth. I know several non-HRT eunuchs, none of whom claim any kind of calm. I've only known of one to claim it. Besides, what is the measure of calm... Temper, stress management, etc.?

Ha, I feel I am now becoming more enlightened.

kristoff wrote: Thu Dec 14, 2006 4:07 pm For the most part, I think the "Eunuch Calm" is largely a myth. I know several non-HRT eunuchs, none of whom claim any kind of calm. I've only known of one to claim it. Besides, what is the measure of calm... Temper, stress management, etc.?

Andrew was probably the most outspoken about his "eunuch calm" on the EA, and I think that his personal account was quite accurate in this regard. Many more eunuchs reported at least temporary periods of "calmness" and "serenity" in varying degrees, depending on the mood and the circumstances.

However, I think this is mostly a matter of definition. For most people here, myself included, similar reports of reduction in aggression, stress and libido would make up for what I would define as a mixture of calming effects wich translate in the so-called "eunuch calm". Given the definition above, the "eunuch calm" can be well said to be, in fact, a very common occurance. According to my recent private interview of Dr. Spector, the calming effects of castration are indeed a natural consequence of the procedure on the autonomous nervous system, provided that it is not damaged by long-term alcohol consumption, or other brain altering chemicals.

...

Eunuchist (imported) wrote: Fri Dec 15, 2006 10:25 pm However, I think this is mostly a matter of definition. For most people here, myself included, similar reports of reduction in aggression, stress and libido would make up for what I would define as a mixture of calming effects wich translate in the so-called "eunuch calm". Given the definition above, the "eunuch calm" can be well said to be, in fact, a very common occurance. According to my recent private interview of Dr. Spector, the calming effects of castration are indeed a natural consequence of the procedure on the autonomous nervous system, provided that it is not damaged by long-term alcohol consumption, or other brain altering chemicals.

I would agree that this may be largely, if not wholly, a matter of definition. On the other hand, I give utterly NO credence to anything that Spector would say on the subject. My experience and knowledge of his history, dating to the early 1950s, suggest that he is solely self-serving and greedy. He merely found a niche to market to, and marketed it well. He made a lot of money, and practiced beyond his time. While he was *able* he provided a needed service, and deserved to earn his compensation, but he was as much a marketeer as the cereal and candy makers are.

kristoff wrote: Thu Dec 14, 2006 4:07 pm For the most part, I think the "Eunuch Calm" is largely a myth. I know several non-HRT eunuchs, none of whom claim any kind of calm. I've only known of one to claim it. Besides, what is the measure of calm... Temper, stress management, etc.?

I agree. Even after orchiectomy AND estrogen treatment, I don't feel any "calmer" than before. If anything, I feel more stressed out from the hot flashes and fatigue I now experience. If you do a Google search for "low testosterone" you'll not find "calm" listed, you'll read about all kinds of horrible things like "apathy" and "weight gain" and "cognitive impairment."

I don't regret my orchiectomy surgery, because it was done as part of a gender reassignment process. However, anyone who thinks it will be either some huge erotic thrill, or will make them "calm" after surgery, is deluding themselves and headed for disaster.

I would like to suggest that the effect known as "eunuch calm" may, in fact, simply be the reaction that someone has after reaching a long sought goal(ie castration). Much like the feeling of overall relief ( may I even say calm?) experienced when one finishes a long, difficult task successfuly. --FLO--