Just a few quick questions I'm curious about people's experiences regarding. I know there is a lot of variation person to person, but I'm looking for some general insight anyway. ;D
First... how fast did you notice breasts being itchy? Because mine are itchy as hell and it's only been 16 days. But I don't know if it is coincidence (my skin irritates easy plus psoriasis) or if it actually happens this early.
Second... how long did it take for you to notice muscle/strength loss? Again, only 16 days which seems like it would be way too early to me, but there have been a few things that have happened last few days that confused me strength wise (stuff being way heavier than it should be, not able to tear some packaging I always have before, stuff like that). There's no way there is muscle loss that quickly right? (I was kind of banking on some start time leeway on that to keep losing weight more readily. ;D)
It's different for everyone! I've watched a lot of youtube videos. My 1 month check up my creatine level went down to 60s though it wasn't too much higher before hrt. That has to do with muscle. So it's possible! My chest never really felt itchy but things were beginning to get tender after about 6 weeks. I'm 3 months now so I still have a long way to go too
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I did notice the itchy breasts about 2 weeks in and thought it was too soon too, but after reading a lot up on it, it seems to be about the benchmark of when things start. Now as for the muscle loss I didn't notice it till I was a couple months in that it started to affect me. So I would say 2 weeks is a little soon for that aspect of it, but everyone is different on hrt. So exciting!!!!!
That seems normal to me. I think mine were itching even before thst. As for muscle loss, it's gradual and mixes in with weight loss. I didn't really notice it till I couldn't open a pickle jar, and a neighbor did for me:)
Here is a chart to what you might expect is insets. It was given to me by my doctor.
Bari Jo
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/4yz6rupipnh25lq/IMAG2722.jpg?raw=1)
That chart mirrors what my doctors told me, but I'm wondering if it is super conservative on estimates to not raise false hope or higher expectations. Over the past few days I am now 100% sure my hair is already thinning out for instance(chest hair is down noticeably, like 20%, it's ridiculous), and I think we've all said skin happens pretty quickly.
Yes, most likely it's conservative. If you are getting better results, bully for you:) mine has been about the same as the chart on most things.
Bari Jo
You're not going to lose strength from muscle loss in 16 days. It takes longer than that. Even if your creatine levels drop that's only going to effect your ability to perform repeated maximum efforts. To my knowledge, creatine levels are diet related rather than hormone related.
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my breast development took a little longer than most people on here. in the first few months there was a little soreness once in a while but it would go away pretty quick, but then starting in like late october (3 months into HRT) they started to get sensitive and they stay a little sore now.
for the muscle loss, I don't think I've really lost much yet, but I noticed that my energy went down a lot and I think that's because of the spiro. I have a pretty physical job that has a lot of lifting, and I've been off work since early November but I'm going back to work tomorrow for about 2 weeks, so I guess this will be a good test to see how much strength I've lost lol
I'm so happy for you that you started hrt. It was about 2 weeks into hrt when my breasts started itching and getting sore. I never had any muscle to lose. I've always been pretty weak strength wise. The first month after I started hrt I had morning sickness. It was nausea mostly but I did yarf a couple of times. It eventually went away. But my sense of smell became stronger and even now some odors make me nauseous. I don't go near my brother's dirty socks without a hazmat suit. I've never liked the cold but after hrt I'm much more sensitive to it. You might want to dress a little warmer than you normally would because you might get colder than you used to. You will also need to keep your skin and lips moisturized. My skin always gets dry in the winter but hrt seems to have intensified it which I wasn't expecting. My skin became more sensitive to touch which is nice for the most part. I don't know if it happens to everyone but I bruise easier since HRT. Some effects of hrt can be annoying but it's totally worth it.
Quote from: Deborah on January 01, 2018, 09:22:06 AM
You're not going to lose strength from muscle loss in 16 days. It takes longer than that. Even if your creatine levels drop that's only going to effect your ability to perform repeated maximum efforts. To my knowledge, creatine levels are diet related rather than hormone related.
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You might be right I had started my vegetarian diet over a month before. And I don't think I was eating enough protein.. not that I didn't want to
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Quote from: Deborah on January 01, 2018, 09:22:06 AM
You're not going to lose strength from muscle loss in 16 days. It takes longer than that. Even if your creatine levels drop that's only going to effect your ability to perform repeated maximum efforts. To my knowledge, creatine levels are diet related rather than hormone related.
That was my feeling that it was way too soon for any muscle loss. I had some dietary shifts during holidays as everyone does, but nothing too dramatic. Really not sure what is going on with this. Even exercising my strength is just not there, like my body is in a constant fatigue state.
Quote from: Allison S on January 01, 2018, 10:11:34 AM
You might be right I had started my vegetarian diet over a month before. And I don't think I was eating enough protein.. not that I didn't want to
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That must be it as meat is the primary source of creatine.
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I do not know what type of HRT you are on. With Spironolactone make sure you drink plenty of water and eat salt.
I noticed breast buds forming at about 3 weeks. I think soon after I had some aches and pains in the breast area. My skin got soft first and I had an increased sense of smell. There were other things too.
Nutrition is important, make sure you have nutritious meals. You are experiencing a second puberty :)
Quote from: Roll on January 01, 2018, 12:09:57 AM
Just a few quick questions I'm curious about people's experiences regarding. I know there is a lot of variation person to person, but I'm looking for some general insight anyway. ;D
First... how fast did you notice breasts being itchy? Because mine are itchy as hell and it's only been 16 days. But I don't know if it is coincidence (my skin irritates easy plus psoriasis) or if it actually happens this early.
Second... how long did it take for you to notice muscle/strength loss? Again, only 16 days which seems like it would be way too early to me, but there have been a few things that have happened last few days that confused me strength wise (stuff being way heavier than it should be, not able to tear some packaging I always have before, stuff like that). There's no way there is muscle loss that quickly right? (I was kind of banking on some start time leeway on that to keep losing weight more readily. ;D)
Hey there, Roll.
Itchy breasts? I really don't remember mine becoming itchy unless I was in a bad bra (I have at times hid my boobs and tried compressing them). They got tender and sensitive about six months into HRT and remain so to this very day, about 13 months of HRT.
I started noticing strength loss about six months in. A little bit further than that I started seeing my neck, shoulders and arms getting smaller. They weren't at all big to begin with as I was skinny, but managed to get even smaller. Oh, do know that I consumed less protein specifically for the purpose of getting smaller muscles. I didn't drop protein consumption to a dangerously low amount, but enough to help muscle loss.
I had breast buds after 1 month and had to start wearing a sports bra to hide them. Be careful if you aren't ready to come out and you have to hide them. No binding or strong compression, just a sports bra so you don't damage the tissue.
I didn't really notice much muscle loss, but I was pretty underweight before with little muscle. My neck and shoulders and collarbones are much thinner/boney than before despite gaining 40 pounds. I guess that means muscles shrank there.
My skin changed a lot in the beginning, too. It was much thinner and dryer after about 1 month. It has gradually changed more after 16 months. I noticed a few weeks ago it look more shiny and translucent.
Quote from: Rachel on January 01, 2018, 02:50:39 PM
I do not know what type of HRT you are on. With Spironolactone make sure you drink plenty of water and eat salt.
Estradiol and Spiro. I've had to be conscious about water more, though fortunately I'm a finishing salt fanatic, so that isn't a worry. ;D
Quote from: Shadowsister on January 01, 2018, 03:06:49 PM
I started noticing strength loss about six months in. A little bit further than that I started seeing my neck, shoulders and arms getting smaller. They weren't at all big to begin with as I was skinny, but managed to get even smaller. Oh, do know that I consumed less protein specifically for the purpose of getting smaller muscles. I didn't drop protein consumption to a dangerously low amount, but enough to help muscle loss.
How far in did you drop protein consumption?
Really hoping I lose a lot of size on neck/shoulders/arms when I'm done with fat and muscle reduction. :-X
Quote from: Roll on January 01, 2018, 08:27:58 PM
Estradiol and Spiro. I've had to be conscious about water more, though fortunately I'm a finishing salt fanatic, so that isn't a worry. ;D
How far in did you drop protein consumption?
Really hoping I lose a lot of size on neck/shoulders/arms when I'm done with fat and muscle reduction. :-X
I never measured precisely how much I reduced my total protein intake by or how much I did intake after I did drop it, but I kinda just eyeballed it all to the point I knew I was getting a lot less protein, but enough to still be/feel healthy. I used to eat a lot, and I mean A LOT, of meat; especially fish, chicken, and beef. I really cut down on that.
When I started HRT I did intend to cut my protein down and to that end looked stuff up on the internet. I read a few articles, but the one linked below really stuck with me to the point I was just able to locate it for you on a whim despite me never having saved it to favorites. It's really worth a read, but be warned I'm no expert on this stuff so verify everything I say multiple times over!
http://www.trans-health.com/2001/lose-muscle-gain-fat-dieting-for-mtfs/
Quote from: Shadowsister on January 01, 2018, 08:57:37 PM
I never measured precisely how much I reduced my total protein intake by or how much I did intake after I did drop it, but I kinda just eyeballed it all to the point I knew I was getting a lot less protein, but enough to still be/feel healthy. I used to eat a lot, and I mean A LOT, of meat; especially fish, chicken, and beef. I really cut down on that.
When I started HRT I did intend to cut my protein down and to that end looked stuff up on the internet. I read a few articles, but the one linked below really stuck with me to the point I was just able to locate it for you on a whim despite me never having saved it to favorites. It's really worth a read, but be warned I'm no expert on this stuff so verify everything I say multiple times over!
http://www.trans-health.com/2001/lose-muscle-gain-fat-dieting-for-mtfs/
I'm going to assume that diet knows what its talking about simply because it sounds pizza and cookie friendly. That I can get behind. ;D
Quote from: Roll on January 01, 2018, 09:15:25 PM
I'm going to assume that diet knows what its talking about simply because it sounds pizza and cookie friendly. That I can get behind. ;D
LOL, not long after I started HRT I had the worst diet. I'd do something like take cookies and crumble them over eggo waffles, top with choco syrup have that with a glass of Sprite and there was my dinner.
Quote from: Shadowsister on January 01, 2018, 09:23:16 PM
LOL, not long after I started HRT I had the worst diet. I'd do something like take cookies and crumble them over eggo waffles, top with choco syrup have that with a glass of Sprite and there was my dinner.
Many many nights I've had only chocolate and milk for dinner. I'd like to say those days are behind me, but I still do it:)
Bari Jo
Quote from: Bari Jo on January 01, 2018, 09:38:11 PM
Many many nights I've had only chocolate and milk for dinner. I'd like to say those days are behind me, but I still do it:)
Bari Jo
Yes! Sometimes being bad feels so good. Many types of chocolate definitely constitute junk food, but when with HRT I had started to take my diet a bit more seriously I was shocked to learn that good quality dark chocolate can actually be quite a healthy food. Since it can be so bitter, what I like to do is used a cheese grater and grate it over fresh fruits like a mix of strawberries, blueberries and kiwi. It makes for a really healthy dessert that tastes far more sinful than it really is.
To folks like "Yay, Chocolate is healthy, she says!" I caution you to be careful. Much of the dark chocolate like that in gas stations or the impulse buy section of the grocery store checkout lane is really unchealthy. Research quality dark chocolate, brands like "Green & Black's" 85% cacao would be an example of a good, healthy chocolate. Lol so sorry for all that random writing you all just got me talking chocolate :angel:
Quote from: Roll on January 01, 2018, 12:09:57 AM
Just a few quick questions I'm curious about people's experiences regarding. I know there is a lot of variation person to person, but I'm looking for some general insight anyway. ;D
First... how fast did you notice breasts being itchy? Because mine are itchy as hell and it's only been 16 days. But I don't know if it is coincidence (my skin irritates easy plus psoriasis) or if it actually happens this early.
Second... how long did it take for you to notice muscle/strength loss? Again, only 16 days which seems like it would be way too early to me, but there have been a few things that have happened last few days that confused me strength wise (stuff being way heavier than it should be, not able to tear some packaging I always have before, stuff like that). There's no way there is muscle loss that quickly right? (I was kind of banking on some start time leeway on that to keep losing weight more readily. ;D)
1 week on HRT my skin began to change. Less oily. Acne lessened. Clearer complexion on my face
3 weeks on HRT and i noticed what at the time felt profound kind of mental clarity. I think it was in large part due to a massive decrease in sponaneous errections and drop off in sex drive. For me that aspect of being a man was a constant source of anxiety. When it waned the anxiety it caused went away too and it was an amazing feeling.
6 weeks on HRT and my breasts became sore, nipple area itchy. That's continued up until now (just over 3 months). three months ago I literally had a flat chest. I wore tight fitting men's t shirts. Some of those Ts simply don't fit anymore (around my bust). I am an A cup now.
8-12 weeks I noticed decreased musle tone and a bit of fat redistribution. In fact, a month ago i was convinced that I had gained weight. I have an eating disorder, so for me that's a big deal. MY pants had become tighter. I weighed myself and my weight was the same as it was prior to HRT. 4 months ago i had some noticeable tone to my mid section, which now is gone. My tummy has no visable muscle tone now.
Quote from: Shadowsister on January 01, 2018, 09:23:16 PM
LOL, not long after I started HRT I had the worst diet. I'd do something like take cookies and crumble them over eggo waffles, top with choco syrup have that with a glass of Sprite and there was my dinner.
LOL
Halo Top Ice Cream is my new BF
Skin was soft and not oily by about day 4. Breast buds started shortly after end week one. Body hair reduction took a few months. Only marginal loss of strength and slight loss of mass after a year and a half (didn't really start until about 8-9 months). The strength loss is mostly dependent upon how much you use your muscles. Body fat took a while, but between 6months and a year I gained 20 pounds. When I started dropping weight back in July it all came off male areas (belly and love handles mostly). It was a shock to discover that my hips grew even with dropping weight. Now I'm done about 25 lbs from where I started at and I have a pretty girly figure.
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I am 5 weeks in on spiro and estrodial.
Breasts are budding (so cool) and hurt more than ever today.
The breast pain is OK but I like it as represents to me that they are growing.
I love caressing them....
I try to walk 4-6 miles a day and I hit the weight machine 3 times a week with one set each of moderate weight at 20-30 reps to.
I do a long session of Pilates once a week and that is amazing for my body and posture.
No strength loss and hopefully I won't experience much of that if I keep working out.
Can't wait for the reshaping and I am on a good vegetable, salad & Atkins kind of diet which is helping me lose 25 pounds so far.
Love that the male drive is completely gone (two weeks in to HRT) as I am now very calm and content with very good mental clarity and focus.
I am 5'10 and 180lbs and hope to get down to 150 between muscle and fat loss - hoping that some of the fat just moves to female places;)
Quote from: Cali on January 21, 2018, 03:38:04 PM
What's Halo?
sugar free low calorie "ice cream"
http://www.halotop.com/
Quote from: Becca Kay on January 21, 2018, 06:16:44 PM
sugar free low calorie "ice cream"
http://www.halotop.com/
Thanks, I didn't have a clue. Being diabetic I should eat ice cream like this.
it's not the best flavor. but when you're budgeting calories it's a nice treat. and if you eat a whole pint its only a couple hundred calories. I like it with a bit of sugar free reddi whip
Quote from: Becca Kay on January 05, 2018, 02:56:15 AM
1 week on HRT my skin began to change. Less oily. Acne lessened. Clearer complexion on my face
3 weeks on HRT and i noticed what at the time felt profound kind of mental clarity. I think it was in large part due to a massive decrease in sponaneous errections and drop off in sex drive. For me that aspect of being a man was a constant source of anxiety. When it waned the anxiety it caused went away too and it was an amazing feeling.
6 weeks on HRT and my breasts became sore, nipple area itchy. That's continued up until now (just over 3 months). three months ago I literally had a flat chest. I wore tight fitting men's t shirts. Some of those Ts simply don't fit anymore (around my bust). I am an A cup now.
8-12 weeks I noticed decreased musle tone and a bit of fat redistribution. In fact, a month ago i was convinced that I had gained weight. I have an eating disorder, so for me that's a big deal. MY pants had become tighter. I weighed myself and my weight was the same as it was prior to HRT. 4 months ago i had some noticeable tone to my mid section, which now is gone. My tummy has no visable muscle tone now.
My experience nearly mirrors Becca's, save for that I wear a B cup. The hair on my lower legs have thinned to where there are bald spots. That I think started in my 4th month. My boobs have hurt always since the 1st month and they itch during what I perceive as growth spurts.
It wasn't till after I started getting my boobs that they started itching. About two months in I woke up and they were painful. They still hurt to this day but every now and then I get the itching. I figured it was just them growing.
Ahhhh yes the itch. I found that my nipples were fine until I removed my bra and then the itching began.
Hugs,
Laurie
Quote from: Laurie on January 22, 2018, 03:47:09 PM
Ahhhh yes the itch. I found that my nipples were fine until I removed my bra and then the itching began.
Hugs,
Laurie
Okay, here's something weird; the aerololas or however it's spelled tend to puff a little to the point you can feel where they end and the skin next to them lower if that makes sense. Not all the time though which makes it weirder.
Quote from: Cali on January 22, 2018, 03:49:59 PM
Okay, here's something weird; the aerololas or however it's spelled tend to puff a little to the point you can feel where they end and the skin next to them lower if that makes sense. Not all the time though which makes it weirder.
Mine do that too. But as soon as they are touched they go back to normal. Mine seem to do that when I'm warm. If it's cold they shrink and stick out.
Quote from: Julia1996 on January 22, 2018, 05:35:04 PM
Mine do that too. But as soon as they are touched they go back to normal. Mine seem to do that when I'm warm. If it's cold they shrink and stick out.
Thanks and I was beginning to worry about ya. This is your first message today! We have to keep a smarter eye on our Chef!
Quote from: Cassi on January 22, 2018, 05:44:31 PM
Thanks and I was beginning to worry about ya. This is your first message today! We have to keep a smarter eye on our Chef!
Sorry, I've been sleeping most of the day. Despite getting a flu shot I got the flu. Stupid Dr! I want my money back. I totally HATE being sick! This sucks.
Quote from: Julia1996 on January 22, 2018, 06:00:39 PM
Sorry, I've been sleeping most of the day. Despite getting a flu shot I got the flu. Stupid Dr! I want my money back. I totally HATE being sick! This sucks.
I received a flu shot at the VA late last year and got sick. Apparently, and based on history, it's better to get a little sick than to get the totally bad epidemic sick.
It wasn't until about 15 years ago that I didn't think much of the Flu until reading up on how bad it can get; Spanish Flu 1918 and thereabouts, Hong Kong Flu,Asian Flu, all have fatalities so we are lucky.
I'm very happy that you're okay other than a wee bit under the weather Sweetie.
Quote from: Cassi on January 22, 2018, 06:04:19 PM
I received a flu shot at the VA late last year and got sick. Apparently, and based on history, it's better to get a little sick than to get the totally bad epidemic sick.
It wasn't until about 15 years ago that I didn't think much of the Flu until reading up on how bad it can get; Spanish Flu 1918 and thereabouts, Hong Kong Flu,Asian Flu, all have fatalities so we are lucky.
I'm very happy that you're okay other than a wee bit under the weather Sweetie.
Thank you. With my luck I have some weird strain of flu. When Tyler got home from class he came up to check on me. He asked how I was feeling, did I need anything, etc which I thought was sweet until he said " so......will you still be able to make dinner"? REALLY Tyler? Really???? Ugh! Just for that I should breath my germs on him.
Quote from: Julia1996 on January 22, 2018, 06:15:02 PM
Thank you. With my luck I have some weird strain of flu. When Tyler got home from class he came up to check on me. He asked how I was feeling, did I need anything, etc which I thought was sweet until he said " so......will you still be able to make dinner"? REALLY Tyler? Really???? Ugh! Just for that I should breath my germs on him.
January of last year I was still living in Texas. Southwest had a special on airline tickets; Houston-LAX-Houston for 90 bucks and I hadn't been back to LA since I left so I took advantage and flew out there.
I arrived on a Tuesday morning and by Thursday I was sick and continued to be sick until I left the following Tuesday and was sick for over a month. Couldn't talk for a couple of weeks. I'm old and made it, you're young and you'll be back on your feet in no time.