Fat redistribution is a significant physical change experienced during both feminising hormone therapy and pubertal development. This process alters where fat is stored in the body, aligning physical features more closely with a feminine body shape. Here’s a detailed look at the physical features experienced during fat redistribution:

Feminising Hormone Therapy

1. Initial Stages (1-6 Months):
   • Subtle Changes: Fat begins to accumulate in different areas of the body. Initially, these changes might not be very noticeable.
   • Hip and Thigh Region: Fat starts to deposit around the hips and thighs, beginning the process of creating a more rounded, feminine lower body shape.
   • Decrease in Abdominal Fat: There may be a slight reduction in visceral fat around the abdomen, which is typically more common in masculine fat distribution patterns.
2. Intermediate Stages (6-12 Months):
   • More Pronounced Hips and Buttocks: Fat distribution becomes more noticeable in the hips and buttocks, further accentuating feminine curves.
   • Reduced Upper Body Bulk: Fat distribution in the upper body, particularly around the shoulders and neck, may start to diminish, contributing to a less angular and more rounded silhouette.
3. Advanced Stages (1-2 Years):
   • Fuller Buttocks and Hips: The hips, buttocks, and thighs typically gain a more pronounced and feminine shape, in line with common female body shapes.
   • Narrower Waist: The waist might appear narrower as the fat redistributes, enhancing the difference between the waist and hips, often referred to as the waist-to-hip ratio.
4. Long-term Changes (2+ Years):
   • Stabilisation: The body’s new fat distribution pattern typically stabilises, with the full extent of changes being more evident.
   • Overall Feminine Contour: The overall body shape takes on a more typically feminine contour, with fat distribution aligning more closely with common female body shapes.

Pubertal Development

During puberty in cisgender girls, fat redistribution is a natural part of physical development:

1. Early Puberty:
   • Initial Fat Gain: There is an increase in body fat, which is a normal part of developing a feminine body shape.
   • Hips and Thighs: Fat begins to accumulate around the hips and thighs.
2. Mid to Late Puberty:
   • Breast Development: Alongside fat redistribution, there is the development of breast tissue.
   • Defined Waist-to-Hip Ratio: The waist-to-hip ratio becomes more defined, with the waist becoming narrower relative to the hips and bust.
   • Overall Body Shape: The overall body shape becomes curvier, reflecting the typical female body shape.

Key Points to Remember

• Individual Variation: The extent and pace of fat redistribution vary greatly among individuals.
• Hormonal Influence: Hormone levels play a crucial role in how and where fat is distributed in the body.
• Health and Lifestyle Factors: Nutrition, exercise, and overall health can also influence body shape and fat distribution.

Fat redistribution during feminisation and puberty creates changes that are not just physical but also deeply intertwined with a person’s identity and sense of self, especially for those undergoing gender transition. These changes, though gradual, can be profoundly affirming for transgender individuals aligning their physical appearance with their gender identity.