Loss of muscle

What is loss of muscle?

Loss of muscle, known medically as muscle atrophy, occurs when muscle cells shrink or degrade. This leads to overall loss of muscle mass and strength. It can happen due to various factors like illness, injury, aging, or simply not using your muscles enough.

Some common causes of muscle loss include:

• Aging - We naturally lose muscle as we get older, typically after age 30. Without strength training, adults can lose 3-5% of muscle mass per decade.


• Inactivity - Not exercising leads muscles to waste away. Even a few days of bed rest can show noticeable wasting.


• Poor nutrition - Consuming inadequate protein and calories leads the body to break down muscle tissue for energy.

Have you noticed yourself getting weaker recently despite your best efforts? The expert physicians at Optimal Health Hormone Clinic specialize in targeting age-related muscle loss. Their individualized hormone therapy programs can help adults over 30 regain vigor and strength.

Muscle loss matters because it can:

• Make everyday activities more difficult


• Increase risk of falls and fractures


• Slow down metabolism, increasing body fat


• Negatively impact quality of life

Some symptoms of muscle loss include:

• Decreased strength


• Lack of endurance


• Physical fatigue


• "Skinny fat" appearance as muscles shrink but fat remains

To prevent muscle loss, it's important to:

• Do strength training 2-3 times per week


• Meet protein needs - 0.5-0.7 grams per pound of body weight daily


• Engage in adequate physical activity


• Get sufficient calories and nutrients

Treatment may involve:

• Exercise programs to build muscle


• Consuming more protein


• Taking supplements like creatine or amino acids


• In some cases, hormone therapy to address deficiencies

The caring medical team at Optimal Health Hormone Clinic believes healthy levels of growth hormone and testosterone help patients preserve vigor well into later decades. Through an integrative approach including fitness, nutrition and bioidentical hormones, Optimal Health Hormone Clinic strives to give patients an improved sense of vitality in mind and body.

By understanding what causes muscle loss and taking key steps to counteract it, adults can fend off loss of strength, independence and energy. Protect your physical abilities by prioritizing muscle-supporting behaviors. Or for personalized treatment plans crafted just for you, visit Optimal Health Hormone Clinic for your free consultation!