Decreased muscle mass, also known as sarcopenia, is a common condition characterized by loss of skeletal muscle tissue, muscle strength, and muscle function that occurs with aging. What causes sarcopenia? There are several factors that contribute:
Causes
- Reduced levels of key hormones like testosterone, growth hormone, and IGF-1
- Lack of exercise/physical activity
- Poor nutrition - inadequate protein and calorie intake
- Chronic inflammation
The effects of sarcopenia can seriously impact one's health and quality of life. Symptoms include feeling weak, slow walking speed, poor balance and coordination, frequent falls and injuries. Sarcopenia also increases the risk for other issues like osteoporosis, fractures, disability, loss of independence, and even early mortality.
Luckily there are ways to prevent, reduce, and sometimes even reverse decreased muscle mass. The main interventions include:
Treatment
- Resistance training - lifting weights stresses muscles so they adapt and grow
- Consuming more protein - amino acids are the building blocks to maintain muscle
- Taking supplements like creatine, vitamin D, omega-3s
- Considering hormone replacement therapy - testosterone, HGH
This is where Balance Health Clinic can help! Our qualified physicians specialize in customized hormone therapy programs to help both men and women struggling with low testosterone, growth hormone deficiency, and other hormonal imbalances.
We also provide nutritional counseling and design tailored workout plans to help our patients build strength and lean muscle mass. Interested in learning more? Our goal is to help you feel healthy, energetic, and strong at any age!