To discuss the role of the circadian rhythm of male hormones concerning sexuality and general health from the perspective of Biomedicine and Sowa Rigpa.
It is well known that the main male sexual hormone is testosterone. However, it is less known that testosterone levels fluctuate between night and day, with the highest levels occurring during nighttime. Various lifestyle factors can influence testosterone levels, with overweight and poor sleep quality being the main culprits. Unless there are specific underlying issues (such as constitutional factors or illnesses), both problems can be improved, leading to normalized testosterone levels.
Testosterone is the primary anabolic hormone in men, and its deficiency can be associated with tiredness, fatigue, low libido, and depressive mood. Additionally, testosterone contributes to erections. Interestingly, men's nighttime erections are linked to the rise in testosterone levels during the night, suggesting that nighttime erections play a role in maintaining good erectile quality.
Similar to Western medicine's approach to addressing overweight and sleep problems, it is also important in Sowa Rigpa, which is rich in methods for improving sleep and regulating weight. Dr. Nida Chenagtsang believes that the concept of "Thigle" in Sowa Rigpa is most closely related to the endocrine system, which is equivalent to hormones.
Dr. Olev Poolamets completed six years of studies in Western medicine at Tartu University Faculty of Medicine in 1994. Subsequently, from 1994 to 1996, he underwent training as a general practitioner, followed by three years of specialization in andrology-urology at Tartu University from 1996 to 1999. Since 2006, he has served as a senior andrologist-urologist at the Tartu University Clinics Centre for Andrology Tallinn Branch.
Andrology primarily focuses on male sexual and reproductive health and gender-specific health, but andrologists must also be knowledgeable about female sexual and reproductive health. Dr. Poolamets organized and co-authored two books: "Man in the Changing World" in 2010 (Mees Muutuvas Maailmas) and "Sexuality in Estonia" (Seksuaalsus Eestis) in 2006, collaborating with other experts in the same and related fields. As part of a leading and advanced andrology clinic, he co-authored 25 scientific works on specific andrological topics on ResearchGate, primarily functioning as a clinician-doctor in research collaborations.
Dr. Poolamets began counseling young boys on Sexual and Reproductive Health issues in 1996, and later provided counseling to patients with neurological illnesses concerning sexuality and reproductive problems at Haapsalu Neurorehabilitation Centre and Multiple Sclerosis Centre in Tallinn. This clinical experience provided him with deeper insights into related cases.
During the first fifteen years of his medical career, Dr. Poolamets was active in giving lectures and attending medical Congresses. He contributed significantly to voluntary work in Male gender-specific health and human sexuality, playing a crucial role in organizing the development of sexology and events during the first decade of the 2000s. He served as president of the Estonian Academic Association of Sexology for two years and as president of the Nordic Association of Clinical Sexology for another two years.
Since 2010, Dr. Poolamets has been studying and practicing Sowa Rigpa and Tibetan Buddhism after meeting Dr. Nida Chenagtsang. While reducing his involvement in previous voluntary commitments, he continues his Western medicine practice as an andrologist-urologist for three weeks per month. He completed the four-year Sowa Rigpa study curriculum offered by SKI and participated in numerous Sowa Rigpa teachings. His Buddhist studies began with teachings from H.H. in Dharamsala at the end of 2006, sparking his interest in exploring Budha Dharma and the body-mind relationship. He has studied with various teachers, including Drukmo Gyal since her arrival in Estonia.
Currently, Dr. Poolamets serves as a board member actively involved in managing Sorig Khang Estonia and Sowa Rigpa Väluste School in Estonia. He has presented at past Sowa Rigpa International congresses held in Estonia (2016) and Nepal (2017), focusing on traditional healing methods and therapies. Alongside his clinical experience, he has 11 years of manual therapy experience, enriching his massage style and healing skills through learning from different healers from Estonia and Finland.
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