As a transgender woman navigating hormone replacement therapy (HRT), there are many questions that arise about how this treatment will affect the body. One question that often comes up is whether feet shrink after starting HRT, and if so, what causes this change? While some transgender women hope that hormone therapy will lead to smaller feet, making it easier to shop for traditionally feminine shoes, the answer is more complex than one might think.
In this article, we’ll explore the science behind foot size changes on HRT, including a discussion about tendon shrinkage as a potential cause for slight reductions in foot size. We’ll also debunk common myths surrounding this topic and address the real struggles many transgender women face when trying to find fashionable shoes in larger sizes. As someone who wears a size 10 or 11 in women’s shoes, depending on the width, I understand the frustration of walking into a store and discovering that the shoes I love often stop at a size 9. I’ll share tips for finding shoes online and offer advice for those who feel self-conscious about their foot size.
Do Feet Shrink After Starting HRT?
The simple answer to whether transgender women’s feet shrink after starting HRT is: not significantly. While HRT causes significant changes in fat distribution, skin texture, and muscle mass, it has little effect on the size of bones. It’s unlikely that hormone therapy will cause a significant decrease in foot length or width because bone structure largely determines foot size. However, there is some speculation about the role of tendon shrinkage as a potential reason for minor reductions in foot size, particularly in foot width.
Understanding Tendon Shrinkage: A Potential Cause for Slight Foot Shrinkage
Tendons are tough, fibrous tissues that connect muscles to bones, playing a crucial role in the movement and stability of the body. HRT causes changes in muscle mass, and because tendons are closely linked to muscles, they too can be affected by hormone therapy. This reduction in muscle mass may lead to a corresponding change in the size or tension of tendons, potentially contributing to minor changes in foot shape or width.
Here’s how tendon shrinkage could contribute to slight changes in foot size:
- Reduction in muscle mass: HRT leads to a decrease in muscle mass throughout the body, including in the feet. The reduction in muscle size may cause tendons to shrink slightly, which could lead to a modest reduction in foot width. This change, however, is typically small and may not translate into a full reduction in shoe size.
- Tendon relaxation: Some transgender women report that after being on HRT for a while, their shoes feel slightly looser. This may be due to tendon shrinkage and muscle mass reduction, which can make the foot feel more compact. However, this effect is generally minimal and might result in a very small decrease in width, but not in overall foot length.
- Arch height and foot appearance: Changes in tendon size may affect the height of the foot’s arch, making the foot feel or appear slightly smaller. A higher arch could make the foot seem more compact, though this is typically a very subtle change and wouldn’t lead to a significant difference in shoe size.
Why Foot Size Doesn’t Change Significantly on HRT
While tendon shrinkage and muscle mass reduction can cause minor changes, it’s important to have realistic expectations. After you reach skeletal maturity (typically between the ages of 18 and 20), your genetic makeup determines the size of your bones, including those in your feet. Bone structure is what primarily determines your shoe size, and HRT cannot alter that.
In short, there are very few changes in foot size due to tendon shrinkage or muscle mass reduction. Some transgender women might experience a reduction of half a shoe size due to changes in muscle and tendon structure, but it’s unlikely that HRT alone will lead to a noticeable decrease in foot length.
Debunking Myths: Do Feet Shrink Dramatically on HRT?
There is a persistent myth in the transgender community that feet shrink significantly after starting HRT. Unfortunately, there is no scientific evidence to support this. While HRT does bring about many feminizing changes, the size of your bones remains the same. Some online sources or anecdotal accounts may claim that exercises, stretches, or prolonged use of HRT can lead to smaller feet, but there’s no solid evidence backing these claims.
Instead, it’s more likely that any perceived reduction in foot size is due to changes in muscle mass or fat distribution, which can alter the feel of shoes without significantly affecting their overall size. It’s important to set realistic expectations and understand that HRT will not typically lead to a dramatic reduction in foot size.
Individual Experiences: Foot Size Changes on HRT
While it’s important to emphasize that significant foot shrinkage is uncommon, it’s also true that some transgender women have reported changes in their shoe size after starting HRT. These changes can vary from minor shifts in foot width to even a slight reduction in overall foot length. For some, the reduction may be noticeable enough to warrant wearing a smaller shoe size. This can be due to a combination of factors, including tendon shrinkage, muscle mass reduction, or changes in the arch of the foot.
It’s crucial to note that these experiences, while valid, are not typical for everyone. Each body responds to HRT differently, and while a few transgender women may experience a reduction in foot size, it’s not something that all trans women should expect or count on. Most physical changes caused by HRT—like breast development or fat redistribution—are more predictable, whereas foot size tends to remain stable for the majority of people.
If you do notice changes in your foot size, it’s likely a reflection of individual body variation rather than a guaranteed effect of HRT. Therefore, while it’s entirely possible for some to experience this change, it’s essential to approach HRT with realistic expectations and understand that foot shrinkage is not a typical outcome for most transgender women.
The Struggle of Finding Cute Shoes in Larger Sizes
For many transgender women, finding fashionable shoes in larger sizes is a constant struggle. As someone who wears a size 10 or 11 in women’s shoes, I frequently find myself frustrated by the lack of options available in stores. Many retailers stop at size 9, or at best, size 10, and often reserve larger sizes for online purchases. This can feel disheartening, especially when all you want is to be able to shop in-store like everyone else and try on shoes before buying them.
For transgender women, shoe shopping can become yet another hurdle in affirming our gender identity. Societal expectations often associate smaller feet with femininity, and not being able to find cute, well-fitting shoes can amplify feelings of being “out of place.” Many of us end up shopping online, which offers more size options, but comes with its own challenges—especially when it’s difficult to know how a shoe will fit without trying it on first.
Tips for Shopping for Women’s Shoes Online
While in-store shoe shopping may often be disappointing, online shopping can open up a wider selection of shoes in larger sizes. That said, buying shoes online requires some additional thought, especially since you can’t try them on before purchasing. Here are some tips to help you navigate online shoe shopping and increase your chances of finding the perfect pair:
- Know your size in different brands: Shoe sizes can vary from brand to brand. Before purchasing, check the brand’s size chart and read reviews to get a better idea of whether their shoes run large, small, wide, or narrow. If you already own a pair from that brand, use them as a reference for sizing.
- Look for detailed customer reviews: Customer reviews often include insights about how shoes fit in terms of length, width, and comfort. These reviews can give you a better idea of whether you should go up or down a size.
- Shop from retailers with generous return policies: When shopping online, it’s essential to choose stores that offer free returns or exchanges. This way, you can order multiple sizes and return the ones that don’t fit without incurring additional costs.
- Consider brands that specialize in larger sizes: Some brands cater to women with larger feet. Stores like Long Tall Sally, Zappos, and Torrid offer a wider selection of styles and sizes, making them great options for transgender women.
- Use comfortable insoles: If you find a pair of shoes that aren’t quite as comfortable as you’d like, you can always add insoles for extra support. A good insole can make a big difference in the overall comfort of a shoe, especially for long periods of wear.
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Coping with Self-Consciousness About Larger Feet
Many transgender women with larger feet may feel self-conscious, particularly when shopping for feminine shoes. Society tends to associate femininity with smaller feet, and when we don’t fit into that mold, it can feel like we’re somehow falling short of societal expectations. This can lead to feelings of inadequacy or frustration, and in some cases, women may try to squeeze into shoes that are too small to make their feet appear smaller.
However, squeezing into shoes that are too tight can cause serious issues, including blisters, bunions, and long-term foot deformities. Instead, it’s important to embrace your natural foot size and prioritize comfort. Here are some tips for managing self-consciousness and finding shoes that make your feet look and feel great:
- Avoid tight shoes: Wearing shoes that are too small will only cause discomfort and long-term damage to your feet. It’s essential to wear shoes that fit properly, even if they’re a size larger than what you’d ideally like.
- Choose flattering shoe styles: Some shoe designs, such as rounded toes or open-toe styles, can make feet appear smaller and more proportional. Avoid pointy-toe shoes, which can make your feet look longer.
- Opt for darker colors: Dark-colored shoes—such as black, navy, or deep jewel tones—tend to create a slimming effect and can make your feet look smaller. Bright, bold colors and busy patterns, on the other hand, tend to draw more attention to your feet.
- Try heels: A modest heel of a couple of inches can help balance your proportions by elongating your legs and making your feet appear smaller.
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The Bottom Line
While hormone replacement therapy (HRT) may lead to minor changes in foot size due to tendon shrinkage or muscle mass reduction, significant foot shrinkage is unlikely. Instead of focusing on reducing foot size, it’s essential to prioritize comfort and find shoes that make you feel confident and stylish.
Online shopping offers more options for finding cute shoes in larger sizes, and with a bit of research, you can find shoes that not only fit well but also help you feel more comfortable in your own skin. Embrace your feet for what they
are, and remember that true femininity isn’t defined by foot size—it’s about feeling good in your body and expressing your authentic self.
