Decreased muscle mass - Hormone Health Center

What is decreased muscle mass?

Loss of skeletal muscle mass is a common condition, particularly as we age. Known in the medical community as sarcopenia, decreased muscle mass can lead to lack of strength, mobility issues, and increased risk of injury.

While some muscle loss is normal with aging, more severe or premature loss of muscle points to underlying health issues. Contributing factors include:

• Lack of exercise/immobility
• Poor nutrition - Not consuming enough protein and calories to maintain mass
• Hormonal changes - Reductions in growth hormone, testosterone
• Chronic diseases - Heart disease, cancer, etc.

Early intervention is important to slow, stop or reverse decreases in muscle mass. Here are some key strategies experts recommend:

• Strength training using resistance bands, weights or bodyweight exercises. Compound movements like squats, deadlifts and pushups stimulate muscle growth through a process called muscle protein synthesis.
• Getting adequate protein in the diet - shoot for 0.5 to 0.8 grams per pound of body weight daily. High quality, complete proteins come from meat, dairy, eggs and plant sources like peas, beans and soy.
• Addressing vitamin and mineral deficiencies, especially Vitamin D. Supplementation may be beneficial.
• Balancing hormone levels, if applicable. HRT can help maintain strong muscles as we age.

By closely monitoring changes in muscle mass - through measurements, scans or simply noticing impacts on strength and function - and implementing preventative solutions, we can slow or stop this decline. Don't wait until mobility issues set in to take action! Schedule an evaluation if you are concerned. The physicians at Hormone Health Center can create a customized treatment plan aimed at preserving your muscular fitness.