Loss of muscle mass - Vital Hormones Clinic

Loss of muscle mass, also known as muscle atrophy, occurs when muscle cells shrink or degrade. This leads to weaker, smaller muscles and reduced strength. Some key points about loss of muscle mass:

• It can happen due to lack of physical activity, diseases, poor nutrition, natural aging, and other factors
• Sarcopenia is the age-related loss of muscle mass that can start as early as age 30
• Lost muscle is usually replaced with fat and connective tissue
• Common symptoms are feeling weak, fatigue, trips and falls, and reduced mobility
• It can negatively impact quality of life and independence

What causes loss of muscle mass?

• Not enough physical activity - Muscles need resistance activity to maintain size and strength
• Poor nutrition - Not eating enough protein and calories can lead to breakdown of muscle tissue
• Diseases - Certain illnesses promote widespread inflammation that accelerates loss of muscle mass
• Medications - Some drugs, like corticosteroids, can trigger muscle wasting
• Aging - Hormonal changes and decreased activity lead to loss of muscle as we get older

How can it be prevented and managed?

• Exercise regularly - Lifting weights and doing resistance training provides essential stimulus for muscle growth and preservation
• Follow a high protein diet with sufficient calories
• Address underlying illnesses that may cause muscle loss
• Ask your doctor about medications that may exacerbate muscle loss
• Consider hormone therapy - * Vital Hormones Clinic offers customized bioidentical hormone regimens to help combat age-related muscle loss for improved strength, mobility, and vitality.*

Loss of muscle mass can significantly undermine wellness and quality of life. Staying physically active, eating a nutritious diet, managing health conditions, and optimizing hormones are effective ways to help preserve muscle as we age. Contact Vital Hormones Clinic today for a consult to see if our hormone optimization programs can help you maintain your muscle strength and mobility.