Community Conversation => Transitioning => Hormone replacement therapy => Topic started by: reignat on October 08, 2017, 09:26:46 PM Return to Full Version
Title: Frickin' masseters
Post by: reignat on October 08, 2017, 09:26:46 PM
Post by: reignat on October 08, 2017, 09:26:46 PM
MtF, on HRT since July 2016.
So to all of those biology nerds and endocrine experts here, I have a question:
It is true that many men, if not all, have hypertrophied masseter muscles. Is there a direct correlation between testosterone and excessive masseter muscles, considering how there are cis-women who suffer from this condition as well? A biological insight into this would be appreciated.
For some who transition, estrogen seems to have a reducing effect on masseters, but I have seen zero effect since I began HRT. I can still see and feel the bulge on either sides of my lower cheeks. Has estrogen helped anyone here in this regard?
Also posted on ->-bleeped-<-.
So to all of those biology nerds and endocrine experts here, I have a question:
It is true that many men, if not all, have hypertrophied masseter muscles. Is there a direct correlation between testosterone and excessive masseter muscles, considering how there are cis-women who suffer from this condition as well? A biological insight into this would be appreciated.
For some who transition, estrogen seems to have a reducing effect on masseters, but I have seen zero effect since I began HRT. I can still see and feel the bulge on either sides of my lower cheeks. Has estrogen helped anyone here in this regard?
Also posted on ->-bleeped-<-.
Title: Re: Frickin' masseters
Post by: Doreen on October 08, 2017, 10:12:20 PM
Post by: Doreen on October 08, 2017, 10:12:20 PM
Hm that's a great question... i know muscle mass in general tends to be larger in males (pretty much throughout the body). Also the jawbone itself, in structure tends to be wider and thicker in males than females. It may not specifically be the masseter itself, but also the accompanying bone structure that is providing the wider than female standards to the lower jaw.
There are jaw reduction surgeries performed as part of FFS, also angle of the mandible reduction... ironically my sister has a 'manlier' jawline than I ever had, though it was still a concern for me. Gotta love having square jaws... right? Plus if you have excess fat or skin growth from being older, a facelift can give you a more feminine or youthful appearance too.
There are jaw reduction surgeries performed as part of FFS, also angle of the mandible reduction... ironically my sister has a 'manlier' jawline than I ever had, though it was still a concern for me. Gotta love having square jaws... right? Plus if you have excess fat or skin growth from being older, a facelift can give you a more feminine or youthful appearance too.