have u lost muscle mass?

[Rachaelgirl39]

I have been on hormones for about almost a year and a half. I work out but not upper body just cardio and here lately I have noticed that my arms have gotten thinner. The other day I was arm wrestling my girlfriend (she supports my transition) and she beat me I could not beat her and I was really trying. How many of you have expeirenced the same?

[Lisa Golightly]

Weak as a kitten... Can't even lift some of the desktop computers I used to... My 67 year old assisant has to do it for me... How embarrassing is that!?!

[Suzy Harrison]

Ive been on Anti Androgens since last October and Hormones since December. I have noticed that my measurments above and below my bustline has decreased by 2 inches- although my bustline has increased by 1 inch.

[Shikyo]

I'm lost a lot muscles mass in my arms. Honestly, I'm waiting with horror for the day I need to move my computer again. It's heavy like hell.

Other than that I've really noticed it when I bring back the groceries from the store and when I carry larger things as well. Also the look has clearly changed, all the bones are so much easier to be seen now.

[MELISSA2U]

hi ,
i have been on hrt for a total now approx 12 yrs.
my opinion is yes, one can and usually lose some muscle.it did happen with me.
i am a native californian,currently in midwest.
melissa

[MJ]

yes big time when i help out on my friends farm i can't lift a 80 pound feed bag i drag it around now thats sad...

[morgan pure]

I'm still strong, thank God. But arms a little smaller-and skin sagging where it never sagged before. Are my shoulders a little slimmer-or is it wishful thinking? definitely a better leg, less stringy.
m

[helenr]

similar loss of upper body strength from spiro 2 1/2 years. less energy too. I exercise weekly to try to maintain strength.

[SirTrey]

It probably does work that way because it works the opposite in FtM's...I am gaining muscle mass whether I work out or not....I do lift weights, but even when I had to take a break from it after tearing several ligaments in My knee and having surgery on it, I still gained some muscle mass, even when I wasn't working out....I have heard from other FtM's that are also on testosterone that they have had similar experience with gaining strength and muscle mass....so it only makes sense that taking something that lowers the testosterone level would have the opposite effect.

[Jena11]

Well, I have been moving and helping my friend move, when we moved her about a year ago before HRT, I could lift most of the things she had, Now all the the furniture and heavy items are almost impossible, I can see that I have lost strengh in my arms. It is all good, you just have to get use to it. My friend was not understanding how come I could not hardly move some of her stuff and when I told her then she could see that it was a struggle for me. Jen

[Melissa A.]

Yes. Steadily, after 8 months on HRT, my biceps are shrinking, and carrying weight for any length of time is more and more of an effort. I'm ecstatic. This will be my first summer able to wear short sleeves, un-self-consciously. yay!

Ok, reduced upper body strength does have it's drawbacks, But this is what I wanted, and I'm in no position to complain now. My mom is so supportive, but horrified that I'm ok with getting weaker! It's really the only part of my transition we butt heads on. But her's is a born women's perspective. Mom, I'm sorry, but it's a trans thing...

Hugs

Melissa :)

[morgan pure]

Thank you for that story, Jen. It was precious (in the best way).

I have a young woman friend who is a tomboy. She likes to box. She know's of my drag history. I was once complaining about how the littlest execrcise built up muscles and ruined my figure. She expressed her exasperation. "I've been working out for 2 hours a day for a month and have nothing to show for it."