Hunger on Testosterone

[ShortMan339]

I'm still a teen but I have started hrt and its barely my first month but I'm so hungry 24/7. I know you get hungry on testosterone but I didn't know it was that bad. I can eat 2 slices of pizza then go home eat 3 pieces of chicken and rice and beans and tea and still be so hungry. I know im growing but do any of yall know how to help with these hunger pangs. When they come, I am just so HUNGRY and want nothing more than some sort of food. Do I give in? Help me guys

[Dena]

There isn't much you can do about the hunger. If your still growing you will need additional food however make sure you don't gain excessive weight. To control your hunger, try to eat three regular meals with carefully diet planing. You might eat oat meal for breakfast and avoid sugar and fat but try to eat more vegetables. Filling up on low calorie bulky food is the best way to control your appetite.

[Dani]

Many of us are MTF, so our diet needs are opposite from yours. We need to limit calories.

For you and anyone else on Testosterone, your body is telling you something and that something is you are growing muscle mass. You need a protein rich diet to satisfy your body's nutritional needs. Lean meats are your best choice and most likely you will need two or three servings every day.

Now is anyone wondering why teenage boys eat so much? 

[kaitylynn]

It is all right to indulge on T, but consider what you are indulging.  T is going to cause your muscles to bulk and that requires  fair amount of protein.  Muscle also burns calories even when you are in a resting state.  The male physique consumes more calories on average.

Balancing your carb to protein ratio for a protein bias will help muscle growth with less "storage" growth.  This does not mean a carb free diet, btw.

[Arch]

I'm sensitive to carbs (must be genetics), so I was already eating limited carbs and lots of protein when I started T. I managed fine. Occasionally, I would start drifting and wind up on a carb binge--yikes! The more carbs in my diet, the hungrier I got and the more often I had to eat. I was distracted by the constant hunger. Back to more protein and fewer carbs--my body was happier. I wasn't constantly ravenous like my transitioning friends.

However, as I noted, I seem to have a genetic heritage that includes a certain degree of carb-intolerance. Within reason, you have to find what works for you. While you are building muscle, you might crave protein and be more satisfied if you eat more protein than you usually do. But don't go overboard on any food; eating too much protein can cause health problems, just as eating too little can. Also, a lot of people apparently need more water when they eat this way.

Bear in mind that I am not in the health field; I'm just reporting my experiences. (On the other hand, we as a species still have a lot to learn about diet.)

[blackcat]

The struggle is real.

Definitely go for protein rich foods every time you are hungry. Your body needs protein to build muscle, and protein will help you feel full more than anything else.

Beans and lentils are your best friend. There are a MILLION fun and easy ways to prepare them. You can make salads, eat them plain with spices, cook them with veggies, make soups and curries, the sky is the limit. They are awesome protein and nutrition and cheap as dirt.

Edamame and cans of tuna are some of my favorite snacks right now. There are good deals on Amazon for protein bars and powders.

Seriously. Protein will make you so happy.

Chipotle maple salmon............. *nom nom nom*

[Kylo]

Atkins/low carb diet. Eat as much as you like, then.

[mc1299]

The first 2 months of T I was STARVING I couldn't believe it. As someone trying to lose weight I was terrified lol.
But I figured since I was basically starting a medication and my body was going through a lot I gave in for a few weeks

I tried to keep myself eating clean - if i was having salad I'd have extra chicken on it or throw some eggs on top. 3 scoops of protein powder post workout instead of 2, etc. Having 3 meals a day and planning my snacks out helped. If I brought a snack to eat during the day (apples, protein bars, baby carrots and hummus) I wouldn't be as likely to grab chips or something.

Did i gain weight? Yes I did ~8 lbs. But as someone who works out I actually gained a lot of strength and muscle and then was able to dial myself in diet wise and after the 2 months of hunger spike I lost those 8 lbs.

[Arch]

During the initial stages of transition, I lost weight even though I was gaining muscle. I guess I lost an awful lot of fat.