Orchiectomy and the Mind

[Beau Geste (imported)]

Since sex hormones produce sex urges in the brain, the elimination or drastic reduction of those hormones through orchiectomy, clearly has an effect on the mind, by reducing urges and erotic thoughts. But, beyond that, a number of posts I have read on message boards on this archive, seem to indicate that there are other, more subtle effects. The clinical depression which many who have the surgery report, seems to be somewhat more acute than postoperative depression for other types of surgery. If I remember correctly, some members report that they have more memory lapses after the surgery, or that they remember some things better than before the operations, some things less well. There also seems to be a tendency for people to go in different directions, both in terms of their careers and lifestyles, after orchiectomy.

The thing I would think ought to be looked into, is whether a consistent pattern of differences in characteristics of the mind, before and after the surgery, can be defined, and whether this sort of thing can be quantified. As an example, has anyone taken two aptitude tests, one before and one after orchiectomy, and were there discernible differences? It also appears that some individuals have started new businesses or otherwise engaged in certain initiatives (e.g. Philip1 starting a car club) after having the surgery. Is there some effect produced by orchiectomy which leads individuals to change various aspects of their lifestyles after orchiectomy--and does the same thing also happen to people who reduce their testosterone by pharmaceutical means?

[homptydumpty (imported)]

i feel like my mind, body, and soul have taken a 90 degree turn post surgery.

being a neutered person, is very different than i ever would have thought. i feel not girl, nor boy. being an outsider in a sense from the major population, its almost as if being a stranger in whole new land.

i feel i wake up each day a few ways changed from the last. i am a strong person, and sometimes feel weaker that all others. before surgery i had willpower over most temptations, rather over some, and now feel a lack of control.

work is very hard to face, i become irritable, bitter, anger. i do not like to feel that way. other times i feel very alive, and on top of things, kind and sweet.

no longer able to proses things as quickly and short minded, i have a very hard time keeping up on my job.

maybe a poll should be put into place, on some of these post op changes?

z

[kristoff]

Since sex hormones produce sex urges in the brain, the elimination or drastic reduction of those hormones through orchiectomy, clearly has an effect on the mind, by reducing urges and erotic thoughts. But, beyond that, a number of posts I have read on message boards on this archive, seem to indicate that there are other, more subtle effects. The clinical depression which many who have the surgery report, seems to be somewhat more acute than postoperative depression for other types of surgery. If I remember correctly, some members report that they have more memory lapses after the surgery, or that they remember some things better than before the operations, some things less well. There also seems to be a tendency for people to go in different directions, both in terms of their careers and lifestyles, after orchiectomy.

The thing I would think ought to be looked into, is whether a consistent pattern of differences in characteristics of the mind, before and after the surgery, can be defined, and whether this sort of thing can be quantified. As an example, has anyone taken two aptitude tests, one before and one after orchiectomy, and were there discernible differences? It also appears that some individuals have started new businesses or otherwise engaged in certain initiatives (e.g. Philip1 starting a car club) after having the surgery. Is there some effect produced by orchiectomy which leads individuals to change various aspects of their lifestyles after orchiectomy--and does the same thing also happen to people who reduce their testosterone by pharmaceutical means?

You ask questions, viz, much more advanced and involved research - I can see major work in answering such questions. We're just getting through baasic stuff right now!!! Nevertheless, excellent inquiry.

[Hash (imported)]

The short time after my castration where I did not use any testosterone replacement at all, I was extremely unmotivated. Didn't want to work or do much of anything. When I started to use a low dose of testosterone my motivation returned to a degree where I'm motivated to live and enjoy life. That's me.