Muscle loss - Vitality Hormone Clinic

What is muscle loss?

Muscle loss, known medically as muscle atrophy, occurs when muscle cells shrink or degrade. This leads to a loss of muscle mass, strength, and function over time.

There are two main types of muscle atrophy:

• Disuse atrophy occurs due to inactivity or immobilization from an injury. When muscles aren't used regularly, they begin to shrink and weaken. This is common after injuries requiring a cast or splint.
• Age-related muscle loss, also called sarcopenia, is a natural part of aging. After age 30, adults lose on average 3-5% of muscle mass per decade. This accelerated loss after 60 years old can impair strength and mobility.

What causes muscle loss?

• Inadequate nutrition - Consuming insufficient protein, vitamins, and minerals leads to muscle breakdown.
• Inflammation - Chronic conditions like arthritis can trigger inflammation and muscle wasting.
• Nerve damage - Injuries, stroke, or disorders impacting nerves interrupt critical muscle signals.
• Inactivity - Not using muscles regularly accelerates wasting. Even a few days of bed rest starts loss.
• Aging - The natural decline of hormones and protein synthesis makes maintaining mass difficult.

Preventing muscle loss

While some muscle loss is inevitable with aging, many lifestyle strategies help mitigate wasted muscle:

• Resistance training - Lifting weights triggers proteins and hormones key to muscle growth. This is a top recommendation from experts.
• Get enough protein - Most adults need 0.36 grams of protein per pound of body weight per day. Whey protein supplements can help reach daily needs.
• Hormone treatments - Boosting testosterone, human growth hormone through bioidentical hormone therapy often rebuilds lost muscle in older adults. Vitality Hormone Clinic() specializes in customized plans.
• Stay active - Simply using muscles regularly prevents wasting from inactivity. Gardening, walking, stretching, and household chores help.

Outlook for muscle loss

The good news is proactive steps can greatly reduce age-related muscle wasting, maintain strength, and preserve mobility. Combining resistance exercise, sufficient protein intake, hormone optimization, and a reasonably active lifestyle helps mitigate loss. Seeking treatment for underlying issues causing inflammation or nerve damage also helps.

With a concerted effort, significant muscle loss and frailty are not inevitable parts of later years. Research shows even very elderly individuals can rebuild strength and function. Consult your doctor to check for underlying issues and get personalized treatment recommendations.