Community Conversation => Transitioning => Hormone replacement therapy => Topic started by: Apples on August 07, 2012, 04:04:25 PM Return to Full Version
Title: HRT muscle loss - Will it do anything about big thigs and calves?
Post by: Apples on August 07, 2012, 04:04:25 PM
Post by: Apples on August 07, 2012, 04:04:25 PM
I can't believe this gets on my nerves even more than my face. The big thighs are sort of a genetic family trait, and the calves are concentrated muscle fiber at this moment. Practically my thighs are bigger than my torso, and I can't get over that fact. I've managed to lose 5 kg on a month, reducing them a bit, and I want to lose another five, apart from trying to reduce their size. Maybe I can do something about the calves, but I don't know if the thighs have a solution. 54 cm (21") at the biggest part of the thigh and 37 cm (14.5") at the calves.
As for how it looks at this moment (I know, still a lot of love handles):
Maybe I am getting a bit obsessed about it, sorry. Did HRT induced muscle loss help any of you with this problem?
As for how it looks at this moment (I know, still a lot of love handles):
Maybe I am getting a bit obsessed about it, sorry. Did HRT induced muscle loss help any of you with this problem?
Title: Re: HRT muscle loss - Will it do anything about big thigs and calves?
Post by: Apples on August 07, 2012, 04:23:03 PM
Post by: Apples on August 07, 2012, 04:23:03 PM
Thanks. I hope it happens to me, too. I never knew I disliked my body to this extent. It keeps getting worse.
Title: Re: HRT muscle loss - Will it do anything about big thigs and calves?
Post by: Eve87 on August 07, 2012, 04:50:18 PM
Post by: Eve87 on August 07, 2012, 04:50:18 PM
I've lost a staggering amount of muscle mass as well. Im participating in some study where I have to stick my arms & legs into a scanner thing and then it shows the bone, muscle and fat. The layer of muscle has halved in some places compared to a year ago.
So yeah, HRT often does that. There is a reason female body builders are often all over testosterone. That being said, you can burn your own muscle with the right diet and cardio programme. Jogging 4x/w on an empty stomach seems to work.
So yeah, HRT often does that. There is a reason female body builders are often all over testosterone. That being said, you can burn your own muscle with the right diet and cardio programme. Jogging 4x/w on an empty stomach seems to work.
Title: Re: HRT muscle loss - Will it do anything about big thigs and calves?
Post by: Nicolette on August 07, 2012, 05:04:20 PM
Post by: Nicolette on August 07, 2012, 05:04:20 PM
Quote from: Apples on August 07, 2012, 04:04:25 PM
I can't believe this gets on my nerves even more than my face. The big thighs are sort of a genetic family trait, and the calves are concentrated muscle fiber at this moment. Practically my thighs are bigger than my torso, and I can't get over that fact. I've managed to lose 5 kg on a month, reducing them a bit, and I want to lose another five, apart from trying to reduce their size. Maybe I can do something about the calves, but I don't know if the thighs have a solution. 54 cm (21") at the biggest part of the thigh and 37 cm (14.5") at the calves.
As for how it looks at this moment (I know, still a lot of love handles):
[url=http://imgur.com/ZawiP]http://imgur.com/ZawiP (http://imgur.com/ZawiP)[/url]
Maybe I am getting a bit obsessed about it, sorry. Did HRT induced muscle loss help any of you with this problem?
Are you crazy? I love your thighs and think they're feminine. Maybe I have a thigh fetish or something. Skinny, boney thighs look masculine. My thighs are 22.5" and want to keep them that way.
Title: Re: HRT muscle loss - Will it do anything about big thigs and calves?
Post by: MayoiNeko on August 07, 2012, 05:23:43 PM
Post by: MayoiNeko on August 07, 2012, 05:23:43 PM
I'm with Felicitá, you shouldn't feel obliged to do anything about those legs.. If you'd like to swap though I'd be happy to accommodate :P
Mine have the opposite problem of being too scrawny, with no meat at all theres nothing feminine about 'em.
Mine have the opposite problem of being too scrawny, with no meat at all theres nothing feminine about 'em.
Title: Re: HRT muscle loss - Will it do anything about big thigs and calves?
Post by: Nicolette on August 07, 2012, 05:40:41 PM
Post by: Nicolette on August 07, 2012, 05:40:41 PM
I was expecting ripped thigh muscles and calves the way Apples was describing. Calves are fine too.
I was expecting this,
(https://www.susans.org/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fusuarios.lycos.es%2Fmegagym%2Ftrey_brewer.jpg&hash=43749b80d2c36f530b3b0664be600a4f44129f13)
but was pleasantly disappointed when I saw a pair of fine feminine pins. :laugh:
I was expecting this,
(https://www.susans.org/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fusuarios.lycos.es%2Fmegagym%2Ftrey_brewer.jpg&hash=43749b80d2c36f530b3b0664be600a4f44129f13)
but was pleasantly disappointed when I saw a pair of fine feminine pins. :laugh:
Title: Re: HRT muscle loss - Will it do anything about big thigs and calves?
Post by: Apples on August 08, 2012, 02:42:08 AM
Post by: Apples on August 08, 2012, 02:42:08 AM
I don't know... Lots of autoimage problems. When I fattened at puberty the combination of thighs and belly made me feel like an egg. Whenever I sit down they seem to expand and gain a 25% witdth, so I hope I still have good fat deposits on them I can kill. Yet other times I used take photos of them and try to imagine myself as a girl... I won't accept it, but I've been wanting to wear a skirt or short dress for a loooooong time. Even a scottish kilt would have made me happy.
Today I talked at the gym about going into resistance training. Won't reduce muscle mass, but should make them slimmer and leanner. Also, I will stick to the hypocaloric diet (get less calories than you burn). The 5 kg I removed on a month were a bit of cheating. Since I was suffering from extremme anxiety, I couldn't process the nutrients properly, so now it's going to be harder than ever. I'm setting 5 exercise days for the week, With a minimum of 45 cardio minutes per day. I want to be ready.
Today I talked at the gym about going into resistance training. Won't reduce muscle mass, but should make them slimmer and leanner. Also, I will stick to the hypocaloric diet (get less calories than you burn). The 5 kg I removed on a month were a bit of cheating. Since I was suffering from extremme anxiety, I couldn't process the nutrients properly, so now it's going to be harder than ever. I'm setting 5 exercise days for the week, With a minimum of 45 cardio minutes per day. I want to be ready.
Title: Re: HRT muscle loss - Will it do anything about big thigs and calves?
Post by: Nicolette on August 08, 2012, 03:24:48 AM
Post by: Nicolette on August 08, 2012, 03:24:48 AM
Quote from: Apples on August 08, 2012, 02:42:08 AM
I don't know... Lots of autoimage problems. When I fattened at puberty the combination of thighs and belly made me feel like an egg. Whenever I sit down they seem to expand and gain a 25% witdth, so I hope I still have good fat deposits on them I can kill. Yet other times I used take photos of them and try to imagine myself as a girl... I won't accept it, but I've been wanting to wear a skirt or short dress for a loooooong time. Even a scottish kilt would have made me happy.
Today I talked at the gym about going into resistance training. Won't reduce muscle mass, but should make them slimmer and leanner. Also, I will stick to the hypocaloric diet (get less calories than you burn). The 5 kg I removed on a month were a bit of cheating. Since I was suffering from extremme anxiety, I couldn't process the nutrients properly, so now it's going to be harder than ever. I'm setting 5 exercise days for the week, With a minimum of 45 cardio minutes per day. I want to be ready.
My thighs expand a lot when I sit, but I see that as a feminine trait. It actually makes me feel more feminine. Your thigh muscles are softened by fat deposits, which is good. Many women dream of wearing short dresses or skirts, but don't have the body image confidence to do so. HRT may completely change the equation in terms of muscle and fat distribution, so don't get too hung up on it right now.
Title: Re: HRT muscle loss - Will it do anything about big thigs and calves?
Post by: V M on August 08, 2012, 03:29:56 AM
Post by: V M on August 08, 2012, 03:29:56 AM
Your thighs and calves don't look all that bad imo :)
Title: Re: HRT muscle loss - Will it do anything about big thigs and calves?
Post by: Kelly J. P. on August 08, 2012, 03:51:07 AM
Post by: Kelly J. P. on August 08, 2012, 03:51:07 AM
Quote from: V M on August 08, 2012, 03:29:56 AM
Your thighs and calves don't look all that bad imo :)
In fact, they look amazing. And pretty awesome.
Title: Re: HRT muscle loss - Will it do anything about big thigs and calves?
Post by: Apples on August 08, 2012, 03:56:20 AM
Post by: Apples on August 08, 2012, 03:56:20 AM
Thanks, ladies. I'll have to put more thrust on myself.
By they way, looking and the photos, the bodygroom does less and less effect every day (I shave all my body weekly). I think I'm going to switch to wax, at least for the legs.
Oh, and I can't wait to receive those slimmy jeans. I really want to see how I look with thight clothes.
By they way, looking and the photos, the bodygroom does less and less effect every day (I shave all my body weekly). I think I'm going to switch to wax, at least for the legs.
Oh, and I can't wait to receive those slimmy jeans. I really want to see how I look with thight clothes.
Title: Re: HRT muscle loss - Will it do anything about big thigs and calves?
Post by: Kevin Peña on August 08, 2012, 12:50:28 PM
Post by: Kevin Peña on August 08, 2012, 12:50:28 PM
I'd recommend you do some strength training with heavy weights. You'll lose weight faster and get lean, but once you start HRT, your muscle mass will decrease and the training will do you good in the long term since stronger muscles will help make cellulite less of a problem. Your skin will get thinner and if you don't keep your muscles firm, the adipose tissue that deposits on your thighs and hips will cause cellulite.
Good luck. :)
Good luck. :)
Title: Re: HRT muscle loss - Will it do anything about big thigs and calves?
Post by: Apples on August 08, 2012, 03:14:53 PM
Post by: Apples on August 08, 2012, 03:14:53 PM
Point taken, thanks. I forgot that even If lift weights, muscles won't hypertrophy unless they get enough protein. Only thing, that I won't abuse the lower extremities as much as I did until now.
Title: Re: HRT muscle loss - Will it do anything about big thigs and calves?
Post by: Kevin Peña on August 08, 2012, 03:28:39 PM
Post by: Kevin Peña on August 08, 2012, 03:28:39 PM
I would still recommend doing a good amount of lower body work. It's very important to work the biggest and strongest muscles in the body. Also, once again, it will help you to avoid noticeable cellulite. Also, don't deprive yourself of protein out of fear of hypertrophy (Meat tastes too good :)). Once again, HRT will prevent hypertrophy since you won't have the testosterone advantage.
Title: Re: HRT muscle loss - Will it do anything about big thigs and calves?
Post by: Carolina1983 on August 08, 2012, 03:48:26 PM
Post by: Carolina1983 on August 08, 2012, 03:48:26 PM
Your legs look like mine.
I had alot of muscles there before, but now its more fat and I have only been on hrt for a little over 3 months now. I think you will be just fine :)
I had alot of muscles there before, but now its more fat and I have only been on hrt for a little over 3 months now. I think you will be just fine :)
Title: Re: HRT muscle loss - Will it do anything about big thigs and calves?
Post by: Apples on August 08, 2012, 04:12:13 PM
Post by: Apples on August 08, 2012, 04:12:13 PM
Quote from: DianaP on August 08, 2012, 03:28:39 PM
I would still recommend doing a good amount of lower body work. It's very important to work the biggest and strongest muscles in the body. Also, once again, it will help you to avoid noticeable cellulite. Also, don't deprive yourself of protein out of fear of hypertrophy (Meat tastes too good :)). Once again, HRT will prevent hypertrophy since you won't have the testosterone advantage.
But, you mean during HRT of before? At this moment I've decided (I put it on the other thread, sorry) to do 6 exercise days per week, half for cardio/endurance and half for weight training (upper, lower middle). If I don't get a protein excess, I should be able avoid excessive hypertrophy.
Title: Re: HRT muscle loss - Will it do anything about big thigs and calves?
Post by: Kevin Peña on August 08, 2012, 04:15:30 PM
Post by: Kevin Peña on August 08, 2012, 04:15:30 PM
Both. It's good to have a base of strength. Besides, it's not like you'll be out in public immediately, right? You'll have time to let the hormones take effect. It's up to you what you want to do, I'm just stating my opinion.
Title: Re: HRT muscle loss - Will it do anything about big thigs and calves?
Post by: Apples on August 08, 2012, 04:47:45 PM
Post by: Apples on August 08, 2012, 04:47:45 PM
Well, since losing all of my strenght would mean losing my job, I'll still be forced to keep a bit of muscle mass after that. I'll see what I can do.
Title: Re: HRT muscle loss - Will it do anything about big thigs and calves?
Post by: Apples on August 12, 2012, 02:37:44 PM
Post by: Apples on August 12, 2012, 02:37:44 PM
It hurts. So much.
Yesterday I got some custom made insoles, so I can finally do lunges and squats without breaking my knees. Let's see if we can shape these legs a bit.
Yesterday I got some custom made insoles, so I can finally do lunges and squats without breaking my knees. Let's see if we can shape these legs a bit.
Title: Re: HRT muscle loss - Will it do anything about big thigs and calves?
Post by: Beth Andrea on August 12, 2012, 02:50:53 PM
Post by: Beth Andrea on August 12, 2012, 02:50:53 PM
My calves were always well-developed and well-defined. Other men got jealous of them, because "it's so hard to build up muscle there."
After nearly 6 mos on HRT, they're down to a reasonable size. My arms, too. Thighs no longer have significant quads showing. (I'm not a bodybuilder, btw)
After nearly 6 mos on HRT, they're down to a reasonable size. My arms, too. Thighs no longer have significant quads showing. (I'm not a bodybuilder, btw)
Title: Re: HRT muscle loss - Will it do anything about big thigs and calves?
Post by: Kevin Peña on August 12, 2012, 02:54:40 PM
Post by: Kevin Peña on August 12, 2012, 02:54:40 PM
This is precisely why I recommend gymnastics. You get strength without much bulk. It gives me an advantage since I won't have to wait for a huge amount of muscle to fade when I start HRT.
Title: Re: HRT muscle loss - Will it do anything about big thigs and calves?
Post by: Apples on August 12, 2012, 03:14:48 PM
Post by: Apples on August 12, 2012, 03:14:48 PM
Mmmm. My calves have always been somewhat big, but never this much. I wonder if it has something to do with the fact that I rarely ever take the lift and I always use the stairs, everywhere (I need to go up and down constantly in the office building, and since the steps are so small, always using the tips of the feet). Should I stop with that too?
Anyways, I can't believe my butt looks that bad. No that I cared a lot about it, but it needs to stop looking like gelatin. And now I understand why some machines at the gym were only used by women...
Anyways, I can't believe my butt looks that bad. No that I cared a lot about it, but it needs to stop looking like gelatin. And now I understand why some machines at the gym were only used by women...
Title: Re: HRT muscle loss - Will it do anything about big thigs and calves?
Post by: NotThereYet on August 12, 2012, 04:50:54 PM
Post by: NotThereYet on August 12, 2012, 04:50:54 PM
Hi Apples,
Sorry if I say this, but it seems to be you are obsessing a bit, which is a very feminine quality, BTW!!! :-)
Your thighs and calves look just fine!!! Just let HRT do its thing and stop worrying!!!
You are ok!
Andrea
Sorry if I say this, but it seems to be you are obsessing a bit, which is a very feminine quality, BTW!!! :-)
Your thighs and calves look just fine!!! Just let HRT do its thing and stop worrying!!!
You are ok!
Andrea
Title: Re: HRT muscle loss - Will it do anything about big thigs and calves?
Post by: Apples on August 12, 2012, 04:58:53 PM
Post by: Apples on August 12, 2012, 04:58:53 PM
Quote from: NotThereYet on August 12, 2012, 04:50:54 PM
Hi Apples,
Sorry if I say this, but it seems to be you are obsessing a bit, which is a very feminine quality, BTW!!! :-)
I suppose it is what happens when after 10 years of doing nothing but sitting on your couch playing videogames and whining you snap and realise that you are running out of time. Everything seems like a race agains the clock. On november I will be 30 and I feel and look old. I thought I hated teenagers, but it is only envy of not being able to enjoy what should have been the best years of my life, instead of being alone since puberty.