Should I try to get to a low body fat % before starting HRT?

[Abby_girl]

Hey Everyone,

I am what most would define as Skinny Fat, should I go on a fat loss mission before starting HRT or will the hormones use that Fat as an advantage?

[deanna7506]

HRT is for gender  dsyphoria. Weight management,for most,is a constant goal in life. From your picture, you look fine. Remember Cis women typically carry more body fat which gives them their curves. HRT will help re-distribute the fat.

Deanna

[Kendra]

My recommendation in your direction (MTF) is try to trim a bit, but don't make that a reason to delay HRT if the timing is right for you. 

MTF HRT will cause a reduction in muscle mass but that doesn't literally vanish into thin air.  Expect some muscle to gradually convert to fat, and the same volume of fat weighs less than muscle, so it's probably best to aim for a bit less weight unless you are already underweight. 

My weight was fairly stable before and after starting HRT, but I have found it more difficult to keep the weight off now.  One reason is HRT increased my sensory perception including taste, and... chocolate is like a magnet. 

[ChrissyRyan]

Although Kendra looks fabulous (but to be fair, and to not to have others think they are being overlooked, so do many other women here), regardless what she says about her weight control.


Chrissy

[Abby_girl]

Ok thank you for the advice!

[Linde]

As others said, estrogen seems to really lie to keep as much fat in place, as it can.  I am trying to loose 20 pounds for a while now, and I found it is way harder to do this than it was prior to tarting HRT.  If you can start now with your loosing, it would be great.
Estrogen will not cause existing fat to move from the undesired places (belly and love handles with me) top the desired place (Breasts and butt), but just deposited new acquired fat there.  You have o loose the fat at the places you don't want it, and than start to build up new fat n the desired areas.