3 ms·
when I went on estrogen I was surprised how much strength I lost, especially grip strength. I couldn't open jars that I'd been previously able to brute-force th
by sterlind 5y ago
when I went on estrogen I was surprised how much strength I lost, especially grip strength. I couldn't open jars that I'd been previously able to brute-force through. I hadn't been working out either before or during transition. I've heard muscles are "use it or lose it" on hormones - you can retain the increased strength from testosterone - somewhat - through training, but if you don't it's gone for good.
- sverona 5y agoThe age-old joke is that trans girls want pickles (spironolactone gives you salt cravings) but can't open the jars. Also, even with regular weight training I've still lost about 20% of my pre-HRT strength.
- clove 5y agoHave you considered balancing out your estrogen with some testosterone? You could go on a low dose and get your strength back.
- sterlind 5y agoI should consider it. I have EDS, which disproportionally affects women for hormonal reasons. T might help me build muscle to compensate for my elastic connective tissue. but I remember feeling like I'd been poisoned when I had to go off hormones for a while and felt T come back. couldn't hurt to try though.
- actuallyalys 5y agoA blood test might be a good start. My suspicion is that if you're at or below the typical range for cisgender woman, you might have more room for adjustment before feeling poisoned.