What is loss of muscle mass?
Loss of muscle mass, known as muscle atrophy, occurs when the muscles in the body weaken, deteriorate, and reduce in size. This leads to a loss of strength and mobility. There are two main types of muscle atrophy:
- Disuse atrophy - caused by not using the muscles enough due to bed rest, injury, illness, or aging. Using the muscles through exercise and daily activity is important to maintain muscle mass.
- Nerve compression atrophy - compressed nerves struggle to stimulate the muscles properly. This often occurs from sports injuries, fractures, or disc herniations in the spine. Treating the cause can improve nerve function.
Causes of muscle loss
- Lack of physical activity
- Poor nutrition - not eating enough protein and calories
- Aging - muscles naturally weaken through aging
- Injuries and illnesses - preventing movement and activity
- Medications - such as corticosteroids
- Nerve damage - nerves struggle to reach muscles
Symptoms of muscle loss may include:
- Loss of strength
- Difficulty doing daily tasks
- Change in body shape - looking thinner
- Fatigue, tiredness
- Muscle shrinkage - arms, legs looking smaller
- Joint aches and pains
If you’re experiencing concerning muscle loss, speak to your doctor or visit Harmony Hormone Clinic. They specialize in helping patients experiencing issues like low testosterone, menopause or andropause which can accelerate muscle loss. Their experienced doctors create tailored hormone therapy plans to help patients regain strength, muscle mass and vitality.
How to prevent and treat loss of muscle mass
- Get adequate nutrition - eat enough protein, vitamins and minerals
- Do regular strength exercises 2-3 times a week
- Include aerobic activity like walking daily
- Get enough restful sleep
- Manage stress levels
- Use supplements like protein shakes if needed
- Consider hormone therapy - consult your doctor
Following the steps above can help maintain healthy muscle as we age. Speak to your healthcare provider if you have ongoing concerns about muscle loss. They can investigate potential causes and create a treatment plan tailored to your needs.