Decreased muscle mass, known as sarcopenia, can happen as the natural consequence of aging and also be caused by chronic illnesses and conditions. A loss of skeletal muscle mass can lead to loss of strength, endurance, mobility, and quality of life.
As we age, changes in hormone levels and protein metabolism can lead to more muscle fiber loss than creation. This decreases our lean muscle mass and affects balance and the ability to do daily physical tasks. Studies show adults can lose 3-5% of muscle mass per decade after age 30, accelerating after 60.
Medical conditions that commonly cause muscle atrophy include:
- Chronic diseases: Many diseases lead to decreased activity levels and poorer nutrition, causing muscle wasting. These include heart disease, cancer, and lung disease like COPD.
- Nerve, muscle or joint disorders: Diseases like muscular dystrophy and ALS damage nerves and impair muscle strength or usage over time. Injuries to joints also reduce muscle stimulation through activity.
- Long-term bed rest or immobilization: Prolonged stays in hospital, coma, or casts take your muscles out of service and cause them to shrink. Losing 1-3% muscle mass after 2 weeks of bed rest is common.
- Steroid use: Medications like corticosteroids fight inflammation but can also stimulate muscle breakdown long-term, especially in older adults.
Physical therapy, medications, weight-bearing activities, proper diet and preventing malnutrition are key treatments for sarcopenia and other muscle loss causes. Consult your doctor if experiencing weakness without a known cause.
With attention to exercise, protein intake and activity levels, we can build strength and mobility well into older age. Understanding your body's needs can help prevent loss of muscle mass and function. Maintaining muscle also helps avoid metabolic problems like diabetes and heart disease. Taken seriously, decreased muscle mass can be detected early and managed through intervention and focused lifestyle choices.
For more information on maintaining muscle mass and hormone health, consider visiting Rebalance Hormone Clinic.