Avoiding/minimizing bone loss after castration

[Rory Smoot]

I've browsed through the existing threads, and haven't found all the information about bone loss in one place. So I thought I'd start a new thread.

I am in my 60's and have been injecting Everclear into my balls for the last several months. I have experienced shrinkage, hot flashes, and night sweats. So I expect I have my natural testosterone level down to castrate-level. I'm going soon to my primary care doctor, for lab tests, and then (I hope) referral to a urologist.

With that as background, I am concerned about preventing or minimizing bone loss. I'm focused on 2 things: measuring bone density and dietary supplements.

As to measuring bone density, I assume the thing to start with is a bone density scan, the sooner the better. I think women are routinely encouraged to have a scan, starting in their late 50's. By contrast, I have never had a doctor suggest a bone scan for me, anytime in my late 50's or now in my early 60's. I assume that's because bone loss is so common with post-menoposal women, and not so common with (uncastrated) men in the same age range. Do I get a bone density scan just by asking for one? I assume it would be good to have a baseline measurement, before any bone loss sets in. Do I just give the reason that it seems to me that I should have a scan to set a personal baseline?

Next, as to dietary supplements, I've seen plenty of posts that suggest calcium, magnesium, and Vitamin D. Several posters suggest that the calcium should be calcium citrate, not calcium carbonate. Is calcium citrate the preferred type of supplemental calcium to prevent bone loss?

Next, about magnesium, I've read posts that say the body cannot use calcium supplements without adding magnesium. Is that true? If so, what's the best form or source for supplemental magnesium?

Next, about Vitamin D, I've read posts that suggest taking a supplement that combines various types of Vitamin D. Others insist that you should take only D3. What's the story on Vitamin D?

I assume there are foods that are especially good sources for calcium, magnesium, and Vitamin D, and I plan to research that and be sure those foods are part of my regular diet. I assume that getting these things from food is always preferable to getting them in pill form.

I welcome any answers, comments, or suggestions. Thanks!

[nvrgag44]

My urologist told me to take an over the counter calcium tablet twice a day. 600mg in the morning and another at night. I also get an annual bone scan. So far, so good.

[sparkey49]

I went 2.5 years no T and did Calcium, Magnesium,Vitamin D and a good multivitamin with no bone loss.

[Rory Smoot]

Thanks for your replies. Does anyone want to offer specific types or daily dosages of calcium, magnesium, and/or Vitamin D?

[Jesus]

Contrary to popular belief on the EA, it’s not testosterone, but estrogen that protects bone health. The aromatase enzyme converts some of the testosterone that an intact male produces into estrogen.

The risk of osteoporosis is greatest in individuals who are estrogen-deprived. This includes both post-menopausal women and men without sufficient testosterone to convert to the small amount of estrogen needed.

A base-line bone density scan would certainly be useful. They are generally easy to get if you are willing to pay for it. Otherwise, it would be up to a physician to request it. If your physician is reluctant, you might claim (perhaps falsely) that you have a family history of osteoporosis.

The other action to take is supplemental vitamins and minerals. In general, anyone who is androgen/estrogen-deprived should be taking supplemental calcium and vitamin D. It doesn't really matter that much the form of the calcium provided. The vitamin D is necessary for proper processing of the calcium; there is no one secret or best formula for the combination. It's just that some forms are more easily absorbed than others. There is also no benefit in taking an amount above that recommended doses, but one needs to be careful because truly excessive calcium can lead to kidney stones and muscle cramps.

In terms of actual activities that might protect the bone, impact loading exercises have been shown to be beneficial. Anyone with low testosterone/estrogen should be encouraged to seriously put into his exercise routine some impact loading activities, such as jogging, tennis, etc.

The other thing anyone might consider doing is wearing a estradiol patch or using an Estrogel product to get some add-back estrogen to replace the small amount that converted testosterone would be providing.

A cooperative and understanding physician would certainly be most helpful.

[sparkey49]

Jesus good information I would add the need for Magnesium to help assimilate the Calcium need that balance.

[daifu-orchid]

Thanks J!
Seems also that while nobody wants badly demineralized bones, the expected association with bone strength and ease of fracture seems only weakly linked at best. Maybe take your doc's advice. I know that early enthusiasm for bone calcium enhancing medication seems to have cooled recently. It may put calcium in the bones, without necessarily making them stronger.
Eat well, live well, and take the doc's advice!

[daifu-orchid]

Seems that castration is not necessarily bad for you, in fact it may extend life:
https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/b...-living-longer

Now, providing your doc is as understanding as J wishes.... Who knows what is possible?

[madnomadtoo]

Seems that castration is not necessarily bad for you, in fact it may extend life:
https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/b...-living-longer

Now, providing your doc is as understanding as J wishes.... Who knows what is possible?

I hear you, daifu-orchid. Unfortunately, life extension occurs almost entirely in those castrated before puberty. At least in this forum, the motives of eunuchs voluntarily castrated as adults are to achieve a eunuch "calm," to quench unwanted erotic thoughts, to cure body dysphoria issues, but not necessarily life extension. Others of us, castrated for injury or illness issues, often experience negative aspects, such as weight gain with its concurrent health issues, depression, and lack of sexual vitality. We add testosterone back into the mix, negating any possible life extension.

I wonder how many of us TRT guys would go full-on eunuch if we thought we could really live longer, but this does not seem to be the case.

Look at https://www.lesswrong.com/posts/2w9F...f-contemporary

[daifu-orchid]

Can't help wondering about the carefully measured calcium and T or E supplements so kindly offered by the Qing and previously, Ming administrations. Not.
Well, Sun Yaoting had a long innings, despite like many / most being nutted after puberty.