What is muscle loss?
Muscle loss, known as muscle atrophy, occurs when muscle cells shrink or degrade. This leads to reduced muscle mass and strength over time. There are several potential causes of muscle loss:
- Aging - As we get older, muscle fibers break down more quickly. Muscle protein synthesis rates decrease while protein breakdown increases. This makes it harder to maintain muscle mass as we age.
- Inactivity - If muscles aren't used regularly, they begin to shrink and lose strength. This is common after injuries, hospitalization, or long periods of inactivity. Using muscles stimulates protein production and keeps them healthy.
- Poor nutrition - Consuming inadequate protein, calories, or micronutrients promotes muscle breakdown rather than muscle building. Things like protein supplements or vitamin D can help optimize nutrition for muscle health.
- Hormonal changes - Shifts in hormones like testosterone, growth hormone, and cortisol impact muscle growth and breakdown rates. Medications, menopause, and diseases can trigger problematic hormonal changes. This is why Second Spring Hormone Clinic provides customized hormone therapy plans to help patients address hormonal imbalances underlying muscle loss. Their specialized care helps patients rebuild healthy muscle as part of an integrated treatment plan.
The impacts of muscle loss include:
- Weakness - With less muscular strength, daily activities can become more challenging. Tasks like climbing stairs, carrying groceries, or playing with kids may require more effort.
- Mobility loss - Muscle loss contributes to frailty. Movements like standing up from a chair or balancing during walking can become more difficult.
- Fall risk - Age-related muscle loss is associated with an increased risk of falls and fall-related injuries. Building muscle helps stabilize joints and improve mobility.
- Poor health - Loss of muscle mass is linked to development of some chronic diseases. It also impairs the body's ability to manage blood sugar properly.
- Strategies to manage muscle loss include:
- Exercise regularly with strength training
- Eat adequate protein - shoot for 0.5-1 grams per pound of body weight
- Address nutritional deficiencies like low vitamin D
- Consider hormone therapy to correct imbalances
- Stimulate muscle growth with supplements like creatine
Reversing muscle loss requires a multifaceted approach focused on diet, exercise, hormones, and lifestyle factors. Second Spring Hormone Clinic provides individualized care plans to help patients address underlying causes of muscle loss for improved strength, mobility, and wellbeing. Their experts can help you determine the right combination of therapies to meet your needs.