I use to have a descent arm muscle from lifting at work for 20 years. When I started HRT I noticed my arms get quite tire . I tried to make a muscle today and my muscle has decayed. At one time I was pretty proud of my arm muscle now I feel a little loss , but I'd much rather have those arms that those runway models have.
My mom squeezed my arm recently and then teased me about the fact she has more muscle! In my defence I can only say that she exercises regularly. I purposely have been very lazy lately in order to shed as much 'male muscle' as possible.
Some loss of muscle is going to happen when you stop T. You can keep your muscles in shape, and should for your health, but there is a difference between large, bulky biceps and firm well toned arms without excess size.
Personally, I find well toned firm arms in women attractive, but the women who lift excessively and have large bulky arms are unattractive. Everyone has their own tastes. Even though you probably already knew that you would lose muscle, I'm sure it still feels a little depressing.
sam1234
I wouldn't mind well toned female muscles, It's just a mental reaction to spend all those years developing men's muscle then watching them go down like a flat tire.
That is understandable. I felt similar when my old doc dropped my T too low. I had done some weight lifting and had respectable arm and stomach muscles which I watched deteriorate. I guess there are ups and downs no matter which way you go.
sam1234
congratulations on loosing some of your arm size I can totally understand trying to loose the bulk to get a more feminine looking body... I've seen several people comment in the boards that they are avoiding exercise and dieting to help with this process with some success. personally I know it will be a while before I can go on HRT myself so I'm trying to get the bulk of my weight off before I get to that point but I know its going to be a long process as I look fairly muscular even as heavy as I am (over 20 years working out everyday trying to get bigger and stronger didn't help) and loosing muscle size safely is probably the hardest thing you can try to do. In some ways it will seem strange watching all that muscle mass slowly reduce in size but like you I will gladly trade what I have for a runway models arms (any girls arms for that matter). :)
My left upper arm is very slender and has the paper towel tube look I've always wanted. My right arm is a bit bigger and I recently discovered my tricepts need toning. I'm sagging like an old lady. :eusa_doh:
the slender look is what I need