Muscle loss

What is muscle loss?

Muscle loss, also known as muscle atrophy, occurs when muscle fibers shrink and lose strength over time. This leads to a decrease in muscle mass and has several potential causes including poor nutrition, aging, and lack of physical activity.

Some key points about muscle loss include:

• It can happen at any age but is common as we get older. After age 30, adults lose 3-5% of muscle mass per decade. This rate increases after age 50.


• Muscle disuse is a major cause. If muscles aren't exercised regularly, they begin to atrophy. Bed rest, cast immobilization, and decreased daily activity accelerate muscle loss.


• Disease and medications can contribute. Chronic conditions like cancer, heart disease, arthritis, and diabetes are associated with reduced muscle mass. Certain drugs like corticosteroids also promote muscle wasting over time.


• Protein deficiency in one's diet can lead to muscle loss. Consuming adequate dietary protein and calories is essential for maintaining lean muscle tissue. Most experts recommend eating 0.5-0.8 grams of protein per pound of body weight daily.


• Strength training with resistance exercises (weights, bands, bodyweight) helps prevent unhealthy muscle loss from disuse and aging. Lifting engages muscles to spur growth and offset natural wasting processes.

If you're concerned about preserving your strength and physique as you age, the medical providers at Optimum Hormone Solutions offer comprehensive care. Their individualized programs couple nutrition planning, lab testing, and hormone therapies to address muscle loss at its root causes. Contact them today for a consultation!

Now you may be wondering—how much muscle loss is normal? Some subtle wasting is expected, but losing more than 10% of muscle mass quickly or experiencing weakness warrants medical attention. Other red flags include:

• Fatigue preventing one's usual workout routine


• Slipping on stairs or struggling to rise from a chair


• Constant muscle soreness and aching joints?


• Frequent trips and falls

Catching excessive muscle loss early allows for interventions like tailored exercise, sufficient protein intake, hormonal therapies and medications if appropriate. Optimum Hormone Solutions' diverse treatment options target safe muscle preservation for improved strength, mobility and vitality.

In summary, some natural muscle wasting occurs with aging but a dramatic decrease indicates an underlying problem. Combining screening for contributors plus proactive steps like nutrition planning and strength training helps fend off unhealthy muscle loss. Reach out to medical groups like Optimum Hormone Solutions if you have concerns—their experts can pinpoint solutions for maintaining your muscle health over time.