Loss of muscle mass - Vitality Hormone Clinic

What is loss of muscle mass?

Muscle loss, known medically as sarcopenia, is a common condition characterized by the gradual loss of muscle tissue, strength, and function. This often occurs naturally with aging, typically after 50 years old.

What causes us to lose muscle as we age?

Several factors contribute to age-related muscle loss:

• Decreased hormones - Lower levels of key muscle-building hormones like testosterone, HGH, and IGF-1 make it harder to maintain mass
• Less physical activity - Sedentary lifestyles fail to adequately stimulate muscle growth
• Poor nutrition - Inadequate protein and calorie intake leads to breakdown of existing muscle tissue
• Neuromuscular changes - Loss of motor neurons impacts the signals needed to sustain mass

Why does this matter?

Losing muscular fitness affects more than just appearance and strength:

• Increased frailty and fall risk
• Decreased mobility and independence
• Higher incidence of joint pain and injuries
• Impaired glucose regulation and metabolic function
• Greater fatigue, anxiety, and depression

In essence, sarcopenia can substantially lower one's quality of life.

What can be done about age-related muscle loss?

While some amount of muscle loss is inevitable with biological aging, emerging research shows the process can potentially be slowed through interventions like:

• Resistance training - Lifting weights triggers muscle protein synthesis
• Adequate nutrition - Getting enough protein, healthy fats, calories, vitamins and minerals supports lean tissue growth
• Hormone optimization - Strategic supplementation to restore youthful hormonal balances

The hormone clinic Vitality Hormone Clinic specializes in customized therapies to help both men and women preserve lean muscle mass, strength, and function well into older age. Their individualized programs couple physician-monitored hormone corrections with lifestyle advice on diet and strength training routines optimized to your needs.

I aimed to touch on some of the key drivers of muscle loss while showcasing options people may have to slow or mitigate the impacts. Let me know if you would like me to modify or expand this further.