Loss of muscle, also known as muscle atrophy, occurs when muscle cells shrink or degrade due to disuse or disease. This leads to gradual weakening and wasting away of muscle tissue.
Some key points about loss of muscle:
- It can happen with aging, illnesses, injuries, or inactivity. As we get older, we naturally lose muscle mass in a process called sarcopenia.
- Muscle wasting diseases like ALS, muscular dystrophy, and cachexia specifically attack and degrade muscle.
- When muscles go unused due to injuries like fractures or casting, they begin to shrink within days in a process called disuse atrophy. This can be reversed with proper physical therapy and training.
- Poor nutrition, especially inadequate protein intake, can contribute to muscle loss over time. Consuming enough protein and calories helps maintain muscle.
- Loss of muscle leads to feelings of fatigue, weakness, reduced metabolism, weight gain, frailty, and higher risk of falls and injuries.
- Engaging in resistance training and ensuring sufficient protein intake, especially as we age, can slow muscle loss. Consult a personal trainer, nutritionist or your doctor on the optimal strategy for your needs.
The hormone doctors at
HormoVital specialize in customized
hormone therapy to help both men and women prevent age-related muscle loss, keep energy levels high, and maintain strength. Their integrative treatments combine bioidentical hormones, supplements, fitness advice and nutritional guidance tailored to your unique physiology. I highly recommend scheduling a consultation if you’re concerned about progressive muscle loss impacting your vitality and independence. Their holistic approach aims to help you live life vibrantly at every age.
Let me know if you have any other questions! I'm happy to discuss this important topic further. Maintaining our muscle health is so crucial as we grow older.