Still wating for lower body fat redistribution...

[queertransjew]

I'm 13 months on T, and nearly 2 months post-hysterectomy. I've been back at the gym weight lifting and cycling for two weeks and a day (and had been doing the same pre-top surgery and my hysto).

I'm feeling frustrated. Maybe my expectations were too high. I was hoping the hysto would help shift some body fat off my thighs and butt, since I'd heard of it doing so for other guys. I guess I'm just not lucky with my transition; all of my changes have been slow. And this is despite running and lifting and working out for years, especially since being on testosterone.

I hope I'm just impatient, and eventually my lower body will look more masculine. But I'm getting fed up with having a female butt and legs. I'm sure I'm the only one that notices -- but this part of my body has been one of the biggest parts of my dysphoria, because it is just so typically *female* looking. And now, being on T almost makes it worse, because now my legs are hairier, but still female-looking.

Did anyone else deal with this? How long did it take for your lower body to change into a more masculine shape? I've had such bad genetic luck -- being a tiny, pear-shaped dude, and it's frustrating that even after a year on testosterone and the removal of estrogen-producing organs, plus heavy lifting, not much has changed.

[Kylo]

If you happen to be overweight currently, the best thing to do is just try to lose it. If not, it will only end up hanging around your stomach even if it does redistribute which is worse health-wise anyway for it to be there. If you happen to be skinny already, ignore what I just said, I guess.

In my case I will literally need to starve and work the fat off my body until there's nothing left. Nothing else will shift it but graft and discipline.

If you're skinny as all hell and still have a problem... I suppose there is liposuction? Once you remove fat cells from an area and stay slim, they will not come back.

[queertransjew]

If you happen to be overweight currently, the best thing to do is just try to lose it. If not, it will only end up hanging around your stomach even if it does redistribute which is worse health-wise anyway for it to be there. If you happen to be skinny already, ignore what I just said, I guess.

In my case I will literally need to starve and work the fat off my body until there's nothing left. Nothing else will shift it but graft and discipline.

If you're skinny as all hell and still have a problem... I suppose there is liposuction? Once you remove fat cells from an area and stay slim, they will not come back.

I'm not overweight. I'm pretty lean, actually. Which is what makes my imbalanced bottom half all the more frustrating, because it's pretty apparenty (at least, to me). I'm not interested in dieting down, I've deal with disordered eating and it's not something I want to go back to. And liposuction is not financially feasible, nor something I want to go through. I'm just hoping time will take care of the issue.

[Kylo]

All I know is that the body makes a certain amount of fat cells in certain areas. If the person stays a healthy weight the numbers of those cells don't increase. So a female number of fat cells in your legs and butt are going to always be there. They will also store water if you're having water retention issues, which sound like it's the problem, if you're not actually carrying much fat.

If it is WR, it probably will resolve with time or dosage of your HRT.

[anthonymdrs]

I'm 13 months on T, and nearly 2 months post-hysterectomy. I've been back at the gym weight lifting and cycling for two weeks and a day.

I'm feeling frustrated. Maybe my expectations were too high. I was hoping the hysto would help shift some body fat off my thighs and butt, since I'd heard of it doing so for other guys. I guess I'm just not lucky with my transition; all of my changes have been slow.

I hope I'm just impatient, and eventually my lower body will look more masculine. But I'm getting fed up with having a female butt and legs. I'm sure I'm the only one that notices -- but this part of my body has been one of the biggest parts of my dysphoria, because it is just so typically *female* looking. And now, being on T almost makes it worse, because now my legs are hairier, but still female-looking.

Did anyone else deal with this? How long did it take for your lower body to change into a more masculine shape? I've had such bad genetic luck -- being a tiny, pear-shaped dude, and it's frustrating that even after a year on testosterone and the removal of estrogen-producing organs, plus heavy lifting, not much has changed.

Cardio actually helps a lot with those problem areas.  If you ever notice female endurance athletes they are very mean lean and have No curves. The weight training is great too, but for you I would suggest sticking to primarily upper body exercises.  The bigger you look on top it gives the illusion the bottom half of you is a lot smaller than It actually is. So do push ups and pull ups like crazy in addition to a regular weight training schedule.
 
You may have to work a lot harder than other guys yes, there are some genetic traits we have that no amount of hormones or lack thereof, can undo. 
I have a similar issue, and everything i have mentioned has really helped me, so maybe it would be helpful for you as well.
All the best on your journey brother.

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[anthonymdrs]

If you still find your not getting the results you looking for, liposuction is another option.  But obviously invasive and costly. Though guys i have talked  with that have had that type of contouring done are happy with the results.

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[JHeron]

I'm not overweight. I'm pretty lean, actually. Which is what makes my imbalanced bottom half all the more frustrating, because it's pretty apparenty (at least, to me). I'm not interested in dieting down, I've deal with disordered eating and it's not something I want to go back to. And liposuction is not financially feasible, nor something I want to go through. I'm just hoping time will take care of the issue.

Have you tried eating plans? Going organic and restricting myself to clean proteins did wonders for me, I gained some weight after an accident last year and most of it was in my thighs and backside... I know how much it sucks. Diets are sh*t but eating plans work well when tailored to your body's mechanics. Going to a nutritionist who can give you expert advice would also be a good idea. Last you mentioned weights but are you big on cardio? Running, biking, swimming - the slimming effects of these activities when done daily is almost always positive and almost always on the lower body. Best of luck

[amberwaves]

Not to be a downer, but some guys do have more feminine hips and butt distributions.  I certainly did.  That may not change regardless of time on hormones or exercise.  Even when I was at my physical peak I was very self conscious about it and had a horrible time finding proper fitting pants, etc.  Nobody else ever seemed to care or question my masculinity over it.  Cosmetic surgery could be an option if you want to go that route.  I mostly am just chiming in to say that sometimes that distribution occurs within natal males.  Be the most awesome you that you can be and hopefully not get too hung up over despite how frustrating it may be.

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[SeptagonScars]

I'm in the same situation, but I'm not exercising much now. I'm also pretty lean (within healthy weight range for my height) but with a big butt and thighs, after 4 years on T and I doubt only time will change my situation. However I do have vague hopes that maybe focusing on building muscle more on my upper body than on my lower body could even out my proportions at least a bit to look more typically male than I do now. I've heard that advice from quite many other ftm's who are inte bodybuilding, and without having tried it myself yet (but meaning to), I'll give that advice to you as well. Meaning put more focus on building muscle (specifically on the torso to make it bigger) rather than cardio, as cardio is more likely to burn fat all over the body and as far as I know it's not possible to only lose fat in certain places except from surgically. My proportions cause me a lot of dysphoria as well, so I know that's not easy to just accept the reality of that kind of situation when it's not what I'm comfortable with, but burning fat and dieting never helped me with that. At around 2 years on T I was almost underweight with the exact same proportions as now and almost overweight. I really can't afford liposuction either, as that wouldn't be covered by the state where I live.

[Kreuzfidel]

My lower part redistributed only a minute amount just sitting back and waiting.  I've been on T for almost 6 years.  Diet and exercise were what helped for me.

A few things:

Genetics - you may not ever redistribute to the degree of your expectations, if at all, and you need to be prepared for that possibility. 

Diet - it may be necessary to look at what you're eating and how you can cut overall body fat to minimise the appearance of your lower half.  I see that your'e not open to this due to a negative past experience and perhaps speaking to a nutritionist or therapist about your reservations may open some doors. 

Dieting is not about "not eating" or "disordered eating".  If you're working out regularly, then you should have some understanding that diet and exercise go hand-in-hand.  It's about selectively eating things that are going to do good things for you while cutting out things that are not helping the situation.  I have no idea if your reference to "disordered eating" suggests and actual eating disorder or a change in routine that you didn't like - but what I'm talking about is responsible eating and how that may affect you - however, you aren't going to be starving yourself.  As a most basic first step, I would suggest that you cut out any protein shakes if you're having them as they can really have the opposite effect and add weight to the places you'd rather lose it.  I would also cut back on carb-heavy meals like rice, pasta and potatoes. 

If you're not prepared to do something, however minimal, about your diet - then you need to accept the possibility that you're not going to have the body you want with T and lack of estrogen alone. 

Exercise - it may be necessary to completely overhaul what you are doing in exchange for something more tailored to fat loss or body sculpting.  Perhaps take a step back from looking to make gains.  HIIT may be something useful.  Cardio alone is not always useful for losing weight or cutting fat.  Research has been showing that shorter, more intense workouts are best for burning fat. 

The reason I keep talking about "burning fat" is not to insinuate that you're overweight, but to get your overall body fat percentage down in order to contribute to the appearance you want.