Index

Unofficial Anthroculture Intro

Corporate anthroculture is hardly a new field. For millennia, religious and military bodies have used fear, exhausting disciplines, ascetic ordeals, and enforced celibacy to dry out male hormones and render their members more submissive, "groupy" and obedient. All ruling hierarchs of these ages seemed to be at least subliminally aware that prolonged stress effectively "unmanned" their followers and conditioned them to accept a lifetime of subordination without rebellion or complaint. Unfortunately, such conditioning was time-consuming and not always successful.

Pragmatic peoples like the ancient Chinese, therefore, cut incisively to the heart of the matter and simply snicked the balls from Big Body aspirants right off the bat. By the Ming era, the Chinese empire was thus administered by over 100,000 highly educated eunuch-bureaucrats who were the very model of modern "team players". Smart, selfless, and obedient to a fault, these early "organization men" reminded observers of "playful yet wondrously disciplined childe-men" (cf., MacArthur's parting reflection after running the Allied Occupation, that Japan was "a nation of 12-year-olds.") As Big Bodies grew up in other fields, even in China the bureaucratic blade fell out of favor (it was not after all the meat that hierarchs objected to, just the insubordinate sentiments its secretions fostered).

Although stress and fear soon regained their former status as testosterone terminators of choice, we are now aware from recent research that other factors also abetted psychological emasculation. Certain foods, for instance, like soybeans, buckwheat, chickpeas and hops are now known to be rich in female hormones (which devastate male hormones and make males not feminine but juvenile) and are, interestingly enough, traditional staples in many under-class foods and drinks around the world. Fat, it turns out, also converts the Big T to female hormones in the body and perhaps explains Caesar's instinctive fear of Cassius' "lean and hungry look." ("Let me have men about me that are fat!")

The latest addition to this psychosomatic alchemy are the so-called Endocrine Disruptors or "environmental hormones" that plastics and agro-chemical Big Bodies have been swamping the environment with. Endocrine disruptors are generally synthetic constitutuents or byproducts of pesticides, herbicides, plastics or other industrial chemicals, that attack animal/human immune, nervous and/or reproductive systems with particularly dire results for males. (They were first identified in Florida where alligator penises had shriveled to one-third their normal size, and later implicated in the recent plunge in sperm counts in many corporate-intensive societies.)

There are of course also educational strategems -- like large authoritarian classes, angst-boosting competition, and incessant anaesthetic desk days -- to precondition youth for Big Body service. But all means serve the same collective end and correspondingly cripple our individual capacities for sensuality, spiritual experience, and legal/medical/economic self-defense.

In any event, you would think such an erotically and evolutionarily fateful area would attract swarms of research but as Dr. Schultz et al note below, "Inhibition of sex hormones is a relatively neglected area of stress research." Since Big Body interests and funding largely determine Big science's research agenda, its is perhaps not surprising this touchy little secret is profesionally ignored. Like fear and southern chakra suppression, stress is just too valuable an adhesive for Big Body builders to reveal its magic to the crowd.

As Anita Amussen meticulously documents in "Workplace Stressors in Corporate Systems.":

"Stress in the corporate workplace is a modern-day fact of life (Warshaw, 1984). Indeed, 59% of employees in large corporations report feeling substantial stress at work (Filipczak, 1994), and in many cases this stress carries into their private lives (Wyatt & Hare, 1995). The current cost of job stress in the United States has been estimated to be $200 billion annually, while stress-related injury claims on the job have increased by 300 percent in the past fifteen years (Grazian, 1994). As many as 90 percent of patients treated by healthcare professionals suffer from stress-related symptoms and disorders (Gibson, 1993). As mental health practitioners affiliate more often with managed care firms, they can expect to receive more referrals from corporate settings." (Dr. A unfortunately neglects to ask whether this is entirely accidental, because for efficient corporate command and control, ball-busting stress is Good!)

Although it takes pretty high doses of stress-induced and estrogenic molecules to enduringly alter male tissues and erectile functions, (as in modern chemical castration of habitual sex offenders), social behavior is much more sensitive and susceptible to their influence. The willingness to back down, give in, bend, bow, yield, avoid a scene, or simply stay cowed - all empower corporate function (and obedient consumption) and require only small shifts in the internal hormone economy. For lifelong "subordinates" these shifts are actually "adaptive", as they say in ethology, because by "cheerfully" submitting to inequality, you avoid confrontation, friction and consequent higher stress levels that could further threaten your reproductive and even immune systems. By genially resigning yourself to the subordinate child-like status that corporate settings demand, you may sacrifice maturity and individuation but you attain some transient security and a great toy budget. Most importantly, you get to keep a little sexual pleasure (unlike many hapless others who remain conflicted about their perpetual dependence and arrested development and nearly neuter themselves with stress). The acceptance or embrace of this child-like state is one form of neoteny, the state in which still larval organisms develop marginal sexual functions without ever metamorphosing into an adult.

Such pubertal neoteny is both epidemic and most perfected in corporate Japan and damn near all of Singapore, but it is also increasingly cultured in every Fortune 500 look-alike. Though most Big Science still industriously neglects anthroculture's most used and useful mechanisms, some odd papers do offer oblique insights and have been dumped for your offensive/defensive reference below. For further insights, see also the Anthroculture Reading List or a hundred thousand Japanese middle managers sniggering over S&M comic books on their 10:00 commuter trains each night.

Index

Biull Eksp Biol Med 1992 Nov;114(11):457-9

[Stress-inducing behavioral changes and the functions of the neurohormonal systems in monkeys of different social ranks].

Dinzburg AL, Chirkov AM, Chirkova SK, Voit IS

Abstract Excerpt
As a result of intensive stressful stimuli hamadryas baboons developed, depending on their hierarchic status, depression-like states varying in severity. Their development correlated with a drastic release of biogenic amines, activation of pituitary-adrenal system and inhibition of hormonal function of the gonads. It is shown that dominant and low-rank monkeys, in spite of the differences in their initial psychoemotional states and in the blood levels of mediators and hormones, demonstrated marked disintegration in their individual and social behavior. There was a larger increase in the blood concentrations of dopamine, serotonin and cortisol and more significant inhibition of testosterone production under the influence of two-hour immobilization as compared to the subdominant animals.

J Clin Endocrinol Metab 1997 Aug;82(8):2503-9

Hormonal responses to psychological stress in men

Chatterton RT Jr, Vogelsong KM, Lu YC, Hudgens GA
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Northwestern University Medical School, Chicago, Illinois

Abstract Excerpt
The purpose of the study was to examine the relationship between the hormonal and psychological responses of young men about to engage in a potentially life-threatening event. Subjects were recruited to take their first skydiving jump... Salivary cortisol and testosterone levels were significantly lower on the morning of the jump than self-control values and values in control subjects determined at the same time of day. However, plasma LH was not suppressed. The anxiety and stress measures as well as the rating of events rose to high levels just before the jump. With the exception of testosterone, which remained low, serum cortisol, PRL, and GH all increased greatly subsequent to the rise in psychological measures, reached peak values before or shortly after landing, and declined significantly within the next hour. Anxiety and subjective stress scores declined to those of the self-control values within 15 min after landing, but the rating of events scale remained significantly elevated. In summary, reported anxiety associated with a purely psychological stressor was suppressed until within a few hours preceding the event, but was preceded by an increase in sympathetic nervous system activity and suppression of plasma cortisol and salivary testosterone levels. The event itself was associated with a reversal of the cortisol decline; other stress-associated hormones increased, but salivary testosterone remained low.

Index

Int J Androl 1984 Aug;7(4):276-82

Effect of an 1100 km run on testicular, adrenal and thyroid hormones.

Schurmeyer T, Jung K, Nieschlag E

Abstract Excerpt
Although endocrine effects of physical or psychological stress are well documented, it is not known to what extent adaptation to prolonged exertion occurs. We therefore investigated the impact of an 1100 km run of 20 days' duration on selected pituitary, testicular, adrenal and thyroid hormones. Blood samples were obtained from five male athletes prior to and after the day's run on the 1st, 5th, 9th, 14th and 19th day. Results show that adrenal and thyroid function soon adapt to the daily strain. Testosterone levels, however, were markedly decreased throughout the 20 days while LH levels remained unchanged. Thus it appears that the reproductive endocrine system is more susceptible to long-term stress effects than the more vital functions of the thyroid and adrenal glands.

Experientia 1981 Dec 15;37(12):1296-7

The relationship between high and low trait psychological stress, serum testosterone, and serum cortisol.

Francis KT

Abstract Excerpt
Psychological stress, as measured by the parameters of trait anxiety, hostility, and depression, was compared in the group of males age 30-55 with serum levels of testosterone. Those males who were classified as high psychological stress had significantly lower testosterone levels than did their low stress counterparts.

Acta Physiol Scand Suppl 1997;640:69-72

Social stress in rats and mice.

Koolhaas JM, De Boer SF, De Rutter AJ, Meerlo P, Sgoifo A

Abstract Excerpt
This paper summarizes some of the highlights of our current social stress research in rodents as it was inspired by the work of Jim Henry. First, it is argued that social defeat can be considered as one of the most severe stressors among a number of laboratory stressful stimuli in terms of neuroendocrine activation... Depending on the stress parameter, the stress response induced by a single social defeat may last from hours to days and weeks. As a long term consequence of a single defeat experience, the animal becomes sensitized to subsequent minor stressors.

Index

Arch Gen Psychiatry 1972 May;26(5):479-82

Suppression of plasma testosterone levels and psychological stress. A longitudinal study of young men in Officer Candidate School.

Kreuz LE, Rose RM, Jennings JR

Neuroreport 1996 Nov 25;7(18):3101-4

Lower sex hormones in men during anticipatory stress.

Schulz P, Walker JP, Peyrin L, Soulier V, Curtin F, Steimer T
Department of Psychiatry, Geneva University Hospital, Switzerland.

Abstract Excerpt
Free cortisol, luteinizing hormone (LH), total testosterone and monoamines were measured in two successive nocturnal urine collections in 50 healthy men to assess the influence of anticipatory stress. The first collection (N-2) was two nights before and the second (N-1) was just on the night before a one-day experimental stressor consisting of participation in a one-day clinical research protocol. The mean cortisol level increased from 23.4 (N-2) to 66.6 micrograms (N-1), while mean LH level decreased from 2.68 (N-2) to 1.71 IU (N-1) and the mean testosterone level fell from 1.31 (N-2) to 0.70 microgram (N-1). There were no changes in monoamines. Inhibition of sex hormones is a relatively neglected area of stress research.

J Clin Endocrinol Metab 1991 Feb;72(2):422-5

Endurance training decreases serum testosterone levels in men.

Wheeler GD, Singh M, Pierce WD, Epling WF, Cumming DC
Department of Physical Education, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada.

Abstract Excerpt
Cross-sectional studies have suggested that total and bioavailable testosterone levels are reduced in some male athletes. Such changes may be related to loss of body weight, increased serum cortisol, and/or alterations in LH pulsatile release. To determine how endurance training may affect androgen levels, we measured serum total testosterone, sex hormone-binding globulin, free androgen index, LH, FSH, PRL, cortisol, and weight in 15 previously sedentary males. We also examined pulsatile LH release in a subset of 5 subjects. Over 6 months of training, the men increased weekly running mileage to an average of 56 km/week. Total testosterone and free androgen index levels decreased significantly. PRL and cortisol also decreased, while single sample LH and FSH remained unchanged. There was a significant reduction in weight, which did not correlate with changes in serum testosterone levels... These data confirm previous findings of physiological reduction in serum testosterone...

Index

Metabolism 1990 Sep;39(9):943-6

Fat-containing meal lowers sex hormones in men.

Meikle AW, Stringham JD, Woodward MG, McMurry MP
Department of Internal Medicine, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City.

Abstract Excerpt
The effect of a fat-containing meal on plasma sex steroid concentrations was investigated in normal men. After an overnight fast on two separate occasions, subjects ingested a liquid meal containing either a non-nutritive sweetener (control), or isocaloric meals of mixed calorie sources with either high-fat content or mixed carbohydrate and protein with minimal fat... Sampling began at 7:00 AM and the test meal was ingested at 8:00 AM. Sex steroids, including estrone, estradiol, testosterone, and dihydrotestosterone (DHT), sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) capacity, free testosterone concentration, and luteinizing hormone (LH) were determined by either specific radioimmunoassay or dialysis. The fat-containing meal, but not the nonnutritive or mixed carbohydrate and protein meal, resulted in a significant (P less than .01) reduction in total and free testosterone. Estrogens and luteinizing hormone were unaffected by either meal. This is the first documentation, to our knowledge, of the acute effect of a fat-containing meal on sex steroid concentrations in blood. Our observations suggest that a fat-containing meal reduces testosterone concentrations without affecting luteinizing hormone. This might indicate that fatty acids modulate testosterone production by the testes.

J Clin Endocrinol Metab 1999 Jun;84(6):2249-52

Identification of a potent phytoestrogen in hops and beer

Milligan SR, Kalita JC, Heyerick A, Rong H, De Cooman L, De Keukeleire D
Physiology Division, School of Biomedical Sciences, King's College, Strand, London, UK.

Abstract Excerpt
The female flowers of the hop plant are used as a preservative and as a flavoring agent in beer. However, a recurring suggestion has been that hops have a powerful estrogenic activity and that beer may also be estrogenic. In this study, sensitive and specific in vitro bioassays for estrogens were used for an activity-guided fractionation of hops via selective solvent extraction and appropriate HPLC separation. We have identified a potent phytoestrogen in hops, 8-prenylnaringenin, which has an activity greater than other established plant estrogens. The estrogenic activity of this compound was reflected in its relative binding affinity to estrogen receptors from rat uteri. The presence of 8-prenylnaringenin in hops may provide an explanation for the accounts of menstrual disturbances in female hop workers.

Index

Horm Behav 1984 Jun;18(2):101-10

Crowding or ACTH treatment of pregnant mice affects adult copulatory behavior of male offspring (i.e., maternal stress during pregnancy demasculinizes male babes - Editor).

Harvey PW, Chevins PF

Abstract Excerpt
Sexual behavior of male offspring from female mice chronically crowded during pregnancy was investigated. In an 80-min test pairing with a sexually experienced female primed with estradiol and progesterone injections, males from crowded mothers displayed poorer copulation than controls: mount and intromission latencies were longer, number of mounts and intromissions lower, and ejaculations within the test period were abolished. Daily injections of 500 micrograms testosterone propionate improved copulatory vigor in offspring from crowded mothers. A second series of experiments investigated the effects of ACTH treatment of females during the same period of pregnancy. A low dose rate had little effect but male offspring from females injected daily with 8 IU displayed longer intromission latency and fewer mounts and intromissions than controls. Daily injections of 500 micrograms testosterone propionate improved copulatory vigor, although mount frequency remained depressed. The similarity of the effects on male offspring copulation of crowding their mothers or treating them with ACTH during pregnancy suggest mediation by similar mechanisms, implicating involvement of maternal pituitary-adrenocortical secretions during pregnancy in the production of these behavioral deficits.

Baillieres Clin Endocrinol Metab 1998 Oct;12(3):441-51

Androgens and abdominal obesity.

Marin P, Arver S
Department of Heart and Lung Diseases, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden

Abstract Excerpt
Endocrine disorders such as insulinoma, hypothyroidism and hypercortisolism are known to cause obesity. However, it is only hypercortisolism that is associated with increased abdominal fat accumulation... Intervention studies demonstrate that correction of relative hypogonadism in men with visceral obesity and other manifestations of the metabolic syndrome seems to decrease the abdominal fat mass.... Further analysis of the underlying mechanism has also disclosed a regulatory role for testosterone in counteracting visceral fat accumulation. Longitudinal epidemiological data demonstrates that relatively low testosterone levels are a risk factor for development of visceral obesity.

Index

Med Hypotheses 1999 Jan;52(1):49-51

The hypogonadal-obesity cycle: role of aromatase in modulating the testosterone-estradiol shunt--a major factor in the genesis of morbid obesity

Cohen PG

Abstract Excerpt
Massive obesity in males is associated with decreased total and free testosterone levels as well as elevated estradiol levels. The decrease in testosterone occurs without the compensatory increases in gonadotropin and a progressive hypogonadotropic hypogonadal cycle develops. During the hypogonadal state, there is a preferential deposition of abdominal adipose tissue. With the increasing fatty-tissue accumulation, there is an increase of aromatase activity that is associated with a greater conversion of testosterone to estradiol (testosterone-estradiol shunt). This results in further depression of testosterone concentrations and leads to the increased preferential deposition of abdominal fat that, in turn, leads to a progressive hypogonadal state. Testalactone, an aromatase inhibitor, interrupts this cycle and repairs the depressed testosterone concentrations and decreases estradiol levels. This increases the testosterone levels and reverses the preferential deposition of abdominal fat, while increasing muscle protein and fat-free mass.

Acta Med Scand Suppl 1988;723:153-60

Hormonal abnormalities in obesity.

Zumoff B
Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Medical Center, New York, NY.

Abstract Excerpt
We have found a number of interesting hormonal abnormalities in obese me... Obese men have elevated levels of estrone and both free and total estradiol, and subnormal levels of free and total testosterone and of FSH; all these abnormalities are proportional to the degree of obesity. They also have relatively subnormal LH levels, i.e. normal in the face of hypotestosteronemia. The combination of these findings represents a state of mild hypogonadotropic hypogonadism (HHG), which we believe to be induced by the hyperestrogenemia... Normalization of the estrogen levels of obese men, by suppression of adrenocortical secretion of aromatase substrates or by inhibition of aromatase, tends to normalize the HHG... Massive weight loss in obese men normalizes their HHG without any decrease in plasma estrogen levels.

Index

Horm Metab Res 1981 Nov;13(11):639-41

Evidence for hypogonadism in massively obese males due to decreased free testosterone.

Kley HK, Deselaers T, Peerenboom H

Abstract Excerpt Excerpt
In massively obese males with greater than 250% of IBW, the decrease in SHBG (to 10.6 +/- 1.8 nM/l) is too small to compensate for total testosterone decrease (from 6.04 +/- 0.57 to 1.72 +/- 0.32 ng/Ml). Therefore, free testosterone is markedly less in the massively obese patients (55 +/- 8 vs. 127 +/- 15 pg/ml in the controls)...We conclude that the decrease in SHBG, which prevents obese males from developing hypogonadism, is not sufficiently effective in the massively obese patients to compensate the marked decrease in testosterone. This, in connection with the observed increase of free estradiol, may cause hypogonadism and hyperestrogenism in these subjects.

J Clin Endocrinol Metab 1979 Apr;48(4):633-8

Increased estrogen production in obese men.

Schneider G, Kirschner MA, Berkowitz R, Ertel NH

Abstract Excerpt
Serum estrone (E1) and 17beta-estradiol (E2) were noted to be 2-fold elevated in a group of morbidly obese men. Urinary E1 and E2 production rates were elevated in proportion to the degree of obesity, with values as high as 127 and 157 micrograms/day, respectively....

J Clin Endocrinol Metab 1980 Nov;51(5):1128-32

Enhanced conversion of androstenedione to estrogens in obese males.

Kley HK, Deselaers T, Peerenboom H, Kruskemper HL

Abstract Excerpt
In normal and obese young males [90--120% and > 160% of ideal body weight (IBW); IBW = 100%], plasma concentrations of testosterone, androstenedione, estrone, and estradiol were measured... In the obese subjects, IBW was inversely correlated (P < 0.001) with plasma concentrations of androstenedione (r = 0.81) and testosterone (r = 0.87), while the levels of estrone (r = 0.92) and estradiol (r = 0.95) increased with IBW (P < 0.001). Thus, when normal and obese subjects were compared as groups, plasma androstenedione decreased form 1.24 +/- 0.13 to 0.93 +/- 0.15 ng/ml (mean +/- SD) and plasma testosterone decreased from 5.89 +/- 0.82 to 3.29 +/- 0.92 ng/ml (P < 0.001), while estrone increased from 28.2 +/- 3.4 to 60.0 +/- 9.4 pg/ml, and estradiol increased from 21.7 +/- 3.5 to 43.9 +/- 5.3 pg/ml...The conversion of androstenedione to estrone (r = 0.89) and of androstenedione to estradiol (r = 0.82) was enhanced in obese subjects (P < 0.001). We suggest that enhanced aromatization of androstenedione due to an increased adipose tissue mass may account for the high plasma estrogen levels observed in obese men.

Index

Metabolism 1981 Oct;30(10):1011-4

Obese young men have elevated plasma estrogen levels

. Zumoff B, Strain GW, Kream J, O'Connor J, Levin J, Fukushima DK

Abstract Excerpt
24 hr mean plasma concentrations were measured in 18 healthy obese men and 33 healthy non-obese men. The obese men showed significant elevations of both estrone [E1] (67 pg/ml versus 49 pg/ml control; P less than 0.005) and estradiol [E2] (37 pg/ml versus 28 pg/ml; P less than 0.005)....

J Clin Endocrinol Metab 1981 Oct;53(4):828-32

Effect of weight loss on reproductive hormones in obese men.

Stanik S, Dornfeld LP, Maxwell MH, Viosca SP, Korenman SG

Abstract Excerpt
The effects of weight reduction on reproductive hormones were investigated in 24 moderately obese men, 18-108% above ideal body weight. Serum estrone (E1), estradiol (E2), testosterone (T), percent free T (%FT), sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG) capacity, and, in 9 subjects, androstenedione (A) were measured serially before and during an outpatient supplemented fasting program (320 kcal/day) for 8-20 weeks. In the baseline state mean E1 was elevated to 100 +/- 7 pg/ml (normal, 30-60 pg/ml). The E2 was slightly elevated to 36 +/- 3 pg/ml (normal, 8-35 pg/ml). The mean T of 400 +/- 20 ng/dl was at the lower end of normal (400-1000 ng/dl)... These data were in accord with previous findings in much heavier men. Eight weeks of weight loss (mean, 19.5 kg) were associated with normalization of all the measured parameters... Data on men remaining on the program for 16 or 20 weeks showed a continued fall of estrogens and stabilization of T and %FT. SHBG and A did not change significantly over the entire time period. In conclusion, increased circulating estrogens and reduced androgen binding were found in moderately obese men, which were completely corrected with weight loss.

Extremely Basic Glossary

• Androgens

  - Male hormones (literally, "male makers") including testosterone (the Big T) , dihydrotestosterone, androstenedione, etc. Testosterone is the primary molecule of male maturation, development and individuation. Feminist propaganda to the contrary, in humans it is generally testosterone deficits that that occasion fear, insecurity, rage, irritability, etc. These in turn motivate personal irresponsibility, gratuitous violence, juvenile pack-like activities, and other stupid/dangerous so-called "male behaviors". Chronic low T levels (AKA "hypotestosteronemia") presage loss of libido, confidence, courage, fathering instincts and other mature masculine traits. (Indeed it should not take research reports to convince the half-sentient that most aggression is sponsored by fear and insecurity rather than self-assurance and aplomb.) According to Erich Fromm, low T characteristics also predispose men to gratefully lose themselves in larger bodies that promise a sense of protection, purpose and identity. You see where this is going...

• Anti-androgens

  - Chemicals which directly or indirectly attack/disable male hormones such as ACTH and cortisol (fear/stress hormones), all estrogenic molecules, many "endocrine disruptors", etc.

• Aromatization

  - Enzyme ("aromatase") conversion of testosterone (or other androgens) to estradiol (female hormone) in adipose tissue (fat cells). Also called the "testosterone-estradiol shunt," it is the main reason Caesar wanted fat men around him.

• Cortisol

  - Stress molecule secreted by the adrenal gland. "Hypercortisolism" indicates extremely high levels of cortisol in blood serum and/or saliva. Like other stress-induced hormones, cortisol is an androgen antagonist and chronically high levels reduce androgenic activity in the balls, blood and behavior.

• Endocrine Disruptors(AKA Environmental Hormones)

  -- Generally, synthesized chemical compounds that interfere with the chemical messaging system that directs the development of life. Dr. J.P. Myers, coauthor of Our Stolen Future: "What they do, what they have the potential of doing depending upon the nature of the chemical, its amount, and the timing of its delivery is that if they can have an impact on intelligence and behavior, on reproductive capacity and on the ability to resist disease. In shorthand, they can make you sick, sterile and stupid. "

• Estrogen, estrone (E1), & estradiol (E2)

  - The most powerful and prevalent natural female hormones - in high concentrations they can also feminize males, but generally tend to simply juvenilize them and forestall psychic & sexual maturation.

• Gonadotropin

  - In males, a hormone (usually from the pituitary gland) that stimulates testicular activity and androgen production.

• Hypogonadism

  - Male hypogonadism means pathologically suppressed or terminated testicular function - i.e. shriveled, inert and/or "busted" balls. HHG (hypogonadotropic hypogonadism) means testicular dysfunction due to reduced/suppressed levels of gonadotropins (androgen precursors).

• Neuroendocrinal (neurohormonal) & Psychoneuroendocrinal

  These adjectives generally refer to the release of hormones after neural or psychological stimulation -- as when reading pornography triggers an erection or, conversely, when fear or anxiety floods the blood with ACTH from the pituitary and then cortisol from the adrenal gland. In sexual situations, for example, these hormones can then decimate circulatin androgens and cause psychological impotence, which in turn increases stress and intensifies the anti-androgenic effects in a spiraling emasculating feedback loop.

• Phytoestrogens

  Estrogenic molecules from plants - especially powerful phytoestrogens come from red clover, soybeans, and hops. See Lancet report on extraordinarily high phytoestrogen levels in the Japanese diet.

• SHBG or Sex Hormone-Binding Globulin

  - In males, a molecule which bonds to so-called "free" or "bioavailable" testosterone molecules and takes them out of action. You can have normal numbers of testosterone molecules in your blood, but if they are locked up with SHBG, you will never feel their effect. (Gentlemen, subjectively consider the breath-taking psychosomatic difference between a few moments before and a few moments after a dramatic climax. The Big T hasn't really left the stage, but it is too wrapped up in SHBG now to get it up for the next act.)

Index

Endocrine Disruptors (AKA Environmental Hormones)
Arresting New Big Body Secretions

Industrial emasculation was once simply accomplished with authoritarian education, systemic stress, feel-good fat, and a few exotic estrogenic foods like soybeans, buckwheat and hops. Recently, however, Big Agrobiz & Plastic/Chemical Bodies have been stealthily flooding the entire food chain with ball-busting molecules (which may help explain the fast-food whimper that ended the Sixties). In any event, our brave new world is now drenched in these "environmental hormones," it appears, and anything that can castrate an twelve-foot alligator is not to be sneezed at.

• Common Pollutants Undermine Masculinity - Science News Online

  Some of Our Sperm are Missing New Scientist report

  Our Stolen Future Excellent review of The Book that finally blew the whistle on Endocrine Disruption

  Nancho Consults: Dr. J.P. Myers, coauthor of Our Stolen Future

  Nancho Consults: Dr. Fred vom Saal, top US ED researcher

  Nancho Radio: "Environmental Hormones" -- The New Look in Population Bombs

  PBS Frontline's "Fooling With Nature"

  Big Body Think: In Defense of Toxic Profits -- Bombshell interview with former US head of government affairs for Sandoz Agro Inc. [now Novartis AG] who headed the pesticide industry's first committee on endocrine disruptors until she resigned in shame and disgust. (Emasculation just doesn't work as well with women.)

  Hormone Disruptors: WWW Links

  Endocrine Disruptor News

  ECME: Environmental Estrogens (Science pubs by author)

Index