Muscle, Hands & Heart

[JillSter]

I have two questions related to losing muscle mass on HRT.

First, I know your hands don't get smaller, but do the hormones decrease the size of the muscles in your hands? I ask because my hands, while not very big, are very strong and have visible muscle – especially between the thumb and index finger. Will my hands "feminize" over time as my muscle mass decreases?

My other question is a lot more serious. I've heard that when you lose muscle mass it affects the heart muscles as well. Rapid, or extreme loss of muscle mass, such as with HRT makes me worry about future heart problems. I assume if I do lots of cardio throughout my transition I'd probably end up with a stronger, healthier heart – so that's what I plan to do. But it still freaks me out to think about losing heart muscle. Is there any truth to this? Does anyone know more about it?

[Kelly-087]

To start with, there's very little muscle in the hands. Most of your hand movements are actually caused by a series of tendons and ligaments that connect to the muscles in our arms.. I don't think that will be a noticeable loss.

Heart wise? No. Probably not. The heart is different from almost all of our muscles because of how its muscle tissue is designed. I'll admit, your heart won't be as strong.. But it won't be a sudden situation that you can barely survive. If you're at a healthy weight and also do cardio regularly you should be fine darling! There's no rapid muscle loss. It may feel like it once your T drops to a certain level but it still takes time. I'm still signficantly stronger than most women after eight months on AAs.

[Sanceria]

The thing about hormones is that they DO cause changes in ALL of the body. You are correct to say that the actual bone structure of the hands (or your body) does not change, since that is set after we go through the teen stage, unfortunately. We seem to not have developed the technology to mold the bones just like we mold the skin. I mean, I don't see why it isn't possible. But who knows? We may get there one day. That is off-topic, though. Anyways... While the bones do not change, I've heard that the appearance of the hands and feet DO change to a certain extent. I think it has something to do with the changes in the skin and maybe in the muscles. So yeah, I'd just wait and see.

As to your second question... It IS a good idea to do about 30 minutes a day of cardio in general principle. Walking or biking is very good exercise because it is low-impact, versus running, which is high-impact. I guess studies have shown that high-impact exercise does more damage than good? But another interesting thing is that a study showed that you have to bike four times the distance you walked to get the same health impact. So to get the benefit of a mile walk, you'd have to bike four miles. Now want to know what the best form of exercise is? Dancing! The reason is is that dancing uses every part of the body. This means that you have an excuse to do flash dancing or random dancing, lol. So I'd consider taking a dance class if there are any local ones. But if there aren't any, there are good dancing workouts or even dancing games. One of the more popular ones is Zumba, yet if you want something more racy, there is Flirty Girl. I've got both, yet I've yet to actually try it. Heh. Now there are video games like Dance Dance Revolution, Just Dance or Zumba. All would work. Oh, and once you start developing, I'd suggest getting a good sports bra or something. A little extra support never hurts, lol. The key? Just have fun and stay healthy. Drink water, too, and use proper breathing.

I'm glad that you are taking your health into consideration, though. It is always an important thing to do. And you are reminding me that I have to stop being lazy and start exercising, too. *raises a squeeze bottle of water* Here is to staying healthy!

[JillSter]

The thing about hormones is that they DO cause changes in ALL of the body. You are correct to say that the actual bone structure of the hands (or your body) does not change, since that is set after we go through the teen stage, unfortunately. We seem to not have developed the technology to mold the bones just like we mold the skin. I mean, I don't see why it isn't possible. But who knows? We may get there one day. That is off-topic, though. Anyways... While the bones do not change, I've heard that the appearance of the hands and feet DO change to a certain extent. I think it has something to do with the changes in the skin and maybe in the muscles. So yeah, I'd just wait and see.

As to your second question... It IS a good idea to do about 30 minutes a day of cardio in general principle. Walking or biking is very good exercise because it is low-impact, versus running, which is high-impact. I guess studies have shown that high-impact exercise does more damage than good? But another interesting thing is that a study showed that you have to bike four times the distance you walked to get the same health impact. So to get the benefit of a mile walk, you'd have to bike four miles. Now want to know what the best form of exercise is? Dancing! The reason is is that dancing uses every part of the body. This means that you have an excuse to do flash dancing or random dancing, lol. So I'd consider taking a dance class if there are any local ones. But if there aren't any, there are good dancing workouts or even dancing games. One of the more popular ones is Zumba, yet if you want something more racy, there is Flirty Girl. I've got both, yet I've yet to actually try it. Heh. Now there are video games like Dance Dance Revolution, Just Dance or Zumba. All would work. Oh, and once you start developing, I'd suggest getting a good sports bra or something. A little extra support never hurts, lol. The key? Just have fun and stay healthy. Drink water, too, and use proper breathing.

I'm glad that you are taking your health into consideration, though. It is always an important thing to do. And you are reminding me that I have to stop being lazy and start exercising, too. *raises a squeeze bottle of water* Here is to staying healthy!

*Clink* or... *Squish?* What sound to water bottles make?

I've been freaking out about my hands but I realized they're actually a lot smaller than I think they are. When I look at them I see these monstrous Andre the Giant hands, but if I can shake myself out of that I see that they're actually a little small for my size. They're still overly strong looking, but I think that'll change with the muscle loss. It has to, right?

I hadn't thought of dancing. That's a great idea! I never ever use my PS3. I might try one of those games you mentioned. Fun and fitnessy!

Do I need a special mat or something? (I hope not. I'm being super cheap lately so I can save up.)

[Joanna Dark]

I haven't lost a single solitary muscle on HRT. It sucks. Granted I'm pretty tiny but I feel like I have this uber muscular body. Escpecailly my neck and arms. I'm hoping given more time on HRT they will start to melt. But I don't think it will effect the hands or the heart.

[Khalysta]

I used to race bicycles and still participate in some really fast bike rides.  I've noticed my endurance is actually better but that I have lost the power in my legs that I used to have.  So I don't think your heart loses too much especially if you excercise enough and keep in shape.  It's not a good idea to be sedentary in general though so I would just make sure to do some excercise.  You won't bulk up or anything walking or jogging but they will keep you in shape.

As for hands, I am 6'3 and 8 months into hrt.  Other skin changes I haven't seen much change in my hands.  The muscle loss in general doesnt seem as rapid as people make it out to be.  I don't lift or do anything other than ride.  My arms were never big to begin with now they look a tad smaller I just don't have the pure strength and power I used to.