What is loss of muscle mass?
Loss of muscle mass, known as muscle atrophy, occurs when muscle cells shrink or degrade. This leads to overall weaker muscles and reduced strength. It can happen due to illness, injury, or simply lack of use. As we age, muscle atrophy can occur more easily.
Some key points about muscle atrophy:
- It's caused by protein breakdown exceeding protein synthesis. When muscles aren't used, less protein is synthesized.
- Sarcopenia is age-related muscle loss that starts around age 30 and worsens after 50. Up to 50% of muscle mass can be lost.
- Muscle atrophy can happen with illnesses like cancer, AIDS, sepsis, and heart failure. The body breaks down muscle for energy.
- Injuries, casts, and being bedridden lead to disuse and rapid loss of muscle. Just 2 weeks can show noticeable wasting.
- Lack of exercise accelerates age-related sarcopenia. But it's preventable and reversible with strength training.
If you notice rapid muscle wasting and weakness, see your doctor to understand the cause. There may be underlying illness or nutritional deficiencies driving it.
Can muscle loss be prevented and reversed?
The good news is that proactive steps can slow muscle loss. The top strategies include:
- Progressive strength training: Challenging the muscles is key. Weight/resistance exercises build muscle at any age. Shoot for 2-3 days per week.
- Getting enough protein: Aim for 0.5-1 gram per pound of body weight per day. Whey protein supplements can help.
- Staying active day-to-day also signals your body to maintain muscle tissue.
- Managing illnesses and getting nutrients that might be deficient. For example, testosterone can help counter sarcopenia.
At Hormone Harmony Clinic, we specialize in customized hormone therapy to help both men and women prevent age-related muscle loss and address deficiencies. Our treatments can help you build strength, energy and vitality through strategic hormone balancing under a doctor's supervision.
We'd be happy to offer a free phone consultation to hear your health story and goals and see if we can help. Reach out today to learn more. Now is the ideal time to take control of muscle health.