I have a few questions for any Eunuchs who are not on HRT, and have had bone density scans. How is the bone density scan done and what were your results? Also what was your age when you were castrated, and what was your age when you had the bone density scan?

º¿º (imported) wrote: Wed Feb 26, 2003 8:34 am I have a few questions for any Eunuchs who are not on HRT, and have had bone density scans. How is the bone density scan done and what were your results? Also what was your age when you were castrated, and what was your age when you had the bone density scan?

I was castrated 14 May 2001. About a month later my physician had me take a DEXA Bone Density Scan to set up a baseline. At that time I was 115% above normal for a man of my age, which was age 56. My Physician felt that every man who is castrated should have a bone density scan just before or after the surgery to set up that baeline.

After that, she wants me to have a bone density scan every two years, which is the recommendation for post-menopausal women at elevated risk for osteoporosis. Thus my next (second) scan will be this June. at age 58.

As to how it is done, that varies. There are several methods used to measuure bone density. DEXA is considered the best, but talk to your physician as to what is available in your area, what are the costs of the various methods, and what your health insurance will cover.

Osteoporosis is, or should be, the #1 health concern of us eunuchs as we age, so biannual bone density scans should be a part of your health plan.

Osteoporosis risk increases for sedentary eunuchs as absence of exercise and the absence of stress on the bones of the body reduces bone building activities of the body. Bones are strengthened by regular stress of being pulled by the muscles connected to them, in a healthy body.

Risk increases if the diet does not include sufficient calcium intake such as from dairy products like milk and cheeses.

Risk increases if the diet does not include sufficient iron to allow the body to maintain a normal level of hemoglobin, red blood cells. These are produced in the large bones of the body. A lower than normal level of hemoglobin may reduce hematocrit, the red blood cell count in the body, and that cal reduce the normal bone building activities of the body, leading to reduced bone density.

Lack of hormones is not the primary factor in risk of osteoporosis but the resulting lower energy levels that can lead to sedentary life style, along with reduced activity levels leading to lack of proper diet all combine to produce risk of osteoporosis.

About the time I started a program of chemical castration for a year before I was castrated, I also quite smoking and between the two gained 30 lbs. Needless to say I did not exercise in that year. I was castrated on September 6, 2002. About a month later I had the bone scan, I was 87% of normal. I am 56 and I now take FOSAMAX once a week, with a full glass of water on an empty stomach and remain in an upright position for an hour before I can have anything else. I also take 1500 mg of calcium every day. I have sense joined a gym and workout 3 to 5 times a week. I will have another scan at the end of the year and hope its back to normal. Diet is also important as Gelding stated, which mine was not very good. High Cholesterol and the Osteoporosis has really stopped me and made me make several changes to my body and what I put in it.

9/6/2002 Weight 190 fat

3/6/2002 Weight 180 the workouts are starting to show.

Diet, lots of green vegetables, Broccoli is a good source for Calcium as well. I have cut back on the caffeine and drinking a lot more water.

So guys, as Andrew said Osteoporosis is the number one health issue for Eunuchs not on HRT. He is right.

Don’t let that stop you if being a eunuch if that is your goal, even with the health problems I have and dealing with, it is worth it for me and I am enjoying being a eunuch.

Have fun and Play safe and if you’re a eunuch see your doctor on a regular basis.

River

I found this after just sending you one. You don't actually say you are on HRT. If you are not, are you experiencing feminization, depression, etc.?

Riverwind (imported) wrote: Mon Mar 10, 2003 8:26 am About the time I started a program of chemical castration for a year before I was castrated, I also quite smoking and between the two gained 30 lbs. Needless to say I did not exercise in that year. I was castrated on September 6, 2002. About a month later I had the bone scan, I was 87% of normal. I am 56 and I now take FOSAMAX once a week, with a full glass of water on an empty stomach and remain in an upright position for an hour before I can have anything else. I also take 1500 mg of calcium every day. I have sense joined a gym and workout 3 to 5 times a week. I will have another scan at the end of the year and hope its back to normal. Diet is also important as Gelding stated, which mine was not very good. High Cholesterol and the Osteoporosis has really stopped me and made me make several changes to my body and what I put in it.

9/6/2002 Weight 190 fat

3/6/2002 Weight 180 the workouts are starting to show.

Diet, lots of green vegetables, Broccoli is a good source for Calcium as well. I have cut back on the caffeine and drinking a lot more water.

So guys, as Andrew said Osteoporosis is the number one health issue for Eunuchs not on HRT. He is right.

Don’t let that stop you if being a eunuch if that is your goal, even with the health problems I have and dealing with, it is worth it for me and I am enjoying being a eunuch.

Have fun and Play safe and if you’re a eunuch see your doctor on a regular basis.

River

Pops

gelding (imported) wrote: Mon Mar 10, 2003 7:08 am Osteoporosis risk increases for sedentary eunuchs as absence of exercise and the absence of stress on the bones of the body reduces bone building activities of the body. Bones are strengthened by regular stress of being pulled by the muscles connected to them, in a healthy body.

Risk increases if the diet does not include sufficient calcium intake......

Risk increases if the diet does not include sufficient iron......

Lack of hormones is not the primary factor in risk of osteoporosis but the resulting lower energy levels that can lead to sedentary life style, along with reduced activity levels leading to lack of proper diet all combine to produce risk of osteoporosis.

Thanks Gelding - a very good understanding of the risk factors in osteoporosis, especially the role of lifestyle.

I was castrated 4 years ago at age 56. My bone density test was at age 57. I was at 1.21, or 121% of a 21 y.o. woman, the standard. A gadget with an x-ray type scan that does actually measure bone density was placed under my foot. It was the heel that was being scanned. Owing to my level of physical activity, the way I present myself for periodic examinations and that I'm receiving HRT, my doc has no concerns. I took the exam provided by my employer for those that may be at risk for my own edification.