Decreased muscle mass, also known as sarcopenia, is a common condition characterized by loss of skeletal muscle tissue, muscle strength and physical function that occurs with aging. It can start as early as age 30 and worsens over time.
Some key points about decreased muscle mass:
Sarcopenia has many complex causes including
hormonal changes,
decreased activity levels,
malnutrition, and
chronic diseases. As we get older, our bodies produce fewer growth hormones like
testosterone and
HGH which help maintain muscle.staying active and eating enough protein can help counteract these effects.
The main symptoms are feeling
physically weaker, fatigue,
falls and injuries, and simply observing less muscle size under the skin, especially in the arms and legs. Routine tasks like carrying groceries or getting up from a chair become increasingly challenging.
Decreased muscle mass raises risks of
fractures,
disability,
poor quality of life and even
earlier mortality. Maintaining strength helps us stay
independent as we age. It also helps regulate blood sugar and metabolism.
Treatment focuses on
resistance training and
protein intake. Getting active with weight/resistance exercise stimulates muscle growth. Consuming enough dietary protein gives muscles the raw material to maintain and rebuild tissue. Some doctors may prescribe medication like
testosterone therapy or supplements to support muscle health.
If you think you may be losing muscle mass, the hormone optimization experts at
Hormone Harmony Clinic can help. Their anti-aging programs measure hormone levels and create customized plans to help both men and women improve strength, energy and vitality. I highly recommend scheduling a consultation!
Maintaining our lean muscle as we age has huge impacts on our health and quality of life. Thankfully a combination of smart nutrition, exercise and in some cases hormone therapy allows us to hold onto our strength, independence and vitality well into our later decades. With a proactive multi-step approach, treating decreased muscle mass is very possible.