Pre-HRT exercise and figure.

[shanetastic]

I'm 6'1 or so and weigh 150 which doesn't leave much room for too much fat but some of course.

I really don't do any specific exercise except play tennis during the weekends for about 2 hours a day or so, so that's about my only form of exercise.  When I started HRT I was probably in the 130s-140s.  I was really skinny back then so at least I've gained some weight. 

But like everyone else pretty much said here.  You're going to just have to lose the weight then gain it back and hope it goes to female proportions. 

[FairyGirl]

I see that I replied to this thread back when I was 2 weeks on HRT- I am now at 6 months so this is an update. In that time I have managed to gain back about 6 pounds, and every bit of it has gone to breasts and hips. I have a real waist now, not a straight boy waist anymore, and I'm spilling out of my A cup bra (actually got a B cup the other day and it fits!)

So, as far as losing weight prior to HRT and gaining some back afterwards, it has worked exactly as I hoped it would.

[Hannah]

I'm spilling out of my A cup bra

I can't explain why but that's really hot. I seriously need to find a boyfriend to remind me of my place, because this growing fascination with girls is weirding me the hell out.

[aurora17]

I've been dieting for almost two years and plan for one more before reaching ideal weight recommended by Dr. O,
and at the same time, since beginning HRT, my body fat as been redistributing a lot to female pattern, and I guess it will go on that way for years... only the skeleton might be the last obstacle to have a nice female figure.

In short, just be patient, HRT will do the rest.

There is also a medication I'm taking to enhance body fat redistribution (Glycophage), which is helping a bit, but it is in no way mandatory.

[Hannah]

Glycophage, as in Metformin?

[aurora17]

Glycophage, as in Metformin?

Yes, indeed.

[Hannah]

I've read about that. Are you using it for it's primary purpose of reducing insulin levels, or does it have some secondary effect that's causing redistribution? (kinda like spiro being an antiandrogen) In regards to using it with your hrt, are you in pills or injectibles?

[aurora17]

I've read about that. Are you using it for it's primary purpose of reducing insulin levels, or does it have some secondary effect that's causing redistribution? In regards to using it with your hrt, are you in pills or injectibles?

I'm using it for its reported effects on fat redistribution enhancement, I don't have any diabete condition.
I use the (extremely cheap) generic form as pills.
Originally I read about it on that page (search for "metformin" on the page).

[Hannah]

I can't find anything about Metformin on that site dear, but it's been a long day. I'll look again tomorrow, thank you.

[Tammy Hope]

Found it. From the link:

In one study, profound changes in weight and fat distribution were observed in 20 MTF transsexuals after taking hormones for just 12 months.  A marked increase in subcutaneous fat deposition was observed, reaching near female norms in the arms, abdomen, hips, thighs, etc.  Other  studies support these findings.  It's also become clear that transsexual women on hormones loses muscle mass, in particular there is likely to be a large decrease in thigh muscle, instead a considerable subcutaneous fat deposit is accumulated in this area - this is a typically female characteristic as the thigh is not a primary site for fat storage in men.

Many transsexual women, perhaps most famously Tula, have great legs The long long legs of a genetic male  can, when padded out and softened by additional fat deposits from female hormones, result in a serious WOW factor. Unfortunately the effect is often ruined by size 10+ feet.

As well as hormones, a doctor may be able to recommend other drugs to aid fat redistribution and weight control.  One such drug is Metformin (one brand being Glucophage).  Although normally associated with diabetes, it's now also considered useful for aiding and enhancing the bodyfat redistribution (including limbs and face) of transsexual women taking oestrogen.

This fascinates me since I've been on Metformin for a year now. Although I've been skimping on the dosage (must stop that!)

What more got my attention was this:

a moderately active metabolism means that typically "male fat" on areas such as the stomach will be burnt up while female-type fat on areas such as the buttocks will still be deposited.

I hadn't really thought about that but it makes a lot of sense on the surface. It would tend to negate the idea of losing all the excess weight before starting HRT.

Also, upthread, there was this:

I'm really into the psychology behind obesity, and I think being on hrt with slower weight loss is probably more productive for an overweight transexual than trying to lose the weight first. Of course one needs to be in a reasonable range for the medications to be used safely, but in my completely medically untrained opinion I'd think 250 would be ok.

Are you saying that the effects of E on one's mental state is more conducive to having a positive approach to, and being more faithful to, a diet?

I have wondered if it would be more likely that I would really focus on dieting once I felt the effects. Right now I sometimes find that the instant gratification of the donut i can see before me blinds me to the ultimate gratification of having the figure I want.

Might be wishful thinking on my part to think that HRT would help in that regard.

[tekla]

Might be wishful thinking on my part to think that HRT would help in that regard.

HRT is not going to overcome doughnuts and McDonalds.  Weight starts with not only how much you put in, but what it is.

[Suzy]

I have taken Glucophage (Metformin) for a couple of years now, not for fat redistribution, but because I am diabetic.  It has been well known to help reduce weight in some seriously overweight women whose metabolic problems stem from insulin level imbalances.   It also has been known to restore regular periods in some women who are irregular.  Exactly how it affects the body's hormone levels is not known. 

But please, please, please be careful! Hear me:  Talk to your doctor before going on this medication and get a prescription.  It is not expensive in its generic form.  Unless you have experienced the horrible feeling of your blood sugar suddenly dropping and then passing out, you don't understand how serious this can be.  I have read that Glucophage does not cause this hypoglycemic effect, but I am here to tell you differently.  I have also talked to others who have had the same problem with this drug.  You absolutely must be committed to eating a very regular and controlled diet, or you are playing with fire. 

Kristi

[Tammy Hope]

Might be wishful thinking on my part to think that HRT would help in that regard.

HRT is not going to overcome doughnuts and McDonalds.  Weight starts with not only how much you put in, but what it is.

Not overcome the effects of - help handle the desire for.

I hope no one is stupid enough to think it produces "non-fattening donuts"

[FairyGirl]

dedicated and sustained weight loss is really about changing the lifestyle that got you overweight in the first place, because all the diets in the world will do no good if you lose the weight and then go right back to the same eating habits as before. That's what I liked so much about Weight Watchers is because they not only show you how to lose the weight but how to keep it off through making healthy eating choices and portion control. When I lost over 60 pounds through them I still had the occasional donut, just not the occasional half dozen at once. And pretty much forget anything that goes by the name "Whopper"... lol

[Hannah]

Are you saying that the effects of E on one's mental state is more conducive to having a positive approach to, and being more faithful to, a diet?

Yes, that's my theory. The thing is, it would be unethical to test it so really it's going to remain an academic discussion.

Fairygirl is right though, as usual  I also lost most of my extra weight before starting, and I have continued to live the low carb lifestyle and it's incredibly rewarding. My need for antidepressants disappeared. The thoughts of opening my wrists ended. Having experienced first hand the body's withdrawl from sugar and refined grains, I dread experiencing it again so much that the donuts are not even a temptation.

I can't even imagine going off Estradiol. I'm so obsessive about it that I've stockpiled an absurd amount of it. I have this vision in the back of my mind that it must feel a lot like a painful, uncontrollable descent into madness and I won't ever do it, no way. My life will end before I go back to that. So, imagine for a minute that I was still obese and when I looked at that donut I saw the choice between eating it and going off. I'd have to answer to my doctor who would absolutely stop the scripts if I started gaining weight. So I dunno if it would be the Estradiol itself or the cost-benefit analysis, and like I said it's unethical to test it.

Yeah, Whoppers. I went there once with my now ex boyfriend, and ordered a double whopper and just ate the meat and pickels off it. I still wound up with the headrush and dizzyness you get when you eat sugar while low carbing. That place is meh, I swear they even sugar and deep fry their salads.

[tekla]

dedicated and sustained weight loss is really about changing the lifestyle that got you overweight in the first place

Dead on like an Indy car.  This is the essence of the truth.

[Naturally Blonde]

I did try and get in shape pre - HRT but since being on HRT for 10 years I haven't noticed and changes physically. I am very disappointed but obviously HRT does work on some people and not others. I have no fat re-distribution and no fat in my face. My legs are very skinny and boney but my upper body is too big. I'm now at a point of giving up and I think more information should be put out that HRT does not work on everyone, so that the disappointment is not so hard to take.

[Hannah]

Your "hormones dont work" posts make me so sad NB  Have you tried everything there is to try?

What about the psychological benefits? In my humble opinion THOSE have the most understated impact, the physical risks and benefits are pretty well known and beat into our heads. The psychological stuff is do or die for me. After this experience there is no going back, even if the meds were a complete failure cosmetically.

[Naturally Blonde]

Your "hormones dont work" posts make me so sad NB  Have you tried everything there is to try?

What about the psychological benefits? In my humble opinion THOSE have the most understated impact, the physical risks and benefits are pretty well known and beat into our heads. The psychological stuff is do or die for me. After this experience there is no going back, even if the meds were a complete failure cosmetically.

I was already psychologically female all my life so I wanted to re-address that with looking physically female as much as possible. For me the physical appearance is paramount but for some they are quite happy with how HRT makes them feel like a keep happy drug rather than wanting to look female. I have tried most forms of HRT and anti - androgens and I'm still working on it. But I have become cynical about the whole process after many years of being on HRT, so appologies for that.