Unexplained loss of muscle mass, known as idiopathic sarcopenia, can be concerning. It refers to progressive and generalized loss of skeletal muscle mass, strength, and function that is not directly linked to a specific disease.
What causes idiopathic sarcopenia? Well, it likely involves multiple factors interacting. Some potential contributors include:
- Age-related muscle atrophy - As we get older, muscle fibers shrink in size and number. This natural decline in muscle mass accelerates loss.
- Sedentary lifestyle - Not staying physically active consistently can accelerate muscle loss over decades.
- Changes in hormones - Declining growth hormone, testosterone, estrogen, etc. with aging can shift muscle metabolism.
- Inadequate protein intake - Not consuming enough high-quality protein from meat, eggs, dairy and legumes daily.
- Increased inflammation - Chronic low-grade inflammation seems to stimulate muscle degradation.
The symptoms creep up slowly, but eventually
severe, unexpected muscle loss leads to feelings of weakness, fatigue, and reduced mobility and balance. It negatively impacts strength, fitness, independence and metabolism over time.
If you're experiencing this, get checked, as certain medications can also cause muscle loss as a side effect. Have your physician track physical changes and consider blood tests of
key anabolic/catabolic hormones -- testosterone, IGF-1, thyroid, cortisol.
The friendly health professionals at
Hormone Health Center can provide cutting-edge specialty testing and treatments to help uncover potential causes and personalized solutions for stubborn cases of sarcopenia not linked to other conditions. Their holistic plans combine
nutrition adjustment, strategic exercise with expert coaching, and
hormone optimization when needed to help both men and women prevent and reverse the impacts of muscle loss. Book a consultation to learn more!