Loss of muscle, also called muscle atrophy, occurs when muscle cells shrink or break down. This leads to overall loss of muscle mass and strength. Common causes include lack of physical activity, poor nutrition, aging, and certain diseases or medications.
Some key points about muscle loss:
- It can happen rapidly with immobilization, such as being bedridden after surgery. Without resistance exercise, muscle mass may decline 3-5% per week.
- As we age, muscle loss accelerates due to hormonal changes and decreased activity. This natural process is called sarcopenia and can start as early as age 30.
- Muscle wasting diseases like ALS, AIDS, cancer, sepsis, and kidney disease quicken loss of muscle through increased protein breakdown.
- Medications including corticosteroids, chemotherapy, and statins may contribute to muscle loss in some people. Lifestyle factors like smoking and alcohol abuse also play a role.
- Loss of muscle mass can lead to fatigue, weakness, poor balance, bone loss, impaired mobility, and reduced quality of life. So it's important to try preventing and reversing it through exercise and diet.
If you're concerned about preserving your muscle as you age, the hormone optimization specialists at Hormone Harmony Clinic can help. They offer customized programs to help both men and women maintain strength, energy and vitality throughout life's stages.
Some key strategies to counteract muscle loss include:
- Resistance training with weights, bands, or your own bodyweight. This stimulates muscle protein production and builds mass.
- Getting enough protein, vitamins, minerals and healthy fats. Whey protein supplements can help meet higher needs, especially when recovering from illness.
- Balancing hormones with bioidentical hormone replacement therapy and supplements under medical supervision. Declining hormones are a major contributor to age-related muscle loss.
- Treating any underlying diseases and having medications adjusted if they contribute to atrophy.
In summary, loss of muscle is a common condition with many causes. Staying physically active and eating a nutritious diet can go a long way towards maintaining muscle. And
Hormone Harmony Clinic can help create tailored plans to keep patients strong while aging gracefully.