Susan's Place Transgender Resources

Community Conversation => Transsexual talk => Male to female transsexual talk (MTF) => Topic started by: Sarah leah on January 11, 2014, 03:14:32 AM

Title: Muscle loss on HRT
Post by: Sarah leah on January 11, 2014, 03:14:32 AM
I have been trying to drop weight the last two weeks. So far I have dropped 2.5kg (5.5pounds) from just not eating junk. I have not started exercise yet,  which I start next week in the form of 30 min walks 3 times a week. However, I was wondering about muscle mass as I understand that HRT reduces this and therefore an element of weight also should be lost too if the muscle mass is reduced!

Now I am wondering how much muscle do you drop off on -HRT- and is it a few kilos or more?  I am 100kg (220pounds) right now and hope to reach 80kg (176pounds) over the next 3-4 months -- before I even start hrt-- .  Has anyone charted muscle loss in weight, measurements, percentage? I would love to hear peoples story etc it they are willing to share.
Title: Re: Muscle loss on HRT
Post by: Cindy on January 11, 2014, 03:22:36 AM
Muscle loss particularly upper body was for me about 30% in weight bearing ability. Losing muscle weight isn't what you want, you want to lose fat.

One reason to lose weight before HRT is that it is a heap easier when you have male muscle, you can exercise more so the weight loss is more effective. T can help you burn fat easier than E. So take advantage of it.

Post HRT your body wants to put on body fat, so it is harder to lose.

The endos and psychs in Adelaide really want people to be none overweight, it is a real problem.
Title: Re: Muscle loss on HRT
Post by: TerriT on January 11, 2014, 03:30:36 AM
Muscle mass isn't really an issue, maintaining it is. Just try to get active. You'll feel better anyways.
Title: Re: Muscle loss on HRT
Post by: Lara1969 on January 11, 2014, 04:27:08 AM
I do excercise but I also want to loose muscle mass. My upper body is much to masculine. I decided to maintain my endurance running and weights training in the gym. But I lowered weights and increased repetitions. So I hope to end up with an sporty but female upper body. I just startend HRT three weeks ago.

Oh I added Zumba to my Regime. It makes fun and I learn more to move feminine. Currently as the only male in course, but this will change soon :)

Lara
Title: Re: Muscle loss on HRT
Post by: Matthieu on January 11, 2014, 06:51:27 AM
Your avatar looks gorgeous Lara, really. I'm naturally 5'11" & about 155 but because I lift I'm about 190lbs. I'm very concerned about my female weight which is one, of many, factors, stalling me from transitioning. Would love to hear more about your transition in particular, and how everybody else deals with the muscle mass difference issue.