hormone replacement therapy and its affect on strength/body composition in transition

[nchu]

Hi Jordan,

I have a patient/client who is considering beginning hormone replacement therapy (male to female) and was curious about possible affects on strength and body composition, particularly DURING the transitional period.

Do we have data on that at all? I know you've said at the end of the day in the long term it doesn't make a significant difference either way that we know of (unless I'm misunderstanding you) but what about during the process?

Thanks in advance!

[Jordan Feigenbaum]

Do we have data on that at all?

Yes. The data suggests that LBM will decrease as well as strength. To what amount is going to vary based on the individual and a number of other factors.

I know you've said at the end of the day in the long term it doesn't make a significant difference either way that we know of (unless I'm misunderstanding you) but what about during the process?

I'm not sure what you're saying I said, but there are very real changes with respect to muscle mass, strength, and conditioning that occur during the transitioning process and after.

[sjalbrec]

Hi, I think he's saying that BBM doesn't differentiate training for male vs female. While LBM and strength will likely drop, the training program can stay the same during the transition (just adjust using RPE). thnx

[Jordan Feigenbaum]

Sure, there aren't any sex or gender specific training differences we'd make necessarily. I'd agree that training can stay the same.

[Michelle1]

I think there might be some differences in the goals of your patient. Your patient may want to intentionally decrease muscle mass on her arms and traps, and increase muscle mass on her thighs and glutes. I would expect that HRT would increase her body fat % and change it’s distribution to a more female typical distribution, but results vary substantially.
If she is new to training she will probably experience newbie gains and therefore get stronger during her transition rather than weaker, even as her body becomes to look more feminine.

[Dutch]

On the Exodusstrength site there is a traininglog of the user MG75 called Mary's training log. In the beginning of the log I believe she starts the transition from M to F. The log has been running for several months so It might provide some usefull information.