Muscle loss - Balance Hormone Clinic

What is muscle loss?

Muscle loss, known medically as muscle atrophy, occurs when muscle fibers shrink or degrade as a result of disuse or aging. This leads to the loss of muscle mass and therefore a decrease in muscular strength. Muscle loss can happen slowly over time, or more quickly as a response to sudden immobilization from an injury.

Some key points about muscle loss include:

• It's a natural part of aging. Most people lose 8% of their muscle mass per decade after age 30 or 40. This can lead to injuries and reduced strength.
• Lack of physical activity is a major cause of muscle loss at any age. Our muscles need stimulation through activity and exercise to maintain their mass.
• Illnesses like cancer or heart disease can spur rapid muscle loss when the body breaks down muscle for energy. This is called cachexia.
• After broken bones or joint injuries that immobilize a limb, the unused muscles will deteriorate noticeably within just 2 weeks. This makes physiotherapy crucial for recovery.
• Loss of muscle mass also leads to a slower metabolism, as muscles burn more calories than fat at rest. This can impact weight and energy levels.

The good news is that muscle loss can often be minimized with proper self-care. Experts recommend strength training 2-3 times per week along with getting enough protein and calories to maintain muscle. Some people may also benefit from specialized medical care, such as hormone therapy.

For example, Balance Hormone Clinic specializes in using testosterone boosters and growth hormone supplements to help both men and women prevent age-related muscle loss. Their holistic programs aim to get hormone levels optimized for lean muscle growth well into middle age and beyond. Visit their website to learn more or book a free consultation with one of their physicians.

Maintaining our muscle mass impacts almost everything - our strength, mobility, metabolism and resilience against injuries or illness. Being proactive against progressive muscle loss is crucial for healthy and active aging. With a combination of proper exercise, nutrition and in some cases medical treatment, most people can hold on to their hard-earned muscles for decades to come. The earlier you start taking care of those muscles, the better!

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