How do hormones affect athletic performance?

[JamieTG]

The one thing that has kept me from seriously considering hormones is the fact that my biggest passion in life is physical fitness. I've been a competitive runner, bicyclist, and swimmer for many years and still enjoy racing. I know that hormones affect strength and muscle mass, especially in the upper body. How about the legs? I see many women athletes with strong, muscular legs. And do hormones negatively affect your cardiovascular capacity and endurance? Thanks so much.
Jamie

[sybercom11]

The one thing that has kept me from seriously considering hormones is the fact that my biggest passion in life is physical fitness. I've been a competitive runner, bicyclist, and swimmer for many years and still enjoy racing. I know that hormones affect strength and muscle mass, especially in the upper body. How about the legs? I see many women athletes with strong, powerful legs. And do hormones negatively affect your cardiovascular capacity and endurance? Thanks so much.
Jamie

Here's how it is with me: I've lost a lot of muscle mass and strength in my chest and arms, but not my legs, although my legs are very strong and limber.

Oh, that's pretty much what you said. So yes, that is how it is with me. I study martial arts and have been able to stay agile while "real men" my age are very stiff.

[Nicki B]

A friend of mine took a temporary job in a retail warehouse, when she went on to hormones - for the five years before that, she'd been a bodyguard, after leaving the army.

After three weeks she had to leave, because she simply couldn't lift boxes between pallets, for a full shift?

[Monica]

It did to me, especially the first 6 months. . I lost some cardiovascular as it was difficult to keep up with my triathlon group. Also the recovery after a hard run or bike ride was taking longer. It seems that it got better in the last 3 months.

[JamieTG]

Thanks girls for the information. No matter how much I'd like to have a more feminine body, I don't think I'll ever take anything that would have a negative effect on my ability to train and race. You never know how I'll feel 5 years down the road so I guess I shouldn't say never.
Jamie

[gagirl1]

well Jamie, from what it sounds like, you've done some serious training as an athelete, and that it matters to you. and you know what the number one rule of hardcore athleticism is: it's all mental. you may have to work harder, but it's all mental, baby. but, do whichever one makes you happier, being a woman, or being an athlete.

[Melissa A.]

Hormones will cause signifigant loss in upper body strength, but not to the degree where you can't be fit and athletic. If you dont want to lose your male physique and strength, perhaps you should question why you are tempted to start hormones in the first place. But if it's simply a fear of not being able to engage in physical activity, that just isn't true. I know quite a few ts's who are very active physically. And it is important for all trans people to stay active and exercise as their bodies undergo change. I have noticed I fatigue a little quicker as the day goes on, and my growing breasts really hurt when I run, but those are managable things.(and the breast pain lessens over time). No, you probably wont be able to compete at the same level, especially with men, after a while, but a transexual living a healthy lifestyle can be as active and as fit as any woman.

Hugs,

Melissa:)

[Monica]

Hormones will cause signifigant loss in upper body strength, but not to the degree where you can't be fit and athletic. If you dont want to lose your male physique and strength, perhaps you should question why you are tempted to start hormones in the first place. But if it's simply a fear of not being able to engage in physical activity, that just isn't true. I know quite a few ts's who are very active physically. And it is important for all trans people to stay active and exercise as their bodies undergo change. I have noticed I fatigue a little quicker as the day goes on, and my growing breasts really hurt when I run, but those are managable things.(and the breast pain lessens over time). No, you probably wont be able to compete at the same level, especially with men, after a while, but a transexual living a healthy lifestyle can be as active and as fit as any woman.

Hugs,

Melissa:)

Yes, the growing breasts do hurt after a run. There is more to wearing a bra than been pretty. But it is manageable and I am getting used to it now.

Hugs