Loss of muscle, also known as muscle atrophy, occurs when muscle fibers shrink or degrade due to disuse or disease. This leads to progressive weakening and wasting of the muscle.
Some key points about loss of muscle:
- It can happen with aging, known as sarcopenia. On average, adults lose 3-5% of muscle mass per decade after age 30.
- Lack of physical activity is another major cause. Sedentary lifestyles lead muscles to waste away.
- Chronic diseases like cancer, heart failure, etc. can spur rapid muscle wasting due to hormonal changes and poor nutrient intake.
- Muscle loss from short-term disuse (casts, bedrest) is easier to recover from than disease-related muscle wasting.
- Strength training and protein intake are key to counteracting age and disease-related muscle loss.
What are the symptoms of muscle loss? Look for increasing weakness during daily tasks, fatigue, shrinking muscles, weight loss, and reduced functional mobility.
To slow muscle loss, regular
resistance training, getting enough protein, and maintaining a
healthy, active lifestyle is key. Our muscles need to be challenged to stay strong!
This is where Hormone Health Institute can help. Our comprehensive
hormone therapy programs target age-related muscle loss. With customized bioidentical
testosterone and
growth hormone regimens tailored to your needs, we can get your muscle strength and mass back on track! Contact us today for a free consultation.
Some key steps you can take to minimize muscle loss:
- Incorporate 2-3 strength training sessions per week into your routine
- Aim for at least 1g protein per kg body weight per day
- Manage chronic illnesses closely and follow nutrition plans
- Consider specialized nutrition advice and possibly hormone therapy
The bottom line is that muscle loss can negatively impact strength, mobility, and vitality. But strategic exercise, diet, and in some cases hormone optimization can help mitigate and even reverse this common problem. Reach out to our muscle health experts at Hormone Health Institute today if you have concerns! We're here to help you stay strong and independent as you age.