The remark {that a} transgender girl’s physique retains a muscular look regardless of hormone alternative remedy (HRT) is a typical concern mentioned in on-line communities, notably on platforms like Reddit. People present process male-to-female (MTF) transitioning could discover that pre-existing muscle mass, developed throughout their assigned-male-at-birth physiology, persists even after hormone remedy begins to feminize different facets of their physique. This could be a supply of dysphoria and frustration, as the person could understand their physique as not aligning with their gender id.
The persistence of muscle mass is primarily because of the organic results of testosterone throughout growth and puberty. Testosterone promotes muscle development and density. Whereas HRT goals to cut back testosterone ranges and introduce estrogen, which might result in muscle atrophy, the diploma of muscle discount varies considerably amongst people. Elements equivalent to genetics, prior coaching depth, age at transition initiation, and HRT dosage all affect the extent to which muscle mass diminishes. Additional, some muscle fibers could also be extra proof against atrophy than others, contributing to the continued prominence of sure muscle teams. Traditionally, this facet of transition was much less overtly mentioned, however on-line boards have offered an area for people to share experiences, methods, and assist associated to this concern.
