I belong to another online TG community and the ladies there are absolutely terrified of physical exercise. Their reasons being the possible side effects of their medications i.e. blood clots and hyperkalemia. As an exercise science practioner this concerns me due to the complications that a sedentary lifestyle can produce.

There are some famous transexual women who are/were very physically active: Fallon Fox http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fallon_Fox, Nong Thoom http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Beautiful_Boxer, and Renee Richards http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ren%C3%A9e_Richards. So I know its possible to be physically active.

What are your feelings about physical activity and transitioning? I'm not on hormones yet but I engage in rock climbing and yoga on a regular basis. What do you do to stay physically active?

Hi Janessa

Its a good question and something that should be in the forefront of a transition plan.

The risk of blood clots is reduced by a daily aspirin after eating and raised potassium levels can be correct with a bicarbonate. Hyperkalemia is a result of taking anti-androgens and blood clots can be produced by estrogens. But, I would have thought medical transitioning is a total life-style endeavour. Personally, I have always been involved in one sport or another. Currently, I swim, bike and walk my dogs. But I don't take an anti-androgen and have begun steps to reduce the amount of estrogen I have to take.

Chalice xx

Janessa Jane said:

I belong to another online TG community and the ladies there are absolutely terrified of physical exercise. Their reasons being the possible side effects of their medications i.e. blood clots and hyperkalemia. As an exercise science practioner this concerns me due to the complications that a sedentary lifestyle can produce.

There are some famous transexual women who are/were very physically active: Fallon Fox http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fallon_Fox, Nong Thoom http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Beautiful_Boxer, and Renee Richards http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ren%C3%A9e_Richards. So I know its possible to be physically active.

What are your feelings about physical activity and transitioning? I'm not on hormones yet but I engage in rock climbing and yoga on a regular basis. What do you do to stay physically active?