Susan's Place Transgender Resources

Hi again,
you have all been so helpfull so far! So ive decied im going to try and get active on these forums ^^

So heres my next question. Will HRT decrase muscles mass at all (like make muscles smaller) , my arms arent huge because im only 16 but.... ive done alot of swimming ect and im just worried i would never look natual if i decied to go for a full transition.

Thanks again.

HRT itself won't decrease muscle mass, however it'll make it a little harder to "keep" it and will cause a change in the fat distribution of the body (as well as make the body build up a little more soft skin-fat all over) that will make your muscular areas look less "ripped".
Lack of using muscles alone causes them to shrink.

MtF HRT will decrease muscle mass somewhat but the extent to which it does so depends on genetics as well as the amount of bulk beforehand.

But really, I didn't get weaker from my HRT, it's just that gravity has increased!   ;)

hugs & smiles
Emelye

check out the Wiki: https://www.susans.org/wiki/Hormone_replacement_therapy_%28male-to-female%29 (https://www.susans.org/wiki/Hormone_replacement_therapy_%28male-to-female%29)

Unfortunately there is a lot of variation in how the HRT might affect your body.  As well, it depends on which drugs and how your body reacts to those you take.  Since you are so young, it is likely that the effects will be more dramatic than in older transitioners.  I would think this will mean that you will not likely develop large or "ripped" muscles.  As mentioned above, you will also get a sub-cutaneous layer of fat that will cause your muscles to appear less defined.  YMMV....

I'll be the one giving a straight answer I guess..

Your muscle mass will become just like any other girl's doing whatever activities you are doing.

Depending on how low your testosterone drops, it might be a bit less or a bit more than some girls.

My testosterone dropped low or a bit below female range and I am a bit weaker than most girls I know doing same activities as I am.

The visibility of the muscles is affected just the same. (well, of course!)

Everyone is different.  While I've lost almost no muscle mass I have friends who've had noticeable losses.

Your genetics, HRT regimen and age will all play a part in your physical development.  HRT is most effective if taken around puberty.  As you age, its effectiveness wanes.  At your age you'll probably develop a lot like the other women in your family.

If you work out you will build muscle.  If you're on HRT at the time and your levels are normal for a woman your age, you'll build muscle like a genetic woman.

Julie

Thanks for all of the replys....
I guess i should really try and get the ball rollong while im still young.
Errr so nervious though *sigh*

Quote from: JennyJ on September 18, 2009, 10:33:58 AM
It does vary from person to person, but you WILL lose strength, and with that means losing muscle mass as it's harder for your body to maintain it. 

If you're thin and fit, that's a good place to be as when fat appears it will be in the right placed.

Good luck!

Jenny

I was thin and fit when I started on HRT 10 years ago but the fat went on my belly and not where I wanted it. I wanted female type fat distribution but got male type fat distribution unfortunitely. It has been very hard to shift the fat around my belly. HRT has not worked very well for me but the only HRT I have taken has been in tablet form and patches, so they may not be as effective as shots which go directly into the blood stream. I would like to go on shots but they are illegal in the U.K. I've now found out that you can get implants in the U.K so I am going to try those as a last resort.

Quote from: Naturally Blonde on September 18, 2009, 12:23:08 PM
I've now found out that you can get implants in the U.K so I am going to try those as a last resort.

Could I bother you to keep us posted on that NB? I've been wondering about pellets for a while now but can't find any trans-relevant feedback on them that isn't a sales pitch.

Thank you!