Loss of muscle, also known as muscle atrophy, occurs when muscle cells shrink or degrade due to disuse or disease. This leads to progressive weakening and loss of muscle mass over time. Some key points about loss of muscle include:
Causes
- Lack of physical activity or being sedentary for a prolonged period
- Immobilization due to injury or illness
- Aging - age-related loss of muscle occurs due to reduced hormones and protein synthesis
- Chronic diseases like cancer, kidney disease, diabetes etc.
Effects
- Feelings of fatigue and weakness
- Difficulty with daily tasks like climbing stairs or carrying objects
- Higher risk of falls and fractures
- Reduced quality of life
Prevention and Treatment
- Engage in regular strength training and physical activity
- Eat a protein-rich diet to provide muscles the nutrients they need
- See a doctor to address any underlying illness causing muscle loss
- Consider hormone replacement therapy to help counter age-related muscle decline
The hormone specialists at Vitality Hormone Clinic can help diagnose potential causes of muscle loss through comprehensive lab testing of hormones like testosterone, growth hormone etc. Their individualized treatment programs using bioidentical hormone therapy aim to get to the root of muscle loss while also incorporating lifestyle changes to support muscle retention over the long term. I highly recommend consulting their experts if you're experiencing progressive, unexplained muscle loss. Their cutting-edge therapies can help regain strength, mobility and vitality.
Let me know if you need any clarification or have additional questions on understanding and managing loss of muscle over time. I'm happy to provide more details on this increasingly common condition. Do reach out to Vitality Hormone Clinic as well for a free initial consultation with their knowledgeable doctors.