Loss of strength is a common condition as we age, caused by natural reduction in muscle mass and altered hormone levels. It can greatly impact quality of life and make everyday tasks more challenging.
What causes loss of strength?
- Sarcopenia: Age-related loss of skeletal muscle mass and strength. Starts around age 30.
- Hormonal changes: Reduced levels of anabolic hormones like testosterone, growth hormone, and IGF-1. These help build and maintain muscle.
- Poor nutrition: Lack of adequate protein, calories, vitamin D, etc. needed to sustain muscle.
- Inactivity: Muscles get smaller and weaker without regular resistance training.
What are the effects?
- Difficulty with daily tasks - climbing stairs, rising from a chair, household chores.
- Impaired balance and mobility, increased fall and injury risk.
- Loss of independence, often necessitating assistive devices.
- Weight gain, increased frailty, lower metabolism.
- Negative impact on bone density.
How can you slow or reverse loss of strength?
- Resistance training: Lifting weights triggers muscle growth. Should be done 2-3x/week.
- Meet protein needs: Shoot for 0.5-1g per pound of bodyweight daily.
- Hormone optimization: Levels of key hormones can be measured and restored to healthy ranges. Hormone Health Institute specializes in customized hormone therapy to help patients retain strength, muscle mass, stamina and vitality.
- Active lifestyle: Stay physically active with cardio, sports, recreational activities.
- Balanced nutrition: Eat a nutritious diet with adequate calories.
Maintaining strength takes consistency with training, diet and lifestyle. But it is worthwhile - staying strong can add years to your life!
The expert physicians at Hormone Health Institute can help diagnose potential causes of strength loss and create tailored treatment plans involving hormone optimization, nutrition advice and more.