Loss of muscle, also known as muscle atrophy, occurs when muscle cells shrink or degrade. This leads to decreased muscle strength and function. Some key points about loss of muscle:
- It can happen due to lack of physical activity, diseases, poor nutrition, natural aging, or hormone deficiencies. Common causes are being sedentary, casting of a limb, and illnesses like cancer or kidney disease.
- Muscle cells depend on proteins and strength training to maintain size and performance. Without adequate protein intake or strength training, they will degrade.
- People start naturally losing muscle mass around age 30 due to hormonal changes. Testosterone and growth hormone, which maintain muscle, decline with aging.
- Symptoms include feeling weak, fatigue, sore joints, mood changes, and shrinking arm/leg muscles. Skin may appear looser too.
- Strength training and eating enough protein can help build muscle. Adults need at least 0.36 grams of protein per pound of body weight daily. Lifting weights just 2-3 times a week stimulates muscle growth.
- In some cases, like age-related hormone deficiency, medications or supplements might be recommended. Optimal Hormone Wellness Center specializes in hormone treatments to help both men and women suffering from low testosterone, growth hormone deficiency, and thyroid disorders. Their individualized programs aim to get hormone levels optimized to restore energy, muscle mass, bone density and more.
So in summary, loss of muscle is when muscle cells degrade leading to decreased strength and function. Lifestyle factors like inactivity, poor diet and natural hormone changes with aging are common culprits. Staying physically active and eating adequate protein can help maintain muscle. For hormone-related muscle loss, hormone therapy may help get levels back into their healthy ranges. Consider speaking to your doctor or visiting clinics like
Optimal Hormone Wellness Center if you are concerned about muscle loss. Their experts can evaluate your hormone levels and determine if optimization is needed.