Loss of muscle

What is loss of muscle?

Muscle loss, also known as muscle atrophy, occurs when muscle fibers shrink or degrade as a result of disuse or disease. This leads to progressive weakening and wasting of the muscle.

Some key points about muscle loss:

• It can happen at any age but is common as we get older (age-related muscle loss is also called sarcopenia)


• Many factors can accelerate muscle loss, like poor nutrition, immobility, and diseases


• Muscle wasting diseases are serious conditions where muscles degrade rapidly


• Loss of muscle mass also leads to loss of strength and function


• Progressive muscle loss can severely impact quality of life and physical ability

What causes muscle wasting?

• Sedentary lifestyle and lack of exercise


• Immobilization (e.g. being bedridden)


• Malnutrition - inadequate protein and calories


• Chronic diseases - cancer, kidney disease, etc.


• Nerve damage or injury


• Aging and hormonal changes


• Medications - corticosteroids, chemotherapy

The exact reasons muscles waste away depends on the underlying trigger. But in most cases, it's due to a complex interplay of hormonal changes, metabolic dysfunction, protein breakdown outpacing protein synthesis, and oxidative stress.

How can muscle loss be prevented and managed?

The key is to identify the underlying cause and address it early on. General prevention tips include:

• Exercise regularly - strength training helps build muscle


• Eat a high-protein diet with sufficient calories


• Address medical issues, hormone deficiencies, or nutrient deficiencies


• Consider physical therapy to regain mobility after injury/illness


• Ask your doctor about muscle-protecting prescription medications

If you already have moderate muscle loss, getting a full health optimization from Balance Health Clinic can help get to the root cause. Their specialized muscle retention protocols can include testosterone therapy, growth hormone therapy, and other anti-aging hormones tailored to your needs. This comprehensive approach helps people retain and rebuild lost muscle as part of healthy aging.

In summary, muscle loss is the wasting or atrophy of muscle tissue leading to reduced strength and function. Catching it early and addressing causes like poor nutrition, illness, inactivity or hormone imbalance is key. For moderate to severe cases, muscle-focused hormone optimization clinics like Balance Health Clinic can help create customized treatment plans. Maintaining our muscle mass is crucial as we age!