Hormones and muscle loss

[Emily michelle]

I plan on beginning hormones very soon and I’m wondering about the muscle loss. Now I have no problem with loosing muscle mass but I’m concerned that I might lose too much and make my job a lot harder because at times it is very physically demanding. Is the anything I can do to help stop this or am I worrying about nothing.

 

thanks 

Emily

[Lexi C]

Hey Emily you def loss Muscle, but here's the fun part  you gain fat, mostly on your belly and hips .. yeah it sucks. I maintain a steady Gym regiment which helps, I would look into a line diet as well. but I use to lift 200 now I barely can lift 150 once and I gain weight fat. was 5'2 125 not 5'3 133. which sucks cause I constantly feel fat..Good Luck...side note different results for diff folks also keep that in mind 

 

 

 

[ToniTone]

When I started transitioning almost a year ago, I was working manual labor, within the first month working for my friends moving company and then an industrial laundry. And then I quit the laundry and went back to my friends moving company through last summer. I've worked manual labor most of my life. So I had pretty toned biceps. 

 

Well I started dressing out that summer, wearing girls tank tops and t's and sleeveless dresses. My toned arms made me kinda dysphoric. By fall I got my job at Starbucks, which is much lighter work than I had been working. I haven't worked out this whole time, intentionally letting my arms atrophy so they get more slender. 

 

I'm weaker now too. Indeed, we need men to open the pickle jars for us now lol! But I can still hustle at work. Sometimes just to show off I'll carry six gallons of milk, three in each hand, when stocking the fridges. 

 

So I guess it depends on your work and how much you keep in shape. If the labor is light enough, stocking, warehouse, food prep... no problem, there's plenty of women in these fields" you'll be able to keep up no problem. But if it's really heavy labor, like concrete or roofing, hrt is gonna make this work a lot more challenging. 

 

~Toni

[Emily michelle]

Hmm I would love to have hips I just don’t want my belly haha. That is the only place I have fat now. I work on heavy construction equipment so I do a lot of lift in tight areas and awkward spots. Looks like I better be using my crane more. I don’t really go to the gym I should but usually wore out from 10 to 12 hours a day. I think I can deal with this to be my authentic self.

[Maid In Bedlam]

Yes, you will lose muscle mass. Its a side effect of the hormones. Along with your brests growing. Your gonads shrinking and Yes your brain being rewired.

 

You do lose a lot of strength. But Don't be fooled you will still arguably be still stronger than an average woman of your age and will still have a larger bone stucture and bigger lung capacity.

 

Hips. yes, you will get some fat around them. But don't think you are ever going to walk sideways through a door opening. Most of us were never built to child bare therefore hips will never be quite as rounded as a biological female.  But you will gain some fat around them along with as Alex says. Some belly fat. On a brighter side because of that Body fat moving around you perhaps will find yourself with more of a shape rather than being straight all the way down

 

But please bear in mind. Not all woman are catwalk ready. Take a look around your neighbourhood. There's Fat, Thin, Tall, Short, and yes ones with more arm muscle than average men. Your body will be as it decides as it develops

 

 

[Emily michelle]

I’m ready to welcome all of the changes that are going to occur. I’d imagine it will be a roller coaster ride but it the end it is worth it.

[ShawnaLeigh]

Emily I experienced a lot of over all muscle and fat loss.  Due to Bariactric surgery but I was told that also from the HRT.  I've lost over 130 pounds totalover the course of a year or so.  I am also an inch shorter now and a shoe size smaller I am finding out.  All my guy shoe do not fit anymore and are floppy like dang clown shoes.  I have a lot of brand new running shoes and sneakers that can be considered gender neutral but way to big now. Its weird.  It sucks because I now have nothing for summer.  I guess I need to shop!!!  LOL

 

As for as loosing strength you don't need to one bit.  OK maybe a little.  I have loss a lot of strength but my employment has changed and I do not need it nor do anything to promote it so I am down quite and bit.  My wife is stronger then me now.  Kinda scary as she is tiny.

Size and strength do not always go hand and hand.  A good muscle toning regiment can assist in you keeping a majority of your previous strength but its not like working out like a male does.  No power lifting nor heavy weight.  Very light weight and a bazillion reps.  LOL  Lots of cardio too and but all cardio. (That was my biggest mistake.)  

Tons of women's toning videos and YouTube is your friend!.

That's been my experience anyways.  

[Emily michelle]

2 hours ago, ShawnaLeigh said:

Emily I experienced a lot of over all muscle and fat loss.  Due to Bariactric surgery but I was told that also from the HRT.  I've lost over 130 pounds totalover the course of a year or so.  I am also an inch shorter now and a shoe size smaller I am finding out.  All my guy shoe do not fit anymore and are floppy like dang clown shoes.  I have a lot of brand new running shoes and sneakers that can be considered gender neutral but way to big now. Its weird.  It sucks because I now have nothing for summer.  I guess I need to shop!!!  LOL

 

As for as loosing strength you don't need to one bit.  OK maybe a little.  I have loss a lot of strength but my employment has changed and I do not need it nor do anything to promote it so I am down quite and bit.  My wife is stronger then me now.  Kinda scary as she is tiny.

Size and strength do not always go hand and hand.  A good muscle toning regiment can assist in you keeping a majority of your previous strength but its not like working out like a male does.  No power lifting nor heavy weight.  Very light weight and a bazillion reps.  LOL  Lots of cardio too and but all cardio. (That was my biggest mistake.)  

Tons of women's toning videos and YouTube is your friend!.

That's been my experience anyways.  

Wow 130 pounds that’s amazing you go girl. That would be awesome if I lost shoe size it’s hard to find shoes in a size 12. I’ve switched all of my clothes out just because I can’t stand to look at my old clothes. It’s just hard to stay gender neutral right now because I have to wear a uniform all week long and by the time I’m home all I want is a dress or skirt. I have become addicted to shopping I need to stop so I can save up for laser hair removal when they open.

 

the times I do work out its all cardio I gave up weight lifting when I graduated high school 15 years ago. I will have to look those Up on you tube videos. You tube has been a god send for make up help.

[Jackie C.]

I took the loss of muscle mass into consideration when I started transitioning. I hit the gym (well, I did, until they closed) for two or three hours a day in the morning. My workout consists of forty minutes of cardio with one and a half to two and a half hours on the weight machines. You can maintain your muscle strength if you're willing to work for it. I have a friend who is about five-foot nothing and at 68 years old can easily press more than I weigh. She's teaching me how to exercise properly and maybe sculpt a nice-looking behind.

 

That said, I've lost about a half a shoe size. My muscle mass is leaner, but I think I've gained more strength and endurance than I've lost.

 

Hugs!

[Emily michelle]

35 minutes ago, Jackie C. said:

I took the loss of muscle mass into consideration when I started transitioning. I hit the gym (well, I did, until they closed) for two or three hours a day in the morning. My workout consists of forty minutes of cardio with one and a half to two and a half hours on the weight machines. You can maintain your muscle strength if you're willing to work for it. I have a friend who is about five-foot nothing and at 68 years old can easily press more than I weigh. She's teaching me how to exercise properly and maybe sculpt a nice-looking behind.

 

That said, I've lost about a half a shoe size. My muscle mass is leaner, but I think I've gained more strength and endurance than I've lost.

 

Hugs!

Going to the gym for 2 or 3 hours a day wow you have a lot more drive then I do when I was going consistently I would do an hour or so and then I would leave. 

[Jackie C.]

I find I really enjoy it. Now that the body I've got dovetails with the body I want (well, sorta, but my dysphoria is WAY better on HRT) I find I want to take care of it. A nice workout from 5:30 am to about 8:30 is a great way to start my day and I've made a bunch of great friends at the gym.

 

I worked my way up to that naturally. I started with an hour a day and that kind of expanded as I tried to get more work in. I'm kind of chomping at the bit to be able to get back to it. I feel like a blob stuck at home.

 

Hugs!

[Emily michelle]

That’s what I’m really hoping is that my dysphoria will ease once the hormones start making changes right now I feel awkward going to the gym right now so I was doing some workouts at home when I get time or I should say make time. 
 

im very lucky I’m not bored I’ve still been working I’m just only work 8 or 9 hours instead of 10 to 12 hours a day 

[Jackie C.]

Check to see how tolerant of trans people your gym is or if they have a unisex bathroom. The point where an older man I was changing next to noticed my breasts was kind of awkward. I mean on the one hand, "Yay! Someone else can see my breasts! They're not imaginary!" on the other hand, "Hey! This guy isn't cleared for my breasts!" Like I said, awkward.

 

Hugs!

[ShawnaLeigh]

56 minutes ago, Jackie C. said:

Check to see how tolerant of trans people your gym is or if they have a unisex bathroom. The point where an older man I was changing next to noticed my breasts was kind of awkward. I mean on the one hand, "Yay! Someone else can see my breasts! They're not imaginary!" on the other hand, "Hey! This guy isn't cleared for my breasts!" Like I said, awkward.

 

Hugs!

Lol

”Cleared”. Omg you kill me.  Lol

[Emily michelle]

5 hours ago, Jackie C. said:

Check to see how tolerant of trans people your gym is or if they have a unisex bathroom. The point where an older man I was changing next to noticed my breasts was kind of awkward. I mean on the one hand, "Yay! Someone else can see my breasts! They're not imaginary!" on the other hand, "Hey! This guy isn't cleared for my breasts!" Like I said, awkward.

 

Hugs!

Haha I like that cleared for my breasts. You just made my day. When I was going to the gym I always changed in a stall because I’ve always had to put a sports bra on because I’ve always had breasts and at that time I was embarrassed by them since I was too afraid to admit to myself that I was a woman. My wife goes to planet fitness so when I go with her again I should ask about a unisex bathroom 

[Lexi C]

No gym that I know has a Unisex.Unless its one of those super fancy one or excludes.  I dress and shower( bird shower nothing belong the waist) in the women locker room. First thing I do when I am at a new location is tell the G.M that I transgender and I will be using the women locker. I never had a problem so far. I belong to L.A fitness. I however, do get stares from Cis especially when I bird shower or apply some make-up for the day. I never make eye contact just look down change, fix and go..

[Emily michelle]

I will have to talk with planet fitness. For now I’m going to have to stick with the men’s locker room since I’m in no way passable yet but hopefully that time will come I can use the correct locker room.

[ShawnaLeigh]

30 minutes ago, Emily michelle said:

For now I’m going to have to stick with the men’s locker room since I’m in no way passable yet but hopefully that time will come I can use the correct locker room.

Not true!

I went in the an ultrasound a while back.  Still presenting male but had told them I was transgender and they immediately offered me the ladies dressing room. I refused as it felt weird to me but OMG I was so uncomfortable in the men's dressing room.  The nurse said she would wait for me outside and once I was changed I could just leave it vs staying in there to be called upon. 

The moral is you do not need to look like your preferred gender to be transgender and be respected as such.

JMO

[Emily michelle]

You a 100% correct. I just wish I had the confidence you do, I get so worried what people think about me. I even try to avoid using a public bathroom at all costs because it makes me to uncomfortable. It’s kind of weird I have moments where I feel good and confident ready to take on the world then the next minute I become extremely self conscious about me

[Lexi C]

Hey Emily you have EVERY RIGHT to be in the women locker. I still bit male but I feel more a easy in WL then the creepy stares I use to get in ML. I felt like you but trust me that grow old fast. I belong there and I fit there

[Maid In Bedlam]

8 hours ago, Alex C said:

. First thing I do when I am at a new location is tell the G.M that I transgender

 

Alex. I have a question for you:

 

Out of interest and purely academicly. Why do you feel the need to tell them your transgender? Is it for your benefit of theres?

[ShawnaLeigh]

10 hours ago, Emily michelle said:

I even try to avoid using a public bathroom at all costs because it makes me to uncomfortable. It’s kind of weird I have moments where I feel good and confident ready to take on the world then the next minute I become extremely self conscious about me

Well if truth be told I have yet to use a Ladies restroom but only because they have Gender Neutral restrooms where I work.  I was thinking about this yesterday sitting at Toyota for four plus hours drinking to many coffees. "Is this my first Ladies Room experience?"  LOL

 

As for being confident.  I have been faking true confidence for decades trying to be "all that" as a guy.  I guess I trained myself to just be this way over time.  It is one trait I am happy to hold on to.  BUT I am not so much deep down and fear grips me daily.  I have just learned to power through it so no-one knows and still looks at me as being confident and in control.

Most days I am a hot mess inside.  LOL

 

My Advice to anyone struggling to "just do it" is to JUST DO IT and you will see its really no big deal, nothing to fear, and if something happens then just roll with it.  This is obviously easier said then done but one day you will and will be so thankful for it.  Being a women and being out there as yourself is what it is.  You are who you are and the world can shove it if they don't like it.  Also known as Pride.  (Which I have an abundance of too.  And Ego obviously-lol)

 

I expected this negativity in my world I can assure you.  I was just waiting for that wrong word or hateful comment but I am prepared for this as I am a smart ass too. ( and I naturally think I am quick witted and hilarious as well.)   My defenses are mostly through humor and joking.  Until you invade my physical comfort zone then I am all Combat/Weapons Specialist mode.

 

I do feel very blessed to have not experienced anything negative.  Yet!  I know one day I will.

Karma is saving up a biggie for me I just know it!

[ShawnaLeigh]

3 hours ago, Maid In Bedlam said:

 

Alex. I have a question for you:

 

Out of interest and purely academicly. Why do you feel the need to tell them your transgender? Is it for your benefit of theres?

I do what Alex does in this situation too.  I have been trained to diffuse the situation up front. I to avoid a confrontation is the best way to win a confrontation.   This can backfire of course.  But I feel with informing upfront that I am what I am makes things much more comfortable for me if someone else says something.  Then the Manager/Staff are on your side as an honest customer not some freak invading the ladies locker room they are being dragged into and this can be uncomfortable for all.  Which lets face it ladies this is a common perception of MTF/FTM that are early on still using the opposite genders amenities.  (jmo)

 

Do I need to tell everyone?  No of course not but like I said if there may be a situation or incident I could foresee or "assume" could be an issue then I do take measures to avoid it.  If I can't avoid it then I included allies.  Stronger together then apart sort of mentality.   Which in most cases everyone I have met is like, "Meh, whatever."  

[Maid In Bedlam]

53 minutes ago, ShawnaLeigh said:

  Then the Manager/Staff are on your side as an honest customer not some freak invading the ladies locker room they are being dragged into and this can be uncomfortable for all.  Which lets face it ladies this is a common perception of MTF/FTM that are early on still using the opposite genders amenities.  (jmo)

 

 

So its a personal blanket so to speak?  You have been upfront and should there be an incident then you have or feel you have done everything to be on the right side of the fence.

 

Just seemed you was outing yourself.  But i do get it in the early stages.

 

Am i blessed or priviliged? I dont think so. But ive never felt the need or want to tell anyone outside of my inner circle.

 

Thats why i had to ask. Thanks for clarifing Shawna.

[ShawnaLeigh]

1 hour ago, Maid In Bedlam said:

Just seemed you was outing yourself.  But i do get it in the early stages.

It is definitely outing yourself. 

I feel folks can deal with a situation much better with information ahead of time vs having to deal with a shock and being put on the spot.  Having no time to consider or control any auto reactions.  

This is just me though. 

Maybe this will change in time and as I go threw life as a full time women for a lot longer because I certainly agree with you as it is really no ones business anyways.  Right now I am guarded and careful to not incite any reaction no less something negative.  Like I mentioned my approach could back fire on me but then I will know its not a place I need or want to be and not risk further incident.