Effects of castration, Boxing Day update
Posted: Sat Dec 27, 2003 11:24 am
So here is the latest version of the list which I hope will help newcomers and wannabes. As always, I welcome feedback. Krister and Robbie have been very helpful in this re-write, and you are welcome to join in. OK, here we go...
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Every Eunuch will have different effects from his castration. YMWV = Your Mileage Will Vary. Those who do not choose to take Testosterone Replacement Therapy can expect the following.
Infertility, in all cases. If this could be an issue, bank some sperm beforehand.
Some (but by no means all) eunuchs develop “The Eunuch Calm”, a feeling of tranquil contentment, with reduced or eliminated thoughts of sex, aggression, and ambition. This has happened to me, but, again, YMWV.
Reduced libido, erections, and nocturnal emissions, sometimes to the point of total impotence and asexuality.
Weight gain, including subcutaneous body fat. (This thin layer of fat causes the skin to become softer and smoother.) You will need a lifetime 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. Very much a YMWV happening. Some eunuchs take low levels of estrogen to counteract this. Consult your Physician.
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! This MUST be your #1 concern. Post-surgical depression is very likely as your testosterone levels crash. Chronic depression IS a major concern, and MAY require professional therapy (including antidepressants) before, during, and after the surgery. You need to consider the issue of depression BEFORE castration. If it is an issue before hand, it will almost certainly become a much larger one afterward. Some eunuchs may have to take various amounts of testosterone to alleviate depression and other problems.
A Final Thought: most Physicians have no experience in caring for the hypogonadal male. 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.
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Every Eunuch will have different effects from his castration. YMWV = Your Mileage Will Vary. Those who do not choose to take Testosterone Replacement Therapy can expect the following.
Infertility, in all cases. If this could be an issue, bank some sperm beforehand.
Some (but by no means all) eunuchs develop “The Eunuch Calm”, a feeling of tranquil contentment, with reduced or eliminated thoughts of sex, aggression, and ambition. This has happened to me, but, again, YMWV.
Reduced libido, erections, and nocturnal emissions, sometimes to the point of total impotence and asexuality.
Weight gain, including subcutaneous body fat. (This thin layer of fat causes the skin to become softer and smoother.) You will need a lifetime 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. Very much a YMWV happening. Some eunuchs take low levels of estrogen to counteract this. Consult your Physician.
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! This MUST be your #1 concern. Post-surgical depression is very likely as your testosterone levels crash. Chronic depression IS a major concern, and MAY require professional therapy (including antidepressants) before, during, and after the surgery. You need to consider the issue of depression BEFORE castration. If it is an issue before hand, it will almost certainly become a much larger one afterward. Some eunuchs may have to take various amounts of testosterone to alleviate depression and other problems.
A Final Thought: most Physicians have no experience in caring for the hypogonadal male. 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.
