What is muscle loss?
Muscle loss, known as muscle atrophy, occurs when muscle fibers shrink and weaken. This leads to reduced muscle mass and strength over time. Muscle loss can happen due to poor nutrition, aging, illnesses, injuries, and inactivity.
Some key points about muscle loss include:
- It's a normal part of aging. Most people lose about 3-8% of their muscle mass per decade after age 30. This rate increases after age 60.
- Muscle disuse is a major cause. Not using your muscles leads them to waste away. Being bedridden, immobilized, or inactive for long periods leads to significant muscle loss.
- Diseases like cancer, kidney disease, heart disease and diabetes all commonly accelerate muscle loss. The diseases themselves plus treatments like medications and chemotherapy both contribute.
- Hormonal imbalances can lead to muscle loss too. As we age, reducing hormones like testosterone, growth hormone and IGF-1 speed up the loss of muscle mass. Keeping these hormones optimized can help sustain more muscle as you get older.
- Protein deficiency diets cause the body to break down muscle tissue for needed amino acids. Getting sufficient quality protein helps maintain muscle mass, especially as you age.
- Strength training and staying physically active are essential to counteract muscle loss. Using your muscles provides the stimulus they need to keep their mass and strength.
So in summary:
Muscle atrophy is when our muscles waste away due to aging, poor diet, inactivity, disease or injuries. Keeping your hormones optimized, eating adequate protein and doing strength exercises are key to preserving muscle as you get older.
And this is why maintaining your muscle mass over 40 is so important. At Vitality Hormone Center, we specialize in customized hormone therapy programs for both women and men designed to slow muscle loss and help you hold onto a strong, vibrant body long past midlife. Our experienced physicians provide safe, effective treatments tailored just for you after a comprehensive evaluation. Contact us today for a consultation to learn how we can help you keep fit, energetic and independent for years to come!