How can I get ready to start HRT?

[LucyTheSorceress]

I have checked off the GP, she will look into everything for me and get back (hopefully in the next week).

 

I will be seeing my therapist for the first time tomorrow, I spoke to her over the phone and she was very nice. Looking at her website she has cited experience with gender and identity issues. I love the therapist who put me in touch with her, he was so nice over the phone as he didn't want to refuse me by email.

 

I know that I will be starting HRT, when is another question, for all the hoops you have to fly through with the NHS.

 

I currently weigh 16st 5. This was brought on by lifetime depression and zero care for my natural male body.

 

I know this is bad to say, but I want to get to 11st, at least down to 12st.

 

Is it best to massively cut down on food intake and pick up running (never ran in my life) and swimming (used to when I was 10)?

 

Can it still be done when taking HRT? Should I not wait and try to get on HRT as soon as possible? I heard that its "difficult" to loose weight when on HRT but I am unsure on this.

 

Also, is it allowed to post a picture of myself (almost only underwear) so that people could help me find my true body form?

[Charlize]

If you ever have any questions look at the top of the page at community rules for an answer to a question like your final one.

 

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I have found that since starting HRT my muscle mass as decreased which as i understand it makes it harder to lose wait.

 

Hugs,

 

Charlize

 

 

[Carolyn Marie]

Lucy,  if one is overweight, that may be reason enough to try losing some stones (pounds) for general health reasons alone.  That said, I don't think you need to shed a lot of weight just to start HRT.  You should consult your endo or whatever doctor is going to be prescribing your HRT for the best advice.  There may be other medical conditions present that will guide him/her in determining your specific type and dosage of meds. I wish you luck with the NHS.

 

Carolyn Marie

[jo jo]

try light exercise first and cut out junk food if you eat a lot of bread cut down on that aswell  thats what helped me cut out ready meals and cut down on sugar intake

[LucyTheSorceress]

7 minutes ago, jo jo said:

try light exercise first and cut out junk food if you eat a lot of bread cut down on that aswell  thats what helped me cut out ready meals and cut down on sugar intake

 

Ive asked my mum to prepare healthy meals from now on. We had steak last night but I only had a small portion and a lot of greens! All the greens disappeared :)

 

Im seeing the therapist tonight and will be starting light excerise (swimming) later this week.

 

I have enlisted a friend to help me go running, we will start that in 2 weeks.

 

but bread, will really need to cut down on that front.

[Kirsten]

All I can add is if it’s warm where you are do what you can before hrt. The spiro will really dry you out. Take yesterday, it was 96° (35°c). I drank over 1-1/2 gallons of water, swam all day, and I’m still dehydrated today. So there’s no way I’d have been able to do much exercise yesterday. Everything gets more difficult on hrt. 

[Jani]

It is very easy to become dehydrated and not realize it until it's too late and you get ill.   Drink lots of water.  Lots! 

 

Running is good but it might be best to start walking, then move up to a brisk walk, then jog.  You do not want to stress your body and you definitely don't want to burn out because it is certainly hard work.  Walk everywhere you can and no lifts (elevators in US) or mechanical stairs (escalators).  

 

And my two loves bread and pasta, just eat in moderation!  

 

Jani