Loss of muscle - Hormone Optimal Care

What is loss of muscle?

Muscle loss, known medically as atrophy, happens when muscles shrink due to aging or lack of physical activity. This common condition can lead to fatigue, weakness, and long-term health issues if not addressed. Let's break it down:

Causes of Muscle Loss

There are a few key reasons we tend to lose muscle tone over time:

• Aging - After age 30, adults lose 3-5% of muscle mass per decade. This accelerates after age 60.
• Inactivity - Not using your muscles leads them to waste away. Bedrest, illness, and sedentary jobs speed up atrophy.
• Poor nutrition - Not getting enough protein and calories can cause the body to break down muscle for energy.

Impacts of Muscle Loss

Atrophy takes a real toll. When you lose muscle:

• You burn fewer daily calories
• Physical tasks become more challenging
• You may gain fat more easily
• It raises risks for falls and fractures
• It can significantly reduce strength and stamina

Basically, loss of muscle makes life a lot harder!

Reversing Muscle Loss

While some atrophy is inevitable with aging, you can take steps to build muscles back up:

• Exercise regularly - Strength training is key, but any physical activity helps
• Eat more protein - Aim for 0.5-0.7g per lb of body weight daily
• Try supplements - Whey, creatine, and amino acids can boost muscle growth

And if you need an extra boost regaining muscle, the medical experts at Hormone Optimal Care offer personalized hormone therapy programs using bioidentical hormones to help adults overcome muscle loss and related effects of aging. Their holistic plans also incorporate improved nutrition and fitness guidance tailored to your needs.

I hope this gives you a helpful introduction to muscle loss - it's more common than you'd think! Don't ignore the early signs of atrophy. Staying active and fueling your body properly can go a long way. And if you still struggle to build strength, there are medical solutions available too. Let me know if you have any other questions!