Concerning depression as an effect of castration
Posted: Mon Dec 22, 2003 10:33 am
As most of you know, I have put together a list of the effects of castration, to be posted whenever a newcomer asks about this, especially for those who are into the fantasy of castration and have not yet grasped the reality.
I have done another re-write. Yes, again. And once again I want you all to read it and suggest ways to improve it, by wording, grammar, topic, whatever.
Those of you who have been following this little saga of re-writes will note a major change. In light of what I have been reading, I have downgraded osteoporosis to concern #2, and elevated depression to concern #1.
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My own OPINIONS on the topic?
Probably many eunuchs, including myself, had long term chronic depression BEFORE castration. The Eunuch Calm reduced the background noise of testosterone-induced sexuality, aggressiuon, and ambition, bringing the depression to the forefront.
IN MY CASE (and my case only, I speak for nobody except myself), I needed professional therapy, and thank God Talula kicked my arse into doing just that. Talula, I may owe you my life and sanity to your good work.
The therapy has worked, along with the antidepressant EFFEXOR. I now have that Eunuch Calm without the depression. Everyone close to me has noted that I seem sooooo much better. And I am.
So, once again, the infamous list...

Every Eunuch will have different effects from his castration. Some of this may depend on whether he is an βelectiveβ Eunuch or not. YMWV = Your Mileage Will vary. Typical effects of castration are as follows.
Infertility, in all cases.
Some (but not all) elective eunuchs develop βThe Eunuch Calmβ, a feeling of tranquil contentment, with reduced or eliminated thoughts of sex, aggression, and ambition. In the words of Dr. Spector, βIn either case of TS or eunuch, a deep, calm serenity develops which, from then on, makes life far more worthwhile.β This has happened to me, but again, YMWV. This is less likely to happen to non-elective eunuchs.
Reduced libido, erections, and nocturnal emissions, sometimes to the point of total asexuality.
Weight gain, including subcutaneous body fat. This thin layer of fat causes the skin to become softer and smoother. You will need a dedicated diet and exercise program to avoid this problem.
Loss or thinning of body hair, but male pattern baldness slows down or stops. Reduced body odor.
Loss of lean muscle mass (hence muscle weakness, increased fatigue, and loss of stamina). Your shoulders will become narrower and you will lose muscle definition in your upper torso without a VIGOROUS exercise program.
Little to mild breast development (gynecomastia), and mild fat redistribution around the hips and thighs.
The penis may shrink.
Hot flushes and night sweats in some cases, lasting up to 5 years.
POSSIBLE moodiness and tearfulness. Do not be surprised if you start crying far more frequently over what may seem to be trivial matters.
There MIGHT be cognitive losses, mostly in spatial orientation and short term memory.
Osteoporosis should be your #2 concern. You should take at least 1,500 MG of calcium and 400 IU of Vitamin D daily. Shortly before or after castration, you should have a bone density scan, and after that a scan every two years. A proper diet and exercise program will help in the battle against osteoporosis.
DEPRESSION should be your #1 concern. Post-surgical depression is common. Possible chronic depression should be a major concern, and may require professional therapy.
Most Physicians have no experience in caring for a hypogonadal man. Consider finding a Physician who has a thorough working knowledge on the problems and treatments of menopausal and post-menopausal women. Whilst the biology of a Eunuch and a post-menopausal woman are not identical, there is some overlap.

I have done another re-write. Yes, again. And once again I want you all to read it and suggest ways to improve it, by wording, grammar, topic, whatever.
Those of you who have been following this little saga of re-writes will note a major change. In light of what I have been reading, I have downgraded osteoporosis to concern #2, and elevated depression to concern #1.
@@@@@@
My own OPINIONS on the topic?
Probably many eunuchs, including myself, had long term chronic depression BEFORE castration. The Eunuch Calm reduced the background noise of testosterone-induced sexuality, aggressiuon, and ambition, bringing the depression to the forefront.
IN MY CASE (and my case only, I speak for nobody except myself), I needed professional therapy, and thank God Talula kicked my arse into doing just that. Talula, I may owe you my life and sanity to your good work.
The therapy has worked, along with the antidepressant EFFEXOR. I now have that Eunuch Calm without the depression. Everyone close to me has noted that I seem sooooo much better. And I am.
So, once again, the infamous list...
Every Eunuch will have different effects from his castration. Some of this may depend on whether he is an βelectiveβ Eunuch or not. YMWV = Your Mileage Will vary. Typical effects of castration are as follows.
Infertility, in all cases.
Some (but not all) elective eunuchs develop βThe Eunuch Calmβ, a feeling of tranquil contentment, with reduced or eliminated thoughts of sex, aggression, and ambition. In the words of Dr. Spector, βIn either case of TS or eunuch, a deep, calm serenity develops which, from then on, makes life far more worthwhile.β This has happened to me, but again, YMWV. This is less likely to happen to non-elective eunuchs.
Reduced libido, erections, and nocturnal emissions, sometimes to the point of total asexuality.
Weight gain, including subcutaneous body fat. This thin layer of fat causes the skin to become softer and smoother. You will need a dedicated diet and exercise program to avoid this problem.
Loss or thinning of body hair, but male pattern baldness slows down or stops. Reduced body odor.
Loss of lean muscle mass (hence muscle weakness, increased fatigue, and loss of stamina). Your shoulders will become narrower and you will lose muscle definition in your upper torso without a VIGOROUS exercise program.
Little to mild breast development (gynecomastia), and mild fat redistribution around the hips and thighs.
The penis may shrink.
Hot flushes and night sweats in some cases, lasting up to 5 years.
POSSIBLE moodiness and tearfulness. Do not be surprised if you start crying far more frequently over what may seem to be trivial matters.
There MIGHT be cognitive losses, mostly in spatial orientation and short term memory.
Osteoporosis should be your #2 concern. You should take at least 1,500 MG of calcium and 400 IU of Vitamin D daily. Shortly before or after castration, you should have a bone density scan, and after that a scan every two years. A proper diet and exercise program will help in the battle against osteoporosis.
DEPRESSION should be your #1 concern. Post-surgical depression is common. Possible chronic depression should be a major concern, and may require professional therapy.
Most Physicians have no experience in caring for a hypogonadal man. Consider finding a Physician who has a thorough working knowledge on the problems and treatments of menopausal and post-menopausal women. Whilst the biology of a Eunuch and a post-menopausal woman are not identical, there is some overlap.