How Hormone Replacement Therapy Affects Your Body Fat Distribution

This article is general information only and is not medical advice. Experiences vary from person to person. Talk to a qualified clinician about your own situation.

There is a certain degree of effect of transitioning on food and diet among trans women, especially when they start with hormone replacement therapy. The exact dietary changes largely depend on your body type.

The primary point to remember is that if you are a trans woman, some amount of fat would be a good thing, since it can help add to your body’s shape and form.

In addition, when you start hormones, fat redistribution may help change the size of your breasts for some people. Thus, this is one of the first steps undertaken by hormones- the redistribution of fat.   

 

While each person’s body type is unique and the way the hormones act on your body is specific to you, many trans women swear by dieting to lose weight before transitioning.

Some women report starting transitioning when they are leaner, in the hope that new weight gain is distributed differently once hormones begin to take effect. Results vary, and this is not a guaranteed outcome.

This facilitates a quicker redistribution than waiting for your body to locate your fat in various areas and transfer it across. Do not try to remove all your body fat. Any plan to lose or gain weight around starting hormones is best discussed with a clinician first, since needs and risks vary by person.

It is also important to remember that the goal is to consume healthy fats. Some options include cashews, protein shakes, avocados, and so on. You might even begin to notice some fat accumulating on your face as well as hips.

Some trans women also recommend alternating between gaining five pounds and losing five pounds to facilitate proper redistribution of your fat. When some people put on weight, new fat may tend to settle in areas that are typically curvier in female bodies, but where it settles varies by person.

While, on the other hand, when some people lose weight, fat may come off from different areas first. This alternating approach is something some people report trying; it is not a proven or ideal method for feminization, and results vary.   

 

Some people report eating substantially more, with healthy fats and proteins, while trying to gain weight. How much is appropriate varies a lot by person, so discuss any large change in intake with a clinician or dietitian rather than following a set calorie target from this article.

Eating close to bedtime alone does not guarantee faster weight gain, and timing is less important than your overall intake and health.

However, please note that none of this is medical or dietary advice since each person’s body type is unique and therefore, it is best to ask your doctor for recommendations to feminize your body.  

 

If you are looking to lose weight before transitioning, some people use intermittent fasting, though results vary and it is not suitable for everyone.

This technique essentially involves not eating for 16-20 hours a day. So, if you eat dinner at 8 PM today, you can’t eat anything else till the next afternoon.

When you skip breakfast and lunch, your body may enter a ketosis stage where stored fat is used as fuel. This is not a detox, and fasting for long stretches is not safe for everyone.  

 

A calorie deficit is commonly described as the basis for weight loss, but no single approach is most effective for everyone, and this article does not claim that ketosis reduces disease risk.

You can also lose weight by minimizing your intake of unhealthy fats and starting a vegan diet.  

Some people also choose foods they consider anti-inflammatory, such as coconut oil and turmeric, though this article does not claim those foods will keep you healthy on their own.   

We hope this article has helped you understand how hormones affect your body in terms of fat distribution.  

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