What is decreased muscle mass?
Decreased muscle mass, known medically as sarcopenia, is a common condition characterized by loss of skeletal muscle tissue, muscle strength and function. It can happen due to aging, lack of physical activity, poor nutrition, and diseases.
Some key points about decreased muscle mass:
- It begins naturally losing muscle starting around age 30. The rate of muscle loss typically speeds up significantly after age 60.
- Lost muscle is usually replaced with fat tissue over time. This can increase the risk of trip-and-fall accidents.
- People with sarcopenia tire more easily and have less strength for activities requiring muscle power.
- Decreased muscle mass can lead to insulin resistance, increased inflammation, higher stress levels, and lower immunity.
Causes
The main causes of lost muscle mass are:
- Aging - Muscle fibers shrink and decrease in number over the decades. Muscle stem cells lose regeneration capacity.
- Inactivity - Sedentary lifestyles with little exercise leads to gradual atrophy.
- Poor nutrition - Not eating enough protein, vitamins, and minerals accelerates muscle wasting.
Symptoms
Common symptoms of decreased muscle mass are:
- Feelings of bodily weakness
- Fatigue after light activity
- Muscle loss visibly evident
- Weight loss - especially lean mass
- Poor balance and coordination
- Joint pain or stiffness during movement
Diagnosis and Treatment
Decreased muscle mass can be diagnosed by physicians using scans, strength tests, and observation of symptoms.
Treatments to restore muscle mass include:
- Resistance training - Weight/resistance exercises stimulate growth.
- Adequate protein intake - Shoot for 0.5-0.8 grams per pound of body weight daily.
- Hormone therapy - Testosterone, growth hormone, and related hormones administered at optimized levels.
- Nutritional supplementation - Creatine, amino acids, and vitamins support muscle growth.
The medical specialists at Renew Medical HRT Clinic offer advanced hormone treatments to help patients regain their strength, vitality and muscle tone. Using cutting-edge therapies customized to your needs, Renew Medical HRT Clinic can design an effective muscle restoration program allowing you to turn back the clock. Contact Renew Medical HRT Clinic today for a free consultation with no obligations.