shoulders, biceps and forearms

[Naturally Blonde]

Hi,
I'm a lot older so things should change more slowly, right?
I had a LOT of upper body strength, genetically pretty well build, broad shouldered.
Had done windsurfing which broadened me out no end. Incidentally so did my son.

I was a size 16 for my height of 5" 6.5" yet after 1 year HRT I'm close to medium, a size 12 - 14.

So my answer is: DO NOT WORRY, you will loose on top --- like everyone else.
Using light exercise as I do, daily walks for 1 hr already does the trick.
BUT YOU CAN NOT RUSH IT!
Take care,
Axelle

I also have bodyshape issues. I've been on HRT for over 12 years and I'm still too big on the upper body (size U.K 16) compared to my lower body (size U.K 12). I'm not tall either. I'm not sure what the answer is? and I've been trying to get the upper and lower proportions right for years!

[LilKittyCatZoey]

My shrink offered me the option (as if I'd say no!) of taking anti-androgens along with oestrogen - they actively suppress the testosterone, which helps with this. And there are kinds of exercise regime that give tone to muscles without building bulk - I'm looking into this, as I want to maintain some strength without being bulky (I'm a drummer, so my arms get their own workout!)

I am so what shocked lol girls can have bulk sweetie my friend she is an amazing drummer and can easily over power me just because you loss your T you wont lose your drumming ability.

[JungianZoe]

I am so what shocked lol girls can have bulk sweetie my friend she is an amazing drummer and can easily over power me just because you loss your T you wont lose your drumming ability.

As a fellow drummer, true, true, true, and TRUE!   Though I know I've lost strength (things I once carried feel much heavier than before) I haven't lost any power or stamina while playing drums.

[LilKittyCatZoey]

Its is funny for me because only a year ago could i just lift what other boys could and again i cant

[Padma]

Playing congas is a great workout - it's like dancing .

[LilKittyCatZoey]

I avoid physical labour and will only exercise after my SRS i think its safer that way.

[A]

You can still do some exercise, you know, it's good for you. Just focus on the lower body and it will be all right.

[LilKittyCatZoey]

Any suggestion ?

[A]

Running, soccer, biking, hiking, skating...

[LilKittyCatZoey]

anything that wont take away my skinny perfectly no boy legs? i mean thats the one part of my body i never let be effected by T

[justmeinoz]

This follows on from another thread, but I will put in my 2 cents worth. 

Yesterday I saw my Gender therapist, and we were discussing where I was in transition, doubts, dissatisfactions etc. 

I mentioned that as I am 6'3" and broad shouldered I still had concerns about passing on rare occaissions.  He said that as my face now definitely fell on the female side of the line, people would react to that as the main gender marker.  He pointed out that that there are a lot of tall women, and women with broad shoulders, such as swimmers, netballers, and other athletes, and that these things were secondary to facial cues. 

As I pointed out in the other thread you already have a good start on the facial appearance, so the rest will follow.  Laser hair removal and basic makeup will do the rest.  As you are young Male Pattern Baldness won't be a worry for you, so you are ahead of a lot of us.

Relax and let Mummy Nature look after you.  For exercise it's hard to beat walking.

Karen.

[A]

If you go strictly for cardio, I don't think it would have any significant effect...

[LilKittyCatZoey]

If you go strictly for cardio, I don't think it would have any significant effect...

Thank you!! but dont i need some fat in my body i mean i am a twig but in a beautiful way except my tummy so dont i kind of need that fat for a good effect from e? or should i just cardio it away?

[Neko]

I quite like being an athletic girl...I'm out and skating at least 4 hours a week and ususally more...I haven't bulked out, i'm just toned to the point of being a warrior princess. Plus being outside all summer means I have a killer tan.

Also I've known a number of girls with shoulders broader than their hips so it's nothing to worry about really.

[LilKittyCatZoey]

I have caramel colored skin so my killer tan exists even in winter  i am more concerned with having a stroke or any other of the fatal side effects of HRT

[A]

Of course fat is important. I was not recommending some exercise for your weight, but rather for your general health.

EDIT: To add to your second message, strokes would rather come from the lack of exercise rather than the action, unless you have something special. Another possible life-threatening side effect would be liver and thrombous embolia (not sure about the exact name of the second), and I am fairly sure exercise can only reduce those risks.

But all of those are very unlikely since you are young and healthy.

[Ann Onymous]

If you go strictly for cardio, I don't think it would have any significant effect...

It depends on just what one seeks to accomplish...I will concur that it would do little for the shoulders, biceps and forearms, although the ellipticals COULD have some impact on toning the shoulders.  I didn't have issues with either my shoulders or arms, so I cannot say I have noticed much of a difference there. 

The cardio HAS been great for the weight loss though...that is primarily where my focus has been, along with some work on the resistance machines to tone my midsection and hips. 

That being said, there may also be significant differences to be found between doing the same work post-operatively as what a pre- or non-op might see...not to mention the differences that age can bring to the equation.

[Cyndigurl45]

I hope e changes my shoulders. I am a little confused on exercise though.

I am trying to eliminate muscle so I do cardio x, kenpo x and yoga x, sometimes twice a day...not all three, but one or a combination of two.

I am eating about 1100 calories comprised of mostly carbs nad what protein I take I try to stick to soy.

If anyone can help I would be indebted to you.

I was 220+ about 3 months ago, I am now at 185. My muscle has slightly decreased and I have toned slightly, but I still feel like I stand out.

Cindy you look like a female body builder. Nothing like a man. I dont understand how you did that, but cheers....

Thank you sweetie, I was some what of an amateur light weight body builder before transitioning, plus spray on tan to hid the tats and a wig