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I currently don't have much of an appetite, which is funny because I'm a chef.. But what I'm wondering is whether my appetite will improve once I start HRT?

I'm almost two weeks in and I'm ALWAYS hungry. I feel like I'm 13 again!

Could be just me idk.

Gabby

I don't have much of an appetite either, and for about like the first 2-3 months my appetite increased quite a bit. It's gone back to normal for me though, I'm close to 5 months of HRT now. I take progesterone (don't cycle), and I've noticed some people say once they started taking progesterone that it caused an increase in appetite. I started estrogen and progesterone at the same time, so I can't say which one (or both) caused my appetite increase for those months. That's my personal experience anyways.

Oh great. Now I have to worry about gaining weight? I've been trying hard to lose my weight. I don't want to be a husky girl (I'm not a linebacker, but maybe closer to a quarterback...LOL). Does this mean I have to think about being more aggressive losing weight?
Just something more to add to my "losing-weight-blues".

Quote from: kelly_aus on August 11, 2010, 09:09:52 PM
I currently don't have much of an appetite, which is funny because I'm a chef.. But what I'm wondering is whether my appetite will improve once I start HRT?

Yes, and if progesterone is involved, HELL YES.

With estrogen only on my diet i didnt feel that hungry i could easily control it, when i took progesterone... wow, its tough, you wanna eat... its a lot harder.  Dont know if its just me.

Quote from: kelly_aus on August 11, 2010, 09:09:52 PM
I currently don't have much of an appetite, which is funny because I'm a chef.. But what I'm wondering is whether my appetite will improve once I start HRT?

Since starting E, I am ALWAYS hungry. I ignore it sometimes. It drives me crazy sometimes haha

Thanks for the replies girls and guys.. Believe it or not, it's exactly what I wanted to hear..

I've found the hunger usually manifests its self as a massive craving for salt and vinegar crisps

If you are on Spiro Helena that would be why. It stops you from retaining as much sodium, so you get depleted quicker.  My endo said just watch it on hot days when you are sweeting a lot, if you get low on salt you can get muscle cramps and things, but he said you will have cravings before that happens.

As for the estrogen I think I eat less on it. But then my muscle mass has gone down, and I think my antidepressants have suppresed my apitite more than anything else.

OMG! I have been eating so many pickles and eating salt! I didn't even realize it wasn't a conscious choice. Crazy. Yeah, I've been hungry alot and I'm 2 and a half weeks in.

I'm on E and Spiro. I'm hungry all the time. I've always liked my leanness and I'm going to have to get used to having some padding.

After one month on HRT, well, actually I am eating quite less than I was used to and I am not feeling hungry all the time.

I am on a diet to lose some weight, and I am really trying hard to keep my mouth closed...but I confess I am always desiring to eat sweeties as chocolate and candies! Oh god  :-\

My HRT dose recently got bumped from low dose into a transitioning dose by my endo. I lost 15lbs and I'm hungry all of the time now; I'm constantly on the prowl for some kind of snack. Since I'm actually at a healthy weight now I keep stuff like pre-sliced apple wedges and fruit cups handy for when the snack urges strike.

I never had a sweet tooth before but OMG now I'm finding it hard to walk by the candy dishes at work without grabbing something  :laugh:...... my therapist warned me about this and I didn't believe her, but now i do.

My personal experience with Estrogen & food cravings is two fold -
-on the one hand, interest in a lot of greasy, meaty type food has gone way down (cheeseburgers, drive thru, etc.)
-on the other hand, interest in chocolate -& specifically chocolate, not other sugary items, but specifically chocolate- has gone WAAY up. 

So, pretty much, my appetite doesn't bother me - until I need a chocolate pick me up - which fixes things & then I have to eat some protein / veggies / etc. along with the chocolate in order to not cause blood sugar fluctuations.  I'm not diabetic and my A1C is fine.  But seriously, there is an Estrogen / chocolate connection -- before starting Estrogen I enjoyed the occasional treat, now I'd eat it nonstop if I could.

As for my weight, it kinda did a yo-yo thing.  Before transitioning at all, I was overweight from being depressed & eating crap all the time.  When I first started transitioning a combination of better diet, happiness, increased activity & not wanting crappy food helped me to lose a lot of weight & I was really thin and looked really good.  Years of Estrogen and chocolate, however, has caused me to gain weight again, which I don't like - but I'm still less than I was before transitioning & I find that with the Estrogen, my body carries the extra weight better.

But yeah, Estrogen and chocolate have some bizarre relationship I do not yet understand...it must be chemical

Quote from: paxi1334 on November 08, 2013, 11:39:53 AM
But yeah, Estrogen and chocolate have some bizarre relationship I do not yet understand...it must be chemical

Actually well known and documented. Chocolate causes us to release the same signals that are released by female orgasm.

I find my appetite has dropped off considerably. I used to be a real snacker but not so much any more... three meals and one snack, and can't eat as much as I used to (not that I over ate). I work with a lot of women, most of whom are pretty skinny... judging by how little they seem to eat it's no wonder!

I lost 15 pounds the first month. I had hunger (not hungry but hunger) and ate a lot. I regained the weight. I may have been dehydrated too. The hunger went away sbout 3 weeks or so after starting HRT.

I'm 9 days in on HRT and I find myself eating bigger meals. Really hope my metabolism stays the same and I don't gain anything.

Quote from: HelloKitty on November 12, 2013, 07:37:56 AM
At first I was a hungry hungry hippo, and then it leveled out a few months in.
Since starting a new HRT regimine though, my appetite is fluctuating daily.

Will eat like a sparrow one day and like a cookie monster the next. Also what I want to eat fluctuates too...have been getting some mega food cravings for particular things.


My weight has not changed at all since starting hrt....Idk if thats good or bad.
My body sure doeant look the same as it used to though

I started HRT in June 2011, and I've been Ms. Pacman since August of that year.

This is an older thread but some of you, like our Kelly and Suzi are still here.  A more recent thread was about caffeine and HRT.  When I started HRT my provider gave me that little speech and i signed the acknowledgment that pointed out a possible/likely weight gain.  But holly molly this is a struggle!  As others have noted, I am hungry all the time with new cravings and a loss of interest in other foods.  So far I have limited my weight gain to 10-15 pounds.  How about you?  I'm not ready for the Friday weigh in yet.

Please share what is going on with you and your strategies for dealing with a voracious appetite.  I know we love these curves but enough already.  Do you think cravings are more the HRT or an emotional response as well?

Too much Tessa

I think it's both depending on the situation and sometimes what are body needs. I know in my case when I get low on something that I suddenly have cravings for something that has it in it. It's why I went from vegan to vegetarian too.
Mariah

I lost a lot of weight prior to HRT. I was 200+ before Ashley. I was 180 pre-HRT. I've managed to lose 10 pounds since. I'm ranging between 168 and 171. I would really love to get down to 160, but it took long enough to lose those 10 extra pounds. I've noticed the lower it goes the harder it is to lose.

Try targeted weight lifting combined with light cardio. Squats to build up the booty, hips and thighs, cardio to burn the excess and remember the key is to eat fewer calories than your burning.

Ok, ok, I know that all may sound kind of obvious to some people, but it's all true! You can actually gain weight in some cases (muscle) and end up looking even hotter!

Once I get the feeling back in my left leg I'll be starting up again with the squats and doing that Brazil Butt Lift exercise routine. :)

Maybe this reply was off topic, but my brain made the connection somehow, lol.

I am struggling with weight. I do cardio each night and core 1/week. I am holding steady with weight but I want to lose 30 pounds.

Hunger, 1st 6 days after IM is intense. Day 7-10 is ok.

I can't remember way back when I started, but I must admit I eat much less now, probably half age, half HRT... I don't really ever recall being hungrier...

But I do eat more chocolate since on HRT than before  :laugh:... I used to always say no..

L Katy :-*

I was 210 a few years ago. Pre HRT I was 190. Now I'm down to 158 or so. Looking to get to 150 or thereabouts which would go well with 5'6 - to 5'7 which is my current height. My E dose is slightly higher than what I've seen most MTFs taking but I'm not complaining. :)

Initially HRT made me very hungry but as months have passed not anymore and I actually eat a lot better healthier balanced meals. Occasionally I will have a binge and do I ever feel it.

Sizes I used to barely squeeze into a size 12 dress and now a medium size 8 is a bit loose. Pants are size 6 but I can find the occasional 4 that fits. I couldn't even fit size 10 before I started.

I may have to gain some when I do body contouring to get some donor fat.

I am about to start HRT but I have been on Finesteride for a few years already and I found I gained a bit of weight.
About 2005 ish I was a thin 125-130 pounds and as the years went by I stayed about 55-60kg range until 2-3 years ago when I got up to 70-75kg which is about 155-165 pound range. I contribute it to the finesteride since nothing else has changed in my life.
I have sold my car and started walking about 8,000-10,000 steps a day about 4-5 miles a day( 6.5km - 8km) this is average everyday. I also eat mostly veggie, consuming meat only 2-3 times a week at most and in small quantities like half a pound of beef over 2 meals for 2 people.
My Endo asked me about my diet and excersise before my bloodwork. which struck me as odd when she straight up asked if I was vegetarian. maybe someone here can explain to me why that would matter on HRT. I forgot to ask the Endo.
I hope my eating habits will not significantly change once on HRT because I really want to hover around 55-60kg again. BTW I am about 178cm (5'8 or 5'9)

Quote from: Aoife on May 04, 2015, 02:53:59 PM
I am about to start HRT but I have been on Finesteride for a few years already and I found I gained a bit of weight.
About 2005 ish I was a thin 125-130 pounds and as the years went by I stayed about 55-60kg range until 2-3 years ago when I got up to 70-75kg which is about 155-165 pound range. I contribute it to the finesteride since nothing else has changed in my life.

Aging?

QuoteI have sold my car and started walking about 8,000-10,000 steps a day about 4-5 miles a day( 6.5km - 8km) this is average everyday. I also eat mostly veggie, consuming meat only 2-3 times a week at most and in small quantities like half a pound of beef over 2 meals for 2 people.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nhzV-J1h0do

p.s.: I'm not promoting anything, just an interesting talk, I think, you could listen to in case diet interests you. Much to think about...

QuoteMy Endo asked me about my diet and excersise before my bloodwork. which struck me as odd when she straight up asked if I was vegetarian. maybe someone here can explain to me why that would matter on HRT. I forgot to ask the Endo.

Because some doctors believe that HRT can adversely affect health (increase risks) and if you're not on a "healthy" diet, then this is cause for concern and he/she would rather have you on a healthy diet before starting HRT. I think.

Also, on Spiro which many doctors prescribe in the US, one should monitor how much potassium is consumed while plenty of water and salt is important.

I'm not looking forward to the increased hunger, but I suppose it can be ignored, or I wonder if it causes headaches?

I really should post an update after 4 years.. lol

In the end, I had an initial increase, but it soon settled back to it's usual low level - to the point I have to remind myself to eat. I've not gained a lot of weight, if any at all..

I actually manage my weight on a daily basis, if, like for example, i went out to say a great Thai with all that must eat food, i tend to over eat, so next day, i balance it out... Tuesday evening went out, next morning I nearly died looking at my scales, so managed within day and a half to restore my equilibrium.

But I have to admit, hard work...

I am proud of my efforts, because 2 years before starting HRT I was 30 odd K's heavier than now, got it down to 75Kg in 2 years, it then took another 2 to drop to 70, further 2 to drop to 65, since then I float between 63 and 65kg's.

Would like to loose another 5 tho... Gonna be real hard yards!

L Katy

Quote from: KayXo on May 04, 2015, 03:45:33 PM
Also, on Spiro which many doctors prescribe in the US, one should monitor how much potassium is consumed while plenty of water and salt is important.

I think I need an orchie. The list I got from a US government website of foods high in potassium could double as a list of the foods I most like to eat. Unfortunately, spiro is also my BP med. I was aware of most, and limit them, but sweet potatoes, white potatoes, Lima beans, bananas and yogurt? Brings a tear to my eye. So far no problems. Next blood work in July.

Quote from: Rock_chick on August 19, 2010, 06:17:31 PM
I've found the hunger usually manifests its self as a massive craving for salt and vinegar crisps

THIS RIGHT HERE!!!! 

I've been on HRT since a few days after my previous post. WOW I am one hungry girl! what happened? and the worst part is i get tired really fast after eating, so i know i'm going to be packing on the pounds. my heart rate also increased about 10-15 beats a minute. im also very thirsty too, i always have to have water with me now. but so far my body shape has not changed too much, my clothes still fit like normal.

And another update..

Changed from oral to patches a couple of weeks back.. And with the change has come the mega-hungries.. I has to eats all the foods. If it's food and it's not nailed down, I've probably already eaten it..

I got super hungry this past week. I went back up to 174, but now I'm back to 170 again.

Quote from: kelly_aus on May 24, 2015, 11:01:21 PM
And another update..

Changed from oral to patches a couple of weeks back.. And with the change has come the mega-hungries.. I has to eats all the foods. If it's food and it's not nailed down, I've probably already eaten it..

Hmmm, I have always been on the patch.  Wish I could fully blame the drugs and not whats between my ears ;) ;)  Now where are those nails....... ;D

I was always on pills but before I was on hormones I was 5'14" and 145 pounds. Once on the hormones I shot up to 165 pounds with the additional weight going in many desirable places other than the boobs. The progesterone made me horny and hungry to the point that the doctor had me cut the tablet in half in order to get things under control. I suspect had I continued taking the full tablet I would have really piled on the weight. Much later I peaked out at just over 200 and because I was dealing with a death I shoved food in my face just to keep going. I haven't had the hormones in my life for a long time now and I am working on getting my weight somewhere between 170 and 180. It just depends on how my body looks when I hit that weigh range as to how much I will lose. For me 165 will be my absolute bottom and it will indicate I have some issue, medical or otherwise that needs to be addressed. I haven't had much of an appetite for a long time and I am not sure if it's the lack of hormones or the fact my body is telling me I have to much fuel on board already. Last few days I have been feeling a little hunger so it's possible the fuel level is getting to the point were the body wants more. The good news is most of that weight is in a spare tire and my tummy and that seems to be where I am losing it.

Looks like I'm gaining weight again but it's going to my hips and boobs. That's a good thing?

I hope so  ;)

So I'm now 3.5 months into hrt and in the past 3 weeks I've fallen back into my old bad eating habits [emoji22].  I seem to have cravings that I didn't have before...

I also had to travel for work and seemed to find all the best food to fulfill the cravings, but not the best health wise.

I've gone from 165 lbs up to 172 lbs.   I was working toward 154 lbs which is my ultimate goal.

Well at least were coming into summer so hopefully i can get it and exercise more often.

Quote from: RachaelAnne on May 25, 2015, 02:17:55 PM
So I'm now 3.5 months into hrt and in the past 3 weeks I've fallen back into my old bad eating habits [emoji22].  I seem to have cravings that I didn't have before...

I also had to travel for work and seemed to find all the best food to fulfill the cravings, but not the best health wise.

I've gone from 165 lbs up to 172 lbs.   I was working toward 154 lbs which is my ultimate goal.

Well at least were coming into summer so hopefully i can get it and exercise more often.

I get that as "comfort food" has been one of my less helpful coping with stress methods.  And it is soooo available!

And you are spot on about exercise; just need to move this old butt more often :D

I ate too much today! T_T:

I had a bunch of crackers which I dipped in 7 layer dip for breakfast, leftover meatloaf for lunch, one and a half hamburgers for 2nd lunch. Half a cup of rice and a whole tomato with mushrooms and green onions for 3rd lunch. And over half a pound of beef w/Hamburger Helper for dinner, as well as tons of water and after tea snacks. I'm like a hobbit now, I'm gonna look like one too if I keep this up.

As soon as I increased estrogen and added progesterone, I gained lots of weight. In 2-3 yrs, I gained 25 lbs BUT it doesn't really show that much because the fat has gone to different areas so proportional and more conspicuous. I look healthier and more feminine. :)

Quote from: iKate on May 25, 2015, 01:54:16 PM
Looks like I'm gaining weight again but it's going to my hips and boobs. That's a good thing?

A friend tells me "be careful. You're going to gain weight in all the wrong places."
I tell her, "to me, they are all the right places."
;D

All is know is that I am constantly hungry.  I've had a little bit of a chest but all this extra eating has all gone to my chest.  I'm an A cup after 5 weeks.  Eeeeeek. 

Dane : I am jealous. It took me a long time to fill an A cup and with my chest size it was hard to find a bra with that many inches in an A cup. Even now I have room in a B cup. They are just big enough to hurt if I don't wear a bra and to small to be showy. Worst of both worlds.

I definitely found both that E made me hungrier (and gave me new cravings) and that I put weight on more easily now. I don't mind the extra padding on the curves, but I could really do without the belly as well! My metabolism cratered on HRT, and I was still used to eating like a teenage boy when I started.

On the other hand, I'm sure losing weight would come off the boobs first, with my luck, and that's what balances out the belly (I'm 42DDD and it's *just* enough to distract from elsewhere IMO, which is annoying).

I read many times that estrogen reduces fat deposition in waist area (similar to testosterone) while increasing it in butt and thighs. Probably also depends on how and what you eat. Carbs (and stress!) are notorious for increasing fat deposition in belly area, in most people. The more E and P, the more curves I got but I do have a little extra unwanted belly fat. :(