Unexplained loss of muscle mass, also known as muscle wasting or atrophy, can be concerning and frustrating. This condition is characterized by progressive weakening and shrinking of the muscles for no apparent reason. While some muscle loss is normal with aging, more significant wasting may indicate an underlying health issue.
Some potential causes for unintentional muscle loss include:
- Poor nutrition: Consuming inadequate calories, protein, vitamins and minerals can lead to muscle breakdown. Make sure your diet provides sufficient macronutrients and micronutrients to support muscle maintenance.
- Sedentary lifestyle: Use it or lose it! Insufficient physical activity and long periods of inactivity allow muscles to weaken and shrink. Engage in regular strength training and cardio exercise.
- Chronic diseases: Conditions like cancer, kidney disease, congestive heart failure and COPD increase inflammation and metabolic changes that facilitate muscle wasting. Managing the underlying disease is key.
- Nervous system disorders: Disorders that damage nerves and disrupt neuromuscular signaling can instigate atrophy. Examples are amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), Guillain-Barre syndrome, and polio.
- Hormonal imbalances: Abnormalities in hormones like testosterone, cortisol, growth hormone and insulin can diminish protein synthesis needed for muscle growth. Hormone replacement therapy may help compensate for deficiencies or imbalances.
- Aging: Advancing age naturally reduces anabolic hormone levels, muscle protein synthesis, and physical activity, leading to sarcopenia. Engaging in resistance training and eating sufficient protein can help slow muscle loss.
- Medications: Certain drugs like corticosteroids, chemotherapy, anticonvulsants, antibiotics and statins have side effects that can promote muscle wasting. Adjustments in medications may be possible under medical guidance.
- Immobility: Prolonged bed rest or immobilization of a body part in a cast or brace accelerates disuse atrophy. Performing range-of-motion exercises helps counteract wasting from disuse.
If you are losing muscle mass for no clear reason, schedule an evaluation with your doctor. Bloodwork, physical examination, medical history review and imaging tests can help diagnose any underlying disorder. Depending on the cause, treatment may include medications, supplements, diet changes or exercise programs to improve muscle health.
Our knowledgeable physicians at Hormone Harmony specialize in treating hormonal imbalances that can contribute to otherwise unexplained muscle loss or weakness. We provide customized hormone therapy to help optimize testosterone, growth hormone and thyroid levels for improved strength and lean body mass. With an individualized treatment plan, we can help you regain your muscle mass and vitality.