So I now have all three prescriptions and am ready to start! After a very upsetting doctor's appointment(and a lot of reassurance from all of you) I am ready to officially start my journey. But the last thing I have to know is this. How will my work performance suffer?

My job is to stand at a table and scan boxes sometimes weighing close to 50 lbs (22kgs). My performance is second to none. Literally.

I'm just worried now that I will lose a lot of what I have worked hard for.

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I've been on HRT for 21 months and honestly haven't noticed any significant strength loss.  I probably would if I went to lift barbells but for daily activities it's not noticeable.  50 lbs would not be a problem.  If you're still lifting that everyday then you will maintain that strength.

Where it has affected me is in aerobic capacity and the ability to recover from hard workouts.


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yesterday marked two weeks for me, and so far I have not noticed any notable changes in performance. I go to the gym three days a week, and run/ride my bike on two other days.

If you were doing the work prior to starting, you should not have any problems. Just make sure to listen to your body for any changes

I noticed a shift in strength around 3-4 months. (Funny Elizabeth K has a thread covering this now too). Not so that I could not do something. However, it did make me adjust a little.

Mentally, I am able to get better sleep, I am not dipping into low, low depressions so I am able to concentrate better.

With warmth,

Joanna

There was a signifcant loss in strength for me, but you'll be able to handle that work loud without any issues caused by HRT I think. It's not like women can't do heavy lifting.

It sucks if you're going to lose muscle mass but if you do the work almost daily I doubt you'll lose any ability to do it. Muscles being used are going to stick around as much as they are needed.

That said I just began T and I noticed overall increase in strength, energy and joint durability. My joints don't hurt like they once did, and I have energy I never used to. Maybe you'll just have to be more careful with yourself, and may suffer a loss in energy levels. Doubt it will stop you doing your job.

One thing to watch out for is causing yourself ganglion cysts by being too rough with your hands when carrying objects or applying too much force to your finger or wrist joints (i.e. I got one of those using a pair of pliers and squeezing too hard, it tore the protective sheath at the base of one of my proximal phalanges and took ages to go away even after trying to smash it or lance it). It's apparently more likely for women to suffer them and HRT may make them happen when they didn't before if it affects your joints. You gotta take more care of your bones and joints as a woman.