This is really bothering me lately. I've been on HRT for over 10 years yet I dread the summer months, especially when it's hot and you have to strip off a bit. The reason being I have too much body muscle mass (especially in my arms and upper body) and the HRT and anti- androgens haven't softened things up for me. I look more like a female body builder and that isn't the look I want. I keep fairly fit, have a good diet and don't eat too much, yet the stocky look isn't for me. I would love really skinny arms like some girls have and I really can't wear vest tops very often and need to wear half length sleeve tops to cover up the problem.

Is there anything I can do to alter my muscular arms and fat distribution? any diets or ways of improving this situation? as HRT doesn't seem to assist in this problem.

Well, what I've heard is that running lots (ie marathons), plus diet, may help with the muscle reduction. The problem with that is you may also lose feminine fat, which is something we dearly need. But I'm sure others may have better advice.

Quote from: Nicolette on June 19, 2013, 08:45:29 AM
Well, what I've heard is that running lots (ie marathons), plus diet, may help with the muscle reduction. The problem with that is you may also lose feminine fat, which is something we dearly need. But I'm sure others may have better advice.

I'm not convinced as I do a lot of walking and excercise. Although I haven't run a full blown marathon yet. I'm thinking maybe I should cut down on how much I eat even though I don't eat a great deal.

I also don't have much visible feminine fat, so it doesn't matter how much weight I loose. The only fat I seem to get is on my belly, my legs are stick thin.

Perhaps, try fasted cardio? Apparently, this can put your body into a catabolic state, leading to muscle loss.

These guys are paranoid about losing muscle, so don't take their advice:
http://www.t-nation.com/free_online_article/sports_body_training_performance_interviews/the_fasted_cardio_roundtable

Quote from: Naturally Blonde on June 19, 2013, 08:35:24 AM
This is really bothering me lately. I've been on HRT for over 10 years yet I dread the summer months, especially when it's hot and you have to strip off a bit. The reason being I have too much body muscle mass (especially in my arms and upper body) and the HRT and anti- androgens haven't softened things up for me. I look more like a female body builder and that isn't the look I want. I keep fairly fit, have a good diet and don't eat too much, yet the stocky look isn't for me. I would love really skinny arms like some girls have and I really can't wear vest tops very often and need to wear half length sleeve tops to cover up the problem.

Is there anything I can do to alter my muscular arms and fat distribution? any diets or ways of improving this situation? as HRT doesn't seem to assist in this problem.

It's good to see you around again! Hugs, Devlyn

Your first step is checking your testosterone levels. If they're not annihilated yet, that might be all you need.

Quote from: A on June 19, 2013, 12:33:39 PM
Your first step is checking your testosterone levels. If they're not annihilated yet, that might be all you need.

I thought someone would bring this up. My T levels are always low around 0.5. This is not a problem relating to T levels or Estrogen levels.

Quote from: Naturally Blonde on June 19, 2013, 05:56:21 PM
I thought someone would bring this up. My T levels are always low around 0.5. This is not a problem relating to T levels or Estrogen levels.

I had this same experience as well. My T levels were always low, even pre HRT. With a T level in the low 200s, I was very muscular with a 320 lb. bench press. One look and you'd swear my T was thru the roof. Same with my brother.

My best luck has been with limiting protein in-take, and long duration, low to moderate intensity cardio. Some of which the above article touches on.

Agree with making sure that your testosterone is low, not just low normal or slightly low, but LOW. Even with relatively low levels, you can still have androgenic effect...there is a reason why older men, those who are undergoing of have undergone andropause, still have more muscle mass than a woman.

Quote from: lorena on July 03, 2013, 03:08:30 AM
Agree with making sure that your testosterone is low, not just low normal or slightly low, but LOW. Even with relatively low levels, you can still have androgenic effect...there is a reason why older men, those who are undergoing of have undergone andropause, still have more muscle mass than a woman.

My testo is always at the 0.5 level, it's not a problem relating to testo. It's a problem relating to the HRT not controling the fat receptors properly, so it causes Leptin (a fat distributor) to work in reverse. So on HRT I get the fat distributing in the belly area only and upper body mass stays the same and no lower body fat distribution. I've seen it in others in transition too who complain about the same problems so it's not uncommon.

Weight distribution varies with different body types and such, so doing this won't be the same for everyone. I have always been relatively thin, though I did get up to about 160 lbs some years ago when eating fairly high calorie lunches at a company cafeteria every day. Then I began working out of my home and eating a super low calorie diet. I actually lost a bit too much weight, getting down to around 117 or so for awhile. I didn't do any special exercises or anything other than long walks every day or two. I'm around 127 now.

I think the trick to a healthy low cal diet is to still fill yourself up with reasonably nutritious bulk, but foods that don't add fat. I've never really let myself feel hungry for long.

~ Lyric ~

To the best of my knowledge, doing about 30-45 of aerobic exercise (running, stairs, swimming) at a controlled pace to keep a heart rate that isn't too elevated is what I have heard recommended for burning fat.  At 45+ minutes, the prolonged higher levels of cortisol in your blood will start to burn protein from breaking down muscle tissue along with the glucose from fat.  The greater the proportion of muscle to fat you have, the more it will favor muscle tissue as an easy energy source.  I have no idea how many weeks/months it would take for an exercise routine to remodel your muscles however.

Perhaps you might want to try training for a marathon or triathlon, focusing on 3 days of long distance(MWF), and 2 days of High Intensity Interval Training (TuTh), and 2 day of rest per week(SaSu).  Usually you'd do whatever anaerobic exercises you like on rest days or do yoga/Pilates after cardio workouts to keep from getting cramps.  But because the goal is to lose muscle you might do one more HIIT session on one of the rest days.  Supplementing the workout by performing multiple endurance sports can keep it interesting, like switching between running (or elliptical), cycling and swimming long distances.  People tend to ease into the 5-6 day exercise plan by starting at 3 days and adding another the following week as long as it doesn't encroach on your daily energy.

Personally, I haven't worked out at this level since I was playing high school soccer, and this routine is incredibly demanding and time-consuming.  I'm thinking of investing in a camelBak and getting back into an endurance routine myself, since I hate carrying my water in a messenger-bag.

I really think that diet has a lot to do with muscle density (assuming you are not going to the gym and power lifting).  I think that limiting your animal-based protein could help a lot.  I've never seen a muscular vegan before. 

You also might want to try limiting your carbs before you work out.  I have read that if your sweat has a strong ammonia smell it means your body is burning protein (muscle).  I know this because I'm on a low carb diet and I have a strong ammonia smell after I jog.

Maybe Im just crazy but I like having muscles. Then again I play a rough sport and need them.

Quote from: SciNerdGirl on October 25, 2013, 09:31:49 AM
I really think that diet has a lot to do with muscle density (assuming you are not going to the gym and power lifting).  I think that limiting your animal-based protein could help a lot.  I've never seen a muscular vegan before. 

You also might want to try limiting your carbs before you work out.  I have read that if your sweat has a strong ammonia smell it means your body is burning protein (muscle).  I know this because I'm on a low carb diet and I have a strong ammonia smell after I jog.

I've been a pescatarian for 11 years, even though I don't eat meat I get plenty of protein through a steady diet of soy, yogurts, cheeses, eggs, and occasionally eating fish/shellfish to get my USRDA of Mercury for the week.  My diet hasn't really reduced my muscle mass over the years though.

I'm also trying to cut down on my crab intake.  If only sugar wasn't so delicious 

I lost a lot of muscle and fat practicing crosstrainer. one hour per day. After entrainemnt an hour after I eat and especially no protein. The muscle will deteriorate gradually.

The problem is that working out extremely hard made me lose weight but my muscles to get bigger, particularly in my calves. which is the LAST place I want any sign of muscle.

Then again, my body was practically destroyed by high doses of Testosterone since puberty - well, if I ever had a puberty that is. If I ever figure out how to lose muscle mass, I'll be sure to share my secret. Most of you girls will do far better than me anyway, because you weren't deliberately made to 'grow' but did it naturally

Kelsie

Quote from: KelsieJ on October 29, 2013, 07:15:43 PM
The problem is that working out extremely hard made me lose weight but my muscles to get bigger, particularly in my calves. which is the LAST place I want any sign of muscle.

Then again, my body was practically destroyed by high doses of Testosterone since puberty - well, if I ever had a puberty that is. If I ever figure out how to lose muscle mass, I'll be sure to share my secret. Most of you girls will do far better than me anyway, because you weren't deliberately made to 'grow' but did it naturally

Kelsie

I have the same problem as you on the calves. I had a ball of muscles in this place. The muscle begins to slowly stretch. For six months, I lost 33 lbs and 2 inches on the calves. I try not to eat protein 3 hours after the cardio, the muscle will normally degrade.

Quote from: SciNerdGirl on October 25, 2013, 09:31:49 AM
I really think that diet has a lot to do with muscle density (assuming you are not going to the gym and power lifting).  I think that limiting your animal-based protein could help a lot.  I've never seen a muscular vegan before. 

You also might want to try limiting your carbs before you work out.  I have read that if your sweat has a strong ammonia smell it means your body is burning protein (muscle).  I know this because I'm on a low carb diet and I have a strong ammonia smell after I jog.

Quote from: Obfuskatie on October 25, 2013, 10:37:24 AM
I've been a pescatarian for 11 years, even though I don't eat meat I get plenty of protein through a steady diet of soy, yogurts, cheeses, eggs, and occasionally eating fish/shellfish to get my USRDA of Mercury for the week.  My diet hasn't really reduced my muscle mass over the years though.

I'm also trying to cut down on my crab intake.  If only sugar wasn't so delicious 

I have the same sort of diet yet I am skinny with a pot belly and a quite muscular upper body. My legs are stick thin especially the lower part of my legs which are really bony.

Maybe more excercise? stomach excercises? I don't know  but the fat seems to keep acumilating in the places I don't want it. But it won't go where I want it (hips thighs, legs etc).

I'm trying vegetarian right now.....lost 7 lb in the first week so far....not sure how it will work for weight loss long term, or muscle mass yet though