Hi, I'm new here (will get that intro posted soon, promise!) and have only seen anecdotal evidence in regards to the ideal weight in the early stages of HRT (in this case m2f).
Big questions are:
Is weight gain typical/to be expected.
As I don't have a lot of muscle mass as is, should I try to get a higher level of strength in any particular region?
If I maintain weight before/during HRT will any excess fat redistribute itself (current BMI is 26.3) or only through weight fluctuations will the body fat redistribute?
Any benefit to having more/less weight, either for fat distribution, or for breast growth (currently have a solid A cup at my current weight of 182 lbs 5 ft 9.5")
My plan as of now is to get down to 145 before HRT, and then settle at 160ish. During the weight loss I planned continue upper body strengthening to get a little extra gone. I imagine that A cup I currently have will disappear if I stick to this plan, and most of the extra muscle mass will disappear.
Also not sure how much getting to a lower BMI is of Benefit before reaching a therapeutic level on hormones, which I am guessing will be 3-6 months from date of start.
I'm sure I'll have more questions, and appreciate any support and advice.
Thanks so much!
Brooke
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Weight gain does happen to many people but it doesn't have to. Also, weight loss isn't really hard on HRT. The same rules apply as weight loss before HRT. With HRT though you may be able to lose more weight due to decreasing muscle mass in the upper body if there is some there to start with.
In my opinion it would be ideal to lose as much fat around the waist as possible before HRT. It isn't going to magically disappear later so unless you want it there starting to lose it now is beneficial.
Fat doesn't really redistribute. It just is gained and lost in a different pattern according to HRT and your individual genetics. So if you have an area of concern right now it's always best to address it as soon as possible. There is no benefit at all to carrying extra weight before you start. It will not just move around later.
As for ideal BMI, it depends on what you want to look like. There is no one answer for everyone but at the Dr. they will encourage you to be below 25. If you are too much over that they might make you lose it before you start.
Strength too depends on what you want. The only caveat I would make is that if you want to gain strength focus on strength training rather than muscle building. There is a difference. Also I would recommend not eating to excess now as that will add muscle as well as fat.
Sapere Aude
Muscle mass (lean mass) will reduce on female HRT while body fat will increase in some, in a typical female pattern (glutes, thighs, breasts, face, etc.). Lowering carbs also helps improve body fat mass, especially in the abdominal region.