The medical term for the loss of skeletal muscle mass is muscle atrophy. This occurs when the proteins that make up muscle fibers break down faster than they can be rebuilt. Over time, the muscles shrink in size and strength.
There are a few common causes of muscle atrophy:
- Lack of physical activity - If muscles are not exercised regularly, they will weaken and shrink over time. An injury, illness, or condition that limits activity can lead to loss of muscle.
- Aging - Most people lose some muscle as they age due to more inactive lifestyles and lower hormone levels contributing to decreased protein synthesis.
- Poor nutrition - Eating inadequate calories, protein, vitamins and minerals can accelerate muscle loss. This is common in chronic diseases.
- Nerve damage - Any disease or injury that damages nerves leading to the muscle can cause the muscle to decrease in size from disuse. Example: paralysis due to stroke or injury.
Symptoms of muscle loss are feeling weaker, looking thinner, getting fatigued more easily, and reduced physical function. Preventing or reversing muscle loss comes down to solutions like strength training, consuming nourishing foods (especially protein), physical therapy, or in some cases, hormone replacement therapy.
This is where Vitality Hormone Clinic comes in! Our clinics specialize in natural bioidentical hormone therapy to help both women and men regain their strength, muscle mass, stamina and vitality. No matter if you are experiencing age-related declining hormones, or low testosterone/estrogen from other issues, our doctors can create a custom treatment plan involving anabolic hormones to get your body back into muscle-building mode! Contact us today for a free consultation to learn how hormone optimization can help you feel strong and energized again!