I have worked in the same profession for 30 years ( Cabinetmaker )
Next week I have my first appointment with my Doctor about starting my transition.
My concern is this, I have read that starting hormones is going to take away upper body strength.
Based on this knowledge, this means that not only will I be a new me, but I may have to find a new line of work as upper body strength is somewhat integral to what I do.
My question to you all is this ? have any of you been in a similar situation and if so how did you deal with it.

Thanks for any replys ahead of time.

Raven.

You should expect some amount of reduced strength. Your mileage will vary, but it's a definite. How much you'll lose is different from person to person. I personally lost a good chunk of my upper body strength. I tried lifting a dresser to help my friend move it; not only could I not lift it, but afterward my arms and legs were shaking from straining too hard, so my Dad had to help him and they made it look effortless. 

You'll lose some portion of your upper-body strength, but not as much as you might expect. Also, working out with both free-weights and machines, has helped me retain close to 80% of my pre-HRT arm strength. If you have a job where you are actively using those muscles on a daily basis, you should have similar results. Now if you just sit around an office all day or on a couch all day eating potato chips, and don't do anything to fight it, yes, you will loose a good deal of upper arm/body strength.

Quote from: JennX on July 30, 2011, 07:43:09 PM
Now if you just sit around an office all day or on a couch all day eating potato chips, and don't do anything to fight it, yes, you will loose a good deal of upper arm/body strength.

Guilty....

I am very fit and run lots to stay in shape, so I hope that coupled with the fact that I do use my upper body mucles at work daily should keep there I suppose.
Once again thanks for your replys : ))

Raven.

Quote from: JennX on July 30, 2011, 07:43:09 PM
Now if you just sit around an office all day or on a couch all day eating potato chips, and don't do anything to fight it, yes, you will loose a good deal of upper arm/body strength.

Haha i cant wait 

Raven,
yes, I did cabinet making, all solid wood, all sorts of hard wood, and had all the hand tools, 50 plus different hand planes alone, from Stanley, Unitas, and the guy in Portland Main, etc. etc.

Cabinetmaker's tool box from olive-ash in need of a fork lift to move when filled.

Now, that is old fashioned stuff using chisels, mortise and tennon and plenty of dove tailing, using scraper plains, and on.

THAT will definitely require lots upper body strength. If I look at the current production methods I think that is a bit less the case.

As you will learn to protect your growing breasts so you will have to learn to use some HELP to get stuff moved about. Girls will ask for help, so you will have to learn and adapt.

I live on my own and still have to do home/house maintenance and yes! it needs to be figured out what you still may do on your own, and where you will better ask for some help.
THAT'S WHAT GIRLS DO honey don't be shy.

It WILL help your figure also if you're not build like an armoire on top. Like 32 pants and 44 tops? Will sure look very odd.
I'm now 32 - 34 pants and 36 - 38 top (UK, SA), after 15 month HRT and very little upper body workout.
I used to do windsurfing and had to use ALL my strength for the cabinet work, a one man show.
So again, do plan to get some HELP.

Axelle