Loss of muscle, also known as muscle atrophy, occurs when muscle fibers shrink or deteriorate. This can lead to weakness, fatigue, and impaired movement. There are several potential causes of muscle loss:
- Ageing - As we get older, muscles naturally lose strength and mass. This age-related loss of muscle is called sarcopenia. It can start as early as age 30 but becomes more significant after 50.
- Inactivity - When muscles are not used regularly, they begin to shrink. Being bedridden, immobilized in a cast, or sedentary can result in noticeable muscle loss within weeks.
- Poor nutrition - Eating too few calories, not getting enough protein, or missing key nutrients like vitamin D can cause your body to break down muscle tissue.
- Disease - Certain medical conditions like cancer, kidney failure, and heart disease can increase protein and muscle breakdown.
- Nerve damage - If nerves leading to muscles are injured, the muscles will weaken and degrade from disuse. This includes conditions like amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).
- Medications - Some drugs like corticosteroids can increase muscle loss, especially when taken long term.
Muscle loss symptoms include feeling weak, fatigue, trips or falls, and simply losing bulk, shape, and firmness in muscles. The impacts can be devastating - loss of mobility, impaired breathing, increased frailty and falls, and reduced quality of life.
Luckily, there are ways to prevent and treat muscle loss:
- Do strength training and weight-bearing exercises regularly to maintain muscle.
- Eat a high-protein diet with sufficient calories and nutrients. Protein intake should be ≥1.0g/kg body weight per day.
- Address underlying causes like medications, immobility, or disease.
- Consider hormone therapies - testosterone and growth hormone can help build muscle in some cases.
- Try supplements like creatine, vitamin D, and leucine.
If you are concerned about muscle loss, have your hormone levels checked and consult a physician. The experts at Hormone Harmony Clinic can evaluate your symptoms, diagnose any underlying issues, and create a customized treatment plan involving nutrition, exercise, and hormone replacement if needed. With an individualized approach, significant muscle loss can often be reduced or reversed.*