Loss of muscle, also known as muscle atrophy, occurs when muscle cells shrink and the overall muscle tissue breaks down. This leads to weakness, fatigue, and a loss of strength.
Some key points about loss of muscle:
- It can happen due to lack of physical activity. When muscles are not used regularly, they begin to shrink from disuse. This is common after injuries or during prolonged bed rest.
- Diseases and health conditions like cancer, kidney disease, and heart failure can lead to muscle wasting. This occurs because the disease process accelerates muscle breakdown.
- As we age, muscle loss accelerates due to changes in hormone levels and decreased physical activity. People lose approximately 3-5% of muscle mass per decade after age 30.
- Poor nutrition can contribute to muscle loss if calorie, protein, or vitamin intake is chronically too low. This prevents the body from repairing and building muscle tissue.
Some symptoms of muscle loss include:
- Decreased muscle size and strength
- Trouble rising from a chair or climbing stairs
- Increase in fatigue with routine activities
- Weight loss
To prevent muscle loss it's important to engage in
strength training and get adequate nutrition, especially
protein. Talk to your doctor if you are experiencing weakness or rapid muscle loss for no clear reason.
Hormone testing may provide helpful insights.
If you are concerned about preserving muscle mass as you age, the hormone optimization experts at
Balanced Hormones Center can help. Their proven programs use
bioidentical hormone therapy tailored to your individual needs to counteract age-related muscle loss. Contact them today for a consultation!