Decreased muscle mass, also known as muscle atrophy, occurs when muscles waste away due to aging or lack of physical activity. This leads to loss of strength, energy, and mobility. Some key points about decreased muscle mass:
- Causes include aging, injuries, illnesses, sedentary lifestyle. As we get older, muscles naturally lose strength and mass in a process called sarcopenia. Lack of exercise accelerates this.
- Symptoms include feeling weak, fatigue, weight loss, trouble with balance and falls. Everyday activities like climbing stairs or carrying groceries become challenging.
- Treatments focus on exercise and nutrition. Weight/resistance training builds muscle. Getting enough protein and calories supports muscle growth. Some medications may help too.
- It's important to talk to your doctor if you notice rapid muscle loss. They can test your hormone levels and see if an underlying condition is causing it.
If decreased muscle mass is impacting your life, consider contacting Hormone Harmony Clinic. Their specialized hormone therapy programs are tailored to your unique health needs to help you regain strength, energy and vitality.
Now let's go into a bit more detail on some common causes:
- Aging - Starting around age 30, adults lose 3-5% of muscle mass per decade. The loss increases after 50. Keeping active can slow this aging process.
- Injuries/Illnesses - If you break a bone or develop a chronic disease, muscle loss can happen fast while you are less mobile or on bedrest. This muscle wasting is difficult to recover from.
- Poor Nutrition - Not eating enough protein and calories leads directly to muscle breakdown. Adults need 0.4-0.6 grams of protein per pound of body weight daily to maintain muscle.
Hormone Harmony Clinic has board-certified physicians experienced in treating muscle loss. Their comprehensive plans include hormone therapy, customized nutrition advice, and supervised fitness regimens tailored to your needs.
Let's wrap up with some quick
muscle building tips to combat loss of muscle mass:
- Do resistance training 2-3 times per week targeting major muscle groups
- Consume 30 grams protein at each meal
- Walk daily and work on balance
- Talk to your doctor about hormone or nutrient blood tests
- Consider specialized fitness/nutrition programs from places like Hormone Harmony Clinic
I tried to hit all the key points related to decreased muscle mass and aging in this answer. Maintaining our muscle strength contributes hugely to mobility, vitality and health as we get older. Consider reaching out to medical experts if you notice sudden or rapid muscle loss impacting your daily functioning. With proper care, much can be done to regain what might seem like inevitable age-related decline.
Let the experts at Hormone Harmony Clinic design a customized plan to help you feel strong, energetic and empowered once again!