I just started on E today...things have been progressing much faster than I anticipated, but I'm not complaining, and in fact it feels like I am on a path.
One thing I am looking forward to is the redistribution of fat cells. However, in my case I don't have a lot of fat to redistribute. I keep my weight low so that I can fit into my corset. I have a bit of a belly but I'm pretty strict about dieting (low carb, portion control, no "cheat days").
Right now I am 6'1" and weight 180 lbs. In the past I have been as high as 220, which was uncomfortable.
There are two reasons why I might want to gain, say, 10 pounds. First, keeping my weight at 180 requires constant effort. Secondly, with the effect of E, a little extra fat in the right places might be an improvement - however I'm not sure about this last point. In particular, I'm guessing that the parts of me that are going to "grow" need something to work with. But I don't know how this works so I could be wrong.
Those with experience, what's your opinion?
Don't gain any weight. You are already near the upper end of you weight range and you may latter regret any additional weigh you are carrying. I am 170 pounds and 6'2" but I would like to drop about 10 more pounds. For now, it's best if you just hold what you have.
Thanks Dena, I will take your advice!
Tasha,
All I am going to say is congratulations on starting E today.
May all your wants be fulfilled.
Jeanette
Quote from: Dena on March 09, 2017, 10:18:26 PMYou are already near the upper end of you weight range
The problem I see with referring ourselves to that table with the range according to height is that if we compare ourselves to men, our situation is not the same as we take estrogen so we have less muscle mass and more fat and if we compare ourselves to women, our bone mass is higher and even muscle mass may be higher too due to prior activities and exposition to high T levels. I think it's best to just rely on yourself and what others tell you, you will know if you're overweight or not.
Keeping weight off with constant effort is also not a good thing, I think. It's stressful and makes life less enjoyable when the point of transitioning is to finally relax, let go and enjoy life!
I think the best thing to do is measure body fat and to generally ignore the weight on the scale. Calipers are inexpensive and very easy to use.
Conform and be dull. —James Frank Dobie, The Voice of the Coyote
Turns out this may be a moot point: in the week since starting HRT my weight has dropped 6 pounds, and I haven't been trying to lose or gain weight. I was 182 when I started, this morning I was 176.