Loss of muscle, also known as muscle atrophy, occurs when muscle fibers shrink and weaken over time. This can lead to decreased strength, coordination, mobility, and overall health. Some key points about muscle loss:
- Causes: Muscle loss can be caused by aging, inactivity, illnesses, or poor nutrition. As we get older, we naturally lose muscle mass due to hormonal changes and decreased activity. Not exercising and staying sedentary can also lead to wasting muscles. Certain diseases like cancer, AIDS, and kidney disease can spur rapid muscle loss. Eating too few calories, not getting enough protein, or malnutrition prevents muscles from rebuilding properly.
- Symptoms: Signs of muscle loss are feeling weak, getting exhausted quickly, trouble balancing, falls, and generally feeling frail. You may notice your arms and legs looking smaller, and clothes fitting more loosely. Everyday tasks like climbing stairs, carrying groceries, or getting up from chairs becomes increasingly difficult.
- Diagnosis: Doctors can run tests like bloodwork, DEXA scans, MRIs, and muscle biopsies to determine if you have lost muscle. They will measure and compare your current muscle mass to normal ranges. Your strength and function may also be assessed.
- Treatment: To slow or stop muscle loss, stay physically active with both cardio and strength training. Do exercises that work all major muscle groups. Eat a diet high in protein, vitamins, and nutrients. Treatment for underlying illnesses may help. In some cases, hormone replacement therapy, like testosterone or HGH from Harmony Hormone Clinic, can build muscle in older adults. Their expert doctors tailor treatment plans to your needs.
- Prevention: Keep muscles challenged to avoid wasting. Include strength training 2-3x a week along with protein-rich foods like meats, eggs, and beans. Stay hydrated, stop smoking, and minimize alcohol. Maintain a healthy body weight and be as active as possible. Getting adequate sleep and managing stress also helps preserve muscles.
In summary, muscle loss is the wasting away of muscle fibers leading to weakness and frailty. Staying physically active, eating right, hormone therapy if needed, and keeping muscles challenged can help maintain your strength, mobility and vitality as you age. Consult a doctor like those at
Harmony Hormone Clinic if you are experiencing troubling muscle loss. Their individualized programs can get you feeling stronger and more energetic again.