Male castration, longevity and testosterone: What does the data tell us?

In this article, revered women’s health expert and consultant gynaecologist Mr Mahantesh Karoshi discusses the association between male castration and longevity, including a historical perspective on this practice and data from modern day scientific studies. The leading specialist also explains how contemporary studies about the effects of testosterone on the body should inform women who may be suitable for hormone replacement therapy. 

Castrated males, historically known as eunuchs, have been the subject of scientific inquiry for centuries, particularly due to their reported longevity. Studies have found that castrated men live longer than non-castrated males, and this has led to much speculation about the underlying mechanisms of this phenomenon. In this review, I examine the scientific evidence behind the association between castrated men and longevity.

Historical perspectives

The practice of castration dates back to ancient times and has been used for various purposes, including religious and cultural reasons, as well as for the benefit of the ruling class. Eunuchs were often employed in royal courts as guards, servants, and administrators, and were believed to be loyal and trustworthy due to their lack of sexual desire. Castrated men were also thought to be less aggressive and more focused on their duties, which made them ideal for these roles.

Longevity studies

Various studies have investigated the association between castrated men and long life. One of the most well-known studies is a Korean study conducted in 2012, which found that castrated men lived significantly longer than non-castrated males. The study followed 81 castrated men and found that their lifespan was on average 14.6 years longer than non-castrated males. A study in Italy in 2014 found similar results, with castrated men living on average 13.5 years longer than non-castrated males.

What is the reason behind this phenomenon?

The reasons behind the increased longevity of castrated men are still not fully understood, but several hypotheses have been put forward. One theory is that castrated men have lower levels of testosterone, which has been linked to a higher risk of various diseases, such as cardiovascular disease and prostate cancer.

Another theory is that castrated men have lower levels of the hormone DHEAS, which has been associated with ageing and age-related diseases. There is also evidence to suggest that the removal of the testes may have a protective effect on the body. Studies have shown that castration can reduce the risk of certain types of cancer, such as prostate cancer, and may also have a positive effect on the immune system.

It has also been suggested that the lack of sexual activity in castrated men may contribute to their longevity, as sexual activity has been associated with increased stress levels and oxidative damage.
 

What conclusions can we draw?

The association between castrated men and longevity is a fascinating area of research, but more studies are needed to fully understand the underlying mechanisms. Though castration is not a viable means of increasing the human lifespan, findings from studies on male castration and longevity may well inform new therapies which aim to prevent or treat age-related diseases.

Also, one must be aware of increased promotion of testosterone use in women seeking hormone replacement therapy, known as HRT. This is a relatively new field in medicine and therefore, women should be made aware of all associated risks and practice caution accordingly.
 

References:

1. Min KJ, Lee CK, Park HN. The lifespan of Korean eunuchs. Curr Biol. 2012;22(18):R792-3.
2. Dong X, Li X, Li M, et al. The sex difference of lifespan in eunuchs: a historical cohort study. Aging (Albany NY). 2021;13(3):3903-3913.
3. Sgrò P, Sansone A, Sansone M, Romanelli F, Lenzi A, Di Luigi L. Physical and sexual activity of eunuchs in ancient China. World J Mens Health. 2014;32(1):45-50.
4. Bosch X. Why eunuchs live longer than other men. Lancet. 2017;389(10073):1602-1603.

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