Loss of muscle mass

What is loss of muscle mass?

Muscle loss, known medically as muscle atrophy, occurs when muscle fibers shrink and the overall muscle tissue breaks down. This leads to gradual loss of muscle mass and strength over time.

There are a few potential causes of muscle loss:

• Aging - As we get older, muscle fibers naturally begin to shrink and die off. If strength training isn't maintained, this leads to sarcopenia - age-related muscle loss.


• Inactivity - When muscles aren't used regularly, they begin to waste away. Being bedridden after an injury/illness is a common cause of rapid muscle wasting.


• Poor nutrition - Not consuming enough protein and calories leads to the body breaking down muscle tissue for energy.


• Hormonal changes - Reductions in anabolic hormones like testosterone and growth hormone lead to difficulty building/maintaining muscle mass.

The impacts of muscle loss include:

• Decreased strength - With less muscular size and fiber density, strength for daily tasks declines


• Higher injury risk - Weakness from lost muscle mass raises the chance of falls or inability to catch oneself


• Reduced metabolic rate - More muscle burns more calories, so less muscle reduces daily energy expenditure

To prevent or slow muscle loss, focus on strength training, getting enough protein, and maintaining physical activity. If hormonal causes are suspected, see a doctor to check hormone levels. Medications or hormone therapy may help.

At Hormone Health Clinic, we specialize in helping patients with age- and hormone-related muscle loss. Our expert physicians will diagnose the root cause and design a customized muscle-preserving treatment plan involving hormone optimization, nutrition planning, and exercise programming.

With an individualized multi-pronged approach accounting for aging, inactivity, poor nutrition, and hormones, we can slow or even reverse muscle breakdown and help you maintain strength, function and vitality. Ask us how we can help you keep your muscles healthy and resilient!