Pimp My Tummy

[Tori]

I am enjoying the physical results of HRT, except for my tummy, it is still too manly and it gains inches when the rest of me does.

I figure I am not the only one.

Tips on tummy reduction? Crunches and more crunches?

[Ms Grace]

It was a problem for me the first time I was on HRT, but hasn't been this time. A major difference for me has been the medication then and now. I was on Androcur then, my current endo says it could cause weight gain around the waist. Maybe not the case for you but I thought I'd mention it.

Don't know if crunches will help, I've read they don't really help shift the weight from around the belly.

[Monkeymel]

I'm also on androcur but have not bad the weight problems since I started back at the gym / regular running. However I also started ballet last summer and have seen massive changes since January. Cutting a long story short...

People tend to breath with belly all the time. It's a good relaxation technique - but it loosens all the muscle around the core. Which cause stomach to fall loose - belly grows - muscles can't keep it In etc. I started much more diaphragm rib breathing - allowing the belly to lay flat - relaxed. Coupled to that is a lot of Pilates style leg lifts - slow - controlled - not crunching the superficial muscles allowing belly to be relaxed during the movements. Don't be surprised if you can't achieve what you could before. It will take time.

In my case I no longer bloat. My pelvis belly is flat - tight and getting tighter. I also know this is real deep muscle improvement. Downside is my bust size has reduced; but overall the proportions are good.

I try to do my exercises and stretching daily. From 6-7 and perhaps 2130-2230. I eat healthy but no dairy or breads. I try to avoid Carbonated, Refined, Additives and Preservatives. (Crap). A 50ml bottle of coke will be enjoyed over 4 days. Lots of avocados and fruits and veg - and moderate meat. 50g a day.'

[JamesG]

Don't go crazy with crunches or other abdomenal exercises. You still have male musculature and while a "six-pack" isn't specifically male, it's not exactly feminine.

Pretty much what the others said,  you have to "starve" a spare tire out. Lose the weight until it disappears and then keep it off so that the fat cells go away (6 months+) then you can put some weight back on, hopeful in female pattern (lower on the hips), but even girls get muffin tops....

[Carrie Liz]

Diet. If you want to lose fat off of anything, dieting is basically the only answer. Working out will make the muscles underneath more firm, which might help to make something look less droopy, but it won't get rid of the fat itself.

In terms of the weight-storage thing, time is the only answer. Fat goes wherever there are already existing fat cells to store it. So until HRT has had a LONG time to create more fat cells in gender-appropriate areas, it's just going to go right back where it came from every time you lose and gain weight.

[stephaniec]

my problem is that I love to cook, but I loose control on portion size

[Tori]

Estrogen makes me very hungry it seems. I am on Spiro, not andro.

Good tips on starving rather than crunching. Oy. I keep gaining in belly, hips, butt and chest. I am fine with the hips, butt and chest. If it looked like a muffin top, I would be thrilled.

[JamesG]

my problem is that I love to cook, but I loose control on portion size

Get little bitty cookware.